A faithful witness

Faithful witness

“It will be as eternal as the moon, MY faithful witness in the sky” Psalm 89:37

Why is the moon called GOD’s faithful witness?

The moon has no source of light from itself.  The reason we can see the moon at all is because the sun shines. The moon just reflects (witnesses to) the light of the sun.  To be a witness is to tell of something you see and the moon’s light is a reflection of the sun shining on it.

So, for us to witness of GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS is merely to tell others about GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST.  So you see anyone who has come to GOD through JESUS (Hebrews 7:25), can be an effective and faithful witness.

Are you witnessing?

Hugs

Sharon

Tell them

Before the ALMIGHTY made anything the GODHEAD had an eternal plan.  GOD chose to make mankind in HIS image.  Of all creation only mankind is said to be made in GOD’s image…male and female made HE them (Genesis 1:27).

One element GOD placed in man was reason with the ability to choose.  Throughout scripture we see GOD giving people choices and then rewarding or punishing them according to their choices.

In Genesis 1 GOD creates the heavens and the earth and all that is in them, and HE said it was good but by Genesis 6 we see that things have changed all due to the choices of mankind.

In Genesis 6:5-6 it is written that GOD saw the wickedness of man was so great on the earth and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually and GOD heart was grieved.

But one man found favor in GOD’s eyes (Genesis 6:8) and GOD commissioned him with a double calling.  His name was Noah.

GOD told Noah to build a huge ship (ark) and gave him precise directions.  Now this was in a place that had no shipping water source, nor had it ever rained upon the earth at that time.  For it was a stretch for Noah to believe what GOD told him.

GOD also commissioned Noah to preach righteousness (doing right) to the wicked all around him as he built the ark (2 Peter 2:5). 

Now it took Noah a long time to build that ark from Genesis 6:3 many believe it took Noah 120 years. The whole while Noah preached to the wicked around him as they mocked him while he built the ark.  It is written that the long-suffering of GOD waited while Noah built the ark and preached righteousness before HE brought judgment down on mankind.  For 120 years GOD strove with the wicked (calling them to repentance) as HOLY SPIRIT convicted men through Noah’s preaching of righteousness.

GOD who knows all things, knew that none but Noah and his family would believe HIM, but HE waited and gave the people opportunity after opportunity after opportunity to believe through what Noah said.

1 Peter 1:² ELECT according to the FOREKNOWLEDGE of GOD the FATHER,

GOD never grows in knowledge for HE knows all things past, present and future. So, what particular thing did GOD KNOW that caused HIM to elect Noah and others like us. What caused HIM to choose some and not others?

John 3:¹⁶ For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that WHOSOEVER BELIEVES in HIM (JESUS) should not perish but have everlasting life.

Ephesians 1:¹¹ In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being PREDESTINATED according to the purpose of HIM who works all things after the counsel of HIS own will:

What was the counsel of GOD own will in electing some/ predestining some for eternal life and to obtain an inheritance but not others?  The counsel of GOD was that WHOSOEVER believes shall receive.  It all depends on a willingness to believe and receive what GOD says. 

Today we are like in the days of Noah.  Global wickedness is growing in unbelievably shocking ways.  The long-suffering LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is waiting until the appointed time to send JESUS to catch away HIS believers, just as HE waited in the days of Noah before unleashing flood waters. 

Until that appointed time, GOD in HIS long-suffering is waiting to unleash HIS wrath on the sinful world just as HE waited for Noah to complete his assignment of preaching to the wicked.  As Noah preached righteousness so we who believe and have come to GOD through JESUS are called witness of JESUS (Acts 1:8) and call people to repentance.

We need to tell others John 3:¹⁶ For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that WHOSOEVER BELIEVES in HIM (JESUS) should not perish but have everlasting life. ³⁶ He that believes on the SON has everlasting life: and he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD (is already) abiding on him.

Romans 10:⁹ That if you will confess with your mouth the LORD JESUS and will believe in your heart that GOD has raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ¹³ For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved.

Only GOD knows who will choose to believe, so let’s tell everyone we can.

Hugs

Sharon

Greater (more) work

“What shall we do, that we might work the works of GOD?” JESUS answered and said unto them, “This is the work of GOD, that ye believe on HIM whom HE (GOD) hath sent” (John 6:28-29). 

“No man can come unto ME, except the FATHER draw him” (John 6:44).

GOD’s work is to draw people to JESUS.  Why? 

“GOD so loved the word that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes in HIM (JESUS) should not perish but have eternal life……. HE that believes on the Son (JESUS) has everlasting life; and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides on him” (John 3:16, 36).

(JESUS said) For I have not spoken of MYSELF; but the FATHER which sent ME, HE gave ME a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak (John 12:49).

On earth JESUS was the agent for GOD the FATHER to do the work assigned to HIM.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, the one that believes on ME, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the FATHER” (John 14:12).

“Nevertheless, I tell you that truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you: but If I depart, I will send HIM unto you.  And when HE is come, HE will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on ME;” (John 16:7-9).

“But you shall receive power when the HOLY SPIRIT is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses of ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judah and Samaria, and unto the uttermost pasts of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

We get the HOLY SPIRIT when we believe (Ephesians 1:13-14), and when we get HIM we get power.  What is that power for? 

Power to witnesses of JESUS.

Just as GOD worked through JESUS while JESUS was on earth to do the work and draw men to HIM, so now the SPIRIT of GOD works through us to do the work and draw men to JESUS as we witness of HIM.

JESUS had around 3 to 3 ½ years of ministry and although crowds followed HIM around to hear and be healed and fed, there were only 120 true believers in JESUS in the upper room awaiting the giving of the HOLY SPIRIT (Acts 1:14-15).

But, after the SPIRIT of GOD was given and Peter, through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT preached one sermon about 3,000 souls were added to their number of true believers that day (Acts 2:41).

Now I call that greater (in number) works.  As believers everywhere lead people to JESUS one at a time more millions have come to know JESUS and that is a great work.

Question to answer in the comment section: What does the SPIRIT use to draw men to JESUS? (Ephesians 6:17, Romans 10:17).

Think this over and may the LORD give you understanding in all things.

Hugs Sharon

The salt of the earth

Salt and sugar are the two most addictive food flavors.  I love the taste of salt and have found using Sea salt on grapefruit eliminates a bitter taste. 

Salt is one of the oldest, most ubiquitous (it’s everywhere) food seasoning thattruly enhances the flavor of other foods. It can be found in most kitchens and is added to most canned foods.  That is why cutting back on salt is so hard once you have acquired the taste for it.

Salt is essential for health.  The taste of salt (saltiness) is one of the basic human tastes. Salting is also an important method of food preservation and is used in a vast many things from improving flavor, controlling the growth of bacteria in yeast and cheese to making steel and soap.

Therefore, when JESUS speaks of believers being the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13), HE is saying we should bring a distinct enhancing flavor to every conversation and our presence will have a preserving effect (against the rotting spiral of sin) on society.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

When Jesus is the source of your life you become both salt and light.  And we are told to “be blameless and harmless, the sons of GOD, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15).

Believers in JESUS, indwelt by the HOLY SPIRIT, are commissioned by JESUS to witness of the truth of the Gospel that GOD the FATHER sent JESUS was sent to earth, gave HIM a human body and JESUS died for the sins of the world and rose from the dead so that whoever believes in HIM might have everlasting life (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10,13). 

We also hold back the full release of sin by our very presence (2 Thessalonians 2:6-8).  So much so that we must be taken out of the world (raptured) before the unleashing of sin that occurs when the antichrist sets up his reign at the beginning of the 7-year tribulation. That is a time GOD’s wrath will be poured out on the CHRIST rejecting world and it is also a time of refining for the CHRIST rejecting Jews. It is also known as Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7) or the last week (of years) of the 70 weeks of Daniel (9:24).

Let your salt bring a delightful seasoning to every conversation that keeps evil at bay -and let your light shine by following JESUS’ example and speaking openly about HIM so people have a chance to believe and escape that horrible 7 years.

Hugs

Sharon

How faint a whisper

I was washing the dishes a few weeks back when I heard a crashing boom of thunder and thought, “WOW! That lightning strike was close!”  Then I noticed that things by the windows had been knocked over or down from the impact of the boom.  So, I walked out front, and my son sitting on the porch swing, pointed across the street and declared, “It hit that tree!”  Looking to where John pointed, I saw that undeniably the lightning had hit that tree, debarking the tree and throwing the bark 20 or so feet in all directions.

That single strike had great power!

Job 26:14 NIV “These are just the outer fringes of HIS (GOD’s) works, how faint a whisper we hear of HIM.  Who then can understand the thunder of HIS power.”

“the outer fringes of HIS works” That means,  when we realize GOD made or did something it is just a fraction of 1% of what GOD is doing. 

John 5:17 NLT But Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I.”

http://www.songfacts.com/lyrics/michael-w-smith/waymaker

Even when I can’t FEEL it, YOU’re working YOU never stop, YOU never stop working YOU never stop, YOU never stop working. Even when I can’t SEE it, YOU’re working Even when I can’t FEEL it, YOU’re working YOU never stop, YOU never stop working YOU never stop, YOU never stop working Even when I don’t SEE it, YOU’re working Even when I can’t FEEL.

So true the words, “how faint a whisper we hear of HIM.”  Yet hearing about how HE has worked our lives reminds us and others that GOD cares and is working even when we don’t SEE HIM at work or FEEL that HE is listening to our cries.

Both JESUS and our heavenly FATHER have called us to be witnesses.

Isaiah 43:10 “You are MY witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and MY servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe ME and understand that I am HE. Before me no GOD was formed, nor will there be one after ME.”

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be MY (JESUS) witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

So let us obey our GOD who loved us and gave HIMSELF up for us (Ephesians 5:2).

“For GOD (the FATHER) so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM shall have everlasting life” (John 3:16).  For, “Whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD will be saved” (Romans 10:13).

Let me begin to witness, then it will be your turn. 

It is hard to pick from the countless times I have seen GOD working on my behalf.  So decided to choose two dramatic ones that demonstrate that the LORD is always with me and works on my behalf (Hebrews13:5).

The 1^st time I drove in snow I lost control on a curve and would have tumbled down, down to the riverbed far below but a tree stopped me.  I got out of the car and a passerby helped me.  Later, passing the same spot, I looked for the tree and there were no trees whatsoever bordering that curve.  I know GOD delivered me that day.  Perhaps HE even sending an angel who appeared as a tree to stop the car from plunging over the cliff (Hebrews 1:13-14).

Since Luke 16:10 NASB states, “The one who is faithful in a very little thing, is faithful also in much”, now I will tell you of time GOD worked to give me something little.  Something I just wanted, something I didn’t really need.

A few years back I was four-wheeling down winding, gutted dirt logging roads bordered by towering deep green pines in Northern California. As I came to a fork in the road, I stopped since I couldn’t see my husband who followed in a four-wheeler behind me. He needed to see which way I went.  When Mac arrived, he excitedly spurted out a tale of a bear rushing across his path and how it scared him silly.  I didn’t say it out loud, but boy was I jealous!   And I silently said, “LORD, I would love to see a real bear out here.”  Heading out again, I hadn’t gone far when a huge bear was lazily lumbering down the side of the road ahead of me.  The moment he saw me or heard the motor, he sped up and crossed the road, scrambling up the side of the hill darting between the dense trees to my right.  HE was so beautiful, and GOD was so good! I said, “Thank you GOD!”

The episode actually lead to an opportunity to witness of GOD’s gentle goodness to some unbelievers I encountered later that day- to the bemusement of our host.  (Whom I believe came to know our great GOD and Savior JESUS CHRIST before his death).

When troubles come and prayers don’t get answered right away or the way I think they should, I remember my bear and know my request must not be what is needed or that the timing is off.

Psalm 84:11 says, “For the LORD GOD is a sun and shield: the LORDwill give grace and glory: no good thing will HE withhold from them that walk uprightly.”

Now it’s your turn.

Hugs

Sharon

Have you ever been a witness?

“…the living GOD, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: Who in times past suffered (allowed) all nations to walk in their own ways.  Nevertheless, HE left not HIMSELF without WITNESS, in that HE did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:15-17).

“The heavens declare the glory of GOD; and the firmament shows HIS handywork.  Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night shows knowledge.  There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard” (Psalm 19:1-3).

BUT that was not enough. “… men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;Because that which may be known of GOD is manifest in them; for GOD has shown it to them.  For the invisible things of GOD 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 (people) are without excuse:  Because that, when they knew GOD, they glorified HIM not as GOD, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (Romans 1:18-21).

“…the world by wisdom knew not GOD, it pleased GOD by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (I Corinthians 1:21).  Preaching is just telling the gospel (truth) to another. Here is how it works.

The Jews that left Egypt with Moses came to the Jordan to pass over and conquer the Promise Land.  But 10 of the 12 Jewish men who spied out land came back with a bad report saying there were giants in the land.  However, two of the spies said, “GOD has told us to go over, HE will fight the battles for us.”  But the people chose to do what the 10 men had said and refused to obey GOD. OK GOD said, have it your way and made them walk around the wilderness for 40 years.

Now when all who had refused to go in had died, but the two spies who gave the good report, GOD led them back to the Jordan.  They now had a new leader, Moses was dead and Joshua (one of the original spies who gave a good report) was the new leader.  Before they crossed over the Jordan just 2 new spies are sent out. The spies made their way to Jericho.

In Jericho the spies met a harlot, her name was Rahab.  Just like everyone in Jericho, she had heard reports about The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, the GOD of the Jews and all the amazing things HE had done for HIS people; how HE had opened the Red sea and delivered them from the Egyptians, how HE had defeated the great kings on the other side of the Jordan. 

How did she hear about it? Someone must have told others.

She did more than just believe what she heard. She trusted GOD to be good and loving as well as powerful.  So, when the spies came. she declared her faith in their GOD, told them how everyone was afraid of them, she hid them and helped them escape.

When the spies made it back to the Jews and told them what Rahab had said, the people were encouraged to obey GOD and they crossed over the Jordan, just like GOD commanded.

What we see are simple people just sharing things they know. Whoever heard or saw the things GOD had done in Egypt and in the wilderness simply told others. It resulted in Rehab believing in GOD. Rehab’s words and actions in turn were instrumental in fulfilling the plan of GOD for HIS people.

Just before JESUS ascended into heaven HE told HIS disciples they were to be HIS witnesses (Acts 1:8).

It doesn’t matter where you are, or what you are doing, if there is another person there you can always talk about what you know.  The other will choose whether to listen and believe what you say or not, but “how can they believe in whom they have not heard? (Romans 10:14), for “Faith comes by hearing…” (Romans 10: 17a).

JESUS told HIS disciples they were to be witnesses for HIM (Acts 1:8).

You never know what simply telling another what you know about JESUS, might do for them.  If they don’t know GOD they may find JESUS and be saved.  If they are saved, they may be encouraged to do the right thing.

So declare the wonders of GOD, whenever you can and know that each time you do, GOD will accomplish something eternal through it.

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

Hugs

Sharon

(if you don’t know Rahab’s story and want to know more about her, read Joshua 2, Joshua 6:22,25 and Matthew 1:5)

What is coming?

A movie trailer advertises, or promotes, a coming movie by showing a series of selected shots of the movie. Its purpose is to generate interest in the movie. Since the edited film does not exist, at this point, the trailer editors work from rushes, or dailies. Thus, the trailer may contain footage that is not in the final movie.

GOD gives us glimpses, or previews of what is coming with the purpose of preparing us by seeing what lies ahead to be aware of the pre-birth events that are occurring today and motivate believers in JESUS to witness of JESUS to those who do not believe that they may be saved out the wrath that will be poured out on the earth on those who have refused the love of the knowledge of the truth.

Biblical prophecy shows us what is ahead. Since The eternal Creator/ Sustainer of heaven and earth acts on absolute knowledge, HE never ever presents something that will not occur. When it is recorded that it will happen it will happen for GOD is not a man that HE should lie nor the son of man that HE should change HIS mine. Has HE said it, then HE will do it (Numbers 23:19).

Before birth there are always pains that show that the time is drawing near. For a baby to be born. So it is with the coming of the 7 year Tribulation. We can’t help but see in the USA and around the world an upsurge of hatred, violence, crime, injustice, wars, food and gas shortages, inflation, upsurge of unprecedented climatic conditions like floods, earthquakes, heatwaves and sexual confusion. But these are just a preview, like pre-birth pains of what is coming. By them we hear the hoofbeats of the 4 horsemen of Revelation 6.

Over and over in the New Testament the phrase “the first shall be last and the last shall be 1st” is used in various settings. That phrase came alive to me when I caught myself using scripture clearly meant for the Jews, when I was praying for the church. I stopped to ask GOD if I was wrong to do that, and I believe HE answered me when the phrase, “the first shall be last, and the last shall be 1st” come immediately to mind.

You see, the Jews were 1st of GOD’s people. Then came the church. The term the last days is used in reference to the time from when JESUS was on earth and to the present time. Interestingly, in Hebrews 1 it says, “in these last days GOD is speaking to us through HIS SON, JESUS.”

Therefore, hearing that phrase the last shall be first and the first last, I began to understand how many of the promises- things foretold concerning the Jews, would 1st happen to Christians. That is we get a glimpse of what will happen to the Jews.

The Jews then will get their turn in the “day of the LORD” which is a term for the period of time from after the Rapture of the church for 7 last years of discipline (Daniel 9:24-27) clear through the 1,000 years of plenty that follow as promised them by GOD.

Revelations 13 tells of the world powers with blasphemous names, each defying and insulting GOD, I couldn’t help but think of what is happening here in the United States, where GOD is being pushed out and the Christians’ right to worship openly is being slowly taken away.

No prayer to the One wise GOD, who created heaven and earth, is allowed in our schools. The name of our LORD and savior JESUS CHRIST, is not to be used in public meetings. GOD’s standards are being mocked, while evil is being promoted not just on the media but in our schools.

We Christians are told not to openly witness of our GOD, but pagan rituals, and even witchcraft classes are given in some public schools. Bad is spoken of as good, and good is called evil (Isaiah 5:20). Christians are said, by some, to be worse that the terrorists who hit the Twin Towers 21 years ago. We who hold to GOD’s word are said to hate, if we warn others of dangers. We are expected to let others face death, like letting a toddler run out into traffic, without trying to stop them from killing themselves.

Yet even in this environment, GOD still says “You are MY witnesses”. Are we witnessing by telling other about JESUS?

But you and I who have acknowledged that were are sinners and have called on the LORD to save us (Romans 10:9-10, 13) do not need to be afraid. JESUS has promised to come get us out of here before the wrath of GOD falls upon the earth (Revelation 3:10), just as HE got Lot out of Sodom before fire came down and destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah creating the Dead Sea as well (Genesis 19:22).

The wrath of GOD is to be poured out on the evil of all those who refuse to love the truth of JESUS and have embrace the corruption that is in the world through lusts. (2 Thessalonians 2:10).

Once the believers in JESUS are gone, evil will escalate in the absence of the goodness of GOD. We believers now are standing for JESUS still shine as lights in this acceleratingly evil world. And that which is restraining the complete unleashing of evil will be gone (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7).

Looking up for JESUS. Are you?

Hugs

Sharon

Assignment

“… some have not the knowledge of GOD: I speak this to your shame” (1 Corinthians 15:34).

Every Christian is called to witness of JESUS (Acts 1:8) who GOD the FATHER sent because HE loved the world and wanted to restore a relationship with us and give us eternal life (John 3:16, 17:3).

After all JESUS suffered for us, witnessing of HIS love and telling all HE gives to anyone who will believe seems a reasonable assignment.

“CHRIST died for our sins according to the scriptures;  And that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) to set all who will believe on HIM free from the sin that separates them from GOD (Isaiah 59:2).

JESUS said, “I said therefore unto you, that you shall die in your sins: for if you believe not that I am HE (the SON of GOD, the lamb of GOD that takes away the sins of the world), you shall die in your sins (John 8:24).

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD” (Romans 6:23).

Now if that isn’t a motivator to keep speaking out about JESUS, I don’t know what is.  It shouts at me. 

There are times I’d rather not give out the message GOD nudges me to share with you all.  But, I need to regardless of how I feel or how you respond.

What about you? Are you ever hesitant to speak out about our Savior?  Is there someone in your sphere of influence, or even general interaction that needs to hear of our marvelous GOD and HIS plan to save?

One of my grandsons has been duped by the lies of this world to think that there is no GOD.  He is really into computers and gaming, though young, he develops games on his own.  The other day he was telling me some the challenges about creating the opposing armies of turtles in it.  After telling some of the differences, such as color, he mentioned that they will destroy their enemy by merely opening their mouths. 

It was the perfect opening, I couldn’t help myself.  I said, “that reminds me of the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19), where JESUS gallops out of heaven riding a white horse with HIS armies (us) behind HIM on white horses.  At that time JESUS simply opens HIS mouth, in which is the two-edged sword, which we know is the Word of GOD (Hebrews 4:12, Ephesians 6:17).  By merely opening HIS mouth HE slays the nations and all the multitudes that oppose HIM.  HIS armies don’t have to do a thing, they just look on in wonder at their KING, and see the glory of the LORD and the power of HIS word (Revelation 19:11-15)., the very word that created the universes” (Genesis 1).

Then I told my grandson, “Boy, I want to be in those armies behind JESUS riding down out of heaven, and not the ones facing HIS coming to earth!  What about you?” 

My grandson shook his head affirmingly up and down.

So, you see, GOD will open up windows of opportunities to witness of our marvelously Awesome GOD.  Take those opportunities and then you will not need to be ashamed of neglecting your assignment.

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

Hugs

Sharon

Occupy til I come

When GOD told Jonah to do something he did not want to do (to witness to the lost and dying enemies of Israel), Jonah boarded a ship going in the opposite direction as he ran away from GOD.  Then suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere a horrible storm arose thrashing the boat around. Fearing for their lives each of the sailors called on their god to save them.  But things just kept getting worse.

Yet, Jonah was asleep amid all that confusion and noisy racket (Jonah chapter 1).  That is very much like the majority of Christians seem to be today.  As JESUS put it they are eating and drinking and giving in marriage like usual (Matthew 24:38).  That is, they are indifferent, turning blind eyes away from all the Bible prophesy that tells us the time is getting short.  

Just as the winds roared and beat against the boat and the sailors screamed for their lives, the world living in fear and anger, and pointing the finger of blame at others while all around us there is tumult and storms on many fronts…violence, anger, wars, food and gas shortages and soaring prices plus an increase of “natural” disasters, good is called evil and evil is called good yet many professing Christians are able, like Jonah, to go to sleep in the sides of the ship as they ignore what is happening and what is coming.

Although we are told not to fear (John 14:1), we are also told to be alert (Romans 13:11), to recognize the end time signs and to OCCUPY until JESUS comes for us (Luke 19:13). 

We are to be OCCUPIED with the same thing Jonah ran from.  We are to be ambassadors of CHRIST (2 Corinthians 5:20) as though GOD plead through us as we witness of JESUS (Acts 1:8) to any we come in contact- to the lost and dying world. 

If the signs/ current events are any indication, the time for JESUS return for HIS Church (those who believe in HIM- John 3:16) is getting closer when the age of grace will end.

Are you running from the facts or witnessing of the truth?

“now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Romans 13:11).

Hugs

Sharon

Occupy til I come

During World War II, when Dad was on leave from the Navy this picture was taken.  Back in World War II when General Douglas MacArthur had to leave the Philippines in mid-March 1942 he said to the remaining troops, “I will return! Occupy until I come.”

As MacArthur declared he would return, our LORD JESUS CHRIST did likewise. “…I go to prepare a place for you and if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with ME that where I am you may be too” (John 14:2-3).

JESUS also illustrated what was going on by a parable.  “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.  And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come” Luke 19:12-13.

Now what is it that JESUS wants us to do?

Just before JESUS ascended into heaven, HE commissioned those who believed in HIM by saying , “… you will be MY witnesses in Jerusalem (your home town), in Judea (in your state) and to the ends of the earth (maybe by internet).” Acts 1:8

So, by occupying until HE comes we are to be JESUS’ witnesses.  That entails more than just words.  As JESUS demonstrated what GOD the FATHER was like by HIS actions and HIS words (Hebrews 1:1-3), so we are to show what JESUS is like by our actions and words.  Praise the LORD, HE gave us the HOLY SPIRIT to show us the way and empower us.   

It is written: “Blessed is that servant whom the MASTER finds him watching and ready (Matthew 24:46).

As we watch the current events around the world and how they match up with what the Bible tells us it will be like just before the Tribulation. A time like the days of Noah and Lot (Luke 17:26-29) where all went on as normal but except for a very few, all were wicked and rejected the things of GOD.  JESUS specifically mentioned that we would hear of wars and rumor or wars and such things must happen, HE said there would be famines and earthquakes (now we’ve always had earthquakes and famines but more and more are happening in frequency and intensity). JESUS said these things are just the beginning of birth pains (Matthew 24:6-8).  As we know a baby isn’t born right when the birth pains begin… they increase until the time for birth comes.

JESUS also said that before the days of Tribulation begin we will see the fig tree bloom and when it blooms you will know that the time is near/ right at the door for that great and terrible Day of the LORD (Matthew 24:32-35). The fig tree has always been a symbol of Israel.  In 1948 Israel became the 1^st nation to become a nation a 2^nd time.  JESUS went on to say that the generation that sees the fig tree bloom would not pass away before the Tribulation came.  Therefore, we know the time is near.

Are you ready?  What I mean by that is have you called on the name of the LORD JESUS to save you? (Romans 10:9-10, 13).  Only those who belong to JESUS will be ready for JESUS to come and snatch them up into heaven to be with HIM before the wrath of GOD is poured out on the earth.  That wrath I speak of is commonly referred to as the 7-year Tribulation or Jacob’s trouble.

Are you occupying until JESUS comes by telling all you come in contact with about JESUS so that they might be saved? 

Today is a great day to do that, for it is (March) 316 Day.  “For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten son that whosoever believes in HIM will not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16

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

Hugs

Sharon