part 2 of 2

GOD does    part 2 of 2

The outline I promised is at the end.

GOD will judge the world with justice Acts 17:31 JESUS paid for all the sins of the world and thereby reconciled any who receive HIM to GOD.  The sins are erased off the book s of those who accept HIM as Savior.  Yet there are natural consequences that remain.  People will be paid back for doing wrong.  Colossians 3:25

There are many verses that speak about being judged for our negative actions stating that fair retribution will be issued.  This goes for everything  from speaking idle words Matthew 12:36  to murder. Galatians 6:7 No one wonders that although a murder gets saved, he still may face the electric chair; or a believing thief may still land in jail.  A liar will be lied about.  Although there are definite consequences (judgment on wrong action) for everyone, it is interesting to note that the time and place for payback is often different.  For (group 1) believers in JESUS this happens  in time (rather than in eternity future) while on the earth.

·         An old testament picture of this is found in Numbers 14 where the people were afraid and refused to go into the promise land and grumbled against GOD.  The LORD  was very angry.  But Moses prayed and then the LORD said: Numbers 14:20-23 I have forgiven them as you have asked (they were saved and HIS eternally) Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the LORD fills the whole earth, not one of the men who saw MY glory and the miraculous signs I performed in Egypt and in the desert but who disobeyed ME and tested ME 10 times will ever see the land I promised on oath to their forefathers.  No one who has treated ME with contempt will ever see it..

The people were forgiven, just as you and I who believe in JESUS are forgiven eternally but there were in time consequences for their actions.  I know believers who cannot find peace and joy in believing for they refuse to trust GOD to fight their battles just like those Jews of old.  Because of that they will never experience in this life the peace and rest GOD offers.  But they are forgiven and saved.

Take the example  of unforgiveness. JESUS said that unless your forgive you will not be forgiven.  For believers:  if we refuse to forgive, there will be definite in time consequence.  For instance, instead of GOD giving you favor with others, HE will withhold it.  We will not experience the joy and freedom of forgiving but instead be eaten up with bitterness and anger.  GOD can not release you (forgive you and bless you)  from your in time consequences as long as you hold on to your unforgiveness.  For believers retribution is an in time thing.  It is totally separate from our eternal forgiveness that was earned for us on the cross by our LORD JESUS CHRIST and appropriated by us when we believed.

Judgment on believers wrong actions happens on earth- during time (here and now) so that we will NOT have to be condemned for our actions later (after death) with the world.

·         I Corinthians 11:31,32 For if we would judge ourselves, we will not come under judgment (just stop right now and think about  that).  But when we are judged, we are chastened/ disciplined by the LORD, that we should not be condemned with the world.

An extreme example of this is seen when a man was having a sinful relationship with his step mother. See I Corinthians 5  entire chapter

·         I Corinthians 5:5” turn over this man over to Satan so that the sinful nature may be destroyed & his spirit saved on the day of the LORD.

A believer named Heymenaeus, the married couple Ananias and Sapphire and even Peter are other examples of in time judgment for corrective purposes that they would not have to be condemned with the world.  see 1 Timothy 1:20, Acts 5:1-10, Luke 22:31,32

In comparison (group 2) those who will never believe- most of their judgment awaits until after their death. ( I worded what I called the 2^nd group carefully for it seems like any who will one day believe are treated as if already in the 1^st group even before they believe.)  Many cry out at the injustice of this world and how evil people (2^nd group)get away with so much while believers are treated wrongfully.   There are many Bible verses that say that very thing. Psalm 37:1,7, 73:3-19  Proverbs 23:17

In part that is due to the long-suffering of GOD giving chance after chance.  HIS kindness often leads to repentance. Romans 2:4  Even though GOD knows one will never repent or believe,  GOD has chosen to reserve judgment to a specific time for the unbeliever.  2 Peter 2:8,9 (I personally feel this is due at least in part to GOD’s great pity & tender mercies for HE knows that the only thing the unbeliever will get is what he gets in this life because those who refuse the love of the truth will spend eternity in the lake of fire Revelation 20:15 where their worm (soul with its longings with no way to fill them) will never die & the fire is never quenched. Mark 9:44 Could this be why GOD didn’t kill Cain?Gen.4

Kris Vallotton said-GOD's judgments are based on our will.  GOD judges to determine eternity for each individual based on their own actions, attitudes and beliefs (choices). HE is judging what we willed because HE is not willing (does not desire/ want)  that anyone should perish.

 2 Peter 3:9  Ezekiel 18:23,32  -          John 8:24 I say you will die in your sins; for if you believe not I am HE you will die in your sins.

Although the general intent of GOD’s actions are always corrective- to get people to reach out to HIM, Acts 17:26,27 it’s  the in time individual’s response is what determines the result.  Take for instance the Bible principle that GOD brings our fears upon us: judgment on fear.  For a believer (group 1) it results in greater trust. see Job 3:25, Job 42:5,10   While for an unbeliever (group 2) it is punishment, showing them that GOD is indeed who HE says HE is and is in control and stronger than they are. Isaiah 66:6.  See the difference?

This  is the chart I promised that lists some of the most significant  past, present and future judgments spoken of in the Bible.

Past judgments:

1-Judgment of Adam – (whole human race affected) Genesis 3

   Who- Adam and Eve

   When- after 1^st sin

   Where- In the garden of Eden, on earth

   Why- ate fruit GOD forbid them with immediate consequence of gaining a sin nature(lust of the flesh, lust of the  eyes &pride of life)

   What outcome … 1- aging and eventual physical death for all mankind

                 2- curse on earth… weeds and had to work hard to get a crop

                 3- increased sorrow and conception to the woman & a desire in her to rule over her husband.

                 4-kicked out of the garden

                 5-not able to eat of Tree of Life

                 6- generational pass down of sin nature and physical death

2 – Judgment of the flood  Genesis chapters 6, 7   2 Peter 2:5

      Who-All people who refused to believe GOD (at Noah’s preaching)  and get in the ark

      When-1,565 years after creation                                                                                                                

      Where- the whole earth covered                                                                                                                              

      Why-  the wickedness of man was great on the earth and every imagination of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually

      What outcome- Universal flood that covered the earth wiping out all people and animals not in ark.                     

3- Judgment at Tower of Babel Genesis 11:1-9                                                                                     

    Who- the people on earth at that time                                                                                                                         

    When-               ????                                                       

    Where- at the tower of Babel, in the land of Shinar, earth                                                                                                                     

    Why-  defied GOD’s command to scatter and fill the earth Genesis 11:4, w/ Genesis 9:1,7

    What outcome-1 language confused, now multiple languages resulting in scattering the people out Genesis ll:9                                                                

4-Judgment of this world /  can also be called Judgment of believers sin on the cross  John 12:31

   Who- the world/ laid on JESUS                                                                   

   When-                around 2000 years ago                                                                      

   Where                -on the Cross, hill of Gogotha, Jerusalem, earth                                            

   Why- sin which separated man from GOD                                                                                                

   What outcome-the ruler of this world (satan) cast outside John 12:31/ canceled written code with its regulation that were against

                                       us/ JESUS  triumphed over all demons (fallen angels) and disarmed them. Colossians 3:14,15

Present judgments 

5- Believers self judgment  I Corinthians 11:31

    Who- believers

    When- in time on earth

    Where- wherever you are

    Why – to become more like JESUS & avoid chastisement 

    What outcome- GOD will not have to judge our actions on earth/ we will become more Christlike.

6- GOD’s disciplinary judgment of believers on the earth.   I Corinthians 11:31,32  Galatians 6:7 (more details on previous page)

   Who- believers

   When- whenever a believer gets into sin

   Where- wherever they may be

   Why - so we won’t be condemned with the world

   What outcome- we become partakers of HIS righteousness  Hebrews 12:5-11 especially verse 10,  Romans 8:29

                                                                                                           

Future judgments 

This next judgment, the 1^st  of the 4 future judgments listed, is the most exciting for me for it pertains to believers & it is called our hope.

·         John 14:2b,3 for I go to prepare a place for you and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to MYSELF, that where I am, there you may be also.

This is also what is being spoken of in Romans 8:19-23  & I John 3:2

·         Romans 8:19 For the creation is eagerly watching with earnest expectation for the revealing of the sons of GOD.

·         I John. 3:2  beloved we are children of GOD and it has not yet appeared (been revealed) what we shall be like.  But we know that when HE (JESUS) appears we shall be like HIM for we shall see HIM as HE really is.

·         Romans 8:20-23 For the creation was subjected to futility (incapable of producing properly)Genesis 4:11,12  not by its own choice but by the ONE who subjected it in hope; that the creation itself will also be set free from the slavery of deterioration/ corruption to the glorious freedom of the children of GOD.  For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.  And not only this, but we ourselves, having the 1^st fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.

I Thessalonians 4:14-17 tells us about that time when JESUS comes again to receive us to HIMSELF& about the redemption of our body

·         I Thessalonians 4:14, 16,17 For if we believe that JESUS died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in JESUS will GOD bring with HIM… For the LORD HIMSELF shall come down from heaven with a shout and with a voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of GOD; and the dead in CHRIST shall rise 1^st.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the LORD in the air, and thus we shall always be with the LORD.

JESUS catches us away in the air and then comes the next judgment.  The Judgment seat of Christ.

·         Revelation 22:12 Behold, I am coming quickly (suddenly), and MY reward is with ME, to render to every man according to what he has done.

7- Judgment seat of Christ   I Corinthians 3;11-15   2 Corinthians 5:10  Romans 14:10  Matthew 16:27 Luke 14:14   I Corinthians 5:4

   Who- believers only

   When- at rapture (When JESUS catches is away to meet HIM in the air ) I Thessalonians 4:13-17

   Where- between earth and highest heaven (going through fire traveling though the atmosphere at high speed all burns away)

   Why – believer’s works are judged/ not his sins for his sins have been atoned for & remembered no more Hebrews 10:17

   What outcome-  rewards  or loss  I Corinthians 3:14,15  Ephesians 6:8 Revelations22:12

                 1- crowns to lay at JESUS feet Revelation 4:10  2 Timothy 4:8

                 2-positions to be held during 1,000 on earth Luke 19:11-19  note vs 17

                 3-or the shame of having all burned away & coming out smelling like smoke-but saved & GOD there to wipe the tears away!

                                                                                                                                          John 7:17  1  Corinthians 3:15  I John 2:28 

8-Judgment of the nations Matthew 25:31-46, Joel 3:2  (Christians are associated with Christ in this judgment    I Corinthians 6:2)   

   Who- goats and sheep (the nations of the world)      Matthew 10:15, 11:20-24 alludes to this                                       

   When after 2nd coming of Christ prior to HIS 1,000 yr. reign                                                 

   Where                -on earth                                                                                                                  

   Why- judged on how they treated HIS brethren the remnant 144,000 Jews who, were sealed & preached  the gospel during the

             tribulation..after the removal  of the church when HE caught  Christians away, Revelation 7:2-12                      

   What outcome- their treatment of the sealed preacher Jews determines their future. If good to remnant, they are given an inheritance during

             the 1,000  but if not they not allowed to live during the 1,000 year reign.                                                                      

 

9- Judgment of Fallen Angels with their leader the devil Jude 6 (Christians are associated with Christ in this judgment  I Corinthians 6:3)

   Who- the devil and demons (the 1/3 of angels that joined Satan in rebellion against the Most High)

   When- directly following the battle of Armageddon as fire falls from heaven Revelations 20:10

   Where- ? on the battlefield on the plain of Meddigo ???  or in the “nothingness” when the earth explodes & the heavens flee???

   Why - rebellion against GOD

   What outcome- cast into the lake of fire to be tormented day and night forever and ever  Revelations 20:10 also called the 2^nd death but it is not annihilation for the Beast & False prophet are still there undestroyed after 1,000 yr  Revelation 19:20 w/ 20:10  Note  - these fallen angels had been arrested and held in confinement at different times, Jude 6  2 Peter 2:4  Revelation 20:1-3 but their actual sentencing did not occur until after Armageddon just prior to or at the same time as the world explodes and the heavens flee  2 Peter 3:10-12 before  the Great  White Throne appears

10- Great White Throne Judgment  Revelation 20:11-15   The final Judgment

   Who- the dead, great and small 

   When-  after the battle of Armageddon& the burning up of earth& heavens but before the new heaven & earth. Revelations  20:11- 21:1

   Where  before the Great White Throne there is no earth or heaven at this point.

   Why  judged according to the things written in the books-  according to what they had done

   What outcome- whosoever was not found written in the Lamb’s book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Note: the redeemed were raised from the grave 1,000 years before this in the 1^st resurrection  Revelation 20:4,5   Any in the 1^st resurrection cannot be hurt by the 2^nd death -which is the lake of fire. Revelations 20:4-6 for it is a resurrection to everlasting life Daniel 12:2  while the 2^nd resurrection which is  spoken of here at the Great White Throne Judgment  is a resurrection to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2

Now the judgments are complete and GOD promises: Nahum 1:9b  affliction will not rise up the second time!

 

                                                            Praise HIS holy name!

lay aside

When I get to doing research or writing a paper I look very much like this puppy.  And when I am into my searching it is very, very hard for me to lay aside the books and get up to take care of something needing to be done.  Yesterday was such a day when I was working on part 2 as I promised.  I got lost (so into my study) that I could think of nothing else.

This morning I read a verse calling us to lay aside some stuff and it reminded me about how JESUS laid aside HIS high position, HIS wealth, HIS rights and privileges to humble HIMSELF and become a baby so that HE could start as we did and be tempted in all ways just as we are but without sin so HE could die in our stead and now since HE understands our troubles HE is able to help us in our struggles.  Philippians 2:5-11 ,Hebrews 4:14-16

HE had to lay aside stuff to be able to help us.

Now HE asks us to lay aside some things so that HIS work in us might be completed.

1 Peter 2:1,2 KJ Therefore, laying aside (Greek- putting away)  all malice and all deception (lies) and hypocrisy (pretense) and envies, and all evil speaking (detractions- talking against), and as newborn babies desire (long for) the pure milk of the word that you may grow thereby (Greek-in your salvation).

Did you notice that as JESUS became a baby to prepare to save us, so HE asks us to be like a baby who desires his bottle of milk that helps him grow?   HE urges us-  you and me-  to start drinking the word of GOD just as a hungry baby slurps up his bottle.   In that way we will grow up in our salvation.  

But before we can get nourishment from the Word we must lay aside some things.  Until we lay them aside we are not able to get what we need from the Bible.  Let's think about what JESUS has asked us to lay aside.  All malice (wanting to hurt another)  all deception (lies) all hypocrisy (pretense of any kind) envies (wanting what another has) all evil speaking (detractions- talking against); hmmmm  

We are saved forever by believing in JESUS period.  Believing that HE was born, lived, then died on the cross in our place, then rose again for us.  But there are stages of our salvation.   Here is a song I wrote when a very young Christian after my pastor Dean McClain taught on this subject.

HE has saved me from the punishment, the punishment of sin

Yes, HE saved me from the punishment of sin

By my accepting JESUS payment and trusting in HIS word

HE saved me from the punishment of sin.

HE’s saved me from the punishment, the punishment of sin,

Yes, HE saved me from the punishment of sin.

And now I share HIS glory, with HIM forever be.

For HE’s saved me from the punishment of sin.

Though I’m saved from the punishment, the punishment of sin

My sinful old nature lurks within

But JESUS has promised victory, victory over sin.

Yes, HE’ll save me from the power of sin.

HE is saving me from the power, the power of sin

HE is saving me from the power of sin.

As I turn to HIM when tempted, giving all my thoughts to HIM

HE saves me from the power of sin.

As HE saves me from the power, the power of sin

A living vital hope grows within

One day, HE shall save me, save me from the presence of sin

Fully save me from all aspects of sin.

hugs,

Sharon

out of context

Have you ever come in to a gathering and heard the tail end of what was being said? It seemed someone meant one thing.  Then another said something and you realized you had totally misunderstood what was going on?  I have.  It can be embarrassing, if I speak out in my ignorance of what was actually going on.  In the Bible that would be called speaking out of context.

Apparently that happened to someone when reading a verse out of Luke 10.  A friend asked me to read his book and see what I thought.  Well, I was reading the introduction… which is setting the stage for what the author was going to say.  He cited a scripture as a premise (the assertion that serves as a basis for an argument or logic) used in the book.

• ·         The direct quote: “Jesus said that when we see healing happening we will know that the Kingdom has come near (Luke 10:9).  What if we don’t see these things?  Does it mean that the Kingdom is not near?  If so, the Kingdom is not near most of our churches.”

 That statement didn’t sound right, so I looked it up.

• ·         Luke 10:9 Heal the sick that are there and tell them the kingdom of GOD is near you.

Questions came to mind?  Who is talking to whom?  So I turned to the beginning of Luke 10 and began reading.

• ·         Luke 10:1 After this the LORD appointed 72 others and sent them two by two ahead of HIM to every town and place where HE (JESUS) was about to go.

Then in verse 2 JESUS began giving these 72 instructions in how to prepare the way for HIS coming to these towns.  I continued to read HIS instructions to them.  When I got to Luke  10:10,11 that author’s premise was blown out of the water, made null and void, shown in err as wrong. 

• ·         Luke 10:10,11 But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into it’s streets and say, even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you.  Yet, be sure of this the Kingdom of GOD has come near you.

If we were to use the authors logic applied to verse 9 for just verse 10,11 without going on to verse 12 it would sound something like:  Jesus said when people will not welcome you we will know the Kingdom is near.  So, if we  see this, does it mean that the Kingdom is near?  If so, the Kingdom is near most churches.

It is ironic…but  there is an element of truth to that last statement… we are in a time where the truth is not generally welcomed and the clear indication is that our LORD’s coming is very near.

Hugs

Sharon

PS: (It is going to be very hard to finish that book that I promised I would read.  Please pray for me that my mind will be open to the truth therein, but protected from any lies.)

How could a loving GOD?

part 1

The Ebola virus is scary.  My intent is not to scare anyone but to give you an illustration in order that you have a clearer picture of why GOD must do what HE will do.  We have all heard about the toll the Ebola virus is taking on lives.  Ebola is a viral hemorrhagic (bleeding) illness that has a high fatality rate.  It spreads easily from person to person and the best way to prevent its spread is to isolate patients and use thorough disinfection protocols and any medical personnel who deal with Ebola patients must wear protective face masks, gowns, gloves and goggles as barriers against the virus.  It is the same with sin.   Sins, just like the Ebola virus, defiles and spreads to all those it touches.

Have you ever heard someone say, “GOD would never do that, HE is a GOD of love.”?

That statement covers a lot of territory but the facet of that statement that my heart is focused on today is judgment.  Sin is like the Ebola virus, Sin must be stopped because sin is an evil that defiles and spreads.   The wrath of GOD on sin is HIS love in action to protect HIS children from what would defile and destroy them.

There is more to judgment than is often told … the whys, the who, the whens, the wheres and the whats,  There seems to be a great deal of confusion and wrong conclusions on this subject.  I think it may be due to the fact that we clump the whole subject of judgment together taking every verse that speaks of the judgment as pertaining to one event  rather than taking the time and effort to search it out. 

·         Study to show yourself approved unto GOD, a workman (it takes work) that needs not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15

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

The answers are in HIS word… a piece here and a piece there throughout the 66 books that make up the Bible.  When it comes to this matter of judgment, I have found in GOD’s word not just one but several judgments spoken of with different whys, whens, where’s and whats…  and I would like to take you on a 2 part topical study of judgment and  chart a general out line of several judgments  in part 2 so you can go search them out for yourselves.  However, I want to 1st lay a solid foundation as to why GOD, a GOD of love, has wrath and must  judge.  As I have already said,  sin must be punished and eradicated because, like germs, sin spreads and defiles all It touches. 

Since the 1^st sin of humans judgment was a necessity… because

·          the wages of sin is death Romans 6:23

·         all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD Romans 3:23

·         it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. Hebrews 9:27

When GOD warned Adam not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil it wasn’t to deprive him of good but to keep him from evil. 

Yesterday someone asked me if GOD was pro-sex…  She had heard a speaker say this and it had raised a red flag in her heart.  When I answered yes, GOD made sex and said, “Go multiply.”  Therefore we must conclude that GOD is definitely pro-sex.

.    She countered,. “ The sex paraded  today seems evil”   She is right for the devil has taken something good and twisted it so that  much of the sex emphasis today is corrupted, perverted and evil, not the GOD planned, ordained and GOD blessed union of love producing children.   

My friend went on to say  “If sex is OK then why before they sinned  did the Bible say they were naked and not ashamed but after they sinned they saw that they were naked and were ashamed for they covered themselves with leaves and hid from GOD.  (you cover up and hide what you don’t want another to see) They didn’t have kids before they sinned.” Genesis 2:25,  3:7,10 

.      A covering of the glory or light that surrounded them from being in the presence of  GOD was gone  when they sinned but also their perspective on life changed when they ate the forbidden fruit.   When they ate of the fruit they got three things not of GOD:  the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life.

·         Do not love the world, nor the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the FATHER is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, & the lust of the eyes & the boastful pride of life is not from the FATHER but is from the world.1 John 2:15,16

·         … the whole world lies in the arms (power) of the evil one.  I John 5:19

We need to recognize there are 2 basic ways of thinking… GOD’s way and the way of the world (authored by the devil). 

·         You are doing the things your own father does… If GOD were your father, you would love ME, for I came from GOD and now am here.   I have not come on MY own; but HE sent ME. Why don’t you understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear MY word.  You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father.  He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him.  Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar and the father of lies.  John 8:41-44

·         He who belongs to GOD hears what GOD says.  The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to GOD.  John 8:47

Since sin entered into the world our thinking leans to the way of the world.  Another name of that is human standards.

·         You judge by human standards… John 8:15

Even after we are saved,  we think the “human or world’s”  thoughts to a certain extent for our old sin nature lurks within us and the influence of sin is all around us.  Therefore, we believers are told to be proactive and to daily offer ourselves up as living sacrifices (that is laying aside- pushing away our own ways, our own plans and pleasures, even our own words) with the resulting effect of having our minds transformed into GOD’s way of thinking.  (it is not a downer… I have found that GOD’s ways are much more fulfilling that the worlds…

·         GOD desires to bless you, not hurt or rob you.  HIS plan is to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

·         Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of GOD’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to GOD.. this is your spiritual act of worship, (your reasonable service KJ) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed (Greek word is metamorphosis- you know- from a caterpillar to a butterfly) by the renewing of your mind, that you may be able to approve GOD’s will that it is good, acceptable and perfect (lacks nothing).  Romans 12:1,3

·         Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your path.  Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil.  Proverbs 3:5-7

·         Commit all you do to the LORD and your thoughts will be established. Proverbs 16:3

If you will push away your own thoughts and ways and agendas, and submit to GOD your lives will be transformed  for your minds will be renewed so you can see each situation the way GOD sees it.

Sin is doing things our own way (human standards -authored by the devil). Judgment must come to get rid of sin and put things in order.  Judgment is GOD’s wrath on sin.   HE hates sin because it harms those HE loves.  So you see GOD’s wrath is a very real part of HIS love.

JESUS said, “MY teaching is not MY own.  It comes from HIM who sent ME.  If anyone chooses to do GOD’s will, he will know whether a teaching comes from GOD  or if that one is speaking on his own”  John 7:16,17

Please prayerfully check out what I have said in the Bible, and I hope you come back for part 2.

Hugs

Sharon

It dries up

The warmth of summer and autumn is over.  As I looked outside my window this morning, I thought (burrrr) ‘cold’ for no blue is visible in the sky.  Instead, the sky is  covered over with clouds and the leafless or near leafless tree branches sway in the wind; the grass is drying up and the flowers are dead.  I thought of Isaiah 40. 

Isaiah 40:6 all flesh is like grass and all the goodness thereof is like the flowers of the field.8 the grass withers and the flower fades but the Word of our GOD shall stand forever.

For you personally, what compiles the good things of life?  Some buy lottery tickets in hopes of winning lots of money… to them the good things are found in what they can get from $... others chase experiences … some through substances- some through emotions… still others chase relationships…  But like that verse says, each of those things wither and fade.

Our lives are like the grass... it sprouts and grows green, the more water it gets the healthier it is and here and there are flowers.  Flowers bring a touch of beauty and make us smile.  But  the grass withers and die; the things we find goodness in, the flowers of the field, also just last for a time and then are gone.  So where is meaning? 

Do you want to find meaning and joy and peace and good things that won't just wither and die?  Do you want something good that will last forever?  Then go to the Bible.  Let GOD speak to you through HIS word and what you find there will last forever.

Hugs

Sharon

if I reject you, I reject JESUS

I simply spoke and listened to someone I didn't know well.  He then came by the house and stuck around.  My husband and family were not too happy about it and to tell the truth it made me uncomfortable.  So on the next occasion when he came near, I drew back. That was a week ago.

 

Today was very busy and after feeding my grandkids I laid on my bed to get my swollen and hurting leg up and opened my Bible. 

 

Luke 10:16  (JESUS was talking)   anyone who listens to you, listens to ME and anyone who rejects you is rejecting ME and anyone who rejects ME is rejecting GOD who sent ME.

 

As I thought on that verse, I remembered there was a prayer gathering soon to start and asked GOD if I should go?  The pain that had been so intense had ebbed away so I knew I was to go.  Therefore it wasn't long before I was gathered with others singing praise songs with a video.  And the LORD spoke through the words of a song.  It was about HIS love always being there even when we didn't measure up.  Then the next music video had a line about drawing near and I knew the LORD was convicting me.  It was like GOD was saying, why are you asking ME to draw near when you drew away.  For when you do it to the least of these my brothers, you have done it to me.

 

I had to confess to GOD and those joined to pray and am so aware of what those words mean.  How I praise the LORD that HIS mercies fail not and that if I confess, HE will forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.  I John 1:9

 

Yet, I am so sad that I made someone feel rejected.  I want to make it right.  Will you pray for me?  I need wisdom in communicating acceptance.  Isn't it awesome to know that GOD loves to hear and answer prayer and loves it even more when HIS children unite (become one) as they pray for the same concern?

 

Thank you ahead for joining me in prayer for wisdom for me.

hugs

Sharon