Archives

Ancient Paths

Mar17

Thus says the Lord,
“Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths,
Where the good way is, and walk in it;
And you will find rest for your souls.
But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ — Jeremiah 6:16

There must be an explorer side of me because I have always enjoyed, when I had a few extra minutes to waste, taking new roads I’ve never gone down. I am talking about literal roads here. In doing so I’ve found different routes to get home or to a certain part of town, and found places I would not have found, like a park or golf course, etc., if I had not taken that road.

Well, that is all good when you’re in a vehicle but another story when on foot. I love to walk, enjoying God’s creation and I have had some wonderful talks with my Savior, Jesus Christ, on these walks. Yesterday my walking self met with my exploring self.

For the past eight months, minus the dead of winter months, I have walked the same path several times a week. It is a good four mile walk with hills and flat land and some beautiful scenery. Yesterday, being absolutely beautiful and with an expectant 85 degree high, I thought it to be a good day to walk. Now know that I hadn’t done four miles in about 3-4 months.

So, as I am walking the — let’s call them the ancient paths — of familiarity I get to a crossroad. I’ve been there before. We all have experienced crossroads in our lives. Those times when a decision has to be made that will affect your whole life. My decision was to take the road that I had often wondered where it went. That choice affected the next hour and forty-five minutes of my life. When I finally realized where I was, I was still two miles from home (give or take a few inches. At this point every inch was a challenge).

Did I say that the decision to take that path, the one that veered from the ancient path, affected the next hour and forty-five minutes of my life? Well that’s not actually the whole truth. I was exhausted. Today I’m a little sore. Decisions in our life affect more than just the moment we make them.

Want to make the right decisions? Stand by, watch, examine that way. See, search, ask of the Lord and godly people for wisdom to know what path to take. The ancient paths are good. Find them in Jesus, the Word, our Bibles. If you walk in the knowledge of the Lord, seeking His wisdom and walk in Him you will find rest for your soul.

The choice is yours. Will you choose to walk the ancient path with Jesus or say, “We will not walk in it“?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Thank you, Jesus, for the experience and your Word that brings You to life. And thank you Jana for encouraging me to write a devotion on the subject of my exploration.

Got The Time?

Mar16

Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to  awaken from sleep; for now  salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. — Romans 13:11

“Do this” refers back to Romans 13:8-10 (yesterday’s devotion) to love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus loved us so much He gave His life up on a cross so we could have salvation from sin and He rose so we could have eternal life. Hallelujah!!!! And to think that each passing moment we are closer to that reality then we have ever been when we shall see Jesus in all His glory!!!

Knowing that the time is coming how can we love one another more than to share the gospel message? It is time for the Christian to wake up:
“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. (Matthew 24:42)
Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. (1 Corinthians 15:34)

If you say you are a “Christian” you represent Jesus in all you say and do. Are you willing to share Him so that others may know the hope found in Him? People need Jesus!

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Love One Another . . . . . .

Mar15

Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. — Romans 13:8-10

“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want  them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. — Matthew 7:12

The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” — Matthew 22:39

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. — John 13:34

For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” — Galatians 5:14

If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. — James 2:8

Hidden message? Seems pretty clear to me and I know the message has been repeated over and over again. Could it be we need to be reminded?

How “well are you doing”?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

“Good Behavior”

Mar13

For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. — Romans 13:3-5

When I was a younger woman I always feared authority. Probably a good thing in my teens. Fear in itself is not a bad thing depending on what and who you fear. Fear of something can keep you from danger and regretful consequences. Who you fear can make you respectful to persons and to avoid getting involved with others.

As I matured my fear of authority changed a bit when I realized the One I should fear, God, was the authority over all authority. So, do I want to have no fear of authority? Then I must do what is good.

One of those “do what is good” things, for conscience sake was to obey God’s Word about obeying the law of the land set by and enforced by those in authority. You know the unwritten rule that says you can go over the speed limit by 5? Well, my conscience said that the law says, “Limit” which means the maximum. So, yes, I am that annoying person in front of you going the speed limit.

I’m not writing this to brag but I’ve learned a lot about obeying God by following the speed limit. Like: is it okay to disobey when everyone else is? Is it okay to disobey if I’m inconvenienced (in this case, running late for work)? It’s okay to disobey just a little if I’m anxious to get to my destination, right? I thank God for my limits that keep me safe and my conscience clear. Now that, my friend, is peace.

And I like to think that God blesses my obedience, even when I am tempted to be disobedient (in this case speeding), by blessing me with green lights, merging on the freeway clear of any traffic, no traffic delays, etc. Once again, I made it to work on time. Amazing!

That’s my God, AMAZING!!!!!

Are you trusting God by being obedient?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Problem With The World

Mar12

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions  and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. — 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Yesterday’s devotional spoke of obeying, submitting authority to our leaders — politicians of our country. It told of the grumbling and verbal dissatisfaction we have with them. My question is (actually two) — Am I praying for my leaders? Am I being a good witness before men in my verbiage and actions toward the leaders of my country?

The problem with the world today is too much focus on what our world leaders are doing wrong instead of praying for them. The answer for a quiet and tranquil life? Jesus Christ. Salvation and knowledge of Him and in obedience He can change the condition of the hearts of world leaders, those in authority and even the hearts of those who vote.

The problem is not our politicians. The problem is we have left our first love and obedience to Him.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Established Authority

Mar11

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. — Romans 13:1-2

Ouch! How many of us skim over that portion of scripture? Many are unhappy with the world’s politicians and their “politics”. I read and hear grumbling, tearing apart of their character, making fun of these world leaders. When the reality of who put them in office, position, sinks in I personally am very humbled. God has a plan despite my desire for who I want as the leader of my country. I have a right to vote, and I do, but the outcome is always according to God’s will.

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. — 1 Peter 2:13-15

“It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and  establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding. — Daniel 2:21

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Pay Backs, Vengeance and Burning Coals

Mar10

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but  leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. — Romans 12:17-21

Are you an overcomer?

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? — 1 John 5:4-5

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Do Not Be Wise?!

Mar9

Do not be wise in your own estimation. — Romans 12:16c

“Boast no more so very proudly,
Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth;
For the Lord is a God of knowledge,
And with Him actions are weighed. — 1 Samuel 2:3

Weighing our knowledge and/or wisdom with God’s knowledge and wisdom, we will lose every time. Let us “trust in the Lord with all our heart and do not lean on our own understanding”. Now that is wisdom to rely and trust in!

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

 

Be Not Haughty

Mar8

do not be haughty in mind, but  associate* with the lowly. — Romans 12:16b

*accommodate yourself to lowly things

I remember a time in my life when I would covet my neighbor’s things. Before I owned a house I would envy those who had one. The old junker we were driving paled to the brand new cars on the block. And my mother’s wisdom ringing in my ear, “as long as it gets you from point A to point B”.

“The one who dies with the biggest toys wins”. Remember that bumper sticker? Many want to be judged by what they own, by their position in the workplace, how intelligent they appear and think it below themselves to be seen anywhere but amongst the well-to-do.

The song, “No One Knows What Goes On Behind Closed Doors” reminds me that the outward appearance doesn’t always tell the whole story. The haughty on the outside is probably broken on the inside. Their need is to be recognized. Jesus is not attracted by our status in society. He is concerned with the humble heart who can accept that He is God and take the salvation He has to offer. Jesus was not too proud to associate with the lowly. He went to those who were not distracted by the things of this world, the lowly, to bring a greater gift than anything this world could give.

Are you too proud to accept God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ? If you have accepted the gift, are you too proud to associate with everyone, including the lowly, who need Christ?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Be of the Same Mind

Mar7

Be of the same mind toward one another; — Romans 12:16a

make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. — Philippians 2:2

But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. — 1 Corinthians 2:15-16

No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. — John 15:15

Christ unites the body of believers. It is His mind we seek. As we seek to honor and please God the Holy Spirit brings us together in one mind to bring glory to our Lord.

Prayer and Bible study under the power and influence of the Holy Spirit brings like minds, unity and power to the work of God. Are you participating?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon