Archives

“It”

Jan25

for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. — Romans 1:16b

“It”. The gospel. “It”. Jesus Christ. “It”. Power.

Trust in “It” to save you by believing. Trust in “It” to save others by telling.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Ashamed

Jan24

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, — Romans 1:16a

Ashamed: unwilling or restrained because of fear of shame, ridicule, or disapproval*

Our shame was nailed to the cross, Christian. Are we really grateful for Jesus’ sacrifice for us? He experienced shame, ridicule and disapproval for us and the result is our righteousness (to those who believe). Who around you needs to experience that righteousness?

Let us not be ashamed.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, — 2 Timothy 1:8-9;

And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. 35 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? 37 For what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” — Mark 8:34-38

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

 

* dictionary.reference.com

Proclaiming Christ

Jan23

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world. 9 For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you, 10 always in my prayers making request, if perhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine. — Romans 1:8-12

Do you get excited about God’s work? Do you get excited watching Christians grow in their faith? Do you desire to help and encourage other believers in their walk with Christ? Do you get encouraged to walk the straight and narrow by the testimony of the saints? Paul not only wanted to feed others but longed to be fed also.

We need more testimony of God’s movement in the lives of His saints. How is God moving in your life right now? If you can’t see, ask Him to reveal it to you and then share it! If you can see it, who can you encourage today by sharing it?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Christ Jesus

Jan22

Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, 4 who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake, 6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; — Romans 1:1-6

In the opening of Paul’s letter it is amazing, to me, what Paul reveals about Jesus. He is:

v.1 Christ which means Messiah
v.2 the promise of God
v.2 Revelation
v.3 Son of God
v.3 God in the flesh
v.4 Holy
v.4 Lord
v.4 Power
v.4 The Resurrection (Savior)
v.5 Our Grace

Paul mentions 3 descriptions of himself. How often in our speech is Jesus exalted above ourselves? He is the reason we speak at all. Are we being good apostles, followers, for His name’s sake?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Persuaded By

Jan21

Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe. — Acts 28:24

As we share the Gospel of Jesus Christ we will encounter those who will not believe but for the sake of those who will be persuaded we need to tell.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Persuaded

Jan20

Agrippa replied to Paul, “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.” And Paul said, “I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains.” — Acts 26:28-29

Should it not be the wish (hope) of all believers? Who in your life is being persuaded by your words?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

The Will Of The Lord Be Done

Jan19

Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, “The will of the Lord be done!” — Acts 21:13-14

How receptive are we to “The will of the Lord be done” when it isn’t pleasant circumstances for us but means God is glorified and people are changed?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Praise!

Jan18

Praise the Lord!
Praise the name of the Lord;
Praise Him, O servants of the Lord,
You who stand in the house of the Lord,
In the courts of the house of our God!
Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good;
Sing praises to His name, for it is lovely. — Psalm 135:1-3

Worship and praise His holy name for it is lovely! Do you make worship in His house a priority in your life?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Book Revealing

Jan17

Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. — Galatians 2:14-16

Where are your priorities, your heart? Is it on crossing the finish line in the glory of Christ or grumbling your way through life focused on winning the next dispute?

Do you not know that you are the light of the world? (Matthew 5:14) A light to those who walk in darkness? (Romans 2:19)

How we walk this life will reveal to the world who we believe Jesus to be. We are an open book hopefully revealing Christ as Savior, Light, Love, Joy, Prince of peace, Patient, Kind, Good, and Faithful. In our life we can be ambassadors for Christ or silent witnesses. Our choice.

We can be successful in crossing the finish line in glory by holding fast to the Word of life. So how’s your book of life revealing Jesus Christ? Is it?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

My Thoughts on “What! Not Help You?”

Jan16

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

Isn’t it true how we have at our disposal the Wisdom of the universe, a 24 hour a day Counselor, Peace giver and yet we do not seek nor tap into, or should I say plug into, the Source of Power for life?

God loves us and is available for us, meeting our every need if only we would reach out, seek Him.

I also see a great example here. If God can supply our every need and is a help to us, should we not also follow His example and help others? The excuse that I can’t afford to help a neighbor in need or an entourage of other excuses does not hold water. God by example helps us, giving us what we need. Will He not also give us what we need to help others by example? Are we not called to serve one another? Out of our gratitude of the bounty of God’s helpfulness we overflow helpfulness to others.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon