Archive | February 2014

Thank You Christ Jesus

Feb20

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, — 1 Timothy 1:12 (NLT)

What an honor and privilege it is to be a spokesperson for God Himself. That He would think me faithful and trustworthy to serve Him so blesses my heart. “But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me” my journey of a lifetime truly began.

In serving the Lord I am only worthy because God revealed His Son in me and by His strength alone I can do all things. As servants of our God we do well to recognize that we are not adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves but our adequacy comes from God through whom our only power and success come.

Our trust and dependence must be solely upon our Lord. We must seek His ways and be obedient with total surrender. When we are, we will see the glory of God at work in us and in those lives we touch. Are you ready for the adventure God has planned for you? He is waiting to reveal the infinite things that Jesus Christ can do through you.

Seek Jesus and let Him transform you.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, — Galatians 1:15-16

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. — Philippians 4:13

Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, — 2 Corinthians 3:5

Sufferings to Glory

Feb19

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. — Romans 8:18

Life is tough. I don’t know of anyone who has not suffered in some form or another — loss of a loved one, illness, disabilities. Then there is the sufferings of strained relationships – marriages, parent/children, employer/employee, etc. – the stress of life-changing decisions and so many more that you could come up with yourself that you have experienced or are experiencing.

Far beyond all comparison are these momentary, light afflictions which will produce for us an eternal weight of glory. They may not seem to be light afflictions at the time but when we compare them to the glory of God, His glory overshadows our afflictions or sufferings. Seek the Lord and rely on Him instead of focusing on the situation, ailment, disability. Reminding ourselves that He loves us and will never leave us nor forsake us, He also promises that glory will be revealed to us!

Our reliance and trust in the Lord during suffering strengthens our faith. Even when our faith is tested by fire our faith is refined and more precious than gold which is perishable. Our refined faith will result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Suffering is a part of life but we don’t need to be defeated. Endure to strengthen your faith, leaning on the everlasting arms until that glory is revealed to us.

Can we even begin to compare our sufferings to the sufferings of Christ? Oh what He did on the cross for all humanity. Oh the sufferings He endured for us. In our sufferings let us keep on rejoicing so that at the revelation of Jesus Christ’s glory we may rejoice with exultation.

To God be the glory revealed in Jesus Christ.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, — 2 Corinthians 4:17

so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; — 1 Peter 1:7

but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 1 Peter 4:13

Because of You

Feb18

Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad because of You. Let those who love Your salvation continually say, “The Lord is great!” — Psalm 40:16 (GW)

Because of You, Lord God, I seek You. Because of You I am glad and rejoice in You. Because of You, Lord Jesus, I love Your salvation and I will shout, “The Lord is great!”

Because of You I have life, my Creator. Because of You, my Provider, I have all I ever need for Christ is sufficient. Because of You, my Redeemer, I am forgiven and washed as white as snow. Because of You I have the capacity to love since You first loved me.

Because of You, magnificent, Perfect, all Powerful, all knowing, ever present God, I will tell of Your greatness, Your love, Your salvation and peace. The Lord is great!

Because of You . . .

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Show Me Your Glory

Feb17

Then Moses said, “I pray You, show me Your glory!” — Exodus 33:18

and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. — Exodus 33:22

Moses is my favorite Bible person. I love reading about his interactions with God. He and the Lord met together many times from the”burning bush” to Moses’ dying day. They had the kind of intimate relationship that I would like to have with our Lord.

In this particular passage of Scripture God said, “You have found favor in My sight”. Moses boldly said, “I pray You, show me Your glory”. As we see in verse 22, God showed him!!!

I often pray asking God to show me His glory and He does!!! In answered prayers, in blessings, in watching His master work in restoring relationships, in spiritual growth in believers, etc. When we ask to see His glory He opens our eyes to see. God is amazing!

On one occasion Moses’ meeting with God lasted 40 days and 40 nights. Moses was so overtaken with the glory of God that he didn’t even eat or drink that whole time. When Moses returned to the people of Israel the skin of his face shone from speaking with God. The Israelites were afraid so Moses put a veil over his face. Whenever Moses went in before the Lord he would remove the veil.

I have known Christians in my time who’ve had a special glow about them, a twinkle in their eye when they spoke of the Lord. I wonder if it is because they spend intimate, quality time with Jesus. I’m guessing that is the reason. In the meantime I am going to work on that glow of glory that comes only from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. How about you? Will you join me in the quest to glory in the Lord and for the Lord?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Confidence

Feb16

Confidence: full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,”so that we confidently say,

“The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?”

Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. — Hebrews 13:5-7

Confidence in the Word of God is confidence in life. Do we trust what God says? If we do our life exhibits that confidence.

Are we content with what God has given us? God created us for His glory and if we are confident in that we can trust that He wants the best for us so He may be glorified. He is with us always, never deserting nor forsaking us. That’s what His Word says. Do we believe it? Do we trust it?

His Word also says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” “all these things” are “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?” God supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory. Worry means we do not trust and lack confidence in God and His Word. We do not need to be afraid. Jesus is our helper.

Are there individuals in your life who display confidence in Jesus and trust in His Word? Learn from them. Are you giving glory to God in your walk? People are watching and hopefully some are imitating your confidence in the Lord. Keep seeking Jesus so you can walk with confidence in your life.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. — Matthew 6:33

Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ — Matthew 6:31

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:19

Draw Near To God

Feb15

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works. — Psalm 73:28

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Being near to God is nothing but good for anyone. He is all we need in heaven and on earth.

Draw near to God for He is our refuge, our shelter. We find peace in His presence as He protects us from the world, giving us security that we can depend upon. He is faithful. We sit in in the sanctuary of His presence when we draw near to God.

When spending time with Jesus in prayer, meditation and study of His Word, our eyes are opened to the wonders of God. We are overwhelmed and overflowing with testimony of His goodness that we must tell the world what He has done, the wonderful things He does.

The real key to proclaiming the good news is knowing the One who is the good news. Draw near to our God so you can proclaim His goodness, salvation, love and the hope He has for everyone.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Walk Humbly With Your God

Feb14

 He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? — Micah 6:8

What is walking humbly? Humble can be defined as not proud or arrogant; modest or lowly of spirit. To walk with God we can’t have a haughty spirit, or be arrogant. Sometimes walking with God can make us feel like we are the only ones who do God’s bidding and that we’re the best at it. God has a way of making us feel very special but walking humbly reminds us that the work of God is done by Him, not us.

Jesus is our example of humility. Philippians 2:6-8, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Jesus honored the Father by humbling Himself in obedience and is the perfect role model for us in how to walk humbly with our God. We are to empty ourselves, taking on the form of a bond-servant , and becoming obedient to God — to the point of death. How far are you willing to walk humbly with our God?

Our Lord gives grace to the humble and when we humble ourselves in His presence, He will exalt us. Let God do the bragging about you instead of tooting your own horn. It is so much more rewarding when He does it.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

 

Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. — James 4:10

But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” — James 4:6

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” — Luke 14:1

A man’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor. –Proverbs 29:23

 

May Be Well With Us

Feb13

But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, that it may be well with you.’ Jeremiah 7:23

 Whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, we will listen to the voice of the Lord our God to whom we are sending you, so that it may go well with us when we listen to the voice of the Lord our God.” Jeremiah 42:6

God commands us to obey His voice. How do we hear His voice? Through His Word, prayer, the Holy Spirit, and God’s people. When we study His Word, alongside prayer, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, and the godly counsel and accountability of His people — He is our God and we are His people. When we listen and obey we walk in His way and when we walk in His way it is well with our soul.

Listening is a choice. When we listen intently to the Lord, it is well with us,  whether our lives are pleasant or unpleasant. Obedience to the Lord our God brings well being in all circumstances. Our focus must be intent upon Him and seeking His ways. Whether pleasant or unpleasant we have peace of mind that things are going God’s way and we can trust that He is in control. It is well with my soul.

Walking with Jesus I am made righteous in the sight of God and I will be fruitful in my endeavors, works, resulting in eating the fruit of my actions. It is well with me.

God desires us to have a heart that fears Him and keeps all His commandments always — that it may be well with us. Do you desire to live a life of well being? God desires that for us all. Have a heart that fears Him and keep His commandments.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

 

Say to the righteous that it will go well with them, For they will eat the fruit of their actions. — Isaiah 3:10

Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever! — Deuteronomy 5:29

Come Let Us Go

Feb12

“Come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord And to the house of the God of Jacob, That He may teach us about His ways And that we may walk in His paths.” For from Zion will go forth the law, Even the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. Micah 4:2

Where are you learning your walk of life from? If not from the source Himself than your walk is futile. Who is better to teach the way than God Himself, the expert on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We have God who created life, Jesus who demonstrated the walk and the Holy Spirit to teach and encourage the walk.

God’s divine plan begins with our walk, walking in His path, and goes forth from Zion and even Jerusalem. Sounds familiar. Acts 1:8 says, “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” We need the special instruction of our God, allowing Him to put His words in our mouth, so we will speak to all as He has commanded us.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. Deuteronomy 18:18

 

Walk in His Ways

Feb11

“Now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,                                                                                    — Deuteronomy 10:12   

It really is all about God. He has set His standard, “to fear the Lord your God”, reverently fear. A respectful awe of our Lord.

He commands us to walk in His ways. His commandments are to be followed because He is, was and always will be the One and only God, Creator, Lord, Master, our All in all. He deserves our utmost obedience.

The first and foremost commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. If we love Him we will keep His commandments, serve Him and fear Him — that is walking with the Lord. 

Walking with the Lord is so much more than obeying commandments and serving. God gives us these commandments and instructions in His Word for our benefit. Walking with the Lord Jesus is a walk of peace and joy. Within the confines of obedience to His Word we find a trustworthy, faithful friend who will never fail us. Living in the boundaries He has set for us we find contentment. We might be commanded but it is for our benefit and blessing. Surrender to a wonderful walk with Jesus and let His commandments guide you to a deeper, more solid faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

 

Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him. Deuteronomy 8:6

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. — Deuteronomy 6:5