What made the difference?

I would like to talk of 2 men who betrayed JESUS and what happened to them
Judas
-was one of the 12
-did NOT believe
-was a thief
-pretended loyalty to JESUS after
planned betrayal of JESUS
& met with priests
-betrayed JESUS for $
-the devil enticed him
-the devil entered him later only
after Judas chose several times
to act on his enticement.
-hung himself
Peter
-was one of the 12
-did believe
-was proud
-was ignorant of his weakness
-planned to stick with JESUS
-spoke words the devil had planted
-betrayed JESUS by denial
-the devil asked to sift him as wheat
-turned back to JESUS
-strengthen others.
–Opened the doors of salvation to both
the Jews and the Gentiles

What was the difference?

Scroll down to bottom for verses to validate these claims…
. Both of these men walked & talked day in and day out with JESUS during 3 years.
. Both of these men were in the inner circle of the 12 disciples.
Both of these men had weaknesses.
. The devil tempted both of these men
Both of these men at one time or another listened to the devil& followed his plans.
. But there was 1 basic difference between these men that stood out from all others. One believed that JESUS was LORD and the other did not.
. One killed himself, the other was a tool used of GOD to open the doors of salvation with the key of confession that JESUS is the Messiah, the Son of the living GOD

What was the difference?
Their ends show that the truth found in John 3;16-18

John 3:16"For God so loved the world that he gave HIS one and only Son, that whoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send HIS Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through HIM. 18Whoever believes in HIM is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because HE has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

verses:
JUDAS
John 6: 64 But some of you do not believe ME.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and HE knew who would betray HIM.) … 70Then Jesus replied, "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!" 71(HE meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray HIM.)

JESUS knew from the beginning that Judas didn’t believe and that Judas would betray HIM and yet JESUS both chose Judas and honored him as treasurer although he was a thief. John 12:4-6

John 13:2… the devil had already enticed Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to carry out his plan and betray JESUS… but it was not until after Judas pretended innocence and accepted the honored bread dipped in oil that the Satan entered into him. Luke 22:47,48 later that same night Judas led a mob to arrest JESUS and pointed out JESUS to the soldiers with a kiss.

Peter
Matthew 16: 15,16(JESUS speaking) “… who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, ‘YOU are the Messiah, the Son of the living GOD.”

Matthew 16:21-23 JESUS began telling them of HIS coming death but Peter took HIM aside and corrected HIM saying “Heaven forbid, LORD! This will never happen to YOU. JESUS turned to Peter and said, “Get away from ME Satan! You are a dangerous trap to ME (Peter) You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, and not from GOD’s.”

Luke 22:31,32 “Simon (Peter), Simon, Satan has asked to have you, to sift you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you that your faith will not fail. So when you have repented and turned to ME again, strengthen and build up your brothers.

Luke 22:33,34 Peter said, “I am ready to go to prison for you, and even to die with YOU.” But JESUS said , “Peter let ME tell you something, the rooster will not crow before you have denied three times that you even know ME.

Acts 2:14-41 uses the gospel of JESUS as a key to open the door of salvation to the Jews Acts 10 (entire chapter) uses the same key to open the door of salvation to the Gentiles.

entangled

Have you ever gone fishing and someone else’s line got tangled up with your? What a mess trying to get it untangled!

That is exactly what JESUS faced from the religious leaders, HIS last week on earth as HE taught the people in the temple at Jerusalem. As one verse says, they were trying to entangle HIM in HIS talk. But instead of getting frustrated as we might, HE used what was thrown at HIM to ensnare HIM as an opportunity to show the right way.

The Pharisees actually went out and plotted together in how to trap JESUS in what HE said. Then they sent one of themselves to HIM with the Herodians (who supported the Roman occupation)and asked if it was right to pay taxes. Taxes were a big issue. A catch 22 no matter what HE said.

But JESUS, who knows all things, knew what was going on. Asking for a coin (for HE had no money for the illustration) JESUS held it and asked, “Whose portrait is this and whose inscription?” Their response of course was, “Caesars” to which JESUS responded… “Give to Caesar that which is Caesar’s and unto GOD that which is GOD.” On hearing this the Pharisees were amazed and they left HIM. Matthew 23;15-22
(in other words, we have responsibilities to our families, to our government and although GOD needs to come 1st to us, we also need to fulfill our other responsibilities as well.)

Then came the Sadducees (who don’t believe in life after death) trying to trick JESUS by asking what would happen in heaven if they followed they followed the Bible’s instructions about a man marrying the widow of his brother to produce an heir. It was quite an elaborate presentation involving 7 brothers.

JESUS skipped the pretense and got to the real issue, “You err because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of GOD Matthew 23:23-29
(how many times are we worried or are wrong because we do not know the Scriptures nor the AWESOME power of GOD? That tells me we need to spend time learning what GOD says and if we do that we will see His AWESOME power)

"Heaven & earth will pass away, but My Words will never pass away. "Matthew 24:35)

Hugs
Sharon

Out of Character?

We looked JESUS heading for Jerusalem riding a donkey and a great crowd coming out to HIM with palm branches and shouting Hosanna (GOD saves) in the Highest. Now,

Mark 11:15On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. HE overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17And as HE taught them, HE said, "Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"

Is this JESUS, my peaceful, longsuffering suffering, never sinning, sovereign, Savior? This outburst of anger is anything by typical of what we think of JESUS. Especially since our outbursts are not something we are proud of.

Outbursts of anger are not my forte, but when they have occurred they were memorable! One time, when a landlady was taking advantage of Kari (then 17), I was like a she bear protecting her cubs. Both Kari and Jeri mouths gaped open in shock.

One thing is certain you don’t explode for no reason and we can be sure this totally untypical action on JESUS part had some really valid reasons. We will look at a few.

This is not the 1st time JESUS acted this way. At the very onset of HIS ministry, not long after HE turned the water into wine, at the same time of year (just before the Passover) JESUS went to Jerusalem and upon entering the temple HE drove the merchants away and overturned the moneychangers tables and scattered their money. John 2:13-15 Then his disciples remembered it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me." John 2:17

Now it is 3 years later, same timing just before the Passover, (now with the end of HIS earthly ministry just days away) here comes JESUS back to Jerusalem and into the temple doing the same thing. But this time scripture give us 3 reasons.

"(1)Is it not written: '(2) My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But (3) you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"

#1 Scripture foretold this would happen and told how it was an abomination in GOD’s eyes. Jeremiah 7:11 and context.

#2 JESUS acted against those who were misusing the house of GOD. The court designated by GOD for the Gentiles to come and worship HIM was full of loud hawking tradesmen and their tables and noise of the cattle and birds for exchange kept the Gentiles from being able to worship GOD. The temple was no longer a house of prayer for all nations that it was designed to be and it made GOD mad. (remember JESUS did only what GOD the FATHER told HIM to do John 8:28,29).

#3 The word den shows conspiracy between the high priestly family and merchants. The high priest insisted temple fees be paid in particular coinage and money changer overcharged and the priests insisted on their animals being used and the merchants sold blemished animals. Historical writings show the high priestly family at that time was despised by the people for dishonesty and greed with the market actually called by the high priest’s name ).

The Greek word for robber here is not a word used of a thief= klemtas (who purloins or pilfers whatever comes to hand) but rather the Greek word lasoton= a robber conducting his operations on a large and systematic scale.

As we are told in Hebrews 1: 1In the past GOD spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in these last days HE has spoken to us by HIS Son, whom HE appointed heir of all things, and through whom HE made the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of GOD's glory and the exact representation of HIS being,

So we see that JESUS actually was acting in character, HE desires all people to come and talk with HIM. HE wants our interaction (prayers) and HE gets mad if someone stops you from coming.

donkey

Donkeys are sturdy, surefooted and have larger ears than horses and can be ridden. Although donkeys are more laid back than a horse, they are also self-preserving in nature. They prefer to do what is good for the donkey, which is not always what the human thinks is best. Donkeys can also make wonderful guard animals.

The Bible is replete of donkeys from beginning to end. I always love the true story of Balaams’s donkey that refused to go because he saw the angel and also was given words to speak. (Numbers 22:21-33) and then there is the story of the prophet’s donkey… a lion came and killed the prophet but did not eat him or harm the donkey. Both the donkey and the lion stood by the side of the road together being a silent witness, testifying that what had happed was from GOD (I Kings 13:23-29) But my favorite of all is how JESUS while walking toward Jerusalem from Bethany told 2 of his disciples to go in the village of Bethpage and that they would see a donkey tied with its colt beside it. “Untie it and bring it here and if anyone asks what you are doing say the LORD needs them and he will send them.” And it happened just as HE said. Then they threw garments over the colt and HE sat on it. This happened so that OT scripture would be fulfilled. (Matthew 21:1-7)

“Tell the people of Israel look your King is coming to you, HE is humble, riding on a donkey even on a donkey’s colt.” Matthew 21:5

You must give the disciples credit for obeying JESUS for can you imagine how the disciples must have felt? Literally, JESUS told them to go steal a donkey. A horse thief was hung in the early west.

….a large crowd who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover feast, when they heard that JESUS was coming to Jerusalem took branches of palm trees and went out to meet JESUS and began shouting, Hosanna, (GOD saves) blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD even the King of Israel. And JESUS finding a young donkey sat on it. (John 12:12-14)

A donkey is used as a symbol of peace-times while the horse usually symbolizes times of war. This time JESUS came on a donkey which fulfilled prophecy. Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly o daughter of Zion; shout O daughter of Jerusalem: behold your King has come unto you, HE is just and having salvation; lowly, and riding a donkey, even on a colt the foal of a donkey.

JESUS came riding a donkey this time for HE was coming as the Prince of Peace.

HE is coming again. The next time HE will be riding a white horse followed by the armies of heaven on white horses for HE then will come as the KING of kings & the LORD of lords. (Revelations 19:11-16)

out of sight, out of mind

Remember the old Lays Potato Chip advertisement, You can eat a million of them, but you can’t eat just one. Research has disclosed there is a particle of truth in that ad. There are two kind of foods that cause cravings: salty carbs and sweets. So when I am sitting around I know better than to leave a bag of salty chips by me. Cause hungry or not if it is there, I will catch myself reaching out and nibbling at one after another. I will push the bag away from me and then my husband will push it back saying, "Get this out of my face." (for he has the same problem I do) So I must get up and put it away. Out of sight, is out of mind.

Just days before the Passover, a large crowd of Jews found out that JESUS was at Lazarus’ house in Bethany and came not just to see JESUS but also to see Lazarus whom HE had raised from the dead. But the chief priests were jealous and took counsel and decided to put Lazarus to death along with JESUS since on account of him many of the Jews believed in JESUS. John 12:9-11

The Jewish religious leaders were thinking that very thing. Out of sight is out of mind. If they could kill JESUS and Lazarus the people would turn back to them.

Human jealousy is on the list of the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:20). It is an ugly thing and we know that because it destroys. The chief Jewish priests were jealous because people were following JESUS instead of listening to them. They were not concerned about the truth but wanted popularity and cared greatly what people thought of them. They wanted the attention.

They drew near to GOD with their lips (they talked about GOD) but their hearts were far from HIM.

The chief priests thought they were OK... We see their sin. Whenever we see sin in another, we are warned in the Bible to consider ourselves lest we also are tempted. Is there any area of your life where you are jealous or just want the attention? Those who are in the flesh cannot please GOD for the flesh refuses to submit itself to GOD but demands it’s own way.

I urge you to take whatever it is to JESUS. HE will help you see it for what it is. Today HE showed me something...

This is a snapshot of a little part of a garden pond and there are several things you can see. You can see: lily pads and flowers, water and stairs and a brick wall that looks like it might be circling the pond. But you don’t see the size or the shape of the pond, or the gold fish swimming under the surface of the water neither can you see if someone is standing across the pond. All you view is a glimpse, a fringe of the edge of the pond. Even with your limited view you can still see it’s beauty and order. Just as we are told in Job 26:14 that we can only see parts of GOD’s ways and we just hear a whisper of HIM.

Now you would have to step back a long,long way to see the full scope of this pond but in doing that you would lose sight of some of the specifics you can now see. But step in a little closer and focus on tiny spot or zoom in with your camera and you find the wonder of intricate details like that little fellow above hanging on for dear life.

As we look at the period of the last days of our LORD JESUS’ life on earth, I want to show you some snap shots where I’ve zoomed in on just a detail or two in the glorious picture. I will leave a lot unsaid. And perhaps some incident or detail will come to mind as you read. If it does, ask GOD about it, check it out and share it with me and others for GOD may be pointing out to you something that HE wants you to point out to others.

In John 12:1-3 we read: Six days before the Passover ceremony, JESUS arrived in Bethany at the home of HIS friend, Lazarus, whom HE raised from the dead. Lazarus’ sister Martha prepared a dinner to honor JESUS and Martha was willingly serving, for that was her gifting. Lazarus reclined at the table with JESUS and Lazarus’ other sister, Mary (who loved to sit at JESUS’ feet and listen to HIM teach) took a jar of expensive perfume and anointed the feet of JESUS and wiped HIS feet with her hair and the whole house filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

But then man criticized her and she may have wondered, “Did I understand right, wasn’t I suppose to do this?”

JESUS immediately defended Mary, applauding her act and sensitivity to the HOLY SPIRIT by declaring that she was obediently doing the work GOD had assigned to her, (placed in her heart to do Phil.2:13) by anointing HIM for HIS burial.

GOD often leads us by placing a nudge or urge within us to do something. Our obedience to the nudges of the HOLY SPIRIT is simply doing what GOD has assigned for us to do. Sometimes GOD will confirm our obedience as I am sure JESUS’s words did to Mary.

Being Mary loved to sit at JESUS feet and listened to all HE said, many think that she understood JESUS was going to die soon and deliberately anointed him for that reason. Others, like myself, think that because she spent so much time with JESUS, the Son of GOD that she was more in turn to hear the SPIRIT of GOD’s voice and feel HIS nudge to act.

Either way, Mary’s act of worship, brought a sweet, sweet fragrance that pervaded the air touching everyone present.

But let’s not forget Martha.(with her servant’s heart) honored JESUS before the others with the meal and all present were filled.

Both sisters honored JESUS, each according to her calling and gifting. In honoring JESUS, both sisters ministered to the others present. Both humbled themselves for JESUS and glorified HIS name in the midst of others.

Note: GOD used two sisters to show HIS Son favor. HE used them to bless JESUS before the days of great trouble and temptation. GOD was delighted with each of the sisters as they honored JESUS in doing what HE had assigned and directed each of them to do.

Do you go with the inward nudges (those things you know to do) or are you focused more on what people might think?
Hugs
Sharon
http://itrustobey.blogspot.com/

scrapbook

We have come a long way from the beginning of modern photography in the 1820s. Those big old cameras and tin plates. Yet the desire to catch and keep a memory on film is mania that has grown to the extent that most cell phones are equipped with the ability to take and send pictures (not to mention sound videos). And with so many pictures collecting in boxes the “art” of Scrapbooking is “in”. Camp Elim, for instance, has very popular and well attended weekend camps organized for the very purpose that gals can get away for the weekend and not think about cooking or cleaning but concentrate on creating scrapbooks from the piles of pictures that have been collecting in boxes at home.

With scrapbooks we have easy access to memories… just open the book

Memories are a treasure… above is a page full of memories of my grandson, Zachary's 1st day.

During the days leading up to Christmas we like to go back and remember the details leading up to JESUS birth and what happened after it. The snapshot of the painting of a little boy and a carpenter reminds me how JESUS, the Creator of the Universes, submitted HIMSELF to a step father whose assignment from GOD was to protected JESUS during HIS human childhood. Notice the shadow of the cross? JESUS was born with an assignment… So are we.

In the same way that I sometimes place a snap shot in with others of an earlier or later time period when I am scrapbooking, so the following treasure map has it’s timing out of whack in a few places. Nonetheless it is like a page out of a scrap book of JESUS life. It gives us an overview of the last days of JESUS life on earth as a man. More people have read or heard about those few days than any other week in history.

Come with me. Over the next few days, let’s go back and slowly go through the scrapbook, zooming in on some of the snapshots of the documented “memories” of the last days our LORD JESUS CHRIST lived among men on earth. I wonder what GOD will bring to our minds.

As we can direct the spray of water by moving the water hose, so GOD can direct our thoughts wherever HE chooses for them to go.. Proverbs 21:1

hugs

Sharon

Captivated

The first practical use of television was in Germany. Regular television broadcasts began in Germany in 1929 and in 1936 the Olympic Games in Berlin were broadcast to television stations in Berlin and Leipzig where the public could view the games live. And since then people have been sitting around staring at the box.

Ever try to tell someone something while they are into a football game or a movie? Quite honestly, they don’t like the interruption and most likely whatever is relayed to them goes in one ear and out the other.

Why? They can not hearing what is being said because they are not concentrating (listening) to what you have to say for their attention is captivated by something else.

The 1st time I saw a TV, was in the mid 50’s when we went down to visit my grandparents in Los Angeles. My grandpa loved the westerns and really got into them. There was no way you could talk to him when he was watching one of his westerns for he was totally captivated by them.

John 5:37 (JESUS talking) The FATHER (GOD) who sent ME has and continues to HIMSELF testify (teach) concerning ME .. (but) you have never heard (listened to/ heeded) HIS voice…

Although GOD has testified concerning JESUS, and that testimony continues many have not heard GOD’s words because they were thinking about other things and didn’t listen to or pay attention to HIS voice.

John 5:38 You do not have HIS (GOD’s) word remaining in you for you do not believe HIM (JESUS) whom HE (GOD) sent.

It is evident that GOD’s words went in one ear and out the other because they did not result in belief.

Romans 10:17 faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ.

John 5:38 They diligently search the scriptures…

Many study the Bible and can quote it with ease and yet we know that they are not stopping to listen to the still small voice of GOD because they don't apply it in their lives.

John 5:40 … they refuse to come to JESUS…

John 6:45 All will be taught by GOD, (but only) those listening and learning from HIM will come to ME (JESUS)

Remember me telling you about my grandpa and his captivation with westerns? Well, eventually it cost him. One day Popo got so excited while watching one his westerns that his old heart couldn’t take it and he went to be with the LORD.

What captivates you? What do you concentrate on? Who are you listening to?

Revelations 2:7 “Anyone who wants to hear must listen to the Spirit and (only then) he will understand …

hugs

Sharon

My granddaughter Chloe

My 6 year old granddaughter Chloe, is a part princess and part tomboy. She loves her frills and practices being a ballerina or tap dancer one minute and the next is off building fortresses with her brother Sebastian. But to tell you the truth, I must admit that sometimes the choice of her clothing can leave much to be desired. Like a light frilly dress without a coat in a snowstorm. She also can forget to check in the mirror to see if there is spaghetti on her face after lunch.

Chloe is so precious, yet she needs someone- her mom or me, someone to remind her to wash her face and hands and to lay out the clothes she is to wear (especially if we are going somewhere.

GOD does the same thing for us, because we need it just as badly.

Colossians 3:12…as God's chosen representatives, holy (set apart) and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion (mercy), kindness, humility, gentleness and longsuffering. 13Put up with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

So where are we suppose to get these things? I thought we were to rest in GOD, not work.

Chloe doesn’t go outside and try to find something to wear, nor does she go to the sewing machine and try to make something. Her mom, Shirley, has provided for her what she needs. It is the same for you and me. GOD has given us all that we need and we have to pick it up and put it on.

2 Peter 1: 2Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of HIM who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
2 Peter 1: 5For this very reason, make every effort in using your faith to bring in goodness; and exercising goodness bring in knowledge; 6and exercising knowledge bring in self-control; and exercising self-control bring in perseverance; and exercising perseverance bring in godliness; 7and to godliness bring in brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness bring in love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Note: Compare the lists in Colossians 3:12-14 and 2 Peter 1:5-8 with Galations 5:22.23 and you will see these things we are to put on and use are the fruit of the Spirit. GOD has provided all of these things and our job is simply to give them access and let them flow.

But how? Let me illustrate by giving you my testimony from a few days back.

The other day one thing after another kept going wrong and all of a sudden I felt the irritation rising and becoming frustration. The moment I recognized what was happening, I knew I was not walking in the Spirit for what was forcefully rising up within me was not the joyous peaceful fruit of the Holy Spirit but rather the striving works of the flesh.

Although I was in the middle of after work rush hour traffic I cried out to GOD. “Help! I am in the flesh, forgive me and fill me, I need YOU.”

Immediately GOD answered and give me help in my time of need. How can I be so sure? The frustration subsided, peace flowed in and somehow my perspective changed.

Hugs
Sharon

Mission impossible

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, Creator of the heavens and earth is a remarkable architect who designed and works all things according to HIS eternal purposes and detailed plans. Fully knowing all things, including how HIS pet project (humanity) would listen to that liar Satan and sin by disobedience and choosing independence, the GODHEAD had a meeting (we have clips of several such meetings in the Bible) Sometime in eternity past, before the foundation of the world. GOD the FATHER said, "SON, I need for YOU to build a bridge."

JESUS was assigned a job. It wasn’t a pretty job. And it sure wasn’t going to be easy. In fact, humanly speaking, it was impossible. But since nothing is impossible with GOD JESUS agreed to take it and the cost of the job on and fulfill all the required details. A few of the details are found in Philippians 2:3-11 a few more in John 8:26,28 and Hebrews 12:1-3 but there are many countless others.

JESUS had to lay aside HIS equality with GOD the FATHER and agree to say and do nothing without 1st consulting GOD the FATHER. John 8:26,28

Although fully GOD HE could do nothing for HIMSELF, but in humility considered others better than HIMSELF. HE who spoke the universes into existence, did not look after HIS own interests, but after the interests of others. HE who, being in very nature God, and the exact representation of GOD in all HIS attributes, did not consider HIS equality with God something to be held on to, but made HIMSELF nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness by being born as an infant to a poor young virgin teen.

And being found in appearance as a man, HE humbled HIMSELF and became obedient and submitted HIMSELF to young human mother and HIS step father, a poor Jewish carpenter.
All the while JESUS was true to the assignment given HIM by HIS HEAVENLY FATHER and obedient to each command even to death— even death on a cross! There on the cross we are told that HE endured the shame and pain of the cross by thinking of the joy of what HIS death was accomplishing for us and for HIS FATHER.

JESUS did that for us as much as for HIS FATHER and now HE sends us on assignments.

Some of the jobs may be hard. Some may seem impossible. And probably are if we try to do them our way. Are we willing to follow Him and lay down our ideas and plans and ask HIM what to do and say? Sometimes we will have to put down what we want to do and think of others before ourselves. Often we will have to give up our rights. Will we look at the cost and say, “NO!” or will we look at JESUS the Author and Perfector of our faith and be encouraged to follow HIS example and place before our eyes the joy of what our obedience will achieve?

Will we say as JESUS did, “I come to do YOUR will O LORD!”?

Have you been trumped lately?

I use to love to play cards. In fact, I literally learned to count way before I began school by playing cards. Of all the card games I’ve played, one of my favorites and one of the most challenging is double pinochle. The main idea of the game is taking tricks. An individual bid by predicting /stating how many tricks he would take and the one who got the bid got to name trump. Trump was one of the suits (spades, diamonds, clubs or hearts) that once named took on particular properties. For instance if a trump was used in a non- trump led trick it would take the trick regardless of how high a non trump card was played.

Please bear with me, I am going somewhere with this.

Jeremiah 1:5.. before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born I consecrated you… I have appointed you …
How could GOD say this? Didn’t HE give men free will?

Close to 30 years ago, after a time of great struggle, attacked on many fronts, I was battle weary but instead of fixing my eyes on JESUS for grace to help in time of need, I turned my focus onto myself and how I hurt. In choosing to turn from what I knew that GOD expected, I turned from light to the darkness and in the confusion that followed I decided to leave my husband. I had had it!

That was my free will, my choice. But GOD stepped in. Did HE violate my free will and make me stay? No. He spoke in a still small whisper, ‘....Sharon...., if you leave you will become a castaway.”

Being a serious student of the Bible and having studied the culture of those times, I knew that the word castaway Paul used in connection with himself in I Corinthians 9:27 spoke of a piece of pottery that had a crack. It could no longer be used for the purposes it was made and was placed on a shelf off in a corner. It was not thrown away for it belonged to the Master but neither could it be used.

Therefore, I knew GOD was telling me that if I followed the path I had chosen, HE could no longer use me for the purposes HE designed me for. That statement was GOD’s trump card. HE knew my heart and HE knew I was not willing to pay that high of a price to do things my way.

It took awhile for my attitude to improve but I did stay. A short time later, I got pregnant. I needed renewal and the LORD saw that I got a break while pregnant and although having another child in my late 30s held some challenges those next couple of years were times of refocus, renewal and strengthening and what followed them was a beginning of several seasons of greater favor, fervor and fruitfulness than I had ever known.

GOD had planned the way before me, HE had set the exact times and places (Acts 17:26,27) and prepared the good works that I should walk in (Ephesians 2:10) just as HE has said.

I almost lost it all by my foolishness, I nearly walked away from all that HE had set in motion for me. I would have lost out on the joys of the work GOD had prepared for me to walk in and missed some of the greatest times in my life if GOD had not trumped me.

Some might think GOD stopped me from exercising my free will, but just knowing how someone will respond to a given situation does not take from them their ability to choose or force them to act in any certain way.

Like in pinochle, many times GOD has foretold of things that were going to happen way before they came to be. And as the trump in pinochle, GOD has special properties like none other. HE knows HIS plans and HE also knows me. HE took me through heavy testing, some hard, hard things where HE knew I would grow weary and want to give up to humble me and then HE used HIS knowledge of what I valued to direct my steps.

Although GOD never took away my free will, HE trumped me and stayed in control by using my own nature to get me to go the way I needed to go. HE was in absolute control and yet I still had my free will.

Then GOD showed me places in the Bible where HE used a trump card to get men to do what HE wanted done without violating their free will yet answering the accuser of the brethren.

#1 The Jews coming out of ....Egypt.... were a mess but GOD was determined in making them into a peculiar nation to declare HIS name. Because of the devil’s accusations, someone needed to stand the gap on behalf of the willful Jews. GOD didn’t tell Moses stand the gap for this people (that always must be voluntary) rather HE said, “Get away from them, don’t pray for them and I will make you a nation.” Even with GOD’s eternal plan being the Jewish nation, GOD could make that genuine offer because HE knew Moses’s heart HE was able to trump / control the situation and still allow Moses his own free choices.

#2 Saul was a religious Jew who firmly believed he was acting on the behalf of GOD in his efforts to rid the world of that cult called the Way. Acts 9:1-2 Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Yet, GOD trumped Saul. The LORD appeared in a blinding light and spoke with thundering words to Saul as he traveled to Damascus to destroy the LORD’s people, GOD knew Saul’s heart was wanting to know and serve the living GOD so HE showed HIMSELF to Saul and Saul immediately said, ‘Who are YOU, LORD?’ Then after learning HE was JESUS- the one who said, “I AM the WAY, the truth and the life” that very one whose name he was trying to stomp out, Saul asked, “What do YOU want me to do?” Saul’s, soon to become Paul, whole reason for living and way of operating completely changed because GOD trumped him. Yet, Saul desired and freely chose that change.

GOD’s trumping is GOD using HIS total knowledge to work all things together for HIS predetermined purposes. As Ephesians 1:11 puts it, “WHO works all things after the counsel of HIS own will.’ In the Genesis 50:20 “what you meant for evil GOD used for good.”

Have you been trumped lately?

Classrooms

A classroom is just a place you gather to learn and there are so many different kinds. Today many even go to their computer to take classes and learn. The place is not important... but there is something that is essential to learn: the willingness to listen.

The Old King James Bible has a phrase used some 20 times in the New Testament in one form or another, with the best known being found in Revelations. It says, "if you have ears to hear, hear"

The New Living Translation is a bit clearer to me. "if you are willing to hear, listen and you will understand"

JESUS said, John 6:45 As it is written... all will be taught by GOD (BUT only) those who listen to the FATHER , learns from HIM and comes to ME.

See the classroom setting? We gather together and look toward the TEACHER - who, by the way, is the Creator of the Universes and Shepard of the stars. But the key of learning is not in the size or type of classroom. Although only GOD can teach us the realities of life and reveal HIMSELF, not even the teacher is the key to learning. For GOD teaches each and everyone but all do not learn. The key to learning is simply a desire to know and willingness to listen.

But if you are full of your own thoughts, you will not hear the teacher.

Ecclesiastics 5:1 guard yourself when you to the house of the LORD (come into HIS Presence). Be more ready to hear than offer the sacrifice of fools (give GOD your opinion and attempt to direct HIS steps) 2 Don't speak rashly... for HE is in heaven, and you are only here on earth. So let your words be few.


Jeremiah 10:23 I know, O LORD, that a man's way is not in himself, it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps (hmmmm... so how in the world do we think we can direct GOD's?)


Isaiah 45:11 This is what the LORD, the Creator and the Holy One...says: "Do you question what I do? do you give ME orders about the work of MY hands? 12 I am the One who made the earth and created people to live on it. With MY hands I stretched out the heavens. All the millions of stars are at MY command...

If you are willing to hear, listen and you will understand.....

Think again about the words of JESUS in John 6:45:all will be taught by GOD (BUT only) those who listen to the FATHER , learns from HIM and comes to ME.

The facts are:
1-All (that means everyone) will be taught by GOD
2- (but only) those who listen to the FATHER will learn from HIM
3-All who listen to the FATHER & learn from HIM will in reality come to ME (JESUS)