backdrop

Once depicted as “Fairytale Queen”, Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of the Commonwealth realms, completed her 60 years of reign in February 2012.  She is called the diamond queen.  One of her crowns- The Miniature Crown worn by Queen Victoria for her Diamond Jubilee portrait in 1897 holds 1,187 diamonds.  The Diamond Coronation Necklace and Earrings,  was originally created for Queen Victoria and later worn by Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, The Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II at their coronations.  Her diamonds are displayed with a dark background.

Like the Queens’s diamonds, often diamonds are displayed with a dark backdrop because the dark background allows the brilliance of the diamonds to shine even brighter in contrast.  I found the same truth ,as I read Philippians 2:5-8.

In that passage we are instructed to have the same attitude as  JESUS, who being in the form of GOD put aside recognition of HIS position of equality with GOD, HIS Sovereign rights as Creator of heaven & earth, HIS unlimited wealth  & privileges in order to take on the form of man & be born  in the fashion of man, (according to the eternal plan.) Then HE chose to humble HIMSELF even further in obedience unto death for HE  died on the cross carrying the sins man for the purpose of reconciling us to GOD.

The whole emphasis of this passage is not that JESUS was equal with GOD… although that is true.  But that truth is merely the back drop to emphasize the amazing humility of JESUS.  Just like the black velvet in the jeweler’s case that shows off the diamonds and the gold.  JESUS CHRIST’s  equality with GOD is the backdrop that show HIS humility. 

In this passage, Christ’s great object was to identify HIMSELF with humanity; not to appear to men as divine but as human and therefore able to understand   (Hebrews 4:14,15); help us in times of need (Hebrews 4:16); to die for our sins (Luke 24:7) & to eventually be the judge of all ( John 5:27)

HIS identifying with mankind was 1^st place in HIS life.   Perhaps, that is why JESUS CHRIST favorite name for HIMSELF was the Son of man. HE called HIMSELF the Son of man 82 times, yet only referring to HIMSELF 32 times as the Son (in reference to GOD)   22 of those are  in the book of John and 10 of the 22 are in John  chapter 5 as HE explains HIS relationship with GOD the FATHER and declares that HE does only what HE sees the FATHER doing ---setting an example for us to follow.

Today JESUS CHRIST is still putting us 1^st.  Hebrews 7:25 says HE can save us to the uttermost for HE ever lives to intercede for us.  (that is not—defending me as much as , “FATHER, Sharon could use more patience how should we handle this?”

So my point?  JESUS CHRIST humbled HIMSELF to identify with you and me in order to help us and reconcile us to GOD when we were yet sinners who could not save ourselves.  Are you, am I, willing to humble ourselves and reach out to those in need, to tell them of JESUS CHRIST in hopes of reconciling them to GOD?   For HE loves them, just like HE loves us.

Hugs

Sharon

popcorn balls

Popcorn balls are an old time favorite holiday treat that my grandchildren love to help me make. This year Kaylee did it all by herself and were they yummy!  If you wanted to make popcorn balls but didn't know how, which book would you take off the shelf?  Would you take a book of history? or a dictionary? Of course not, you would choose a cook book.

 

We need to use that same kind of reasoning to find the wisdom we need to help ourselves & others.  We need to go to the ONE who has that wisdom & to the book HE has given us.  

 

 Col. 2:3 In whom (JESUS) are hid all the treasures of wisdom & knowledge. :4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words (deceive you with well-crafted arguments):8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy & vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, & not after Christ. (Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies & high-sounding nonsense that come from human reasoning & from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.)

 

When seeking wisdom remember that one of JESUS CHRIST's names is the WORD. John 1:1-3, I John 1:1-3

 

Don't look in the world to find GOD's answers.  Go to HIS WORD Hebrews 4:14-16, James 1:5-6, Proverbs 3:5-7

 

hugs

Sharon

Are the shutters open or closed?

When I was a little girl curtains were up on every window.  Today often that is not the case.  Shutters cover many windows and offer an easy way to let in or close out light.  I have shutters on nearly every window in my house.

In many ways it seems like shutters have been closed to shut out GOD light in our world.  Therefore, we are in the dark concerning some things.  The Bible tells us that the whole worlds way of thinking lies in the arms ( or was taught us) by the devil.  I John 5:19  So as we take on their way of thinking, we take on his.

Being the world’s standards have so infiltrated the church, we often cannot tell any difference between the two.  One thing common among the world and Christians alike is slander (talking against) and maybe even mocking others, especially those in authority whose values are not Bible based.   But the fact is, we are condemning ourselves Romans 2:1 for we are just like them for we have joined the world in slander. Something GOD says is wrong.

Discernment is desperately needed more than ever.  To discern is the ability to recognize and distinguish between the difference in things.  Spiritual discernment is the ability to distinguish truth from error by grasping & comprehending something not clearly evident to the average mind.   

But don’t get me wrong… discernment is insight into the word of GOD not separate from it.  Today we find people adding and subtracting from the word of GOD at their own pleasure.  Something GOD sternly warns us against.  Proverbs 20:30, Revelation 22:17,18

It is impossible to attain spiritual discernment & wisdom without GOD.   The Holy SPIRIT must teach us for us to learn the things of GOD for they are too great for us to grasp on our own.  John 14:26, I Corinthians 2:10-11  HE gives discernment Matthew 13:11 or takes it away Job 12:20.  GOD alone can open the shutters to let the light of truth shine on the human mind enabling us to understand truth.  Especially if we have shut the shutters by turning at some point to do our own thing & consequently been blinded by the devil 2 Corinthians 4:4,  2Timothy 2:24-26

To those GOD has given discernment, HE also calls to teach HIS people the difference between the holy and the common and cause them to discern between the clean and unclean.  Ezekiel 44:23 For the difference has become vague and indistinct especially in America’s society.  Today, Christians laugh at smut not even recognizing that it is below GOD’s standard of purity.  This is because the world’s standard hits us from every angle—in what we see, what we hear- in fashions- and so much more.   Therefore, we have become to a degree, desensitized to wrong.

But GOD doesn’t leave us there.  HE promises that if we seek HIS righteousness Matthew 6:33 we shall find Matthew 7:7 and  all we have to do to know the next step HE wants us to take is to ask and be willing to comply.  James 1: 5-8  John 7:17

Do you, do I want discernment? Let’s ask!

Hugs,

Sharon

For the severely hearing impaired and the deaf, learning and using hand signs opens up a whole world of knowledge and communication before closed to them.  When you hold up your index finger and circle it counter clock it is the hand sign meaning ... turn around. 

 

From the 1st time man turned away from GOD to do his own thing, GOD has been saying turn back around.

 

Turn from your evil ways, turn back to ME, says the LORD of hosts, and I will turn to you.  But they would not listen and they would not hear. Zechariah 1:2,3

 

This morning a piece of a verse caught my attention:  Zechariah 1:6  But MY words... took a hold of them and they returned or turned around...

 

The Word of GOD can grab us/ take a hold of us... show us the truth and turn us around.  That picture is so clear.

 

Ephesians 6: 17...  the sword of the SPIRIT which is the Word of GOD... is another picture GOD gives us concerning HIS word: GOD's word is part of the weapons GOD gives us for our spiritual battle against evil.  GOD's word cuts through the lies of the devil so we can see the truth.

 

I read some more in that book I have been telling you about and things it said bothered me and I was in heaviness concerning it.  Then I read Zechariah 1:6 how the word of the LORD can grab a hold of us and turn us around.

 

I thought of the words in that book I am reading.  I thought of the things that were troubling my spirit as I read,  so I asked the LORD if those things were true?  And if they were, why wasn't everyone given that info?   Immediately verses came to mind...

 

Revelation 22:18,19 do not add to GOD's word or HE will add the plagues... to you... do not subtract from GOD's word or HE will take away your part in the tree (or book) of life...

 

Proverbs 30:6 do not add to HIS words, lest HE rebuke you and you be found a liar.

 

Job 13:7,8,10 Must you go on speaking for GOD when HE never once has said the things you are putting in HIS mouth?  Does GOD want your help if you are twisting the truth for HIM... you will be in serious trouble with HIM if you use lies to try to help HIM out.

 

I thought of the believers in Berea... they are said to be more noble than others who listened to Paul's preaching.  Why? because they searched the Scriptures (the word of GOD) to see if the things Paul said were so. Acts 17:10,11

 

Such a release and joy came over me as these verses came to me. I was washed anew with the water of the word of GOD.  The verses were not new to me, but as GOD applied them to my situation there was such freedom.  If what was said, was in the Word of GOD I was to accept it and use it, but if it was not... I was not to  have anything to do with it.

 

OK go ahead as say it.  No Duh!  You are right!  But GOD's gentleness and faithfulness to show me what I should have known without upbraiding me or telling me I should have know that... fills me full with overflowing joy... the words of GOD, no matter how well I know them still lead me and teach me and wash me... it is amazing!  I love HIS word!

 

hugs

Sharon

reaching out

There are a lot of abused animals and this little one looks like its reaching out for help. 

I send out these devotions as well as post them.  Some comment on them.   One gal in particular has been very vocal in asking why?  I am on the topics I have been on.  So as in light of I Peter 3:15 But set apart Christ as LORD in your hearts.  And be ready always to give an answer to every one that asks you a reason of the hope this is in you with gentleness and respect.  I want to explain where I am coming from and in that way give a reason for the hope that is in me.

Like that kitten, there are countless people who need help and before GOD our Savior, JESUS came and died in our place, all of us were doomed. For the soul that sins, he shall die. Ezekiel 18:20 for the wages of sin is death but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD.  Romans 6:23 But GOD didn’t leave us helpless,

No,  JESUS came to earth as a baby and died carrying every sin, past, present and future to deliver us.  All that we need to do to obtain for ourselves the benefit of what JESUS did for us on the cross is to believe in HIM.  But just like an abused animal has wounds that need to be healed even after it has been rescued from danger, that is also true of people.  If we have received the love of the truth, we have been forgiven but many of us still have deep wounds. GOD wants to bring healing to each one of us.  The forgiveness of our sins is just the beginning of what HE has for us. There are awesome things awaiting us in heaven but even before that GOD is at work behind the scenes here and now in every believers heart.

·         Romans 8:28 And we know to the ones loving GOD (HE is at work behind the scenes), GOD by HIMSELF (singular) in reality is continually holding together, has in custody (all things that touch us),and is exercising a constraining influence on all things to the good, yes to benefit the ones being called according to  HIS purpose. 29 because those whom HE in reality in undefined time past foresaw (foreknew) them HE also in undefined time past determined beforehand  to conform to be like (exact image) of HIS SON, that HE should be the 1^st born of many brethren.

GOD is our Savior and Deliver, our Redeemer… Although HE has given us free will, HE has not tied HIS own hands or crippled HIMSELF from working and delivering HIS people

·         Isaiah 50:2 …Is MY hand shortened at all, that It cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? ….

Although HE has called us to co- labor with HIM HE is not dependant on our response.

·         Isaiah 59:15  Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.  The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice.  HE saw there was no one, HE was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so HIS own arm worked salvation…

·         Isaiah 63:5  And I looked and there was no one to help, and I was appalled that no one gave support; so MY own arm worked salvation…

GOD does use people as instruments of HIS work.  He calls both HIS people and HIS enemies to do HIS bidding.

·         Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD who places within you the desire to do what HE wants done and also enables you to do it.

·         Revelation 17:12,17 The 10 horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast…For GOD has put it into the hearts of the 10 kings to accomplish HIS purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until GOD’ words are fulfilled.

Our GOD is the MOST HIGH, HE is LORD of lords and KING of kings, HE is the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, the LORD of hosts (armies).  HE is Sovereign, let us not forget it.  Just because HE is love does not lesson HIS Majesty or HIS power.

I love the way Sinclair Lewis spoke in the Chronicles of Narnia as he describes Aslan (a picture of JESUS), the son of the Great Emperor-Beyond-the Sea ..”if there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking they’re either braver than most or else just silly…. “Then HE isn’t safe?” Asked Sally…“Safe?... who said anything about safe?  Course HE is not safe.  But HE is good.

Hugs

Sharon

update on the book

Since you have graciously prayed for wisdom for me concerning this and some of you have even taken the time comment or counsel me concerning it, I want to update you on the book that I promised to read.

 

I feel GOD has told me to continue reading the book. For after praying and have others pray for me 2 texts came to mind. 

 

1st the scripture of the blessing to be able to dwell in GOD's sanctuary by those who keeps his word even when it hurts  Psalm 15:1,4 

 

and then I Thessalonians 5:19-22 came to mind. Don't put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt but test all things.  Hold on to the good and avoid even the appearance of evil. 

 

I understood that to mean that it was very important for me to be alert and test what I was reading.  Sure enough I found some errors.  But it also said not to treat the book with contempt but to keep reading...   And I am seeing valuable things.

 

GOD tells us in Ephesians 4:15,16  "but speaking the truth in love, we will in all aspects grow up into HIM who is the Head, that is Christ.  Of Whom all the body is in the state of being brought together/fitted and caused to come together/ held together through which every joint supplies according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love"

 

In other words... each and every believer has a part to add to other believes... we need each others input if we are to grow and function as GOD desires.  If we don't do it willingly, GOD has means to get it done.  LOL

 

Each of us are all in the process of learning the truth.  And we are at different stages of our journey.  But GOD shows some things to one and other things to another so that we all can learn from each other. You know how GOD said that HE keep the wise from seeing some things and showed it to babes?  Matthew 11:25.   But since we know the truth in part and prophesy in part I Corinthians 13:9 that also means we have misconceptions in part.  That is why I feel I must pray before I read.  I ask that GOD open my eyes to the truth but keep me from errors.

 

The author's mistakes have given me opportunities to speak out the truth in these areas which also strengthens me in these area.  And today I was sharpened by the author when he spoke of what the LORD had shown him and backed it up with scripture in context.  LOL

 

One gal has counsel me about confronting the author.  Please pray for me for wisdom concerning that suggestion about sending my thoughts to him on the troublesome parts and gentleness if the LORD would have me do so for we are told in 2 Timothy 2: 25 we are to gently instruct those who oppose themselves by opposing the truth.. I had not thought about doing so until she mentioned it and am still wavering.

 

hugs to you all

Sharon

 

twister

There is a game called Twister. Each player set the spinner in motion to tell the players which hand or foot to place on which colored dot on the vinyl play mat. In the game people get twisted up in knots with each other trying to obey the spinner without falling down.  Some think life is like that game that each person makes the call. But although GOD has given us free will, HE works out all things according to HIS own counsel and it is amazingly synchronized. Ephesians 1:11

Well, I finally got back into that book I promised to read, you know that one with the premise in the introduction which sent me to the Bible.  And I really have asked the LORD to keep me from being critical.  And there are some good things in it.  But I am barely into the 2^nd chapter and I read something that doesn't seem right (you might even say it rocked my boat.)

And I quote: ”…another of GOD’s rules seems to be that HE will not work in the human arena without human partners….when we partner with GOD, HIS work gets done.  When we do not partner with GOD, the things HE wants done do not get done.” 

Do you realize what that man is saying?  He is saying that GOD’s plan is dependent on our choices.  If that were true GOD cannot guarantee the end or the victory over Satan.  Satan thought he had gotten victory once but it was his downfall.

·         Acts 2:23 HE (JESUS) being delivered by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of GOD, you have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.

Yes, GOD has given us free will. Because HE wants us to love HIM freely.  But GOD who knows all things past, present and future somehow in HIS great wisdom and understanding, fully knowing each choice we would ever make from before time began, devised a perfect plan taking the choices we would make into consideration. In this way (that I can't fully understand) GOD remains in absolute control guaranteeing HIS plans and purposes(decrees) fulfilled without overriding our free will.

But when the author said a better translation of Romans 8:28 was, “ in all things GOD works together with those who love him”, I immediate went into my office got my Greek New Testament, my analytical Greek lexicon, my Greek grammar and my notebook full of cheat sheets from the 3 years of studying Greek.  Then I sat down and copied out each word and meticulously checked out the Greek words  from Romans 8:28 and since it seemed he was out of context again I also did most of Romans 8:29. I checked the direct articles, conjunctions, pronouns as well as the nouns and verbs and adverbs.  You know what I found? That guy is totally wrong.

A bit wordy, but accurate: Romans 8:28 And we know to the ones loving GOD, GOD by HIMSELF (singular) in reality is continually holding together, has in custody, is exercising constraining influence on all things to good to the ones being called according to purpose. 29 because those whom HE in reality in undefined time past foresaw (foreknew) them HE also in undefined time past determined beforehand  to conform to be like (exact image) of HIS SON, that HE should be the 1^st born of many brethren.

Yes, we do have the privilege to co-labor with GOD but GOD is not in any way dependant on us to get HIS decrees completed.

·         I Thessalonians 5:18 faithful is HE who calls you, who will also do it.  

·         You have seen well, for I am watching over MY word to perform it.  Jeremiah 1:12 ,

·         Ezekiel 36:36b  … I the LORD have spoken and I will do it.

·         Numbers 23:19  The LORD is not a man that HE should lie, nor the son of man that HE should repent.  HE has said it so HE will do it.

Everything GOD decrees will happen.  But we need to remember that not everything GOD would like is a decree.  GOD decreed: The soul that sins it will die.  Ezekiel 18:20 But HE does not want any to perish,  Ezekiel 18:23 says: Do I take pleasure in the death of the wicked? Declares the Sovereign LORD.  Rather am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?

Hugs

Sharon

Ps   I think I am remembering why I don't read many non fiction books outside of the Bible  …. LOL