Eternity and Holiness

I felt guilty.  You see my folks had recently divorced and their arguments were always about us kids. I felt very guilty and responsible for the break-up of our family.  My oldest sister went with Mom, Dad had my younger sister, and I went 600 miles away to live with my semi-invalid grandma to wash the cups and saucers (LOL) and basically help her. 

She always had on Christian radio and insisted that I go to church (the only protestant church in our Jewish neighborhood).  It was there one Sunday morning when I was 12 sitting up in the tiny balcony of the little West Hollywood Baptist church, passing notes to a girlfriend and not paying a bit of attention to the sermon when all of a sudden I heard with clarity the pastor’s voice say, “JESUS died for your guilt.”

Without question I believed the offer of JESUS to forgive my sin, cleanse me and change me was real.  Since I wanted to get rid of that nagging feeling of guilt, I rushed down the stairs and to the front of the church to call on the name of the LORD JESUS and be saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13). 

Two years later at a Christian summer camp I sang with the others, “How great THOU art.”  As we sang I experiencing GOD’s presence as never before.  I felt a specific call from GOD and my awareness and AWE of GOD the HOLY ONE raised up several levels. 

All this came back to me as I thought to share with you concerning the HOLINESS, the FOREKNOWLEDGE and UNCHANGEABILITY of our eternal GOD.  The High and lofty ONE who inhabits ETERNITY, whose name is HOLY (Isaiah 57:1)

The Hebrew word holy has two basic meanings.  1) being separate and 2) being morally pure.  We are being changed into the image of our LORD JESUS CHRIST who is GOD the SON to be morally pure.  We were separated to GOD for HIS purposes when we believed in JESUS.  But the HOLINESS of GOD is at a much higher level.

You see GOD is different in HIS HOLINESS than you or I.  HE is separate from all.  One preacher explained the difference in GOD’s HOLINESS and ours because GOD has absolute OTHERNESS.  HE (GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT) is the beginning so HE never began to be.  All things were made by HIM, and nothing was made without HIM (John 1:1-3, 14 Genesis 1:1-2).

Since nothing can come from nothing the eternity of the great I AM’ (GOD who was and is and is to come) is necessary.  For without HIM nothing, not you, not me, not the universe or any other thing could have come into being.

Since GOD is IMMUTABLE, HIS attributes and nature do not change, You might wonder, “But what about JESUS.  HE changed.” 

Isaiah 48:16 From the BEGINNING I (the WORD made flesh) have told you plainly what would happen.” And now the Sovereign Lord and HIS SPIRIT have sent me this message.

JESUS took on a body and became GOD/man Philippians 2:5-8).  GOD the WORD called GOD the SON never changed in HIS GODHOOD that is HIS attributes and nature. But when HE took on flesh / human/ the only (uniquely) begotten JESUS met changes and suffering.  HE was made like us (humans) in all ways so that HE could be our perfect HIGH PRIEST and lead us home to GOD the FATHER (Hebrews 2:9, 14-18).

Yet, ALL that GOD is HE always was. HE never learned anything because HE has always known all things. HE even knows every choice we will ever make. That is called FOREKNOWLEDGE.  

Nearly 1/3 of the bible/ GOD’s word was prophesy (a telling beforehand what would take place in the future) when it was written.  All prophesy is due to FOREKNOWLEDGE.  There have been hundreds upon hundreds of those prophesies fulfilled as foretold.  There are still many prophesies yet to be fulfilled.

GOD tells us in HIS word that the evidence of being GOD is FOREKNOWLEDGE.

Isaiah 41:23 “Declare the things that are going to come afterward, That we may know that you are gods…”

Isaiah 46:^9 “Remember the former things of old: for I am GOD, and there is none else; I am GOD, and there is none like ME, ¹⁰ Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, MY counsel shall stand, and I will do all MY pleasure: ¹¹ … I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.”

John 6:64 “… for JESUS knew that from the beginning who they were that believed not and who should betray HIM”

Have you received a promise?  That is when the HOLY SPIRIT assures you that something will occur. HE is telling you things to come (John 16:13), Every promise you have from GOD is prophesy yet to be fulfilled.  Those promises encourage you to endure when things get tough.

GOD’s plans are all based on HIS absolute FOREKNOWLEDGE (Acts 2:23, 1 Peter 1:2) and every one of them will come to be.  For HE is not a man that HE should lie or change HIS mind, if HE has said it HE will do it! (Numbers 23:19)

PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!

Hugs

Sharon

What amazing planning

I smiled with pleasure as I settled down for time with my GOD in HIS great outdoors. Basking in the beauty of the greenness of the trees and grass with bright yellow dandelions here and there, plus the red and pink of the roses in my backyard and the birds flittering back and forth from their feeder to the ground, while little squirrels individually cautiously crept down the cherry tree to snatch up a peanut from those I had tossed out for them then scurry away.

The light breeze of early morning whispered that summer is near, reminding me of the sequential seasons GOD has scheduled (both in nature and in each life.   Then as I read in Job 7:1 “Is there not appointed time to man on earth?…(3) even wearisome nights assigned to me” Acts 17:26-27 came to mind where GOD is said to preset the times and places for specific purposes.  But verse 27 clearly indicates that each individual must choose how to act in the times and places where they have been set.

Job 14:1 Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. ⁵ Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;

Wow, talk about an organized Planner.  People are just one aspect of our LORD’s creation, and I am just one of billions of people who HE has created individually and determined each of our times and places. 

Psalm 139:16 YOUR eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

A personal translation: “YOU scheduled every day of my life before I began to breathe.”

John 2:24 ²⁴ But JESUS did not commit HIMSELF unto them, because HE knew all men, ²⁵ And needed not that any should testify of man: for HE knew what was in man (how they would choose).

It is clear that everything began with GOD (GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON/JESUS and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT).  YHWH’s foreknowledge of all things meant that HE always knew all things and never had to learn anything.  According to GOD’s foreknowledge HE knew how each and every person would think, say (Psalm 139:4) and act before HE even made them.  Yet, GOD’s knowing how they would respond did not make them robots for HE has given all men the gift of choice.  HE allows us to choose what we will think, believe and do.

That astounding truth explains how GOD BEFORE TIME-appointed the seasons of this girl from California.  According to Ephesians 2:10 I am HIS workmanship in CHRIST JESUS (HE knew I would reach out for JESUS and be saved). YHWY planned where I would be and the good works that I should walk in (with HIM leading and enabling).  Things from marriage, children, Bible studies, working at a Christian camp, being a janitor and a security person, working for the MDA, facilitating a prayer chain on a closed military base, going on Prayer Journeys in the 10/40 Window and so much more.

I am HIS workmanship created in CHRIST JESUS unto good works that HE has prepared in advance for me to walk (with HIM in) in (Ephesians 2:10).  I delight in this truth, it takes the weight of ministering off of me and makes me feel secure for the LORD declares that HE who calls me to do something (whether a phone call or teaching a class) HE will do for me (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

This is just one of GOD’s awesome ways.

And it is not just for me, but it is for every believer in the LORD JESUS CHRIST.  The ones GOD foreknew would believe in JESUS, HE has prepared the way ahead for each one to complete the special purposes HE has chosen to use each one to accomplish.

Doesn’t that just boggle your mind? 

Remember Philippians 4:12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, …13 I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me.

And so can you if you run to the throne of grace for help in your times of need (Hebrews 4:16).

Hugs

Sharon

HE knows

Have you ever been surprised?  GOD has never been surprised.  HE never has to rethink anything since the LORD has always known everything that would ever happen HE never learns anything new.

“Now are we sure that YOU (JESUS) know all things…” (John 16:30)

“JESUS said to him… Simon, son of Jonas, do you love ME? Peter replied LORD, YOU know all things; YOU know that I love thee…” (John 21:17)

“… GOD is greater than our heart, and HE knows everything.” (1 John 3:20)

“… Does HE who teaches mankind lack knowledge?” (Psalm 94:10).

If we think about it most believers in JESUS who read and believe their Bibles will agree that the LORD knows all things.  But have you considered that GOD never had to learn anything because before anything happened HE knew all that would happen. Not because HE forces it to happen but because of HIS AWESOME quality called FOREKNOWLEDGE (Acts 2:23, 1 Peter 1:2) along with HIS pre-creation choice to preset the times and places setting the stage for people to choose from (Acts 17:26-27).

But we must not think that by setting the stage GOD is forcing the characters act a certain way.  Each person has been given the gift of choice>>>that is each one determines what he/she will do in any given situation and thereby is responsible for the action taken.

GOD is LORD of all, but HE is not a puppeteer.

“JESUS therefore, knowing all things that should come upon HIM (before they happened), went forth,…” (John 18:4).

“Known unto GOD are all HIS works FROM the beginning of the world” (Acts 15:18 KJ). Through HIS amazingFOREKNOWLEDGE GOD knew how HE would answer every prayer before HE created the world.

“… the LAMB (JESUS) slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8 KJ).  JESUS was crucified in the eternal plan of GOD before HE (JESUS Hebrews 1:1-3) created the world.  Therefore, HE had to know people would sin and would need a Savior and volunteered for the job.

In Psalm 139 it says GOD (the FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT) knows what we will say before we form the words in our minds.  The LORD knows what we will say before we do.  Amazing isn’t it? 

In this way, our eternal Creator knew what choices individual people would make before HE even made them.  Yet the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY chose to make people in HIS image and give them the ability to choose.  They could choose right or wrong.  They could choose to believe and follow GOD or suppress the truth and turn away from GOD to the things of the world (Romans 1:18-21).

GOD’s amazing FOREKNOWLEDGE (definition = to know/to see before it happens) is the basis on which GOD could give mankind the ability to choose and yet remain completely Sovereign= in control.

“HIM (JESUS), being delivered by the determinate will and FOREKNOWLEDGE of GOD, you have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.” Acts 2:23  

There we see GOD’s purposes and Sovereignty played out by man’s choice.  Remember GOD sets the stage with purpose in FOREKNOWLEDGE of man’s heart and what he will do, but it is man who decides what to do. (Acts 17:26-27).  I can’t say I understand how it all works but know from GOD’s word that it does.

“Remember the former things of old for I AM GOD and there is none else.  I AM GOD and there is none like ME declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying MY counsel shall stand and I will do all MY pleasure.  …I have spoken it, and I will do it.” (Isaiah 46:9-11)

“Elect (chosen/ called) according to the FOREKNOWLEDGE of GOD the FATHER” (1 Peter 1:4 KJ).   We see that FORKNOWLEDGE comes 1^st and is foundational.

What did GOD FOREKNOW for some to be elected (called and chosen)?  I would say HE knew who would believe and who would refuse to believe even though given light to believe (Romans 1:18-21).

“…In CHRIST JESUS called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of JESUS CHRIST our LORD, both theirs and ours.” (1 Corinthians 1:2 KJ).   So those who call on the name of the LORD are the called.  And what happens when one chooses to call upon the name of the LORD?  “For whoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:13 KJ).

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them that are the called according to HIS purpose.  For whom HE did FOREKNOW, HE did predestinate to be conformed to the image of HIS SON, that HE (JESUS) might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:28-29).

Yes, those GOD foreknew would call upon the name of the LORD HE planned for/ predestinated that they would be conformed to the image of CHRIST JESUS.  Each believer is GOD’s workmanship in CHRIST JESUS for GOD preset times and places for everything that occurs in their lives to work together to conform them to their LORD and Savior JESUS.

“For you are GOD’s workmanship created in CHRIST JESUS unto good works that GOD prepared in advance that you should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

The infinity/ limitlessness of the ALMIGHTY’s wisdom, power and love blows my mind! Yet at the same time makes me feel so secure for HE has promised me eternal life (John 3:16).

Hugs

Sharon

Why does GOD allow it?

When I was a girl there was a term we used if someone took back something they had given another as a gift.  It was colorful but not very nice and definitely not politically correct for me to use so let me just say GOD who choose to give man the ability to choose when HE made man in HIS image, declared that HE does NOT take back that which HE has once given (Romans 11:29). In other words, HE does not infringe on our ability to choose.

A gal recently said to me “When “thus and so happened” I stopped going to church- for how could GOD allow that to happen?”

Why do terrible things happen? Some things happen as a consequence of our actions; some things we consider terrible are things GOD is using to mature/discipling HIS children (James 1:2-4, 2 Corinthians 4:15-18, Hebrews 12:5-7, 10-11) while placing us when we need to be to do HIS will (Genesis 50:20). 

When GOD warned man not to do something HE told man some of what would occur if man acted in that way. Man was told enough to do what was right but was not given the whole picture (Deuteronomy 29:29).

Was GOD just making an impulsive rule when HE set the prohibition? Was HE just being whimsical when HE gave us the instructions within HIS Word the Bible?  Let’s just look at scripture little deeper for I believe GOD was acting in HIS great wisdom and doing great deal more than what we might suppose.

When in the counsel of heaven of GOD the FATHER, GOD the Word (Son/ JESUS John 1:1-4, 14)) and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT (Genesis 1:2) it was decided to make mankind in “OUR (GOD’s)” image it was also decided that mankind would be given authority/ dominion over the fish of the sea and the fowl of the air and over all the earth and everything that walks and creeps on the earth (Genesis 1:26).

GOD who choose to give man the ability to choose when HE made man in HIS image, declared that HE does NOT take back what HE has once given (Romans 11:29). In other words, HE does not infringe on our ability to choose or take that gift away.

But from being ruler over his world something happened when man chose to listen to the snake (devil Revelation 20:2) instead of his Maker the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.

Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? (Romans 6:16 NLT).

When man chose to obey the devil, man went from being ruler to being a slave to the devil and turned over his authority/ dominion of the earth to the devil and his followers (evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NLT).

“You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey GOD. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to GOD’s anger, just like everyone else. (Ephesians 2:2-3 NLT).

We know that we are children of GOD and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one (1 John 5:19 NLT).

Prior to HIS public ministry JESUS was severely tempted by the devil/ Satan for 40 days. At one point the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain, showed to JESUS all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.  “And the devil said unto JESUS, All this power will I give YOU, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.  If YOU therefore wilt worship me, all shall be YOURS’ (Luke 4:5-6).

Now JESUS who knew all things did not deny that that were the devil’s to give. But JESUS refused the devil’s offer by saying, “Get behind me Satan for it is written you shall worship the LORD your GOD, and HIM only shalt you serve” (Luke 4:7).

Now the devil didn’t make man do anything.  What he did and does is snidely whisper lies and get man to believe him instead of GOD.  Therefore, it is evident that by listening and obey the voice of the devil mankind became a slave to the devil and by default turned the dominion GOD had given him over to the devil.

The same is true today, believing the snide lies of the evil one over GOD’s injunctions leads us into sin/disobedience and blindness and we lose our freedom.  That does not mean a believer loses her salvation for she when she believed was sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT of promise (Ephesians 1:13-14) until the day of redemption/ rapture (Ephesians 4:30) when all believers in JESUS will go through the roaring fire of the judgment seat of CHRIST (Bema seat-Greek// Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10). This is NOT the white throne judgment of Revelation 20 which occurs 1,007 years later.  As we are told only those dead (Revelation 20:12) in sin and trespasses- those not cleansed by blood of JESUS will be there.

Some believers in JESUS come out of the fire of the Bema seat of CHRIST and enter into heaven with rewards. Other believers in JESUS (cleansed by the blood of CHRIST) will enter heaven as out of a roaring fire smelling like smoke (1 Corinthians 3:10-15) and GOD will have to wipe their tears away (Isaiah 25:8). But that will be the natural consequence of their own choices.

So why do bad things happen?  GOD is not behind the evil that is being forcefully pushed and propagated in our world today., The devil is behind it.  GOD intends to stop not just the evil but the devil and teach angels as well. (Colossians 2:15, Ephesians 3:10).

That is why GOD sent HIS only begotten SON what whosoever believes in HIM will not perish but have eternal life…HE that believes on the SON has everlasting life but he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides (stays) on him (John 3:16, 36).

GOD who was, and is, and is to come is still good, wise and the powerful Sovereign over HIS creation. Remember HIS ways are not our ways and HIS thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9) HIS purposes will come to be and HE shall accomplish all that HE has determined to get rid of all wrong and evil will NOT arise again (Nahum 1:9).  Praise HIS name.

Hugs

Sharon

Choices

My son got 2 very young kittens a few weeks back. Knowing that after they ate they would have to do their business somewhere, we got two litter boxes.  We did not know what we know now. The kittens did not know what litter boxes were and became frightened when we would place them in one.  To cut down on the mess, I asked the LORD what to do. Then thought to put down cardboard with liter on it in the spots the kittens favored going (which is in my bedroom, under my bed). They are getting better on doing their business on the litter, but I still don’t know how to graduate them to the litter boxes.   

One of so many things I love about the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is that HE knows all things (John 16:30), not just things past and present but also future. That simple mind-boggling fact helps me accept so much I cannot grasp.

GOD in three persons makes up the GODHEAD (Matthew 28:19) and in the counsels of heaven HE chose to make mankind to fellowship with HIM.  HE chose to make them in HIS image (Genesis 1:26).  Part of that image is the ability to make choices. Yet GOD did not make man to be in control.

Many scripture texts show that GOD allows men to do wrong to show us what is in us and why we need a Savior. Each person is always responsible for their own choices and choices have consequences. Often the MOST HIGH allows wicked men to do wrong.  But as Genesis 50:20 (and many other texts) show when GOD allows men to do wrong with evil intent, GOD has pre-planned to use their actions for an end result of good to those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).  There is always a plan in place (see 2 Corinthians 4:15-18) and GOD is always in control (Ephesians 1:11).

In making man with the ability to choose that meant they could either accept and love HIM or reject HIM.  HE knew before creation which would do what.  Yet for GOD to give the ability to choose meant HE had to 1st choose to allow HIMSELF to selectively suffer certain things because of mankind’s choices while GOD HIMSELF maintained complete Sovereign control. GOD is never at man’s mercy.

GOD the HOLY SPIRIT is said to grieve at times because of our actions (Ephesians 4:30). HE is holy and anything unholy grieves HIM. GOD the SON, our LORD JESUS, consented and chose to suffer much on earth from humiliation to carrying all the punishment for the sins of mankind in torture on the cross of Calvary.  GOD the FATHER suffered as HE laid HIS wrath for sin on HIS beloved SON.  HE did it out of HIS love for mankind.  But our triune GOD chose to do that because HE wanted us. 

“GOD devised means, that HIS banished be not expelled from HIM” (2 Samuel 14:14).

Interestingly, we find that GOD preset (past tense) the times and places (Acts 17:26) thereby set the stage where we make our choices.  In HIS astounding foreknowledge HE knew what choices would be made and synchronized it all.  It’s beyond amazing, just blows my mind thinking of it.

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

No duh!

The expression “no duh!” often coincides with the speaker tapping his palm to his head one time. It is an idiom, a slang declaration describing the concept- that is obvious. No duh! is usually used of something said by someone not thinking things though to their logical conclusion.

I was reading in I Kings about a wicked king. His little boy got sick, and the king told his wife to disguise herself, and go to the prophet to find out if the boy would die or not. To my way of thinking, that is so stupid. If you could deceive a prophet about who you are, how, in the world, could you believe that he could know the future about if the boy would die or not? Duh! The king didn’t consider the obvious. 

Reminds me of the way this world is thinking today.

The king’s wife did as she was told, and the prophet told the king’s wife many things beginning with:

“Come in, wife of Jeroboam. Why this pretense? Or, come on I know who you are (I Kings 14;6)”. Then, he continued, “When you set foot in your city, the boy will die. All Israel will mourn for him and bury him. He is the only one, belonging to Jeroboam, who will be buried, because he is the only one, in the house of Jeroboam, in whom the LORD, the GOD of Israel, has found anything good (1 Kings 14; 12-13).  And it happened just as the prophet said.

Wow if that doesn’t shout the foreknowledge of GOD and GOD’s choices because of the heart/ attitude of a person, nothing does!

Hmmm the good LORD found something good in the boy. I asked the LORD about it, and pondered on what it could mean. Was it foreknowledge of what the boy would choose, if he had a chance? Was it an attitude the child young as he was had? What good did GOD find in the child?

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? In Micah 6:8

-to act justly (do what you know is right)

-to love mercy (care about others)

-to walk humbly with your GOD. (Choosing to think about GOD and voluntarily submit to HIM)

Because you know that the LORD will reward everyone for whatever good he does (Ephesians 6:8).

Then they asked HIM, “What must we do to do the works GOD requires?” JESUS answered, “The work of GOD is this: to believe in the ONE HE has sent.” (John 6:28-29)

Have you believed in JESUS being born of a virgin, living a perfect life, dying on the cross for the sins of mankind, raised from the dead 3 days later, and preparing to come again?

GOD requires people to believe (have faith) in the ONE HE has sent- JESUS.  “For GOD so loved the world that HE sent HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  He that has the SON has everlasting life but he that believes not the SON shall not see life, but the wrath of GOD abides on him still (John 3:36).

GOD is holy and sin corrupts.  All have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD (Romans 3:23) knowing this would happen, the GODHEAD (GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT) planned for JESUS, GOD the SON to come to earth, take on a human body  and fulfill the law during HIS 30 some years on earth and as a perfect sacrifice with no sin of HIS own HE was crucified and all the sin of all men was placed on HIM. 

But there is a catch.  In order for your sins to be forgiven, you must be IN CHRIST JESUS by accepting GOD’s gift (Romans 6:23) through believing in JESUS and calling on the name of the LORD to be saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13).  GOD’s love is IN CHRIST JESUS (Romans 8:39).

Don’t be duped like the wicked king, and his wife. Think these things through and ask GOD to show you what is true.   Anyone who chooses to do the will of GOD will find out whether my teaching comes from GOD or whether I speak on my own. (John 7:17).

Hugs,

Sharon

On down the road

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be blessed, hugs.

Sharon

Preconceived ideas

Burning the Box of Preconceived Ideas or Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

GOD’s divine nature is so mind-boggling that although we cannot understand all HE is, the glimpses HE gives us are astounding. All that GOD is, is true for each of the Trinity (GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON (JESUS) and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT).

In the Bible we are given glimpses of the wonder of our GOD. The Bible is different than any other book. It was written, not by one man, but by many men as GOD the HOLY SPIRIT moved (inspired) them to write (2 Timothy 2:16, 2 Peter 1:21). Although we can enjoy its stories, and memorize its verses, we cannot understand the depths of its meaning on our own. We need an interpreter, so GOD gave every believer in JESUS, GOD the HOLY SPIRIT to explain what GOD the FATHER is saying to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-14). But the HOLY SPIRIT only tells us what GOD the FATHER tells HIM to say (John 16:13-15).

I dare say that I come to the Bible at times with preconceived notions, things people have said to me. But since JESUS promised that if we come to GOD’s word, we can know the truth IF we come willing to see and do whatever GOD wants (John 7:17).

The word of GOD is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, it is a discerner of our thoughts and the intents of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12) but at times I must ask GOD, “What do you mean?”

The word foreknowledge was such a place where I asked GOD “What do you mean?”

The Greek Lexicon says foreknowledge is a combination of two words: to know + before. That word is only used two times in the Bible.

Acts 2:23 “HIM (JESUS), being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of GOD, you have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.”

1 Peter 1:2 “Elect according to the foreknowledge of GOD the FATHER…”

Both texts beg the question. “What did GOD know before?“

Strong and Thayer’s Greek Lexicons referred me to another Greek word that was a combination of the same word to know + the word for heart. It is used just 2 times in the Bible as well.

Acts 1:24 THOU, LORD, who knows the hearts of all men, show which of these men…”

Acts 15:8 GOD who knows the hearts bare them witness, giving them the HOLY GHOST.

As we see, decisions were made in Acts 1:24 and 15:8 because GOD knew the hearts of men therefore knew beforehand what those men would do.

When it comes to the crucifixion of our LORD JESUS (Acts 2:23), the GODHEAD had determined/planned it for the salvation of whosoever would believe (John 3:16), before the beginning of the world (Revelation 13:8), yet GOD enacted it, by standing back and allowing wicked men to do what GOD foreknew would be in their hearts to do.

GOD used the choices that those wicked men would make, choices which originated in their own wicked hearts and which they were totally responsible and answerable for to bring about what GOD determined to happen.  It is like what Joseph told his brothers in Genesis 50:20, “But as for you, you thought evil against me, but GOD meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save many people alive.”

In 1 Peter 1:2 GOD who knows the hearts of all men, foreknew those who would choose to believe in JESUS and according to that foreknowledge GOD elected them for many wonderful things.

As GOD says in Proverbs 8:17, “I love them, who love ME…” but we only love HIM because HE 1^st loved us (1 John 4:19).

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of CHRIST (Romans 10:17)  Are you and am I telling people about JESUS?

Hugs

Sharon

We know cause GOD knows

Awhile back I sent out an urgent prayer request after finding a suicide note.  As I headed for bed after praying and sending out the prayer request, I sent up another arrow prayer to my heavenly FATHER and the LORD reminded me of the promise HE gave me before my boy was even born.  Then HE put a piece of a Bible verse in my mind (Proverbs 21:1, Philippians 2:13).

1 Peter 1:2…elect according to the foreknowledge of GOD…

Now although some might differ on what they think that phrase means, most Christians will agree on the truth that GOD knows everything.  GOD knows the end from the beginning and everything in between.  That means HE knows what I will do tomorrow and how I will react under certain stimuli and why.  It means HE knows who will pray and for what.  Acts 15:18 KJ “Known unto GOD are all HIS works from the beginning of the world.”  That includes HIS answers to my yet unspoken prayers.  Because of GOD’s foreknowledge of all the details and all the actions and reactions of people HE can make promises and still allow men the ability to choose.  HE can call them to co-labor with HIM through standing the gap and praying earnestly for others even knowing that some won’t.  It means a lot more than that, much more than I can comprehend but what I have stated is the emphasis GOD settled into my spirit that night and calmed me and filled me with joy.

What I understood GOD to say was simply, “Sharon, remember when I told you that I would bring your son back to serve ME, when you didn’t even have a son?  How you laughed when you told ME, ‘But LORD, I don’t have a son.”  Well, according to MY foreknowledge I chose your yet to be conceived son to do MY work for I knew his heart would love ME.  Well, he has not done it yet, so you can rest assured that I will keep him safe tonight, and every night until he does.  For I am not a man that I should lie, I have spoken, and I will do it (Numbers 23:19).

But listen carefully, that does not mean that you do not have to pray, or listen, or comply with MY directions.  I have not told you to ask ME for something I am not going to give you. I have said it and I will do it, but you must ask me for it (Ezekiel 36:36b-37a).

Although GOD was going to protect him, it was my job to pray for that very thing.  Why? My prayers were part of the doing.

Oh, the precious promises of GOD found in HIS word and whispered deep within our hearts.  Don’t neglect them. You and I need to do our part which is to grab onto the promises, use them to remind the LORD of what HE has said by praying them back to HIM, and clinging to them with all our strength and a prayer when the enemy denies them (for he will).  

Praise the LORD!  The next morning when I awoke, (yes, GOD let me sleep that night) my boy was home and safe.  What a comfort to know that others were praying but best of all that GOD listens and keeps HIS word.

I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to prayerfully consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding and keep you from deception (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT” (Romans 15:13). Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs

Sharon