HE edits my prayers

I PRAISE the LORD that the HOLY SPIRIT edits my prayers.

When I was 12 I came to JESUS and HE saved me.  A couple of years later at a summer camp I felt compelled to ask HIM to do whatever was necessary to make me all HE wanted me to be.  Just months later, though I was an A student, I began having trouble understanding in my classes.  It was discovered that I had a severe hearing loss and that is was getting worse. So, from age 15 on I was considered profoundly hearing impaired. Mockery and put downs that naturally resulted from my misunderstanding led me to isolate to a great degree other than church and women’s Bible study. 

I spent much time with GOD in HIS word through those years when my kids were at school. Meanwhile at 35 I got my 1^st hearing aids but I still missed a lot while conversing.  Yet, the LORD who loves to use foolish things (1 Corinthians 1:27) enabled me participate in women’s Bible studies and even teach hearing children and work as a counselor of kids at a Christian camp and go on prayer journeys to three countries overseas.

I praise the LORD for my hearing loss for I really believe my relationship with the LORD and understanding of HIS word that has taught me to trust HIM came from HIS taking away my hearing.  A couple years back I got a Cochlear implant so I hear so much more today.  But I would never trade those years alone with GOD.

After seeing GOD work in many situations in my life, in the lives of many in my family and friends, and throughout one Bible episode after another where what I would consider terrible situations the LORD used to do something REMARKABLY good. Just one example is the Crucifixion of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, without which we could not be saved.

Therefore, I have come to realize that the LORD with HIS great wisdom and foreknowledge of all things sees things vastly different than I do.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

MY thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. And MY ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so MY ways are higher than your ways and MY thoughts higher than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Therefore, I have learned how limited I am in knowing what is best so consult the LORD even in how I should pray rather than go with my own ideas.  In this I obey HIS word.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek HIS will in (talk over with HIM) ALL you do (even prayer), and HE will show you which path to take.Do not be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. (Proverbs 3:5-7 NLT)

After talking with the LORD, sometimes I am given a go ahead, a word, direction or a verse that shows me how to pray. Other times there is a definite DO NOT pray that way, and still other times I get nothing, nothing at all even though I have asked.

It is at those times I most rejoice in the ONE who edits my prayers.

…the SPIRIT helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the SPIRIT HIMSELF intercedes for us with groanings that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).

We can make our own plans (according to what we think is right), but the Lord gives the right answer (Proverbs 16:1 NLT).

So

Commit your actions (including prayers) to the Lord, and your plans (prayers) will succeed (Proverbs 16:3 NLT).

And this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that, if we ask any thing according to HIS will, HE hears us: And IF we know that HE hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of HIM (1 John 5:14-15) 

Hugs

Sharon

Key of knowledge

Which of us does not want to KNOW what to do next?

Luke 11:52 “Woe to you lawyers (scholars of the law) you have taken away the key of knowledge, you didn’t enter in and those who were entering you hindered.”

The law said do this and that, but just following rules won’t get you the knowledge you need to cope with life, especially in these days of deception.  We need the key of knowledge.

#1 What does a key do?  It unlocks something that is locked.

What is the key of knowledge?

Proverbs 1:7 “The FEAR of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.”  Therefore, the key that unlocks knowledge is the FEAR the LORD.

What is the FEAR of the LORD? This Hebrew word for FEAR —the key that unlocks knowledge incorporates the idea of fearfulness/ of being afraid and of a reverential awe from KNOWING/ BELIEVING in the HOLY LORD and HIS infinite power, authority and justice. Consequentially, by seeing HIM we see our own weaknesses and smallness.  What it comes down to is BELIEVING in GOD who loves us but to Whom we must give an account.

Proverbs 9:10 “The FEAR of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the HOLY (ONE) is understanding.”   

It is in growing in knowledge of GOD our FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST (2 Peter 11-4) which comes as we learn about HIM by spending time with HIM in HIS word that we grow in FEAR of the LORD. As we see HIM at work throughout scripture we become more aware HIS ways and thoughts are not our ways and thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). We see HE is good and right and that the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY means what HE says. HE always does what HE says HE will do, and it is always for the ultimate eternal good. But at times we don’t like HIS way of doing things.

As we grow in our knowledge of GOD, the FEAR of the LORD causes us to do right because we understand GOD knows best, that HE disciplines HIS children and will judge wrong.   I for one don’t like to be disciplined.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter FEAR GOD and keep HIS commandments for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For GOD shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.

Psalm 34:11 “Come listen and I will teach you the FEAR of the LORD…13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking guile (deceit) 14 depart from evil and go seek peace and pursue it.”

Psalm 111:10 the FEAR the LORD is the beginning… a good understanding have all who do HIS command (instructions).

Proverbs 8:3 The FEAR of the LORD is to hate evil, pride, arrogancy and the evil way and lying mouth.

Proverbs 15:32 He that refuses instruction despises his own soul but he that hears reproof gets understanding 33 the FEAR of the LORD is instruction.

Proverbs 16:6 by the FEAR of the LORD men depart from evil.

Abraham used this word when he answered a king, “Because I thought surely the FEAR of GOD is not in this place, and they will slay me for my wife’s sake.”

Grow in your knowledge of GOD and you will grow in the FEAR of the LORD for you will see more of HIS holiness and the fruit of HIS divine nature will flow through you (2 Peter 1:1-4) as you are being changed (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Some might ask, isn’t that legalism? NO! Legalism is doing something to get a right standing with GOD.  The only way to GOD is through JESUS who died for our sin (John 14:6).  But as we grow in our knowledge of GOD we are changed by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT who is given to everyone who believes in JESUS as Savior and LORD (Ephesians 1:13, 4:30).  As we change inwardly our actions change outwardly to match those of our heavenly FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

I am saved eternally ( 1 Corinthians 3:15), but I FEAR meeting my GOD ashamed because I chose not to let HIM change and use me while in time and on this earth (1 John 2:28).

I also FEAR for those who do not know JESUS for the wrath of GOD is on them. That is because their sin is still on them (John 3:36).  It is only when one receives JESUS that he receives the payment for his sins, and his name is in the book of life.  The wages of sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23) in the lake of fire for all whose names are not in the book of life (Revelation 20:15).

Hugs

Sharon

Why doesn’t GOD answer?

Have you ever prayed and prayed, but nothing happens? Have you ever wondered why?

Of course, our prayer might not be GOD’s best for the situation so is not HIS will, or it could be not GOD’s timing for HE is lining other factors up before HE answers. But another issue has come apparent several times lately that I want to talk about.

Now there are famines from time to time but when there was a famine for 3 years running King David inquired of the LORD asking, “WHY?”

The LORD replied it was because of certain actions of King Saul the previous king toward a group of people. David sought out those people and asked them what he should do for them. Since their request was according to the practices of that day and GOD’s written word (Exodus 21:34), David agreed. When David made things right with those people, the LORD answered David’s prayers and the famine ended (see 2 Samuel 21).

This Old Testament incident illustrates a GOD principle about prayer. GOD will not answer prayer until sin is dealt with.

Psalm 66:18 If I REGARD iniquity in my heart the LORD will not hear me.

The Hebrew word for REGARD here is to look at/ focus on and resultant holding on to something. It doesn’t have to be something we consider big like stealing, lying or adultery.  The iniquity spoken of can be anything GOD has said not to do.

John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled (do not allow something to stir you up) believe in GOD and believe also in ME. John 14:27…Let not your heart be troubled, neither be afraid.

For when we allow ourselves to be troubled it is because we do not TRUST GOD to be in control and able to do what HE said HE would do. HE promises to work all things for the benefit of those who love HIM (Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 4:15-18). And GOD has given us HIS Word to illustrate for us how HE does what HE says HE will do.

Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

By reading the Word of GOD we learn GOD’s ways are not our ways but always work for good (Isaiah 55:9-11). And we see that what initially appears as something horrible can actually be something of great value. Like when Joseph was sold as a slave and then unjustly put in prison. We see GOD was always in control. GOD allowed the wicked thoughts of sinful men to play out and GOD used their actions to prepare Joseph for a great work to save many alive and to give Joseph great honor (Genesis 50:20).

The iniquity (sin) we REGARD (focus on) can be anything from worry, fretting, demanding things be done my way (as I lean on my own understanding of what is needed (Proverbs 3:5-7), when I refuse to forgive, hold on to anger or anything I know is wrong I am regarding it more that I regard GOD.

Sometimes I must ask, “Is there something in me hindering the answer to my prayer?”  When I ask, HE shows me by giving me an inner awareness of what is hindering the answer to my prayers. If I am not hindering the answer GOD gives me peace that HE is at work behind the scenes, and I must wait to see what HE is doing.

1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that, if we ask any thing according to HIS will, HE hears us:

Hugs

Sharon

Why did JESUS feel shame?

Something seems left unsaid as I hear about JESUS’s crucifixion.  Why isn’t the anguish of having all sin laid on JESUS mentioned?

It is written that when healing physical problems JESUS literally FELT what it took to heal each one for virtue/power went out of HIM to bring healing.  This struck me forcefully as a young Christian reading through the Bible for the 1^st time.

When I read, HE (JESUS) “was touched with the FEELING of our infirmities” (Hebrews 4:15) I thought, “HE doesn’t know what I go through with PMS.”  Immediately, I remembered or I should say (John 14:26) the HOLY SPIRIT reminded me a story of a woman with an issue of blood that I had read in the gospels. When she touched the hem of JESUS garment, JESUS actually felt the drain of power to heal her leave HIS body (Mark 5:30).  I realized at that moment “Yes, JESUS does know how I feel.”

That is why I am so perplexed at what is not said as to the cause of shame JESUS FELT on the cross and why HE despised it.

GOD hates sin: “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on iniquity… (Habakkuk 1:13)

JESUS is GOD (John 1:1-3, 14) therefore JESUS also hates sin. With their awesome foreknowledge the GODHEAD knew before creating a choice creation (mankind) would sin. JESUS who hated sin therefore had taken counsel with GOD the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT and they agreed to a plan to cleanse mankind from sin before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8) therefore before there was a man.  What was the purpose?  Romans 8:29 gives us a glimpse-  so that JESUS would be the first of many brethren.

Though JESUS hates sin it is written, “For HE (GOD the FATHER) made HIM (JESUS) to be sin for us, (HE) who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of GOD in HIM (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Surely HE (JESUS) bore our griefs and carried our sorrows: (Isaiah 53:4) the Lord laid on HIM (JESUS) the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6) HE (GOD) shall see of the travail of HIS (JESUS) soul and shall be satisfied: by HIS (JESUS) knowledge shall MY righteous servant justify many; for HE shall bear their iniquities. (Isaiah 53:11).

When all the sin of mankind was laid on JESUS on the cross, HE experienced the shame of each of those sins and the guilt. Next to that even the horrendous pain of being nailed to the cross and even the shame of hanging naked pales. It wasn’t merely the shame of hanging on the cross naked and being mocked but the unimaginable shame our LORD JESUS must have felt for the sins laid on HIM.  It is written that it caused our LORD JESUS deep travail/ anguish (Isaiah 53:11).

HE didn’t have to so why did JESUS endure it?  For the JOY of what HE was achieving for us HE endured it all (Hebrews 12:2).  What an amazing Savior we have. Let’s just praise HIS name! 

Hugs

Sharon

Pointing a finger

Pointing the finger

We often will point to an item or person to identify them to another.  The term pointing the finger is an idiom meaning to blame one and identify him.

Has the LORD ever spoken to you from HIS word, then instantly you are being tested in that very area? 

It is as clear as if it happened yesterday, but it was years and years ago when I was a young believer in JESUS. I had been reading the Word of GOD and the LORD was speaking to me about judging others.

Isaiah 58:9    take away the yoke (my demands and expectations of others)

stop pointing the finger (judging others)

stop speaking emptiness (you don’t know all the details)

feed the hungry and clothe the naked (do what you can to help)

then (if you do this) you will call to the LORD and HE will answer

Isaiah 58:11 then the LORD will guide you continually…

Then I went to where I was reading in the New Testament and

Ephesians 4:31-32 let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice. be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as GOD for CHRIST’s sake forgave you.

It was a Sunday morning and as I was leaving for church, someone did something that really upset me and I filled up with anger, Looking back I found that in that situation

I had (unmet and probably unreasonable) expectations of the person

I did point my finger at him as being wrong

I spoke as if I knew why he did what he did (when I knew only in part)

I allowed anger to control me so I

I spoke out of turn.

In other words, I totally blew it. I completely failed the test.  I knew it, the moment I got in the car and left for church.  So confessed all the way there. 

Then the sermon hit me square between the eyes.  The pastor began by saying, “When we feel angry, it is because we’ve gotten our eyes off of JESUS and tried to take control of the situation or person.  

His words described me that morning.  I had been angry and pointed a finger at someone’s actions, even though I just read how I must stop that.  And now, three fingers were pointing back at me.  I was guilty.

You therefore have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things, (Romans 2:1).

The shame I felt through that conviction was awful and what I learned that morning has stayed with me down through the years.  Now when I feel the anger rising I do what the word tells me.  I run to the throne of grace for help in my time of need.  Cause I need help to release my anger to GOD (Hebrews 4:16).  And when I find myself wanting to point my finger at other, the HOLY SPIRIT (John 14:26) reminds me of Romans 2:1 which makes me stop and ask where am I guilty, LORD?

Funny thing is that when I choose to do things GOD’s way, that which HE tells us to do in HIS word, peace comes over me and I start thinking about and praising the LORD from whom all blessings flow (James 1:17).

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfector of my faith,

Hugs

Sharon

Worried?

Our nation and the world seems to be a swirl of confusion plus most of us have at least one thing touching our lives that we have no control over. Yes, there are major things to be concerned about. So, what do we do?  Many choose to worry, and anxiety is at an all-time high, paralyzing many.

JESUS clearly said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled, believe in GOD and believe in ME” John 14:1.

What does this one little verse say that we are doing when we are troubled?  Clearly it is saying we don’t believe GOD is going to handle it.

To worry insults GOD like a slap on the face. It is saying, “GOD, I don’t believe YOU are in control or doing things right.”

Yet because man looks on outward appearance it is easier to indulge in our emotions that cause worry and wallow in them rather than to release our concerns to GOD in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7) and choose in faith to trust the LORD even when we don’t see HIM at work and everything seems so wrong.

Most believers in JESUS that I know avoid sin with a passion.  But these same ones seem to think nothing about worrying or being anxious although its direct disobedience to GOD.  One gal recently said, “I don’t think of worry in that way.” (meaning as sin.)

Only if we see and confess worry as SIN, will we turn from it and learn to trust the eternal GOD and lean on HIM and not our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-7). 

Seeing how the LORD has worked throughout time as recorded in scripture and claiming GOD’s promises in HIS word is what enables me to trust the only wise LORD GOD ALMIGHTY when things look dark and I can’t see what’s ahead.

JESUS asked, “Why call ME LORD (Master), LORD (Master) and don’t do the things that I say?” (Luke 6:46).

Hugs

Sharon

Mesmerizes

Recently we were given 2 kittens, and their frolicking antics mesmerize us so that we just sit and watch them scamper about.

In our Friday study we have been doing a special 7-week study on GOD’s names and nature.  We’ve been focusing in on one thing true of GOD each day by answering questions from Bible verses about GOD doing that very quality.  It’s not that what I am seeing is in any way new, but like those kittens antics each quality is captivating, and it mesmerizes me getting me to think about GOD using that quality throughout my day.  

The 1^st thing we studied was that GOD is Triune in essence: GOD the FATHER, JESUS-GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT.

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY Maker of heaven and earth called HIMSELF YHWH and said I AM WHO I AM, tell the children of Israel that I AM has sent me to you (Exodus 3:14). In Revelation HE says I AM the ALPHA and the OMEGA, the beginning and the end (Revelation 1:8) I AM the ALPHA and the OMEGA the first and the last (Revelation 1:11), I AM ALPHA and OMEGA, the beginning and the end, the first and the last (Revelation 22:13)

Who was in the beginning?

John 1:¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with GOD, and the Word was GOD. ² The same was in the beginning with GOD. ¹⁴ And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld HIS glory, the glory as of the Only begotten of the FATHER,) full of grace and truth.

We see both GOD the FATHER and JESUS were in the beginning, but it wasn’t just them.

Hebrews 9:14 tells us that the HOLY SPIRIT is eternal, so HE too was in the beginning. Genesis 1:2 verifies this when it shows the HOLY SPIRIT brooding (like a hen over her young) over the waters on the 1^st day of time.  

The GODHEAD is one GOD in 3 persons.  Each person was in the beginning and has the same nature.  But we see in scripture that at least in their connection and interaction with mankind on earth at the present time they have different roles while always working jointly and in complete unity in everything they do.  It was fun outlining from Bible verse how each of the three worked jointly together in Creation, the Bible, JESUS getting a body, JESUS baptism, a person getting to become a child of GOD, developing believers into godliness, in prayer, in the crucifixion, and in witnessing to the lost.

In Genesis 1:26 GOD says let us (Plural) make man in our image (a singular image).  This states that each person in the GODHEAD has the same exact image.  Then we are told that JESUS (the eternal Word who took on flesh) “In HIM (JESUS) all the fullness of Deity (the GODHEAD) dwells in bodily form [completely expressing the divine essence of GOD] (Colossians 2:9 AMP).

Speaking of the GODHEAD, JESUS alone has a physical body taken on so HE could be make like us and die for our sins (Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 2:17) and become our faithful High Priest. 

JESUS related to HIS disciples, “…he that has seen ME (JESUS) has seen the FATHER;” (John 14:9) and since the HOLY SPIRIT has the same image (essence) we know that by looking at JESUS we have also seen what GOD the HOLY SPIRIT is like.

Therefore, that which is true of the SPIRIT is true also of JESUS and of GOD the FATHER.  For instance, the fruit of the SPIRIT (Galatians 5:22-23) is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, kindness, goodness, faith, self-control and meekness are part of each of the GODHEAD.

GOD the FATHER sent JESUS to die for our sins that we might be forgiven and have eternal life (John 3:16).  GOD the FATHER sent forth the HOLY SPIRIT in JESUS name to convict all men and to teach and reveal truth to believers (John 14:26, 16:8, 13).

FATHER GOD speaks but the HOLY SPIRIT must explain to us what the FATHER is saying in order for us to understand what GOD means (1 Corinthians 2:10-13).  JESUS taught only that which FATHER GOD wanted the disciples to know (John 12:49) but it is the HOLY SPIRIT who enabled the disciples to understand what JESUS meant (Acts 1:2).

The HOLY SPIRIT lives within each believer, but only as we listen and yield to HIM can HE lead us.  What I mean by that is since we have been given the ability to choose, we sometimes choose not to do what we know we should do.  Part of the work of the HOLY SPIRIT is to write what GOD wants in our minds so we know what GOD wants (Hebrews 10: 16) and HE places within our hearts what GOD wants us to do so we will want it too (Philippians 2:13).

The Bible tells us that we are living in the last days and that these days are days of deception.  Therefore, we need to be able to hear the HOLY SPIRIT to know what to do and then obey without question.  If we have grieved HIM by sin or quenched HIM by refusing HIS guidance we have our backs to HIM and our fingers in our ears.

In order to hear and obey we must prepare our hearts beforehand, determining to listen and obey no matter how silly it may seem.  Then although the HOLY SPIRIT was given to us when we believed in JESUS and we are sealed until the day of Redemption (Ephesians 1:13, 4:39) since we are sinners we need to ask GOD our FATHER for a fresh anointing of the HOLY SPIRIT’s power (Luke 11:13) in all things acknowledging that we are not sufficient of ourselves to think we can do it on our own (2 Corinthians 3:5, Proverbs 3:5-7). As we Mind (think about) the things of the SPIRIT, HE will lead and empower us to do what we should. 

Then it is just a matter to do what we know we should do and to abstain from whatever HE says NO! to.

Like I said, it is nothing new but I for one need to be reminded (John 14:26) from time to time. It refreshes me and my amazement and appreciation of our AWESOME GOD grows.

Hugs

Sharon

Crop the picture

Crop the picture:

It had been a very long time since I’d seen my friend and was excited about getting together with her. She came down from Denver and I went up from Pueblo to meet for a meal in Colorado Springs.  Seemed like we couldn’t quit talking and as we waited for our food we got caught up on each other’s lives.

Needing a picture to capture our moment together for the FRIENDS frame I was giving her, and wanting a copy for my own album, I asked a server at the restaurant if he would take our picture with my phone. He graciously agreed. Thinking I needed a landscape view, since the outer writing on the frame I had bought my friend was for a landscape shot, I ask the server to hold my phone sideways in taking the picture.  Bless his independent heart, he took the picture his way, ignoring my specifications. It was a portrait shaped snapshot. O well, I got a picture, and I sent it to my email.

The picture came to me looking like it was on its side. It just needed to be turned 90 degrees and cropped and sized to fit the frame. But with the computer that really wasn’t a problem.

In the same manner, GOD takes what the devil throws at us- things meant for evil- and turns them around 90 degrees and crops them to use for our good to accomplish what HE wants done (Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28).  Let me give you a personal example from when I was in my 30’s.

After a crazy, fun, non-stop weekend as a counselor with a cabin full of whacky, giggling middle school girls at a Christian snowball camp I was exhausted as I headed home down the mountain in a snowstorm.  My weariness along with the blackness of night as I rounded the curves on icy roads with very little visibility made driving slow and strenuous.  

To top it off I was none too excited about confronting what I would find once I was off the mountain. Arrows of negative thoughts bombarded me shoving the fun thoughts of the weekend with campers away and focusing me only on negative aspects of the situation I knew I was about to face.

I didn’t turn to the LORD with a cry for help (Hebrews 4:16), nor was I focusing on JESUS and what HE did (Hebrews 12:2), nor on GOD’s promise that all things were for my benefit (2 Corinthians 4:15), let alone calculating that HE was actively at work achieving wonderful things through that very situation I so dreaded (2 Corinthians 4:15-18, Romans 8:28).

Instead, feeling sorry for myself, I cried out for GOD to release me from the nightmare and take me home to heaven.

I know GOD heard me, for suddenly I lost all control of my car on the snowy icy roads. My car spun round, and around, and around in circles then stopped with a thud, heading in the right direction on the right-hand side of the road. Miraculously, there had not been any traffic. GOD had held me in HIS hands protecting me, and protecting others from me, during the whole episode.

Then within I heard HIS soft whisper, “Sharon, Do you really want to die?”

I realized that I didn’t.   GOD had shown me truth by putting me in a wild tailspin.  In those crazy moments I knew there was a reason to live. Our LORD had taken the twisted view I’d gotten from listening to the evil one’s sneering lying accusations and turned it around 90 degrees then cropped it so I could see things clearly.  HE had done with my thinking, just as I had done to that picture of my friend and me.

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY had renewed my mind, showing me HIS glorious perspective. Only HE can do that!  That is why we are told to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5).

That experience sure taught me a lesson.  Now I know to arrest all my thoughts and examine them by talking them over with the LORD (Proverbs 3:5-7).  Aware of the deceptive power of the enemy’s taunting lies, I’ll often pray, standing the gap, for ones being mentally harassed by that liar, Satan. Regardless of their situation I pray that GOD bring them clarity in whatever way HE knows will work.  I ask that HE show them the purpose HE has for them for GOD does nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23) and HE has made each of us for a reason.  HE is Sovereign and will only allow struggles that HE can use for our good and HIS purposes.

GOD alone knows what battles each of us are fighting, and the lies we are being fed. HE alone has the wisdom, power and ability to deliver us from the ones stronger than we are (Psalm 18:17) and show us the way we should choose. But HE never takes away our GOD given ability to choose.

So, if you are struggling, recognize the truth that we are not sufficient by ourselves to think we can handle things, but our sufficiency comes from the LORD (2 Corinthians 3:5).

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfecter of my faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Hugs

Sharon

Every thought

It’s not just that I am getting older, just 10 years ago things were way different.  Words have changed their meanings and even history is being erased.  Have you ever wondered how everything has gotten so crazy? I believe it is that spiritual warfare has been upped a level or two.

In today’s world with one saying this and another saying that how can we know what is true?  No matter where we look there seems to be another reason to fear or get angry.  So how can we obey JESUS who tells us not to let (allow) our hearts be troubled but to simply believe in GOD the FATHER and to believe in HIM (John 14:1).

According to the Bible, we have been in the last days for some time now (since our LORD JESUS was on the earth -Hebrews 1:1-2) and we are told the last days are days of deception.  There is a battle going on for our minds and though it may not seem that way our battle is NOT with flesh and blood people but with principalities and powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in the heavenlies (Ephesians 6:10-13) against us and influencing people.

In this spiritual war GOD has weapons powerful enough to pull down the strongholds of wrong thinking and every deceptive argument that rises up against GOD’s knowledge (2 Corinthians 10:4-5) For really GOD is still in control, does know what HE is talking about, and all of HIS ways are right and do work.  We are instructed to take every thought captive, we cannot let them run wild.

JESUS said abide in ME (stay close to ME), without ME you can do nothing (John 15:5) and HE said if we let HIS words abide in us our prayers will be answered (John 15:7). Then in 2 Corinthians 3:5 we are told that we are not sufficient as of ourselves to think anything as coming from ourselves, our sufficiency comes from CHRIST. So, we need to abide in HIM- meet with HIM in HIS word and prayer.

Hebrews 4:16 tells us to run to the throne of grace for mercy and grace to help in time of need. So, I just take troublesome thoughts in prayer to the throne.  GOD has an amazing way of taking my thoughts and through the HOLY SPIRIT showing me HIS.  For when I am in HIS presence things become clear as I am reminded of Bible verses.

When fears, frustrations, anger or rebellious thoughts come, do what I have learned to do.  I arrest them by taking them to JESUS who sits on the right hand of GOD the FATHER’s throne in heaven for HE understands (Hebrews 4:14-16).  Why should you struggle in your own strength (or lack of it) with the thoughts that the enemy is shooting at you like fiery darts?  Just take those thoughts to throne and HE will show you the truth and give you strength to cope.

Hugs

Sharon

Whose way?

It is written that the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is always in control (Ephesians 1:11) though HE may not engineer a struggle, one cannot happen without HIS permission (see Job chapters 1 and 2). Although the LORD may allow trouble to come from an outside source it is never without a cause (Proverbs 26:2). The MOST HIGH always has a plan and HIS intent for allowing something difficult is always to achieve a necessary good (Genesis 50:20).

GOD’s ways are not our ways, HE does not think like we do, and HIS thoughts are light years beyond our capacity to comprehend (Isaiah 55:8-9). For that reason, we are told to live by faith, that is to trust the LORD’s wisdom, power and love.

I know that, yet I still find I must remind myself of that when things look bad!  The way I remind myself is by running to GOD and pouring out my heart to HIM.  Then HE whispers (impresses on me) a verse or reminds me of a time HE delivered out of trouble. Whatever HE says stills my soul and returns my peace.

“This I recall therefore I have hope, it is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed because HIS compassions fail not. They are new every morning: Great is YOUR faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:21-23).

“The LORD is good to them that wait for HIM (to work), to the soul that seeks HIM. It is good that one should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD…For the LORD will not cast off forever, though HE cause grief, yet HE will have compassion according to the multitude of HIS mercies.  For HE does not want to afflict or grieve” (Lamentations 3:25-26, 31-33).

But as a loving FATHER HE must discipline the one HE accepts (those who have come to HIM through JESUS Hebrews 7:25, John 1:12-13).  The LORD does it for their profit that they may be partakers of HIS holiness. We are urged not to despise the discipline of the LORD. No discipline at the time it happens is fun but hard and painful nevertheless afterwards it yields (produces) the peaceable fruit of righteousness to them who are exercised by GOD through their struggles (see Hebrews 12:5-7, 10-11).

It is through our struggles that GOD pleads for us redeeming us from our own sinful nature (Lamentations 3:58).

Disciple from GOD will continue until the child learns.  We as parents do the same with our children. If a child refuses to change though disciplined, harsher discipline must follow.  In that way they cause their own troubles.

“they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way” (Judges 2:19).

“Therefore, shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices” (Proverbs 1:21).

We are told in Isaiah 58:13 that IF we stop going our own way, stop trying to find our own pleasures and stop speaking our own words it is then that we delight in the LORD. 

Delight yourself also in the Lord: and HE shall give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).

Hugs

Sharon