What should I pray?

Alone in the stillness of the early morning in my comfy chair out in our backyard garden looking up in the vastness of the soft blue sky this morning I was consumed with amazement of the immensity and greatness of our GOD.  As I spoke to YHWH- the great I AM- Creator of the heavens and the earth I continued to gaze intently at the blueness and noticed bits of mist forming into a tiny cloud.  Couldn’t help but think of Elijah and realized that the ALMIGHTY was answering my earlier question in how I was to pray for a situation.

Let me explain. You don’t have to go online and search for a video to get instructions in how to do what GOD wants you to do.  The bible is our instruction manual. JESUS said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of GOD.” Matthew 4:4

The bible tells us (we who received the HOLY SPIRIT when we believed in JESUS John 7:38-39, Ephesians 1:13) to walk after the SPIRIT (follow the leader Romans 8:1, 4) and to be led by the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 8:14, Galatians 5:18) just as JESUS was.

Luke 4:1 “And JESUS being full of the HOLY SPIRIT returned from Jordan and was led by the SPIRIT”

To follow the leading of the SPIRIT in prayer, 1^st let’s check and see how the HOLY SPIRIT prayed.

Romans 8:27 “And HE (GOD the FATHER) that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the SPIRIT, because HE (the HOLY SPIRIT) makes intercession for the saints according to the will of GOD.”

And as JESUS told us we find that will of in GOD’s word the bible.

So how does all this have to do to me seeing bits of mist coming together to form a tiny cloud which made me think of Elijah?  GOD told Elijah that as punishment on Israel HE was sending a famine, and it would not rain but he was to pray that it not rain.  So, Elijah told King Ahab and then went and prayed that it would not rain. 

“…As the LORD GOD of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.” (1 Kings 17:1) In other words it will not rain again until I pray that it rain.

Over 3 years later GOD told Elijah to go to King Ahab for HE (GOD) was going to send rain (1 Kings 18:1). You need to do your own homework and read 1 Kings 17 and 18 to gets some exciting stories that I’ll pass by. 

After much excitement and the killing of all the hundreds of false prophets of Baal, Elijah went to the top of Mt Carmel and cast himself on the earth and put his face between his knees and told his servant to go look toward the sea and the servant saw nothing.  This happened 7 times and it came to pass that the seventh time the servant told Elijah behold, there arises a little cloud out of the sea about the size of a man’s hand.  Elijah told his servant to go to Ahab and tell him to get in his chariot and down the mountain before the rain stopped him. (summary of 1 Kings 18:42-44).

In James it says that Elijah’s prayers stopped the rain for 3 ½ years and then caused it to rain (James 5:17-18) but what it doesn’t say is Elijah’s prayed what GOD told him that HE was going to do.

Ezekiel 36:36b-37a paraphrased: GOD says, I will do it for them, but I want them to ask for me for it.

JESUS said, “THY will be done on earth as it is in heaven” Matthew 6:10.

How do we learn GOD’s will in a situation, so we know how to pray effectively and not just into the air? 1^st Ask GOD what HE wants (Proverbs 3:5-7). Then do as led.  Often when reading the Bible we are impressed to pray verses from the Bible.  Sometimes the HOLY SPIRIT will nudge us with a piece of a bible verse and sometimes we have no clue as to what GOD is doing so pray what we know is true and can pray what we want if we add “but not my will but THY will be done” (just as JESUS did Matthew 26:39).

We may not stop the rain for 3 ½ years but as we grow in our knowledge of GOD through HIS word and learn to listen to the HOLY SPIRIT our prayers can and will be effective.

Hugs

Sharon

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

Past, Present and Future

I used to love putting together jigsaw puzzles, but I don’t have the time to work on puzzles any more.  One thing for sure, before beginning to put pieces of the puzzle together I had to have an idea of what the completed puzzle would like and gather outline pieces and similar colors together or it would be pure confusion.

On the surface parts of the Bible can be like that.  As Peter tells us in 2 Peter 3:¹⁶ some scripture is hard to understand for those who have not learned by studying the Word of GOD …

It takes time to learn, to know GOD and HIS ways.  GOD teaches us when we go to HIS word. Isaiah 28:⁹ Whom shall HE teach knowledge? and whom shall HE make to understand doctrine? …¹⁰ For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little

We put together a jigsaw puzzle piece by piece and the more pieces we put together the clearer the becomes.  In the same way things become clearer as we continue to study the Bible. 

Paul in Acts 20^:27 declared ^“For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of GOD.”  He knew that believers needed teachers to help them understand the hard parts.  So we don’t get stuck/ confused at what GOD means

That is why JESUS gave pastors and teachers to the church (Ephesians 4:11-14) to help us see what GOD is saying not just to know what to believe but to know how to act. (Yet we must always check out what teachers say with the Word of GOD Isaiah 8:20)

A word in the Bible may have many meanings which one can only understand according to the context where it is used. So, when a word’s meaning is confusing sometimes it helps to do a word study to get an overview of that subject.  You can do it by looking up every reference of that word and seeing it fits in its chapter. 

One such concept that could be confusing came to light today as I was writing the study for 1 Peter 1. Feeling that I needed to explain it further so the gals in class could grasp what was being said I rewrote a poem I wrote decades ago. 

The concept is about salvation.  My son liked it so well, I thought I would share it with you.

Salvation Past Present and Future

Past:      JESUS has saved me from the punishment, the punishment of sin Dying for me HE saved me from the punishment of my sin When I called on the LORD JESUS, trusting in HIS word HE washed me and saved me from the punishment of sin.    Ephesians 2:5 Revelation 1:5

JESUS saved me from the punishment, the punishment of sin, HIS death on the cross saved me from the punishment of my sin. And now I’ll share HIS glory, with HIM forever be. For HE has saved me from the punishment of sin.   John 3:16

Present:      Though I’m saved from the punishment, the punishment of sin I found my old sin nature still lurks within But JESUS has promised victory, victory over sin.

Yes, HE helps me and keeps saving me from the power of sin.  Hebrews 7:25 1 Corinthians 1:18 HE is saving me from the power, the power of sin

Praying for me JESUS saves me from the power of sin. If I run to HIM when tempted, giving all my thoughts to HIM GOD saves me from the power of sin.   Hebrews 4:16 James 1:17 1 Peter 1:5

The SPIRIT also is saving me from the power, the power of sin As HE reveals JESUS to me, I become more like HIM    2 Corinthians 3:18 By planting truth within me, HE shows me the evilness of sin And so the SPIRIT is saving me from the power, the power of sin  John 16:8, 13 Philippians 2:13           

Future:    As I’m being saved from the power, the power of sin One day JESUS will call me up and I’ll go be with HIM.  1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 The expectant hope of redemption and adoption is growing within    Romans 8:23 For I’ll be set free from this body and saved from the very presence of sin.  1 Peter 1:5 Romans 5:9, Romans 7:24

That is why we must read the Bible from cover to cover. 

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

Check it out

One summer in the early 70’s was a terrible time of difficulties and confusion for me. Although I lived 50 miles away I decided to go to the Quincy fair to see if I could see any of my friends from high school.  Walking around at the fair, a stranger at the Gospel trailer introduced herself to me and said, “You look troubled. If you ever want to talk here is my address, write me.” And with that she handed me a slip of paper with her name and address. While doing laundry the following week I found that slip of paper and wanting to vent I wrote her.  She challenged me to take 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and give thanks to GOD every time I felt hurt or got mad at my situation, even if it meant doing it dozens of times each day. She told me to disregard my feelings and do just want it said- to give thanks.

I took her challenge and being I had to change my focus off the problem and on to GOD each time I thanked HIM for something negative, things began changing in me. For being with GOD changes us. After a few letters back and forth (we lived over 100 miles apart) she invited me to go with their little church up a mountain for a few days of camping with preaching,  She dismissed my excuses by saying just to bring my 2 young daughters and everything from a tent to food would be provided. I accepted.  During a break in the preaching we were told to go alone and read the Bible. GOD met with me as I sat under a tall Ponderosa Pine reading in Isaiah 50.  Through HIS word the LORD told me what HE was calling me to do (Isaiah 50:4-5) and gave me a strong warning to wait for HIS instructions for if I plotted my own way I would only get myself into trouble (Isaiah 50:10-11).  I believed HIM as HE spoke through HIS Word and the HOLY SPIRIT made it clear in my heart.

As you probably have noticed, GOD called me to share with others that which HE speaks to me through HIS word. Check out what I say by GOD’s Holy Word.

Never in scripture do you find the words, “figure it out yourself.” But repeatedly GOD’s Word urges us to “ask GOD” (James 1:5-7), or “acknowledge GOD” (talk to GOD about it-Proverbs 3:5-7). That is because the LORD has already figured out and knows what I need to do. HE declares that HE has even prepared the way ahead for me and you (Ephesians 2:10).  When GOD nudges me or tugs at me to do something, I know that I need to do it.

Still there are times I must force myself to not to be like a stubborn mule and just trust HIM when I don’t understand. The HOLY SPIRIT reminds me (John 14:26) that HE warned me not to scheme my way ahead but wait for HIS to leading (Isaiah 50:10-11).

There were times that even the 12 disciples questioned our LORD’s leading. “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing, nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” The disciples chose to obey JESUS’ nudge when it made no human sense to them. Because they did, they caught so many fish they had to call for another boat to help them pull them in the catch (Luke 5:5-7).

We need to be open minded and eager to hear GOD’s instructions, willing to do whatever HE wants. JESUS said if we are willing to do what GOD wants we will know if something is really from GOD or not (John 7:17).

A good way to learn to discern GOD’s voice is to be like the Bereans and daily search the scriptures (Acts 17:11). That way we will recognize the LORD’s voice when we hear it and know if the nudge or tug we are feeling is really from GOD.

hugs

Sharon

Say again

How important are names?  Does it matter to you if people get your name right? I know people who get upset if someone says or spells their name wrong. Now its easy for me to remember faces and their prayer requests (since I’ve prayed for them) but names are harder for me.

The Shema (shema means hear) is the oldest and most important prayer in Judaism. It forms an important part of Jewish evening and morning prayer and is used as a Jewish confession of faith.   Deuteronomy 6:4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord (YHWH) our God (Elohim -plural form of supreme over all) is one Lord (YHWH).”  By looking at the word forms of this confession of faith shows that YAHWEH (the LORD) is plural in existence although one in character, attributes and purpose.  You and I in effect speak of the Shema when we talk about the trinity.

This morning turning to the minor prophet section I found my marker in Amos 1.  Noticing a repetition I quickly went through the 5 short chapters and was amazed that GOD’s covenant name of Yahwey (YHWH) was used 83 times, HIS name God (Elohim-which is the plural form of God) was used 11 times and HIS name for Lord over all (Adonai) 25 times.

When seeing GOD’s names repeated so often obviously I questioned, “Why?  Why is Amos so entranced with GOD’s names in this message given him as he was moved to write specific things by the HOLY SPIRIT (2 Peter 1:21). But why in the world did he see the need to use GOD’s names so often?

So of course, I went back to chapter 1 and began to slowly read. Amos 1:2 the LORD (YHWY) will roar from Zion.  In chapters 1 and 2 eight times YHWH mentions a country.  The LORD GOD begins each time: For thus says the LORD (YHWH) then HE names the country and states that BECAUSE of certain transgressions (sins) which HE gives specifics about, HE would not turn away from punishing them.

YHWH the self-existent ONE who is the source of all things uses here 1) the word BECAUSE showing that HE does nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23) and being their Creator people are responsible to HIM. The LORD holds mankind to standards (Romans 3:23) that when broken must be punished.

Ecclesiastes 8:5Whoso keeps the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment. 6)Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, 11) BECAUSE the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

One of the many sins mentioned is abortion showing GOD cares for the unborn child (Amos 1:13).

Then I started in chapter 3 where the LORD is speaking to the Jews.  Amos 3:1 “Hear (shema) the word the LORD has spoken” Amos 3:2 “I will punish you for all your iniquities” Amos 3:3 “for how can two walk together unless they be agreed.” GOD wants to walk with HIS people so must discipline us so we can see things correctly for only then HE can walk with us (Hebrews 12:11). 

Then Amos 3:4-6 show cause and effect and Amos 3:7 takes up that concept with,  “Surely the LORD GOD will do nothing but HE reveals the secret to HIS servants the prophets.”  Amos 3:8 “The lion has roared and who will not fear?  The LORD has spoken who can but prophesy?”

You know the LORD has revealed what is coming in HIS word written by prophets and apostles as they were moved by the HOLY SPIRIT.  We must pay close attention to their words in these evil days, these days of deception.  The only way we can know what is true is to check it out with GOD as we go to HIS word (Isaiah 8:20). 

It is exciting to know that we who have received JESUS as LORD and Savior by calling on HIS name (Romans 10:9-10, 13, John 3:16) are awaiting JESUS to catch us away before that terrible 7-year period of time when GOD’s wrath falls on the earth punishing the evil that has been done. 

But those who have rejected JESUS will have to go through that time.  Therefore, we who know JESUS have been commissioned by JESUS (Acts 1:8) to tell people about JESUS and HIS forgiveness, giving them a chance to receive JESUS and escape the wrath that is coming.

Scary, maybe.  But what the unsaved face is much, much worse.

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

The old and the new

Do you remember the song that began: “As a deer panteth for the water so my soul longeth after THEE?”

As I opened up to Psalms 42 that was the 1^st thing I saw and of course stopped and sang the song.  

Then I went on to read verse 2, “My soul thirsts for GOD for the living GOD: when shall I come and appear before GOD?”  The old testament believers couldn’t appear before HIM or hear directly from GOD but got it all 2^nd hand from Moses and later the prophets.  That reminded me of yesterday’s lesson in Hebrews and I just wanted to share the joy and excitement of it with you. 

In the giving of the law to the Jews after they left Egypt they got to Mt Sinai. GOD told Moses to tell the people not to touch the mountain for if they did they would die.  GOD was going to appear in the sight of the people on the mountain as fire, smoke and a cloud and speak to the people.  The LORD spoke the 10 commandments to the people and in words sounding like a trumpet blast.  The people begged that GOD speak no more to them for they couldn’t bear (carry or do) what was being commanded.  The sight was so terrible that even Moses said, I am trembling with fear (see Hebrews 12:18-21, Exodus 19:10-12).

1-They couldn’t touch the mountain or go close because they were sinful (Habakkuk 1:13) and GOD is HOLY.  Although 2-GOD appeared right on earth in the sight of the people 3-on the mountain they could actually touch and 4-GOD spoke audibly to them, 5-the people begged that GOD speak no more to them personally 6-they could not bear what was being commanded 7-GOD then wrote the law (10 commandments) on tablets of stone.

Then in Hebrews 12:22-23 speaks of us, those who have believed/ trusted in JESUS to save them :1-we can go directly to GOD (Hebrews 4:16) but cannot touch the location for HE is in Heaven and we are on earth (Hebrews 1:3).  Since JESUS paid for our sins we have been cleansed (Colossians 2:13-14, Hebrews 10:10, 14) and through faith in JESUS, GOD the GOD FATHER has given us HIS righteous standing (Romans 3:22).  When we come to GOD and read HIS word we hear HIM speak (in our hearts) to us personally and it brings us not just understanding and direction but peace and joy for there is joy in the Presence of the LORD (Psalm 16:11).

Let’s compare the Old covenant with the New covenant established on the cross through the blood of JESUS (1 Corinthians 11:25). 

1-Old covenant-they actually saw an appearance and could have physically touched the place where GOD was.

1-New Covenant-We live by faith not sight and cannot physically touch the place of GOD for HE is in heaven, and we are on earth.

2-Old Covenant-they could not approach GOD because of their sin

2-New Covenant-We have been cleansed by the blood of CHRIST and come personally and directly to GOD through JESUS (Hebrews 7:25)

3-Old Covenant-They were filled with fear and trembling and did not want to hear GOD directly

3-New Covenant-we are to come into HIS presence confidently because HE tells us to (Hebrews 4:16)

4-Old Covenant-GOD spoke to the people through Prophets (Hebrews 1:1).

4-New Covenant-although GOD uses HIS written word, the HOLY SPIRIT given to us when we believe explains GOD’s word to us and directs us individually according to the will of GOD for us by placing within us the desire and ability to do HIS will (John 14:26,16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:10-13, Philippians 2:13).

5-Old Covenant-GOD wrote with HIS finger the 10 commandments on stone

5-New Covenant-The HOLY SPIRIT writes in our hearts and minds the law (desires) of GOD (HE often uses our reading the Word of GOD to do that as HE places the desire to be like our FATHER in heaven in us.

Let me note that our unchanging GOD’s standard of right and wrong is still the same.  The difference is that when we belong to JESUS, the HOLY SPIRIT stirs up the desire in our hearts to do right (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16 and if boldly run to the throne for help we are given everything we need to do right. 

In the Old Covenant the people followed rules set in stone in fear of the wrath of GOD.

In the New Covenant because we have JESUS and have been born into  GOD’s family (John 1:12-13) the HOLY SPIRIT places GOD’s desires within us and we act in order to please our loving FATHER not to get or keep ourselves saved from the wrath of GOD.

2 Corinthians 3:3 “Forasmuch as you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of CHRIST ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the SPIRIT of the living GOD; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

What a privilege we have, our hearts do not have to pant after GOD we can go directly to HIM at any time, and HE will meet directly with us!   Praise the LORD!!!

Hugs

Sharon

Walking in the SPIRIT

Romans 8:1, 6 says that there is no condemnation if you walk in the SPIRIT and that you will fulfill the will of GOD.  Galatians 5:16 tells us that if we walk in the SPIRIT we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

Some ask, what does it mean to “walk in the SPIRIT?”  Or How can I “walk in the SPIRIT?”

John 7:37-39 and Ephesians 1:13 tell us that when one believes in JESUS he receives the HOLY SPIRIT.  The HOLY SPIRIT comes to seal us to GOD as a purchased possession, to teach and lead us in the way we should go.

It is GOD (the HOLY SPIRIT 1 Corinthians 2:10-13) who explains GOD’s word to us and places in us the knowledge of what GOD wants us to do and gives us the ability to do it (Philippians 2:13).  But its our responsibility to do it.

The HOLY SPIRIT always speaks according to the Word of GOD (the Bible) since it was HE who moved on men to write GOD’s words so man could read them (2 Peter 1:21).

When you just known deep down you need to make a phone call or do some specific thing, that is the HOLY SPIRIT nudging you. However, if what you feel you should do goes against what the Bible says, then you know it is another spirit attempting to tempt you to do wrong.  So always check what you think you should do with the Word of GOD.  It is so important to know the Word of GOD and when you are reading it you are learning to hear HIS voice.

1 Corinthians 14:14 speaks of the difference of the soul (mind/ understanding) and human spirit. We are body, soul and spirit. The body is obvious it houses our soul and spirit. The soul is our mind (intellect), emotions and will and our spirit was dead in trespasses and sin until we accepted JESUS.

When we called upon the LORD JESUS our souls were saved (from the punishment of our sin (Romans 10:9-10,13).  Our spirit came to life (Ephesians 2:1-5) so now we can communicate with GOD. When the HOLY SPIRIT explains things to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-13) then our soul understands, and we choose to accept what HE says or refuse it.

Early autumn a long time ago (early 90’s), after an amazingly wonderful summer working at the Christian Camp Elim I came home and became very depressed for no apparent reason. It blew me away for it was something I had never experienced. I did what I knew to do.

I began to pray and opened my Bible and read the Word of GOD. It didn’t help.

I called spiritual friends and had them pray for me, it didn’t help either.

This went on until one day I was reading in John and came to JESUS statement in John 14:1, “Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in GOD, believe also in ME.’  Immediately the depression lifted… I mean poof, it was gone. That was even crazier than the depression itself. But I felt nudged to check out that verse in the Greek.

Praise the LORD, it was there I found the answer and discovered an amazing truth I had not yet understood.

The Greek for “let not” was a negative imperative (it was a command “do not allow”) and it was passive (someone was stirring me up/ troubling me). It pointed out that an outside force (demonic) had overstepped his rights and taken advantage of me (2 Corinthians 2:11) causing me deep discouragement. That is one of the devil’s seditious devices.

But those words also showed me that I was allowing it to happen, and I didn’t have to. When I read John 14:1 and the depression vanished, it was because my spirit had understood what GOD the HOLY SPIRIT was saying to me and obeyed. My spirit obeyed GOD by turning my focus to JESUS and thus refusing to let the devil discourage me any longer.  Little did I know I was obeying James 4:7.

But my mind (my soul) did not understand why I had immediate release. That is why I felt baffled. The HOLY SPIRIT chose to teach me by nudging me to check out the Greek of John 14:1 and used my research to show me why I was struggling. Then I (my soul/ mind/ intellect) understood why the depression had lifted.

Hebrews 4:12 says that the Word of GOD is a discerner of thoughts and the intents of hearts and that it can divide the soul and spirit. It definitely did that very thing for me that day. Besides coming to understand the problem and fixing it, I also caught a glimpse of the difference between my soul (understanding) and my spirit.

When the HOLY SPIRIT moved (influenced) men of GOD, they spoke and wrote the Scriptures (2 Peter 1:21). In the same way whenever we feel a nudge (that inner knowing what is right and that we should do something) it is the HOLY SPIRIT moving us to act.

If and when we acknowledge GOD ask HIM for wisdom to lead us and are determined to do whatever HE moves us to do (Proverbs 3:5-7, James 1:5-9) we know HE will lead us for HE has promised to do so.  It is then we walk in the SPIRIT. And there is no safer place to be.

But we can resist the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT when we lean on our own understanding and are wise in our own eyes, wanting just what we want.

Are you walking in the Spirit?  The choice is yours.

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

The 7 sons of Sceva

Overcomer part 3

Oops I missed one text on OVERCOME so before we go on to see the OVERCOMER in the book of Revelation let’s look at the one I missed and the truth it reveals.

“And the man (1 man against 7) in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and OVERCAME them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded” (Acts 19:16).

This interesting episode occurred when 7 sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest (Jews who had hear the name of JESUS but did NOT know JESUS hence did NOT believe in JESUS (1 John 2:13-14) tried to use JESUS’s name as an incantation to exorcise demons.  But since they were not saved therefore did NOT have the HOLY SPIRIT, hence did NOT have the HOLY SPIRIT’s power in them (Ephesians 1:13-14, 1 John 4:4, 5:4) they were NOT OVERCOMERS.  

But GOD, who works all things after the counsel of HIS own will, used this incident and caused the news of what happened to spread and fear fell on all and the name of the LORD JESUS was magnified (Acts 19:13-17). 

This truly shows that just using the name of JESUS is not enough.  Only those who know JESUS, believers who have received the truth and thus sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 1:13-14) are OVERCOMERS and they are OVERCOMERS because GOD the HOLY SPIRIT of power(1 John 4:4) lives in them and as a well springing up flow to and through them (John 4:14, 7:38-39)..  They do NOT OVERCOME because of anything from themselves.

Verses I learned when I 1^st was saved say so clearly,

“NOT that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency comes from GOD; (2 Corinthians 3:5).

“He that believeth in ME, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this JESUS spoke of the SPIRIT, which they that believe on HIM should receive: for the HOLY SPIRIT was not yet given; because that JESUS was not yet glorified.)” (John 7:38-39).

You who KNOW JESUS and have called on the name of the LORD join with me to PRAISE GOD our Heavenly FATHER for all that HE has done especially for sending us JESUS and for our salvation.

PRAISE JESUS with me for loving us, dying for us and sending us the promised the HOLY SPIRIT from GOD our FATHER and continuously praying for our perfection (Hebrews 7:25).

And let us listen carefully to and not grieve, not nor quench the HOLY SPIRIT of Power who lives in us teaching us, comforting us, leading us, editing our prayers (Romans 8:26-27) and empowering us.

Hugs

Sharon