Archive | February 2015

The Park

Feb8

What a beautiful, out of the ordinary, winter day in the Midwest. Opportunity afforded me the blessing to take my grandson to the park for some exercise, fresh springtime air, and to be truthful keep him occupied and wear him out for the rest of the day. (It’s rough on this old body caring and especially playing with these youngins). And to let you know, he wore grandma out. He won.

But the real reason for this post is to tell you that God gives us opportunities to serve Him and tell the world about Him. As I was watching my grandson play, a nice young gentleman, there with his 2 year-old son, started up a conversation. I found out he was new in the area and he was wearing a big ole cross on his chest.

Going to pause here for a moment to rewind to Sunday at church. We, as a church, have been challenged to ask someone to church. Statistics show that a large percentage of people would attend church if they were asked to come. I also have been inspired by a fellow sister in the Lord to witness more. I have been praying asking the Lord to open my eyes, teach me, show me how to witness. He has also placed a very heavy, I mean very heavy, burden on my heart for those who are traveling the wide road to destruction. But back to my story. . .

New in the area, big cross on his chest. . . I say, “I see you are wearing a cross. Does it have any special significance to you?” He told me that when he died he would be with the One who died on the cross. Hallelujah!!! And since he was new in town I asked if he had found a church. He had. That’s great.

As I was driving home and thinking over what had happened and thanking God for opening my eyes to the opportunity I was reminded that I had also directed, invited, a woman and her family to my church when she was asking me if I knew of a church in the area. This was while I was at work. God makes opportunities for us. Those opportunities are there everyday, we just don’t see them because our focus is not on Christ.

Ask God to open your eyes to and heart for the lost of this world. Billions are headed to Hell. God has called us to share the Good News.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

 

For The Sake Of All

Feb8

Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification. — Romans 4:23-25

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. — Romans 5:1-2

Not only for Abraham only but for all who believe in God. The God who raised Jesus from the dead. The Jesus who sacrificed His life for all that all may have peace, reconciliation with the Creator of all. By Jesus’ sacrifice, we are justified by simply believing (faith).

Are you standing in His grace, exulting in hope of the glory of God? If yes, then go praise and exalt our God for the things He has done for us through Jesus His Son. Let the world know He is your Lord.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Seek First?

Feb6

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, — Matthew 6:33a

He who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness and honor. — Proverbs 21:21

The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But He loves one who pursues righteousness. — Proverbs 15:9 

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. — Matthew 5:6

What are you seeking? How’s that working out for you?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Simply Believe?

Feb5

What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 
“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, And whose sins have been covered.

“Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account.” — Romans 4:1-8

Believe. Really? That’s all I have to do?

If it were easy to simply believe wouldn’t more people be doing it? It’s a choice that does not come easy. Why?

Because the only part we play in it is “believe”. Well that is too easy and there has to be more. . .

 Let me relay a little story. In the early 1980s, while working at a hospital, I had the privilege of learning the computer system that was being installed in the hospital. In return for learning I was to instruct all the new nurses that were assigned to the floor that I worked on. At that time computers were pretty archaic. There were basically two keys that you would use and all you had to do was remember the functionality of those two keys. Simple, right?

Out of all the nurses I trained over the next 10 years, I would have to say that over 90% heard these words from my mouth, “You’re making it harder than it is”. They were over thinking it because it “should be harder than it looks”.

Are you making the decision to believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God — who died on a cross, bearing your sin, and 3 days later arose from the grave — more complicated than it has to be?

Your salvation and eternal life with God does not depend on anything you “do”. It depends on what God has already done and on whether you believe.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

All Have

Feb4

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, — Romans 3:23

No exceptions, no excuses.

Yesterday’s devotional referenced Exodus 20, the ten commandments. Did you pass God’s standard? I know you didn’t, just as you can be sure I didn’t either, for “all” have sinned.

Face it. We are all sinners, in the same boat, headed to judgement.

But don’t give up hope. Stay tuned for a choice option that can change your life.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

As It Is Written

Feb3

 as it is written,

“There is none righteous, not even one; — Romans 3:10

“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” — Romans 3:18

because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. — Romans 3:20

Take a good look at the ten commandments written in Exodus 20. Have you ever broken any of those commandments? That is God’s standard.

Thank God for His Law that makes us aware that we are unable to meet His standard, revealing that we are sinners. Without the realization of a problem we won’t seek to resolve the problem. Sin is a problem that all flesh is faced with.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

For My Name

Feb2

“Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went. I will vindicate the holiness of My great name which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord,” declares the Lord God, “when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight. — Ezekiel 36:22-23

His name shall be great and known. . . No “ifs”, “ands” or “buts”.

so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. — Philippians 2:10

God will be known by all one day when every knee shall bow. Jesus came to make the Holy name of God known. It really is all about God! We are blessed simply because His name is Holy and Great!!!

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

For You Lord

Feb1

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive,
And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You. — Psalm 86:5

All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord,
And they shall glorify Your name. — Psalm 86:9

I hope today finds you coming before the Lord God seeking His forgiveness, praising Him for His goodness and lovingkindness, glorifying the Lord God through worship of the worthy One.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon