What do you think is the most important thing about you?

What do you think is the most important thing about you?

My husband once said, “You have become so opinionated.”  I responded, “No, I have not become opinionated, I always have had opinions, only now I am not afraid to speak them out.” 

Anyone who thinks has his own opinion, but that doesn’t make our opinions right.  It is GOD’s opinion that is right.  Therefore, I concur with AW Towzer who said: The most important thing about me, the most important thing about you is what we think about GOD. 

Why is it so important to think rightly about GOD? 

·         If we think wrongly of GOD, we are worshipping a god of our own making (an idol).  Exodus 20:4

·         It is through the knowledge of GOD that we obtain all things for life and godliness 2 Peter 1:3

·         As we learn about what GOD is like we are changed and can even partake of HIS nature 2 Peter 1:4, 2 Corinthians 3:18

·         When we know HE is faithful we will claim HIS great and precious promises so they really become ours. 2 Peter 1:4

·         A dear old evangelist Kieth Ward continually said “we go to the word of GOD not to collect facts but to find out what our FATHER GOD is like so we will know how we, HIS children, are suppose to act….   

Human as we are, we often think of GOD as being altogether such as ourselves. But in the end GOD won’t stand for it.  “These things you have done and I kept silence; you thought that I was altogether just like you; but I will reprove you..now consider this.. lest I tear you in pieces and there be none to deliver..” Psalm 50:21,22   

Because it is so important to think rightly about GOD and because HE wants us to know HIM, HE gave us HIS word through which we can look at different facets of HIS glorious nature.  For instance, GOD is one.  Among other things, that means that each and every facet of GOD’s nature is at oneness/unity with every other facet.  There is no division in GOD.  That means HIS love complements HIS wrath, HIS power complements HIS gentleness, HIS grace compliments HIS truth, HIS joy compliments HIS grief and so on.

There is much about the Most High we, being humans with our human limitations, are not able to see.  But what can be known of GOD is evident to us and made plain in our inner consciousness, because GOD HIMSELF has shown it to us.  For ever since the creation of the world HIS invisible nature and attributes are clearly seen.  That is, HIS eternal power and GODHEAD have been clearly seen and being understood by we who have been made. Romans 1:19,20

GOD’s ways are not our ways, neither are HIS thoughts our thoughts but as high as the heavens are above the earth so much higher are HIS ways than our ways and HIS thoughts than our thoughts. Isaiah 55:8,9  But with the Holy SPIRIT teaching us we can learn many of GOD’s thoughts and ways.  In fact since the Holy SPIRIT lives within each believer we have the very mind of the LORD resident in us that is a source we can check with. 1 Corinthians 2:10-16  It is sort of like, my file cabinet where I have stored information and lessons. There is a lock on it.  But I can unlock the cabinet, pull out one drawer after another and search until I find the right file. 

I once wrote a poem of one of GOD’s ways: I smile when thinking of some ways

GOD’s selected for us to be taught

Delighting much in opposites

for us to receive what is sought.

To climb high, we must bend low,

to learn we need first to forget,

To obtain joy, we must know tears,

filling comes when emptiness hits.

These things appear to contradict,

but this is wisdom for our GOD

Rejects what men esteem as good

bringing to naught what the world applauds.

I Cor 1:27,28                      by Sharon

Now Moses chose to know more about GOD so went to HIM personally to find out more (just as we can.) Moses said to the LORD, YOU have been telling me, ‘Lead MY people, but YOU have not let me know whom YOU will send with me.  YOU have said, “I know you by name and you have found favor with ME.”  If I have found favor with YOU teach me YOUR ways that I may know YOU and continue to find favor with YOU.’  The LORD answered, “MY presence will go with you” And the LORD said, I will make all MY goodness pass before you and I will proclaim MY name (character) before you.” But GOD told Moses that he couldn’t see everything about GOD, the LORD had to hide some things from Moses but showed HIM HIS back parts. Exodus 33:12-23

Then the LORD came down in a cloud and stood before Moses and declared HIS name, the LORD.  And HE passed in front of Moses proclaiming, “ The LORD, the LORD GOD merciful and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in goodness and truth, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.  Yet not leaving the guilty unpunished… Exodus 34:5-7     

Furthermore GOD tells us:  I am the LORD I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed.  Malachi 3:6  &  Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the FATHER of lights, who does not change or turn like shifting shadows. James 1:17

It is the glory of GOD to conceal a matter, but to search out a matter is the glory of kings. Proverbs 25:2  I challenge you to join with me and every day in searching GOD’s word to find out more about our glorious GOD who was and is and is to come.  GOD promises that HE will let us find HIM when we search for HIM with all of our hearts.  Jeremiah 29:13

Hugs

Sharon

a peice of the puzzle

As I spoke of yesterday, learning is a process and it takes awhile to learn the whole counsel of GOD.  Things we find in the last book of the Bible will help us understand the 1st book of the Bible.  In Genesis, the 1st book of the Bible we read about a serpent but the last book of the Bible- Revelations tells us who that serpent is.  You cannot just take one portion of the Bible by itself.  For it is like a zig saw puzzle with many, many pieces.  Each piece may tell a part of the story but the whole picture is only seen when the pieces of the puzzle are put together. That is why Paul earnestly sought to teach all the counsel of GOD. Acts 20:27.  That is why I give references to what I share with you and why they come from all over the Bible.  But check out what I am saying for we live in a day when many false teachers and deceivers are twisting Scripture to their own harm.

Now from the beginning of human history, that old serpent, which is the devil & Satan Revelations 20:2 has being trying to discredit GOD & portray HIM as less than HE is. Genesis 3:1-4  For accusing and lying are 2 of the devils ways.  If we study the devil’s actions & GOD’s statements concerning him in the Bible we can learn many of his strategies & thus be forewarned.  

As for the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, Creator of heaven and earth HE is the rock, HIS work is perfect for all HIS ways are just.  A faithful GOD who does no wrong, just and right is HE. Deuteronomy 32:4

GOD’s ways are not our ways, neither are HIS thoughts our thoughts but as high as the heavens are above the earth so much higher are HIS ways than our ways and HIS thoughts than our thoughts. Isaiah 55:8,9  But with the Holy SPIRIT teaching us we can learn many of GOD’s thoughts and ways.  In fact since the Holy SPIRIT lives within each believer we have the very mind of the LORD resident in us. 1 Corinthians 2:10-16

It is the glory of GOD to conceal a matter, but to search out a matter is the glory of kings.  Proverbs 25:2

When GOD called out to Adam and asked him where he was, did that mean GOD literally did not know where Adam was? Genesis 3:9   And when GOD asked Adam who told him he was naked Genesis 3:11 did GOD literally not know who told Adam?  The answer to both questions are a resounding NO!  GOD knew for GOD knows all things past, present and future things actual and things possible.  So why did GOD ask those questions?    hmmm 

GOD was not being literal at this point.  HE was posing questions in order to get Adam to think and was offering an opportunity to repent.

Acts 17:26,27 says that GOD has predetermined the times and the exact places (of each and every situation that touches us) for the purpose that men should reach out to HIM.  Initially, we reach out to HIM for salvation but in every situation GOD calls us to reach out for HIM.  Proverbs 3:5-7 puts it this way:  Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all you ways acknowledge (reach out to) HIM and HE will direct your path.  Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and depart from evil.

So you see, when GOD asked Adam those questions, HE was calling Adam to think and then to come to HIM in confession, to come to HIM for help admitting he blew it.  But Adam refused to face his own responsibility.

When JESUS asked Phillip where they could buy bread to feed 5,000, did HE literally intend to buy bread for the multitude?  NO! what Jesus was doing was testing Phillip by making him focus on the need and recognize the literal inability of the job and then showed what HE the LORD could do.  John 6:5-13  Did you pick up on the phrase in verse 6 that JESUS already knew what HE would do?

The day JESUS rose from the dead, HE met 2 of HIS disciples on the road to Emmaus, but they were kept from recognizing HIM. Though HE already knew, why did JESUS ask them what they were talking about?  It was to have them voice their questions and thus open up an opportunity for HIM to open their minds so they could understand scripture.  As  they got near their village JESUS acted as if HE was going further for the purpose that they would reach out to have HIM stay  with them for a little longer and HE could reveal HIMSELF to them. Luke 24:13-32 

I believe in each of these situations I have mentioned that what GOD the FATHER and JESUS did was to offer people opportunities to reach out to GOD. 

GOD has an eternal plan.  It is written that GOD has known all the works HE will ever do since before the foundation of the world Acts 15:18  Isaiah 45:21

Now, I want to go over one other Bible story.  This one is actually the reason for this message.  For I was deeply troubled this morning as I heard what someone thought GOD was doing in a situation.  It didn’t ring true to the nature of GOD as I have learned of HIM in HIS word.  Nor was it true to the Word of GOD of how HE acts.  And it definitely was not how I had previously interpreted it. Yes, I had a big time check in my spirit. Therefore, as soon as I could, I went to GOD and opened back up that scripture text and asked the Holy SPIRIT to show me if I was wrong and to explain it to me more clearly.

After delivering the Jews from bondage in Egypt with great signs and wonders and even opening up a path of the Red Sea for them,  the Jews traveled through the wilderness for a bit. Then GOD had Moses gather the Jewish people together at the foot of Mt Sinai.  Well when GOD came down upon the mountain it was wrapped in smoke and the smoke ascended like a furnace and the whole mountain quaked violently and GOD spoke and gave the people the 10 commandments. But when the people saw the smoke and hear the noise they were terrified and told Moses for him to get GOD’s instructions and then relate them to the people and the people said they would do what GOD said to do. Exodus 19&20

So Moses went up the mountain and met with GOD for 40 days. When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming back they didn’t know what had happened to him and told Aaron the priest, to make them gods who will go before them.  So Aaron took the gold earrings of the people and heated them up and made a calf of gold- fashioning it with a tool. And they said these are your gods o Israel who have brought you up out of Egypt.  Aaron made an altar in front of the calf and they sacrificed to it and ate, drank and indulged in revelry. Exodus 32:1-6

Meanwhile up on the mountain GOD told Moses what was happening (perhaps to prepare Moses for what he would have to deal with when he went down again to the people) and told Moses to leave HIM alone so in HIS anger HE would destroy them and make a great nation from Moses.  Did GOD literally mean that?  Was the great faithful GOD going to deny HIS own nature and break HIS promise to Abraham?  Or rather was GOD giving Moses an opportunity to think, to intercede for the people and to prove himself faithful both to GOD and to the people?  Was GOD’s statement to leave HIM alone (a clear indiction  that if he tried MOSES could make a difference and an invitation to interceed) Hmmm     

Moses did prove himself faithful to GOD and did reach out to GOD for the people. He acknowledged the sins of the people and stood the gap and interceded for them. Moses had been awed by the glory of GOD and wanted others to see it as well so reminded GOD of HIS promises to Abraham, Isaac and Israel. Exodus 32:7-14 just as HE calls us to remind HIM of HIS promises. Isaiah 43:26

Do you see how learning how GOD acts in one situation will help you understand what HE is doing in another?  There are many hard things to understand in the Bible, because like those guy on the road to Emmaus we need the Holy SPIRIT to open our minds to the truth plus we just don’t have all the facts . When things don’t seem right, take your questions to the only wise GOD and trust HIM to make them clear in HIS time. Then go to the word, study it from beginning to end; taking time to ask GOD questions and writing them down to go back to and see how HE answers them.  But of this one thing be certain, GOD will show you everything you need to know to do everything HE wants you to do.  Deuteronomy 29:29 

WARNING: if you have not done something you know you should do, don’t expect HIM to tell you any more.

Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him! Hosea 6:3

Hugs

Sharon

line on line

Each and every artist, whatever his style (cartoon, abstract, impression) whether a doodler or sketcher, regardless of being a beginner or one experienced in drawing, starts a new work in the same way- with a single line.  Then line goes on line, here a little line there a little line.  That is the very way GOD teaches us. Isaiah 28;9,10 KJ  So as I  reread a favorite Bible story… GOD put another line in place and deepened my appreciation of HIS work in my life.  So here is the story- Sharon style.

Now several young good looking, highly educated and quick to learn, socially adept teenage boys who had never known a moment of dire need or deprived of any valid joy (for all were children of Jewish royalty or leaders) were among those taken captive by the Babylonians.  Can you even imagine their horror?  They were in no way prepared for this situation.

Because these teenagers were already trained in many areas,  the foundation was laid and therefore they were selected to live in the king’s palace and put under teachers to be taught for 3 years the learning and culture, writings, and  language of the Chaldeans so they could stand as counselors to the king.  The King also ordered that they be feed and given drink from the very best of his own table.  Though the teens grieved the horrors they had seen in Jerusalem and the struggle to survive during the travel to Babylon, can you imagine the teens relief when they were selected and taken to the palace?  What an opportunity, what an honor. 

But one of the boys felt a check in his spirit… I image a check very like you or I feel when placed in a situation and know you shouldn’t do something although it seems there is no way out and even harmless in itself.  When in Rome should we not do as the Romans do?

 

But not Daniel.  He knew the law of the LORD said that he was not to defile himself by eating  meat of an unbled animal or meat fried with its fats when taken captive to another land.  Leviticus 3:17 Hosea 9:3  But what could he do about it? He had no options for he was a captive.  Even though he didn’t know how yet, he purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s meat nor with the wine. Daniel 1:8 Since his heart was in the right place, I believe GOD placed a plan in his thoughts  Proverbs 21:1, Philippians 2:13  He share this idea with his 3 closest friends.  They agreed to join him.

So he bravely went to the one in charge and asked to be allowed to eat only veggies and drink only water. (not that meat was wrong in itself but the kings meat had not been bled so was unclean and it was roasted with its fat and all fat belongs to the LORD plus animal fat harms the human body.)  The head guy was horrified at such a request for he felt such action would lead to the 4 boys to wither away and he knew without a doubt that if these 4 looked poorly to his master the king who had assigned the meat and wine for the boys, he would be killed.  So the teen asked that his plan be tested for just 10 days, how much damage could happen in just 10 days? Since GOD had already given this teen favor in the head honchos eyes, Daniel 1:9 he agreed to test Daniel’s plan.

And what happened?  After the 10 days those 4 teens looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate and drank the royal food.  So the one in charge allowed Daniel and his friend to continue on their diet of vegetables and water.  And to those 4 GOD gave knowledge and understanding, skill in all learning and wisdom above the other teen and gave Daniel understanding in all visions and dreams.  Daniel 1:17  

Why? Those 4 looked not on their own comfort but on what GOD said was right.

We’ve sees Daniel’s desire to do right, to act as prompted by GOD & we have seen his bravery to go to the one in charge and change the King’s command. so let’s focus now on GOD’s part in this familiar story:

1.   GOD created this teen in the womb of his mom and given him special abilities. Psalm 139:13
2.   Our Creator had a plan for Daniel Jeremiah 29:11
3.  The LORD placed him in a family of royalty or nobility  Daniel 1:3,4
4.  The Almighty ONE nudged the king to make specific commands concerning the Jewish teens. Daniel 1:3-5
5.  The Holy SPIRIT nudged the teen by putting a check in his spirit reminding Daniel that what was expected was wrong. Perhaps HE did this by bringing a piece of Scripture to Daniel’s mind.  I know that is often how HE speaks to me. 
6.  The Designer of the universe placed within Daniel a plan and the desire to do what GOD wanted with the ability to do so.  Philippians 2:13  He didn’t have to think up his own plan.
7.   GOD gave Daniel favor in the eyes of the one in charge. Daniel 1: 9 We see that so often in scripture how GOD opens doors through giving people favor with those in charge or in need.
8. GOD blessed the choice and action to do right with physical health and vitality above the others Daniel 1:15
9.   GOD gave Daniel and his friends more in intellect, wisdom, understanding and skills plus special abilities because they used what they already had. Daniel 1:17

We must never lose sight of the fact that we have nothing that has not 1^st been given to us 1 Corinthians 4:7 & that we are GOD’s workmanship (Greek=poem) Ephesians 2:10; then we will remember that we have no reason to boast.

Hugs

Sharon

Sharing one of Sharon's struggles

Very early this morning, as I talked with my LORD there was a nudge and a hint of an assignment.  Then this evening HE clearly showed me that throughout this day I had been resisting HIS leading in an area of my life…I was not allowing HIS fruit in one area to be worked out in a practical way. Now get this, that very area I have been asking HIM to help me with the past few weeks.  Duh!   (sounds a bit like when the Jews would go to find out GOD’s will only to refuse to do what HE said) Yes, I kept struggling. 

When I saw this I confessed and immediately a wild idea came, now I must admit that this isn’t the 1^st time I have thought that thought concerning this area… but after asking GOD if this was HIM or me HE reminded me 1^st that I had asked HIM to help me and that HE promises to lead me if I consult with HIM.  So I told HIM yes I would go on assignment, if HE would help me.

So much has been going on around here I was behind and needed to get online and check on my email, so right after my talk with our LORD I got online and found way too many emails waiting for me.  I noticed one was a devotional by my online friend Lorraine Ezell so I started reading her message on  the Fruit of the Spirit.  As I read it, GOD spoke again to me confirming the assignment HE had just given me and thereby stilled the enemy’s fiery darts of doubt that he was shooting to my thoughts. Ephesians 6:16

No sooner than I made the commitment when a test came.  A situation arose and I was tempted to put off beginning the assignment until tomorrow, even though I had already started.  For to carry out HIS assignment beginning now seemed to mean hurting others feelings, people who were trying to bless me.  That couldn’t be of GOD could it?   I was really pulled back and forth so lifted it up to GOD.  And GOD worked it out that I could be gracious and loving and yet still comply with HIS orders.   THAT IS JUST LIKE HIM!  I saw no way out but GOD had made a way!

You know how JESUS said that those of us who believe in HIM are given the Holy SPIRIT and that HE becomes rivers of living water flowing out of us?  John 7:38,39  Those rivers of living water are also called the fruit of the SPIRIT in Galatians 5:22,23.  That fruit is GOD’s character being revealed through us believers to those we meet. 

When we let the Holy SPIRIT lead us, when we follow HIM and go with HIS nudges, GOD’s character flows through us to meet the needs in others.  When we refuse to obey GOD”S WORD or the Holy SPIRIT, when we resist HIS nudges and quench the motivation HE places in us and stop HIS work in our lives others don’t get to see what GOD is like.

Please pray for me as I follow the Word of GOD and the leading of the Holy SPIRIT, for as JESUS says, without HIM I can do nothing (of any lasting value).  For I want others to find JESUS and the freedom and joy I have received from HIM.

Hugs

Sharon

how should I pray?

 

As we hear over and over and over of the terrorists, the persecution of Christians, the horrors done to children and the ethnic killings I keep asking my LORD GOD how to join HIM in prayer.  Romans 8:26 &34

 

2 weeks ago HE gave me a verse... Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners and those who are mistreated as if you yourself were suffering.  Hebrews 13:3

 

That gets me to asking myself, what would I want GOD to do for me if I was in that situation?

 

Just moments ago I read again of children killed by terrorists and again I cried out, "How do I join with you in prayer for these, LORD?"

 

What I saw is nothing new but I feel I must share... I saw and felt a calm while all around me was a whirling storm.

 

I am to continue to pray for those suffering that they experience that calm that is found in the eye of a storm. like Stephen... the 1st martyr, I am to pray that they be so aware of JESUS's presence with them that what is happening around and to them fades from view. 

 

Will you join with me to pray for those suffering as if you were there suffering with them.  I know that if I were in the storm they are in, I would want to be with JESUS and have HIS peace fill me. JESUS said:

Peace I leave with you, MY peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

 

Almighty GOD I come in the name of JESUS.  I thank YOU for JESUS and for access to YOUR throne.  I know YOUR heart aches for these little ones and that YOU are working even these horrible things that evil men are doing for an end result of good for these little ones who love YOU.  Please flood them with the Holy SPIRIT awareness of JESUS so vivid to them that all that is happening around and to them fades and their fears melt away as YOUR peace surrounds them in a calm.  Have YOUR loving way... though I don't understand we trust YOUR love for I see what JESUS did and does for me, I trust YOUR wisdom for I see the beauty and order of YOUR creation, I trust YOUR plans and cling to YOUR promises... have YOUR way... for I know it is at work and it is best.

 

hugs

Sharon 

Misunderstanding

Now at the time all the people of the world spoke the same language and clearly understood one another  what is now referred to as the tower of Babel was conceived and building began because  the people were afraid to go off to fill the earth as GOD had instructed.  Genesis 9:1   Instead they decided to stick together,  fortify each another  and  to make a name for themselves.  Genesis 11:1-3   That was their choice, but it was a costly one for when  GOD has decided something HE makes sure it happens. Jeremiah 4:28c   Therefore, after allowing men to make their choice, HE urged them to rethink their choice. (that is one of GOD’s ways)  GOD motivated them by  confusing their language so they could not understand each other.  That is why there are so many languages & dialects on earth today.  I truly believe that it is also why people who speak the same language often misunderstand one another.

And such a misunderstanding has occurred with some I know.  I felt the results of it last week and again last night but it wasn’t until I was in the tub a bit ago, soaking out the sore muscles from overdoing and talking to the LORD that  I felt the nudge to explain and clarify.

There is nothing GOD can learn for HE already knows all things past, present and future.  Before I speak a word, GOD knows what I am going to say. Psalm 139:4  But HIS knowing something doesn’t mean HE caused it.  I believe GOD is in absolute control and works all things after the counsel of HIS own will Ephesians 1:11.  When the LORD made us HE wanted a a loving relationship so did not make us puppets.  Scripture and experience show that we make our own choices.  GOD determines the times, the places, the circumstances Acts 17:26 but we choose how to act in each situation.

Now how the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY stays in control while allowing us our own choices is way beyond my ability to comprehend but that’s OK with me for HIS ways are not my ways and HIS thoughts are not my thoughts.  Isaiah 55:8,9  HE knows all things, while I know in part 1 Corinthians 13:12 

Let me give you an example from an old story of how HE uses HIS knowledge of our future choices together with HIS purposes for an end result of good Romans 8:28 for a people who choose a relationship with HIM.

GOD created the heaven and the earth and all things in them.  At last HE made man in HIS image.  Now the LORD had planted a garden full of fruit trees and in the middle of the garden GOD placed two trees: the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.  Then GOD put man in the garden and told him that he could eat from any of the trees with fruit on them except from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.  GOD warned him if he ate from that tree he would die.

Adam was happy, GOD gave him a job to name all of the animals HE brought to Adam and that kept him busy but he found none like himself, no suitable helper for him.  I sense when that awareness hit, he felt left out, and a loneliness came over him… a desire to have someone like himself just as the animals had.  So what do you think?  Did GOD wait to give him a wife until he saw a need for one.   Hmmm  I imagine he rejoiced greatly when they were introduced.  Their life was great… they had no problems nor any reason to fear.

One day, Adam’s wife listened to a beautiful serpent…  who really was the devil  Revelations 20:2 and chose to believe the serpent rather than GOD so ate of the forbidden tree of the knowledge of good and evil and then gave it to her husband and he took a bite.  Something drastic happened when they ate… what had been beautiful before was now something to hide and all of a sudden they discovered two new things: fear and shame.  They realized that GOD’s warning was true, HE meant what HE said…  and they had for the 1^st time the fear of the LORD.

But since the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, it is imperative we have a fear of the LORD.  Before they sinned Adam and Eve did not have the fear of the LORD.  GOD’s purposes to conformed believers  into HIS image Romans 8:29 with Hebrews 1: 3 involve their having the fear of the LORD.  Isaiah 11:2,3  It is required. 

Do you think that knowing  what Adam and Eve’s choice was going to be, played a part in how GOD planted the garden? 

I do.   

I honestly think  I make choices and that my choices make a difference in this world.   At the same time I believe, GOD nudges me to pray and to do Philippians 2:13 but I choose whether I comply or not.  I don’t understand it but my choices are real and do somehow make a difference (the BIBLE says so) yet GOD’s purposes can never ever be thwarted by me.  To me this illustrates how man’s ability to choose (some call it free will) shows GOD’s great Sovereign wisdom and power that would otherwise be left unseen.

Hugs

Sharon

living or dead?

As I have been talking with new Christians, I find they so want to do what GOD wants them to do but are unsure what that is. So I have been sharing with some how easy GOD makes it for us to know what HE wants us to do even before we know much about the Bible. 

1. One way GOD speaks to us and directs our steps is while we read HIS word. A verse or even just a word will make us aware of what we should or should not do. 

That is like straight stitching on my sewing machine, Yet, my sewing machine, like many others, has attachments. When an attachment is placed on the sewing machine it will do special things automatically: like zig-zag, sew on buttons, do special designs. But without the attachment, it will not do those things. I find that is like walking with GOD. When HE desires me to do something, HE puts on an attachment. Let me explain. 

2. Another way GOD speaks to us and leads us is through nudging us. By that I mean GOD places within us both HIS desires and the ability to do them so that we feel an urge or nudge to do something. Philippians 2:13 Even in Old Testament times GOD led HIS people by placing within them the knowing of what they should do. That awareness of what we should do GOD- HIMSELF gives us in order to enable us to do all that HE wants us to do. Deuteronomy 29:29 Sometimes we feel something is just not right… that is often referred to as a check by the SPIRIT telling us NO to stop us.

The Bible speaks of this in different places. I especially like how it is said in Deuteronomy 30:11-14 where GOD told the people that the word telling them what HE wanted them to do was not hidden from them and neither was it far off. No one had to be sent to heaven to get it and bring it to tell the people, no one had to go across the ocean to find out what GOD wanted and bring it back to them, No, GOD said, But the word is very near to you, it is in your own mouth and in your own heart that you may do it. 

When we obey the nudges and checks GOD places within us, it is also called being led by the SPIRIT. And if we let the Holy SPIRIT lead us we won’t need to have a check list of the ordinances Colossians 1:14… cause we are following GOD HIMSELF…step by step. The law was a schoolmaster (a teacher) to show us we needed CHRIST. Now that we have CHRIST, HE leads us through HIS SPIRIT.

The Bible tells us what GOD is like and what we as HIS children should be like. We should go to HIS word to see how to act as HIS child. The Bible often speaks directly to us showing us ourselves. Sometimes, we don’t like what it is showing us. It is like going to a mirror and seeing your hair is a mess. It would be silly to go to a mirror and see a problem and not do something about it. So when we see something wrong in us as we read, we need to turn from it. When that happens, we are allowing the SPIRIT to lead us. 

If we follow the nudges and checks of the SPIRIT we will not commit the acts of the flesh but automatically do what GOD wants thereby the righteousness of the law will be fulfilled in us. Romans 8:1,4

But, what if we refuse to do what we know we should? Then we have literally turning our back on GOD and refusing to follow the SPIRIT. When our back is to GOD, we don’t hear HIM so good. Sometimes we are not even aware we have sinned. Therefore, we need to begin and end and sometimes throughout each day ask the HOLY SPIRIT if we have grieved or quenched HIM. He will tells us if we have. If something comes to mind, all we need do is stop and confess it. For just like we keep soap on hand to wash with when we are dirty. In a like manner GOD has given the Christian a bar of soap so to speak. If we confess our sins HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9. That verse is the 1st verse my pastor had me memorize after I came to JESUS. He called it the Christians bar of soap. (LOL)

I am so glad GOD nudges me in the way I need to go, aren’t you? I even take comfort in knowing that HE has provided a bar of soap to wash with if I fall in the mud.

hugs

Sharon

nudges and checks

As I have been talking with new Christians, I find they so want to do what GOD wants them to do but are unsure what that is. So I have been sharing with some how easy GOD makes it for us to know what HE wants us to do even before we know much about the Bible. 

1. One way GOD speaks to us and directs our steps is while we read HIS word. A verse or even just a word will make us aware of what we should or should not do. 

That is like straight stitching on my sewing machine, Yet, my sewing machine, like many others, has attachments. When an attachment is placed on the sewing machine it will do special things automatically: like zig-zag, sew on buttons, do special designs. But without the attachment, it will not do those things. I find that is like walking with GOD. When HE desires me to do something, HE puts on an attachment. Let me explain. 

2. Another way GOD speaks to us and leads us is through nudging us. By that I mean GOD places within us both HIS desires and the ability to do them so that we feel an urge or nudge to do something. Philippians 2:13 Even in Old Testament times GOD led HIS people by placing within them the knowing of what they should do. That awareness of what we should do GOD- HIMSELF gives us in order to enable us to do all that HE wants us to do. Deuteronomy 29:29 Sometimes we feel something is just not right… that is often referred to as a check by the SPIRIT telling us NO to stop us.

The Bible speaks of this in different places. I especially like how it is said in Deuteronomy 30:11-14 where GOD told the people that the word telling them what HE wanted them to do was not hidden from them and neither was it far off. No one had to be sent to heaven to get it and bring it to tell the people, no one had to go across the ocean to find out what GOD wanted and bring it back to them, No, GOD said, But the word is very near to you, it is in your own mouth and in your own heart that you may do it. 

When we obey the nudges and checks GOD places within us, it is also called being led by the SPIRIT. And if we let the Holy SPIRIT lead us we won’t need to have a check list of the ordinances Colossians 1:14… cause we are following GOD HIMSELF…step by step. The law was a schoolmaster (a teacher) to show us we needed CHRIST. Now that we have CHRIST, HE leads us through HIS SPIRIT.

The Bible tells us what GOD is like and what we as HIS children should be like. We should go to HIS word to see how to act as HIS child. The Bible often speaks directly to us showing us ourselves. Sometimes, we don’t like what it is showing us. It is like going to a mirror and seeing your hair is a mess. It would be silly to go to a mirror and see a problem and not do something about it. So when we see something wrong in us as we read, we need to turn from it. When that happens, we are allowing the SPIRIT to lead us. 

If we follow the nudges and checks of the SPIRIT we will not commit the acts of the flesh but automatically do what GOD wants thereby the righteousness of the law will be fulfilled in us. Romans 8:1,4

But, what if we refuse to do what we know we should? Then we have literally turning our back on GOD and refusing to follow the SPIRIT. When our back is to GOD, we don’t hear HIM so good. Sometimes we are not even aware we have sinned. Therefore, we need to begin and end and sometimes throughout each day ask the HOLY SPIRIT if we have grieved or quenched HIM. He will tells us if we have. If something comes to mind, all we need do is stop and confess it. For just like we keep soap on hand to wash with when we are dirty. In a like manner GOD has given the Christian a bar of soap so to speak. If we confess our sins HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9. That verse is the 1st verse my pastor had me memorize after I came to JESUS. He called it the Christians bar of soap. (LOL)

I am so glad GOD nudges me in the way I need to go, aren’t you? I even take comfort in knowing that HE has provided a bar of soap to wash with if I fall in the mud.

hugs

Sharon