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

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