Plead my cause

When we hear of some stranger, like one in a high position ACCUSED of wrongdoing, there is always the niggling question in the back of our minds, “Did he do it?”  Even when the accusation is nothing but lies, suspicion has been planted in minds by the accusation.

When one is falsely accused, they want vindication. That is, they want to be absolved or cleared from blame, criticism, or suspicion of wrongdoing. Just as the Psalmist cried out, “Plead my cause!” Psalm 119:154.

Have you ever been falsely accused of doing wrong?

I have. Several decades ago, there were 2 different times I was accused wrongfully. They happened around a dozen years apart. There was no truth in either accusation, yet in the minds of many there lingered questions. They assumed as the old saying goes, “where there is smoke, there must be fire.”

When I heard what was being spread about me, I was aghast. Both accusations totally baffled me for they seemed to come out of nowhere for what actually occurred, why I did what I did was reasonable and right.

Both charges crushed my spirit. Yet, as is GOD’s way, HE used them for good (Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20). The LORD taught and directed me through both of episodes (2 Corinthians 4:15-17).

Like the Psalmist I cried out, “LORD, plead my cause” Psalm 119:154.

GOD gave me strength to trust HIM and the first one was openly exposed as a lie to cover up misconduct through further wrong actions of the accuser. Through that momentary trouble, I experienced GOD’s peace and learned to trust GOD to defend me.

The other false accusation really threw me for a loop for it was against who I was. I felt alone and struggled with it for a time, but then withdrew from people. After a period of isolation, one morning as I talked with the LORD, HE impressed in me that it was time to go forward on a new path.

That accusation completely changed the direction of my service for the LORD. But since I am GOD’s workmanship created in CHRIST JESUS for good works prepared in advance for me to walk in (Ephesians 2:10), I know GOD allowed and used that upheaval to redirect me to step into a new season. GOD had other things for me to do.

GOD declared that Job was a perfect and upright man who feared GOD and avoided evil (Job 1:8). The bible tells of the awful troubles Job endured and yet he never questioned GOD (see Job chapters 1 and 2). Then we read of many false accusations thrust at this innocent man. Listen to Job’s words:

Job 16:¹⁷TLB “Yet I am innocent, and my prayer is pure.                 ¹⁹ “Yet even now the witness to my innocence is there in heaven; my Advocate is there on high. ²⁰ My friends scoff at me, but I pour out my tears to GOD,

Job knew, as I learned, that GOD will defend HIS children and bring truth to light.

But it is not always in our timing. When I cannot understand what is happening, I personally cling to what I know is true. GOD ways and thoughts are higher than mine, but they always work (Isaiah 55:8-11) GOD is good (Mark 10:18), GOD is and acts in love (1 John 4:8), GOD is sovereign (Revelation 6:10 NIV) and GOD does/allows nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23). GOD who knows all things (John 16:30) knew what HE was doing when HE preset the times and places (Acts 17:26-27) and HE did it for a specific reason. Remembering that allows me to rest in peace and confidence even in the midst of a storm.

I am who I am because GOD puts me where HE wants me, determines my background including all that happens to me. The LORD places in me HIS desires (Philippians 2:13) and interests (Ephesians 2:10) for the work HE has for me to do. My all-knowing Creator even knows when I will refuse HIS leading to do my own thing and what discipline HE must take to turn me back around for I am HIS workmanship.

You also are GOD’s workmanship if you belong to JESUS (Ephesians 2:10).

Hugs,

Sharon

It changed

Are you guilty?

In Hebrews 7:12 we are told that when the priesthood changed the law had to change.  Under the law given to Moses if anyone did not do every single thing in the law they were cursed.  Under the new covenant GOD standards remain the same, for they are the divine nature of GOD, but the law changed.  Below describes the changes.

In the spiritual sense every person stands accused and is guilty for: “All have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD” (Romans 3:23).

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

GOD so loved the world that HE sent HIS eternal SON JESUS (who took on a human body so HE could die as an innocent sacrifice without spot or blemish for the sins of the world) that any who believe in HIM (JESUS) would not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

We who believe in JESUS are now Justified- declared not guilty (a legal, external, objective standing)It is instantaneous and complete.  Once we come to JESUS, we are righteous in GOD’s sight washed clean by the blood of JESUS.

Romans 3:²⁴ Being justified freely by HIS grace through the redemption that is in CHRIST JESUS:²⁵ Whom GOD has set forth to be a propitiation (to appease anger and give favor) through faith in HIS blood, to declare HIS righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of GOD.

But GOD does not stop at just declaring believers righteous in CHRIST. 

Before the creation of the world GOD knew everything that would ever happen.  For GOD can learn nothing since HE is omniscience (knows all things). Before the creation of the world GOD made a choice according to HIS foreknowledge (what HE knew before it happened).

1 Peter 1:² Elect (chosen) according to the foreknowledge of GOD the FATHER, through sanctification of the SPIRIT, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of JESUS CHRIST: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

What foreknowledge or what part of what GOD knew is 1 Peter 1:2 talking about? That verse speaks of those who would believe and accept JESUS HIS SON whom HE would send into the world. We know that is what GOD is referring to because of the context.  Believing in the saving work of the LORD JESUS and calling on HIS name is the only condition to be saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13).  And one must be saved to be sanctified.

GOD had decreed something more:  Romans 8:²⁹ For whom HE did foreknow, (would believe in JESUS) HE (GOD the FATHER) also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his SON, that HE (JESUS) might be the firstborn among many brethren.

I Thessalonian 5:23 says that the HOLY SPIRIT sanctifies (just like 1 Peter 1:2) believers through and through so we might become what GOD has declared to be.  So, although we are declared to be righteous, the HOLY SPIRIT must teach and enable us to live righteously.  Sanctification is a step-by-step process.  It is the work of GOD (experimental, internal, and subjective). 

Sanctification is a renovation of our nature by the HOLY SPIRIT.  HE shows us what to do, energizes us and enables (Philippians 2:13) with the view of conforming us to the image of JESUS CHRIST (who is the exact likeness of the GODHEAD in body form (Colossians 2:9).

The timing is subjective for we bring effort to sanctification by doing/walking out what the HOLY SPIRIT has written in our minds and placed in our hearts to do (Philippians 2:13, 12, Hebrews 10:16).  When we refuse to do what the HOLY SPIRIT shows us, GOD disciplines us and although discipline is never fun it does produce righteousness in the ones exercised thereby (Hebrews 12:11).

The law written on stone depended on man’s effort to keep it.  If they didn’t keep every point, they were cursed (Galatians 3:10).  But in the new covenant the HOLY SPIRIT writes GOD’s law in our minds so we will know what we should do, and HE places it in our hearts so we will want to please GOD (Hebrews 10:16, Philippians 2:13).  When we choose to follow the lead of the HOLY SPIRIT the process of growing CHRIST-like goes smoothly (2 Corinthians 3:18).

When we fail to listen, or refuse to obey the HOLY SPIRIT, we are not cursed.  But if after the HOLY SPIRIT convicts us of wrong and we refuse to confess (agree with GOD concerning our wrong) GOD the FATHER disciplines us (1 Corinthians 11:31-32) and no discipline is fun but grievous.  But HIS discipline will eventually yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness in those exercised thereby (Hebrews 12:11).  

Just like an old fashion spanking when we were little taught us to change our actions.

Philippians 1:⁶ Being confident of this very thing, that HE (GOD) which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of JESUS CHRIST

Hebrews 7:²⁵ Wherefore HE (JESUS) is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto GOD by HIM, seeing HE (JESUS) ever lives to make intercession for them.

So, we see that GOD the HOLY SPIRIT works to develop us into the image of JESUS CHRIST, so does GOD the FATHER and so does our LORD JESUS CHRIST.  It is just another example where GOD is ONE.  All of GOD does all that GOD does.  The Trinity-persons of the GODHEAD are never at odds with one another but work in conjunction with each other in everything they do.

GOD loves us so. 

Hugs

Sharon

Faith or works which is it?

Faith or Works which is it? 

Some think we start with faith and then keep ourselves saved through works.  But GOD says:

“Wherefore HE (JESUS) is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto GOD by HIM, seeing HE lives forever to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25)

“This only would I learn of you, Received ye the SPIRIT by the works of the law, or by the hearing of FAITH? Are you so foolish? having begun in the SPIRIT, are ye now made perfect by the flesh (works)?” (Galatians 3:2-3).

I believe Scripture shows us that one (FAITH) saves and the other (WORKS) is a natural outflow of FAITH.

“For the grace of GOD that brings salvation has appeared to all men teaching us that denying ungodliness (not thinking of GOD) and worldly lusts (1 John 2:15-17), we should live soberly and righteously (do right), and godly (considering and acknowledging GOD Proverbs 3:5-7) in this present age (Titus 2:11-12).

Did you catch that?  The grace that saves us (via FAITH) TEACHES us to do good.

“When the kindness and the love of GOD our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to HIS mercy HE saved us, through the washing of regeneration (being born again by the Spirit-John 3:5-7) and the renewing of the HOLY SPIRIT (John 7:38-39), Whom HE (GOD the FATHER) poured out on us abundantly through JESUS CHRIST our Savior, that having been justified (Just as if I’d never sinned) by HIS grace (GOD’s Riches at CHRIST’s Expense) we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:4-7).

“Knowing this that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in JESUS CHRIST…for by the works of law no flesh shall be justified” (Galatians 2:16).

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD” (Ephesians 2:8).

We are saved eternally by faith alone.  But it doesn’t stop there.  By believing in the saving work of JESUS and GOD the FATHER raising HIM from the dead we have become GOD’s own children (John 1:12). Now HE is teaching us, as any good FATHER should, to know right from wrong and how we should act as HIS child.

The Word says GOD has decreed to transform us into the likeness of JESUS CHRIST who is the exact representation of HIMSELF (Romans 8:28-29, Hebrews 1:1-3, 2 Corinthians 3:18).  That is not an ifish thing.  If GOD says it HE will do it (Numbers 23:19).  That means we will begin to act more and more like JESUS.

“For we are HIS (GOD the FATHER) workmanship, created in CHRIST JESUS to do good works, which GOD has before ordained (prepared) that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

As we acknowledge GOD in everything, the HOLY SPIRIT shows us what to do (Philippians 2:13).  Often it is a mere impression to do this or that (a nudge) but we will know what we should do.  The HOLY SPIRIT (who was the ONE who moved holy men to write the Scripture-2 Peter 1:21) will never nudge us to go against what the Bible says and HE is fully aware what GOD the FATHER’s personal plan for each of us is.   

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly that those who have believed in GOD should be careful to maintain good works.  These things are good and profitable to men” (Titus 3:8)

“And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they many not be unfruitful” (Titus 3:14).

Through FAITH alone (by believing GOD’s Word Romans 10:17) we are saved.  But now we are the children of GOD and are being changed back into the image of GOD.  We will never be GOD, but we will participate in HIS divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).  Since HE loves and meets the needs of other, therefor love for others and the desire to meet the urgent need of people are the works that will be a natural outflow of our salvation.

Hugs

Sharon

Its working for you

I lived in the small mountain town of Quincy, California when I got my driver’s license.  Back in the day before roadwork, there was this windy, bumpy stretch amidst tall pines that went from the outskirts of town to the little Quincy hospital.  Two girl friends and I would speed through that stretch as fast as we could laughing hysterically as it felt similar to a wild roller coaster ride.  I love roller coasters.  We hated it when they straightened out the road.

Sometimes life feels like a wild roller coaster ride but now we aren’t laughing are we?

Yet smiles and even peace will come when we look at it through GOD’s eyes as recorded in HIS holy Word.

“But I want you to understand, brethren, that the things which have happened unto me have turned out unto the furtherance of the Gospel” (Philippians 1:12).

That means others have a chance to find eternal life through believing in JESUS (John 3:16).

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose” (Romans 8:28).

The hardest things in my life, even the death of my 1^st son, brought about good for me and  others.  Could I ever tell you some stories!

“For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of GOD. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a MOMENT (compared to eternity), works for us a far more exceeding ETERNAL weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen (our situation), but at the things which are not seen (what GOD is achieving through our situation): for the things which are seen (the circumstances) are temporary; but the things which are not seen (things GOD is using the temporary situation to do)  are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Hard and confusing things will hit for JESUS said: John 16:33- “These things I have spoken unto you, that in ME you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

When problems come remember that GOD promises that HE will use whatever it is for your benefit and HIS glory.

Hugs

Sharon

Snatched out of the fire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs

Sharon

changes

At different stages of our lives as we grow physically and mentally different things are expected of us. So it is as we grow spiritually. The one constant for the journey is ‘do what you know you are to do.’

Studying Greek taught me things about prepositions I’d overlooked in English. As their name implies, prepositions tell of the position of the verb to the object and thereby help us understand what is happening. This morning the little preposition of eis encouraged me. eis = into. Something is outside an object but is progressing into that object.

Hebrews 10:14 by one offering HE (JESUS) has perfected forever (a FINISHED WORK in GOD’s sight) the ones (believing in JESUS) being sanctified (WORK still IN PROGRESS we are not there in our experience).

For GOD our heavenly FATHER predestined everyone (that’s you and me) who would call on the name of the LORD JESUS and be saved (1 Corinthians 1:2, Romans 10:13) to be transformed into the image of JESUS.

I Peter 1:2 (tells us that purpose of the sanctifying work of the HOLY SPIRIT) is to (eis) obedience -a hearkening to/ submission to- JESUS CHRIST.  HE is teaching us how to hear and submit to JESUS desires.

Even though JESUS created the heavens and the earth and all things in them- for nothing was made without HIM- including the angels, JESUS while on earth, never said a single word or did anything until HE got the get go from GOD (John 8:28). For JESUS came to do the will of HIS FATHER (Hebrews 10:7).

That little preposition eis explains what is happening to us. eis = into. Something is outside and object but progressing into that object.  We are not what we should be but are progressing toward the goal of being like JESUS.

The HOLY SPIRIT is constantly at work, bringing us step by step eis = into obedience (a listening to divine instructions and following them.  We are not there yet but step by step be are being changed eis = into submitting to what GOD wants.   

The term from glory to glory used in 2 Corinthians 3:18 shows that as HE reveals things about CHRIST JESUS’ nature we are being changed into what we see thus gaining more and more characteristics of our awesome Savior so that we increasingly look more and more like JESUS.  For GOD our heavenly FATHER predestined everyone (that’s you and me) who would call on the name of the LORD JESUS and be saved (1 Corinthians 1:2, Romans 10:13) to be transformed into the image of JESUS.

HE uses the daily events, our struggles, yep, those hard things to complete the work HE has begun in us who believe in JESUS (Romans 8:28-29).  HE who has begun a good work in us will complete it! (Philippians 1:6).  For GOD always finishes what HE starts.  And what’s our part?  Do what we know we should do. 

The simplicity of CHRIST,  isn’t it amazing?

hugs

Sharon