If - then

We need to consider what is really being said.

 

If GOD did not make and number  the stars and call them each by name Genesis 1:16 Psalm 147:4 then looking at them will not reveal the power of GOD; if GOD did not design and make each animal after its kind Genesis 1:24 and each plant and tree after their kinds Genesis  1:11,12, then we cannot see the greatness and humor and artistic leanings of the designer in aspects of how they are put together that defy evolution; If GOD does not  design our unique DNA-knitting us together in our mother’s womb  Psalm 139:13-16, or preset the exact times Acts 1:7 and the exact  places  where we should live Acts 17:26; then we are not HIS workmanship with specific work to complete for HIM Ephesians 2:10; if GOD doesn’t know the number of hairs on our head Matthew 10:30; if HE doesn’t know when one of HIS little sparrows falls to the ground Matthew 10:29 then the Bible (GOD’s word) is a lie and there is not one promise in it that I can claim.  If that is the case then we Christians are of men most miserable I Corinthians 15:19. If GOD’s word is a lie, my whole world would crumble

But you see that fact is GOD did create each star and name them, HE did design each animal, plant and fish, HE did knit my DNA together in my mother’s womb according to the plans HE has for me Ephesians 2:10.

JESUS is the center of my world.  JESUS was sent from GOD my heavenly FATHER and testified to by the HOLY SPIRIT. There are many doctrines out there but if someone simply believes the truth  that the Bible is the Word of GOD-  and believes  that JESUS CHRIST (GOD the SON) was sent from heaven by GOD the FATHER to earth and became flesh and blood, then lived a sinless life then according to the predetermined plan of GOD was crucified by wicked hands on the cross  for the sins of all mankind (you and me), John 3:16 JESUS died and was buried then rose from the dead and seen by over 500 witnesses  I Corinthians 15:1-7.  Once a person believes in JESUS as the substitute for his sins and accepts for himself the gift of forgiveness by coming to JESUS, I can accept that one as a fellow believer.  We may disagree on how we see many things but as long as we share these basic foundational beliefs we can fellowship.

The Bible is not just a bunch of facts, it is in fact GOD speaking to me and to you.  It is essential  that the Bible is true,  for a person is only as good as his word.  If you cannot trust what someone says, you cannot trust him.

Many, many years ago I had this special friend who I dearly loved and thoroughly trusted.  Then something happened.  Several people told me that my friend had done something.  It wasn’t that big of a thing or one that affected me directly.  I asked him if what was said was true and  he denied it.  I believed him and I defended my friend over and over  when others refuted what he said.  Then a couple of years down the road, I overheard my friend tell another about that very situation and how he had fooled me.  They laughed about it but I was cut to the quick.  Though I have forgiven my friend, but I do not trust him for he believes in situational ethics.  In situational ethics, right and wrong depend upon the situation not on absolutes.  It was not comfortable for him to tell me the truth, so to him it seemed perfectly ok to lie.   

I on the other hand, believe in absolutes and in a GOD of absolutes.  The truth is truth and a lie is a lie.  Without absolutes I see no foundation for trust.

I believe the Bible is the word of GOD from Genesis to Revelation and I believe it is true.  It is my compass.  I don’t claim to understand all of it, but from the beginning to end of it GOD tells us that HE is the only wise GOD , an intimate Creator;  a personal GOD taking direct interest in the details of HIS creation.  GOD invites us to come talk everything over with HIM and promises that HE will guide us, provide for us and protect us.  Therefore, when I need direction, I go to HIM; promises from HIS word encourage me during times of struggle;  words from the Bible that come to mind during times of temptation are the very sword of the Spirit that cuts back the enemy and  enables me to overcome.   For it is in my intimate GOD alone that I find meaning and have hope. 

Hugs

Sharon

Who is your Almighty

There is a saying, that money speaks and the almighty dollar affects so much of what we do.  Do you, Do I let it control us?  It is our Almighty?

GOD  HIMSELF is  the source of all knowledge and understanding.  In that way we can say all inventions begin with GOD.  But I want to talk about inventions that come from turning from rather than seeking GOD.  Those idea come from the devil.

Many like to blame GOD for the bad things that happen in this world.  They even blame HIM for their own wrong choices and actions saying, “GOD made me this way.”  Yes,  GOD has made each  of us and fashioned us, knitting us together in our mother’s womb but does  HE make us do wrong?

Ecclesiastes 8:29 … GOD made man upright, but they have sought out many inventions (schemes).

Psalm 106:29 …they provoked HIM (GOD) to anger with their inventions (word here means=what they did) and a plague broke in upon them

Psalm 106:39 ..they were defiled with their own works and went awhoring (spiritual adultery) with their own inventions

Psalm 99:8 YOU (GOD) took vengeance on all their inventions.

Well, when we refuse to do things GOD’s way, we seek out inventions (our own way).  My 1^st thought today about seeking out inventions was the word METH.  More and more people have been sucked into the deception of a temporary thrill.  People actually lie and steal to get some of that poison- METH so that they might feel an unnatural temporary pleasure.  That poison… I feel was designed by the evil one for it destroys.  And the devil comes not unless he wants to kill, steal or destroy.… people on METH get paranoid, fear rules over them.  They furtively are constantly looking around afraid someone is after them.  Many on METH may at 1^st be overly clean- polishing the polish so to speak.  But for the most that doesn’t last long and soon they rifle through everything are living in filth but unaware of it.  Another characteristic is doodling- writing everywhere, and on every thing -- on walls, paper, even their own skin.  They roam at night and do not eat or sleep for days on end

Another type of invention is seen in the obsession with casinos and buys lottery tickets…  Many are looking to those things to find an answer to their financial problems rather than looking to GOD for provision and direction,  So even refuse to follow a basic direction of GOD.   If a man does not work he will not eat.  Who  has not seen the increasing number of panhandlers on every street corner?  I know some are legit and we are not to judge them… but I also know personally some who are out there as an easy way to get $.    Instead of worshipping (valuing and praising GOD and the opportunities HE open up, some value and praise  the almighty dollar ($).

Do you, do I have any inventions in our lives that we seek out rather than looking to GOD for direction and provision?

It is so good to know:  I John 1:9 If you confess your sins HE is faithful and just to forgive you your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. 

Hugs

Sharon

frogs communicate

Frogs can make themselves appear larger by puffing up.  They do this for a many of reasons from a defense mechanism to a variety of communication purposes including mating calls.  They can inflate their trunks as well as their vocal sacs, though the latter is by far the most common.  Frogs aren't just "singing" when they inflate their vocal sacs there is something specific going on.  I am pretty sure that is also true when a person emotionally puffs up. Though it is an inward thing, with people it can be seen by the way that person communicates (speak and/ or treat others.)

Romans 12;3  don't think more highly of yourself than you ought to think… but think soberly (think clearly/ not clouded, exaggerated nor distorted) according as GOD  has dealt to you the measure of faith. (faith comes from hearing a word from GOD  Romans 10:17) The things GOD shows you are for a specific reason that you will be able to do what HE want you to do.  Deuteronomy 29:29

Romans 12:3 tells us acknowledge that whatever we have or know (understand of truth) comes not by our efforts or reasoning but by what has been given to us by GOD.  Therefore you have no reason to feel proud.  1 Corinthians 4:7.

GOD has an agenda and has purposed to use you and me in specific situations Ephesians 2:10 to achieve an expected end. We do however get to choose if we are vessels of honor or dishonor (if we do things GOD’s way or not) 2 Timothy 2:20, 21 and through HIS knowledge of all things, (even what choices we will make) GOD made HIS eternal plans.  HE is never surprised, for there is nothing that will come to be that HE has not already taken into consideration.

 (Paul said) I have planted and Apollos watered but GOD has given the increase (made it grow) so neither is he that plants anything nor he that waters but GOD who gives the increase (makes it grow).  The one who plants and the one who waters are equal and each one will receive his wages according to his own labor for we are co-workers with GOD.  1 Corinthians 3:6-9

I have known some who had an idea and presented their idea to others as GOD’s truth, although it was not GOD’s truth at all.  Through human reasoning they might convince others that they are right, but unless GOD causes it to grow, after a time it will prove false.  On the other hand, if someone speaks as GOD tells him to, even if others oppose what he says there is no need for him to fear or become discouraged for if what is says is from GOD (GOD HIMSELF will speak to the hearer through those words spoken) and it will prosper. It will accomplish what GOD wants done.  Acts 5:38,39  Deuteronomy 29:29 

A true story I just heard yesterday:  There was a missionary in a foreign land who had scheduled a meeting.  The government presented lies about the missionary but the people didn’t understand the wording so a large crowd came together.  But the government had agents in the audience that continually heckled what the missionary was saying making the missionary appear foolish and the missionary became very discouraged and ready to quit.  When a prominent government official stood up and the missionary thought, Oh NO!  what will she say?  But she merely asked the missionary one question:  If I believe in this JESUS you are telling us about will HE give me a love for the people that you have?         58 people accepted JESUS that night.   Why? Because GOD caused HIS word to prosper.

That really encourages me & demonstrates Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom, nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

Hugs

Sharon

illustrate

I love the Old Testament (OT) for it gives such vivid pictures of physical things that illustrate and explain the great spiritual truths found in the New Testament (NT).  I will give two well known examples:

….1….In Numbers 21 we hear the story of the Jews grumbling against GOD again and GOD sending poisonous snakes among the people.  If a snake bit someone that person would die.  They cried out to Moses and Moses cried out to GOD and GOD had Moses make a bronze snake and put it on a pole and lift it high enough so that the million + Jews could see it.  If one was bit by a snake all he had to do was look to the bronze snake on the pole and he would be healed but if he chose not to look at the snake he would die. It was his choice.

JESUS  said John 3:14-18 that OT story was a picture of JESUS on the cross bearing all the sins of the world… if any person sinned (and there is none who do not sin) and he looked to JESUS (believing that JESUS died for him)… his sins would be forgiven and he would be given (among other things) eternal life; if on the other  hand he refused to look to JESUS he would die in his sin.  It is each person’s choice whether to look to JESUS for deliverance or not.

….2...Now in OT we see at the beginning GOD spent 6 days creating and on the 7^th  day HE took a day off.  Later when HE gave the Jews the law HE said, 6 days you shall labor but on the 7^th you should do no work Leviticus 23:3; you need to rest. It was called the Sabbath.   According to Isaiah 58:13,14a on that day you didn’t do what you wanted to do, you didn’t do things your own way, you didn’t go where you wanted to go and you didn’t even speak your own words and as a result you would find delight in the LORD. 

When the word Sabbath (sounds like Hebrew word for rest) was plural (Sabbaths) it didn’t speak just about the 7^th day it spoke of the 7 Jewish feasts  Leviticus 23:1-44 .  (there was also a Sabbath for planting:  6 years you could plant but the 7^th you had to let the soil rest Leviticus 25:1-6 because the Jewish broke the Sabbath for the land they were eventually exiled so the land could rest for an accumulation of years that it was not allowed to rest). 

JESUS tells us this the 7^th day rest was made for man for he needed a day to regroup and to refresh and to focus on GOD… the 7^th day for the land was for the same reason.  These are valid things.

However, in the New Testament (NT) we are shown the spiritual aspect (or real meaning) of the Sabbath- (that Hebrew word for rest)… Matthew 11:29,30  Come unto ME all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.  Take MY yoke upon you (do things with ME- MY way as in Isaiah 58:13,14) and learn of ME for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest in your souls.  We find our rest in JESUS, We are with HIM in all that we do.  HE leads us direction, fights our battles for us, using us to do HIS will and provides for us.  We co labor with HIM…

Hebrews 4:1,2 Therefore let us fear lest, while a promise remains of entering HIS rest any one of you should seem to come short of it. For we all had the good news preached to us, just as they did but it didn’t profit them because it was not mixed with faith. (Context shows us they are speaking of the Jews who left Egypt refusing to go into the promise land because they didn’t trust GOD to fight their battles or to provide for them) 3 But we who have believed ( in JESUS) have entered into that rest…(believing ) GOD’s works have been finished (literally came into being) from the foundation of the World. 4 for HE has spoken about the 7^th day (Sabbath) in these words, And on the 7^th day GOD rested from all HIS work.

The NT Sabbath is our resting from all our own efforts and submitting to GOD.  As JESUS never said a word or did a thing without 1^st getting instructions from FATHER GOD John 8:28, we too are called to be living sacrifices Romans 12:1,2 daily (not one day a week) having our mind renewed; not saying our own words, or going our own way or finding our own pleasures.

Romans 7:6 But we are delivered from the (OT) law wherein we were held, that we should serve in the newness of the SPIRIT and not the oldness of the letter.

2 Corinthians 3:7 but the ministry, in letters engraved on stones  (OT law written by the hand of GOD) 3:9 is the ministry of condemnation

2 Corinthians 3:8 the ministry of the Spirit (being led by the SPIRIT) is :3:9 the ministry of righteousness.

Galatians 3:2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the SPIRIT by the works of the Law or by the hearing with faith?... 3:3 Are you so foolish?  Having begun by the SPIRIT, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?

            hmmmmm   

Hugs

Sharon

not a crumb

A crumb is just a very small piece broken from a baked item, such as a cookie, cake, or bread. The crumbs in that plate are all that is left from some chocolate chip cookies,  But I would rather have them in the plate than a trail across the carpet.  Though a little crumb is not very nourishing or satisfying, still crumbs can make a big mess.  LOL.

 

I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies…. -Genesis 32:10

Unlike those who think they are OK, Jacob knew he had blown it and that he had really messed up his life by sinning (Gen. 32:10).  He thought himself unworthy of God's grace.  He’d lied to his father,  He had tricked his brother Esau out of his birthright and then had stolen his blessing as well & his brother hated him for it.  Now, years later, Jacob was going to face Esau again.  And Jacob was scared.

"I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies," Jacob cried out in despair to GOD.  He used a Hebrew word for "least" that suggests the tiniest object.  Jacob was saying I don’t deserve a crumb of mercy… but then went on to cry out…"Deliver me!" (32:10,11).

How odd to see those phrases side by side:  I am unworthy of Your mercies . . then. . Deliver me!  Yet Jacob could pray for mercy because his hope lay not in his own worth, but in GOD.   HE trusted in the way GOD is to determine how GOD would act toward him.

Jacob, though a sinner, knew HIS GOD and understood HE always treated people according to HIS own nature. Jacob knew his GOD was LORD of over all and in control and the only ONE who could help protect him from his brother; he knew GOD was merciful and forgiving and was willing to give him another chance; he knew GOD was kind and faithful so he trusted GOD to act according to HIS own nature and in faithfulness deal with him with forgiveness and mercy. Jacob knew he didn’t deserve a crumb of mercy but also knew the GOD of all mercy would give it freely, if only Jacob asked.

GOD still tells us to run to the throne of grace to obtain mercy (undeserved favor) and grace to help in times of need.  Hebrews 4:16

Those who know their only hope is in the faithful goodness of GOD, those who know the shame that they are undeserving sinners  can come to HIM through JESUS CHRIST.  For GOD listens to those who cry out:  "GOD, be merciful to me a sinner!"  GOD answers them.  (Luke 18:13).  

No one is worthy of GOD’s mercy and grace- no one --- for all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD.  Romans 3:23

Yet, GOD made a way for us…For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in JESUS shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16    

GOD invites us to come to HIM through JESUS.  Isaiah 1:18 “Come now , let us reason together,” says the LORD. “ Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…”   Call unto HIM and HE will answer you and deliver you!

Hugs

Sharon

an anchor

An anchor is a device, normally made of metal, used to connect a boat or a ship  to the bed of a body of water to prevent the craft from drifting or be driven by the wind, waves or current. 

Hebrews 6:15,17-19 And so after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise… Because GOD wanted to make to make the unchanging nature of HIS purpose very clear to (us) the heirs of what was promised, HE confirmed it with an oath.  GOD did this so by two unchanging things (HIS promise and HIS oath) in which it is impossible for GOD to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged.  We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure, it cannot slip, it can not break down.

These verses impy that things are going to come against us and try to move us away from looking to and trusting GOD’s word.  Things that look just the opposite of what GOD has promised us.  We must remember that hope that is seen is not hope  Romans 8:24  Bible hope is not an iffish thing… it is a guarantee but something not yet seen.  We are to flee to HIS promises and take hold of the hope GOD offers.  GOD’s promises will work like an anchor for our souls that we not drift away from GOD or be driven and be shipwrecked and broken on rocks.

Hebrews 7:25 HE is able to save forever those who draw near to GOD through HIM (JESUS), since HE always lives to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering HE has perfected for ever them that are being sanctified.

Has GOD given you a personal promise?  HE has given me personal promises… and when it seems like HE has lied to me, I quote HIS promise and HIS word back to HIM… that HE is not a man that HE should lie or change HIS mind… Numbers 23:19

Take hold of the promises of GOD… they will be an anchor for your soul to keep you firm and secure.

Hugs

Sharon

planting seeds

When the seed is planted in the ground sometimes it grows and sometimes it doesn’t.  It is the same with us.  GOD plants thoughts in our hearts if we accept them and ponder them they will grow and produce.  The devil also plants thoughts in our minds… thoughts called fiery darts of the devil… we can either accept them or refuse them.  If we accept them and think about them they will also grow and produce.  It doesn’t matter how large or small the seed that is planted if received by the ground it will produce.

I John 3^:1 How great is the manner of love the FATHER has given to us that we may be called the children of GOD and that is what we are. ² …we are now the children of GOD and yet it is not yet manifested (we don’t yet know) what we shall be like.  We know that when JESUS is manifested  we shall be like HIM because we shall see HIM as HE really is.³ and everyone having this hope fixed on HIM (JESUS) purifies himself as JESUS is pure.

            ^:5 and you know that JESUS appeared to take away sin; and in HIM there is no sin.⁶ no one who abides in JESUS sins, and no one who sins has seen HIM or knows HIM.

            ¹⁰ So now we can tell who are the children of GOD and who are the children of the devil.  Anyone who does not obey GOD’s commands and does not love others does not belong to GOD.  23 And this is HIS commandment that we must believe in the name of HIS SON JESUS CHRIST and love one another as HE gave us commandment.  24  the one who keeps HIS commandments abides in JESUS and JESUS in him.  And hereby we know that JESUS abides in us, by the SPIRIT which HE has given us.

Studying the Bible has brought me to the conclusion that to abide in JESUS is to focus on HIM considering how HE thinks and acts according to Scripture Hebrews 12:2,3 and also talking everything over with HIM 2 Corinthians 3:5, Proverbs 3:5-7

If and when we are doing that we will not sin.

But if we turn away from focusing on and talking with JESUS, even for a brief spell… and look at things from a human selfish viewpoint and do things our own way we will sin.  Note at those times, we have our back to JESUS therefore cannot see HIM.  It is only when we see (face)  HIM that we reflect HIS nature.  At those times we are looking to ourselves for the answers it is natural for us to sin because then we are operating according to the world’s standards and the whole world lies in the arms of the evil one.  I John 5: 19

When we accept the thoughts the evil one plants, those thoughts take root and eventually produces sin.  Just as when a sperm connects with an egg or a seed is planted in the ground.   When accepted, the sperm or seed planted by the evil one in our thoughts produces an offspring or a thorn.. which in turn fights against JESUS.  Genesis 3:1-7,15   

Have you ever noticed when you are focused on a hard problem and all you can think of is ”how unfair!” that your thoughts of GOD are rather negative if you think of HIM at all?  That is what is meant by not knowing HIM in I John 3:6.  We have lost sight of HIM and don’t even recognize HIS character.

That is why it is so essential to go to HIM with everything… for when we do, even if we are grumbling we give HIM an opportunity to speak to us and we see HIM.  Even if we have no clue what HE is doing HE has our attention.  At those times it helps me to remember (prodded by the HOLY SPIRIT, I am sure) that GOD is at work stirring every single thing together (just like we stir together  the raw eggs with milk, flour, sugar, baking powder and whatever to make a yummy cake. Romans 8:28

2 Corinthians 4:17,18  For our (comparative) light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory of good things that far outweigh the pain of today. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen (our situation) but on what is not seen (what GOD is achieving for us through our situation) for what is seen (our situation) is temporary, but what is unseen (what GOD is achieving for us through our struggles) is eternal.

We all are aware of the example of these things seen in Eve- the mother of all living Genesis 3:20  When she took her eyes off GOD’s word and focused on the serpent’s lies she received the seed the devil ( Revelations 20:2) planted; she mulled it over and then it produced sin. 

Eve’s 1^st son, the 1^st child born of a woman, Cain also took his eyes off GOD’s way (GOD showed that vegetation was not a good enough offering that a blood sacrifice was required Genesis 3: 7,21) Cain chose to do things his own way and offered to GOD the fruit of his own farming efforts…   His little brother Able, on the other hand did things GOD’s way and GOD showed HIS approval .  That got Cain mad!  And GOD spoke to Cain.  Why are you mad, if you do right, you will be accepted.  But if you do not do right sin is crouching at the door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.  Genesis 4:1-6

Rather than listen to GOD’s warning, Able was stubborn and refused to offer a blood sacrifice.  Then he killed his brother because had Able received the attention that he wanted.  Cain’s 1^st sin was not the murder but the turning from what GOD showed HE wanted and looking to his own ways and efforts to please GOD.  The 2^nd sin was like it, he killed his brother because he was not #1 in GOD’s eyes.   He was the center of his own little world and anything that offended him needed to be dealt with. Genesis 4:1-8

The phrase it (sin= the devil) desires to have you Genesis 4:6is the same exact Hebrew phrase translated, in Genesis 3:16 that your desire will be to (rule) your husband but he shall rule over you.  When we chose to listen to the lies of the devil over the truth and ways of GOD we give the enemy a position of authority over us and do his seditious will 2 Timothy 2:25,26,  2 Corinthians 2:11, Ephesians 4:27

When you and I sin it is when we have refused to do things GOD’s way because have embraced the selfish thoughts the devil has planted in our minds.  When the devil plants thoughts in us is coupled with our receiving, mulling over and embracing them they produce the offspring of sin.  That is why we are to take up the shield of faith in GOD Ephesians 6:16 (that HE is and that HE is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek HIM Hebrews 11:6) for it will stop those fiery darts of lies from taking root in our hearts.

When we focus on JESUS, talk with JESUS about everything and thus abide in HIM then through the work of the HOLY SPIRIT we begin acting like HIM. 2 Corinthians 3:18  The thoughts GOD plants in our hearts, Philippians 2:13 when embraced by us, produce what GOD wants.  For we are allowing GOD to determine our steps.  When HE determines our steps it is impossible for us to sin.

hugs

Sharon

I stand corrected

When I was a tyke I was quite the tomboy and since I would rush ahead without thinking I was taken to the hospital several times for stitches.  This photo shot shows me at age 4, on the see-saw of our back yard swing set in Culver City, CA while my older sister Rose was climbing the ladder.  Another time, I climbed that very ladder and then scooted over to the top of the see-saw and for some unforeseen and forgotten reason I stuck my finger in the hole at the top just as someone started see-sawing and the tip of my finger was severed all but a string.  A quick trip to the hospital and several stitches later we headed home.  Praise the LORD, I still have my pinkie!

Around the same time, we went to visit some cousins and there was a shallow fishpond in the neighborhood.  It was a hot day so several of us kids took off our shoes and waded in the water.  Well, leave it to me, I jumped in and landed on a broken glass bottle and was rushed to the hospital for stitches between two toes.  Well, Mom and Dad went off somewhere for some kind of conference and left us with Nana (Mom’s mom).  My foot still bandaged from the cut somehow got infected and was changing color.  Nana rushed me to the doctor and he feared gangrene and spoke of amputating (remember this was 65 years ago without the advanced knowledge of today.)  But my Nana refused and soaked my foot  constantly in Epson salts.  At that time I was mad cause I couldn’t go out and play with the other kids  but today I am glad for I still have my foot and the scars to prove it really happened. LOL

Gangrene is dangerous and spreads rapidly and is life threatening.  The doctors had reason to fear… but praise the LORD in HIS great mercy HE chose to stop the spread of the deathly gangrene and bring healing to my foot.

This morning I awoke with a verse in my mind… a verse that poked me briefly yesterday during a Bible study.  This morning that verse cried out, exposing me,  I had done wrong.  I got up and looked up the verse and read verses surrounding that text plus checked my concordance  for other references to the issue.  In all of this I came upon the words… “ this type of  talk spreads like gangrene” 2 Timothy 2:17 (other translations say cancer… and we all know of that dread condition of uncontrolled growth of malignant cells and what it does.)

That is scary and the text named 2 guys one of which is also named in I Timothy 1:20  If you check the context you see these guys through their brainstorming and speculations and own ideas wandered, were shipwrecked in their faith and destroyed the faith of some who heard them. Then these guys were turned over to Satan so that they would learn not to blaspheme.  (or speak untruths about divine things) 

Although that is so scary, there is a bright hope in that statement… Job was turned over to Satan and learned awesome things blessed twice over Job chapters  1,2, 42; and Peter was turned over to Satan Luke 22:31,32 but when he learned what he needed to, his faith still intact,  he was greatly used of GOD to open the doors of the church to the Gentiles and was one of the apostles who laid the foundation for the Church to follow and thereby strengthened many believing Jews.

2 Timothy 2:16 shun/ turn away from empty utterances not from GOD (in other words turn away from speaking things we cannot back up or learn from scripture/ our own ideas) for they will lead to more ungodliness… (NIV because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly)  That is saying when we start looking to our own explanations we slowing start looking more and more to ourselves for the answers and less and less to GOD. Thereby, we become more and more ungodly because it is as we see GOD as HE is and as HE works that we are changed into HIS likeness.  2 Corinthians 3:18, I John 3:2

I Timothy 1:4.. they promote more speculations rather than GOD’s work in faith. Speculations do not further the work of GOD.

Interestingly the 3 texts were written to a leader in the church instructing him in what to teach others. (check it out for yourselves in I Timothy chapter 1 and chapter 6 / 2 Timothy chapter 2 )  Now I checked out several translations and the word of emphasis that it all spoke of used in the various translations seemed to conveyed different ideas. So I went to the Greek to see the actual words used.  Ekzatew and zatasis both mean to seek out, question, speculate which might in turn lead to different opinions and to debates or controversies.

Lets look again; What spread like gangrene? Talk… talk based not on knowledge of the Word of GOD but on questions, speculations and personal ideas.  The Bible itself explains itself… any questions the Bible can’t answer by the help of the HOLY SPIRIT are godless…(not from GOD) but they are our personal speculations and vain (pride, conceit) or empty (having no value).  That type of knowledge of good and evil (every man is right in his own eyes Proverbs 21:2;16:2;12:15) is what we inherited from our ancestors who ate the forbidden fruit because they wanted to be in the know… They didn’t want to have to look to GOD for the answers. (Proverbs 3:5-7)

Don’t give heed/ pay attentions to myths I Timothy 1:4 (is a transliteration of the Greek word muthos.  It was the word used of the fictions of the Jewish theosophists ( who rejected Judeo-Christian revelations and theology and based doctrine on special mystical insight or on superior speculations.) and Gnostics (who adhered to a syncretistic-combining of varying often mutually opposed beliefs- again settled on speculations and questions.) because they lead to more questions and speculations.  

Isaiah 55:8-11 GOD ways and thoughts are way higher than ours so by speculations we cannot find HIM out.  But HE has revealed HIMSELF in HIS Word and given us HIS HOLY SPIRIT to translate it for us John 14:26  1 Corinthians 2. 

2 Timothy 2:16-18 Guard what has been entrusted to you, (your faith) turn away from godless and empty talk and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and have wandered from the faith. 2 Timothy 2:16-18 (remember those guys: it was their speculations that caused them to wander and shipwrecked their faith while destroying the faith of some who heard their speculating)  Wandering does not speak of intent but rather of lack of concentration on and the losing sight of their destination/goal 2 Timothy 2:16-18

When I was little I was considered accident prone.  Why?  because I rushed ahead not considering what I was doing.  I have put away my childish ways (and now when I do wrong, GOD is faithful to show me what to change.  HE corrects me Hebrews 12:4-13) and as for me I want to keep my eyes on HIM and on the goal-   Philippians 3:12-14 …I press on to take hold of that for which CHRIST JESUS took hold of me…this one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal...  Romans 8:29 that goal GOD has for me.. that I be transformed, (metamorphosed like a caterpillar changed into a butterfly) into the likeness (godly character) of JESUS my LORD.     Will you join me?

Hugs

Sharon

Restore

GOD says that we do not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD. Matthew 4:4  In other words, GOD’s word is nourishment for me and for you. It is what is necessary to keep us alive and in good condition..

For that reason, I love the Bible.   Often when I am reading the Word of GOD, Bible verses seemingly jump out at me as I read, that is they catch my complete attention.  When that occurs, they either pose a question or  answer a question I have had or they compel me to stop and pray according to what was said.  

When scripture nudges me to pray, I believe it is GOD revealing how HE intends to act and calling me to pray for that very thing.   In Ezekiel 36:36 last clause & verse 37 GOD says:  I will do it for them, but I want them to ask ME for it.

When GOD shows me how to pray, I think it is as much for me personally as it is for the end result.  When HE shows me what HE is doing it renews  my hope and encourages me to endure.  For faith comes from hearing and hearing from the words (rhema) of Christ.  Romans 10:17   Plus we are told that if we asked anything according to GOD’s will HE would do it. I John 5:14,15

Well, today Joel 2:25-26 jumped out at me:  “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your GOD, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame.

To restore means to give back something that has been taken away.  When you restore furniture, you take something that has been ravished by time and misuse and restore it to its previous glorious state.

I find it reassuring that it was GOD’s army sent by GOD against us to teach us that took something from us and brought shame.  When we have learned what we need to, HE, our marvelous GOD, will restore= give back to us the years HIS army took from us. Praise HIS holy name.

These words caused me to want to stop and pray, LORD you know ______ and _______ are far away and need to be restored.  They feel shame.  Forgive them in JESUS name.  LORD, I don’t know YOUR timing on this but if anything needs to be done before they can be restored to walk with YOU please do it and bring them back and give them back what has been taken from them.  Oh LORD they are confused and miserable and so much has come in and so many years have been wasted.  And it doesn’t just touch them but all who are around them.  Please bring them back and restore to them the years that were taken from them I ask in JESUS name.

I find it reassuring that it was GOD’s army sent by GOD against us to teach us that took from us.  When we have learned what we need to, HE, our marvelous GOD, will restore= give back to us the years HIS army took from us. Praise HIS holy name.

These words caused me to want to stop and pray, LORD you know ______ and _______ are far away and need to be restored.  LORD, I don’t know YOUR timing on this but if anything needs to be done before they can be restored please do it and bring them back and give them back what has been taken from them.  Oh LORD they are confused and miserable and so much has come in and so many years have been wasted.  And it doesn’t just touch them but all who are around them.  Please bring them back and restore to them the years that were taken from them I ask in JESUS.

Stir it up!

My grandchildren love to help me cook.  And stirring up the ingredients for a cake in a bowl is especially fun.  What would happen if you put all the ingredients for a cake into a pan and stuck it in the oven without stirring up the ingredients?

Reading in Ezra chapter 2 I was encouraged and got instructions in how to pray for a loved one.  I am to pray that GOD stir him up.  I love both of the references in Ezra 2 concerning this.  Both times they are hiphil= which means GOD actively caused something to happen. 

In verse 1 GOD actively woke up and rouse to action King Cyrus to do what GOD wanted done (release HIS people and to rebuild HIS temple in Jerusalem.) 

Then in verse 5 GOD actively woke up from sleep (those busily occupied with other things), excited them  in HIS plan and called forth individuals (in bondage in a foreign country) to do HIS bidding.  Plus HE opened the way for this to  happen verse 1.

Looking at this action or way GOD does something, is exciting.  Causing me to claim this way of GOD by asking HIM to stir up my loved one (and me.) 

I am praying:

·         That GOD wake up my loved one to the emptiness of the chasing after the things of this world and living by its standards Ezra 2:5

·         That GOD plant HIS plan in my loved one’s (and my) heart Philippians 2:19

·         And that GOD stir up his heart (and mine) to be actively excited about GOD plan  Ezra 2:5

·         And that GOD call my loved one (and me) to do HIS bidding, Ezra 2:1,5 assigning us to specific territory with authority to do HIS work 2 Corinthians 10:13 and equipping us for our part of the work. Colossians 1:12

I am so glad it is not my job to think up ways to help GOD. I am not the best as brain storming but it excites me that GOD has a plan and wants me part of it. I am very much like my grandkids in that I love "helping" GOD do something HE wants done. I am praying that GOD stir me up with HIS plans.

Hugs

Sharon

What is in a name?

I laughed as the little Walt Disney cartoon fawn Bambi misunderstood Thumper the rabbit and named a little skunk- Flower… But the sweet character within that little skunk showed it was not really a misnomer and it stuck.  When Bambi named the skunk- Flower, the little skunk giggled for it brought him great delight.  Names can bring us pleasure or sorrow.  So we should be careful of what we call others.

Being hearing impaired, I don't always hear a name properly so am uncertain of names.  When I see someone I have met before,  I recognize a face and remember their prayer requests but sometimes struggle with their names.  That is why I love name tags… for after I have seen a name a few times it is easier to remember it. 

A name is a significant concept in both the old and new testaments.  In biblical culture a name did more than identify, it communicated something of the essence, the character, or the reputation of the person or thing named.  We see this vividly in the man Nabal.  His name meant fool and he was a fool. I Samuel 25:25

Names become particularly significant when linked with revelation about GOD.  Of all that HIS names imply, of authority, character, rank, power, or everything the word name covers when speaking of GOD my favorite is how it declares the innate attributes and nature of GOD, showing not just what HE does but what HE is like on the inside.

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY who was and is and is to come told Moses. “ I know you by name and you have found grace/ favor (Hebrew hen= a free and spontaneous willingness to bestow good on one who needs it/ the word excludes all idea of meriting the good) in MY sight.”  Moses replied, “If I have found grace in YOUR eyes, show me YOUR ways that I may know YOU…show me YOUR glory…” Exodus 33:12,13,18

GOD’s response is interesting but not one I would naturally would have expected.  I would have thought to see a blaze of blinding light and to hear a list of ‘I do it this way and I do it that way’.  Instead, GOD said: “I will make all MY goodness pass before you & I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you… but you cannot see MY face for there shall no human see ME and live.  You will see MY back parts…” Exodus 33:19,20,23  

You see the glory of the LORD is intimately linked with the LORD’s self- revelation.  The root of GOD’s glory is HIS essential nature & in the display of that glorious nature as HE acts in the material universe.   HIS ways are not a list of do’s and don’t but rather a continual outflow of HIS inner nature.

The LORD descended in a cloud and stood with Moses and proclaimed the name of the LORD, “YAHWEY(the self- existent ONE who reveals HIMSELF.. the great I AM), YAHWEY GOD, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and great in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and yet not leaving entirely unpunished…” 

When we see the word name in connection with GOD in the Bible, we must consider more than a way to address HIM.  HIS names are used in different places according to the need HE is addressing in that place.  In one place, HE is the GOD who sees, in another, the LORD who heals you.  Take the time to stop and consider what is being said about GOD each time one of HIS names is used.

Another aspect when considering names is praying in the name of JESUS.  We are not just to tack that phrase on at the end of a prayer.  That term identifies the believer with JESUS who was born and lived as a mesenger revealing the exact representation of GOD's being Hebrews 1:1,2, who died for our sin and rose from the grave victorious.  To pray in the name of JESUS means to identify the content & motivation of that prayer with all that JESUS is and wants & to pray with full confidence in HIM as HE revealed HIMSELF.  Those prayers, JESUS promised would be answered.

To me there is no other name more precious than the names of GOD.  I never grow tired of reviewing GOD’s names and the situations in the Bible where they are used of HIM.  HIS names soothe me and I love to pray them to HIM.

What is in a name?  so very much! Just as GOD’s ways are an outflow of HIS innate character & HIS names reflect that flow, so it is with you & me.  What is in our hearts is what comes out.  Luke 6:43-45 Aren't you glad the Holy SPIRIT is within you to spread HIS love & all HIS fruit in our hearts to overflow to others John 7:38,39; & that GOD has chosen to & is in the process of transforming us into the image (to have a nature) of JESUS? Romans 8:29 Remember, GOD knows your name & calls you by it.

Hugs

Sharon

An illustration

In a short devotion Scott Allen Gray was talking about Jesus--The Holy and Righteous One (Acts 3:14). The Scriptures testify that Jesus during His time on earth lived a perfectly holy life. He is described as “without sin” (Hebrews 4:15); as One who “committed no sin” (1 Peter 2:22); and as “Him who had no sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21). The Apostle John stated, “In Him is no sin” (1 John 3:5). The Old Testament describes Him prophetically as “the Righteous One” (Isaiah 53:11), and as One who “loved righteousness and hated wickedness (Psalm 45:7). These statements, taken from six different writers of Scripture, show that the sinlessness of Jesus Christ is the universal teaching of the Bible. Even more compelling is Jesus’ own testimony concerning Himself. On one occasion He looked the Pharisees squarely in the eye and asked, “Can any of you prove Me guilty of sin?” (John 8:46).
As I read his devotion, my thoughts flew to the wonder beyond all comprehension: that on HIM (JESUS) who had no sin was laid all sin so that any who choose to believe in JESUS can have forgiveness and eternal life... Colossians 2 ;13,14
I thought of an illustration I saw an Englishman give ... hold your right hand with your palm facing up... then take a book and place it on your hand (the book represents your sin- it is a basrrier between you and GOD)... then turn your left hand palm up and transfer the book to your left hand (representing your sin being taken from you and placed on JESUS - no longer is there a barrier between you and GOD). When I acted out the illustration I was amazed at how light my right hand felt when the book was transferred to my left hand. That is how the weight of our sins and even our struggles are taken off of us when we come to JESUS.
try the book transfer and see how it feels...
hugs
Sharo
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