Spiritual Blessing

Jun12

Do not be deceived (misled), my beloved brethren.
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
James 1:16-17 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.1.16-17.NASB1995

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above.”

The gift of salvation:
Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3:3 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/jhn.3.3.NASB1995

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
John 1:12-13 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/jhn.1.12-13.NASB1995

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 Peter 1:3 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/1pe.1.3.NASB1995

The gift of wisdom:
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.
James 3:17 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.3.13-17.NASB1995

The gift of light given to us by the Father of Lights:
This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.
1 John 1:5 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/1jn.1.5.NASB1995

These are but a few of the gifts God has for His children.

In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.
James 1:18 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.1.18.NASB1995

just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. . .
Ephesians 1:4 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/eph.1.4.NASB1995

🌹Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
Ephesians 1:3 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/eph.1.3.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Do Not Be Deceived

Jun11

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.
But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
James 1:13-15 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.1.13-15.NASB1995

Lust: an intense desire, craving, yearning for . . . our own way; our desire; craving the things of this world instead of God’s kingdom.

Seeking our own desires is lust. When our lust is played out it becomes sin and if our sin is not dealt with, our sin will lead to death.

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?
1 Corinthians 6:9a NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/1co.6.9.NASB1995

They conceive mischief and bring forth iniquity, And their mind prepares deception.”
Job 15:35 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/job.15.35.NASB1995

🌹As born-again Christians we are to confess the lusts of our heart, before it turns into a sin, then be seeking God’s kingdom and His desire for us.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
James 1:16 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.1.16.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Press On

Jun10

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved (passed the test), he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
James 1:12 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.1.12.NASB1995

Trials are a fact of life. There is not one person who is exempt. But as Christians we grow through trials. They strengthen us, making us more dependant on our Lord Jesus as we persevere for His namesake. May we consider ourselves blessed as Jesus spoke of in Luke 6.

Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets.
Luke 6:22-23 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.6.22-23.NASB1995

So, keeping our eyes on the One who knows us best . . .

press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/php.3.14.NASB1995

🌹but just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/1co.2.9.NASB1995

Praise the Lord!

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

What Are You Pursuing?

Jun9

But the brother (church member) of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position;
James 1:9 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.1.9.NASB1995

What “high position” is that? It is not our social status, but that we are a child of God, an heir. Are we taking great delight in our high position, living in His glory?

and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass (the flower of the grass) he will pass away.
James 1:10 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.1.10.NASB1995

Just as the man of “humble circumstances” will pass away, so will the rich man. His humiliation is to know that he is a sinner and without Christ, the only thing he is worthy of is eternal death. Without Jesus we are all dead. The pursuit of God should outweigh the pursuit of wealth, fame, comfort in this life.

For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.
James 1:11 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.1.11.NASB1995

🌹What, or should I say, ‘Who are we pursuing’ this side of eternity?

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Do I? Do We?

Jun6

I usually like to share scripture of praise on Fridays. This week I was led to Psalm 145. I have to tell you, I felt very convicted.

Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
Psalms 145:2 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.145.2.NASB1995

Everyday? Do I?

One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts.
Psalms 145:4 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.145.4.NASB1995

Do we?

On the glorious splendor of Your majesty And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.
Psalms 145:5 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.145.5.NASB1995

Do we? Is this daily or just on Sunday?

Men shall speak of the power of Your awesome acts, And I will tell of Your greatness.
Psalms 145:6 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.145.6.NASB1995

Do we? Ever? Occasionally? Everyday?

They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness And will shout joyfully of Your righteousness.
Psalms 145:7 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.145.7.NASB1995

Do we? Or is this another, just on Sunday thing?

All Your works shall give thanks to You, O Lord, And Your godly ones shall bless You.
Psalms 145:10 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.145.10.NASB1995

How often in a day do we give thanks to our Lord? Do we bless Him?

They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom And talk of Your power; To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts And the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom.
Psalms 145:11-12 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.145.11-12.NASB1995

This one hits hard. Do we speak of our Lord to others? If only . . .

My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, And all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.
Psalms 145:21 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.145.21.NASB1995

Our God is faithful despite our ways. Let us call upon His mercy and tell of His greatness, power and truth. May He move through us for His glory.

🌹The Lord is righteous in all His ways And kind in all His deeds. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.
Psalms 145:17-18 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.145.17-18.NASB1995

Praise God for His Word that convicts and changes our perspective. Have a blessed weekend.

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Lacking Wisdom?

Jun5

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.1.5-8.NASB1995

Solomon, a young boy becomes King. He prays asking God for discernment in judging His great people. Solomon was asking for wisdom and knowledge to rule God’s people well.
It was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God gave Solomon a wise and discerning heart.
1 Kings 3:9-10/2 Chronicles 1:10

God said to Solomon, “Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you.”
2 Chronicles 1:11-12a NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/2ch.1.8-12.NASB1995

Are you seeking wisdom from God?

. . . ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James 1:6-8 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.1.5-8.NASB1995

🌹And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.
1 John 5:15 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/1jn.5.15.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Consider It ALL Joy?!

Jun4

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance (steadfastness).
James 1:2-3 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.1.2-3.NASB1995

How can God expect joy when you get a phone call at work stating your house is on fire five days before Christmas? How can your heart be joyous when a week later you lose your job? How can He expect it? Because He is God. This unexpected trial brought a closer walk with God. It grew my dependence upon Him. I learned to trust God with my life. With endurance, steadfastness, I know I lack nothing in my God.

And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:4 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.1.4.NASB1995

🌹By your endurance you will gain your lives.
Luke 21:19 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.21.19.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

A Distinguished People

Jun3

Moses, known by God who said, ‘I have known you by name’, and having found favor with God was chosen to bring God’s people to the promised land.
Moses asks God,  “Who will You send with me to bring up these people?” 
Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You, so that I may find favor in Your sight.”

Moses prays, ‘That I may know You.’ Did you catch that? And how do we know God? By knowing His ways. God shows us His way through the Bible, through Jesus who is the way, and the Holy Spirit, so that we may know Him.

And God answers Moses, “My presence shall go with you, . . .”
Exodus 33:12-14 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/exo.33.12-14.NASB1995

Is your walk with God visible? Is God’s presence noticeable to you? Do others see Him in you?

Are you walking everyday with God? Is He your constant companion? Do you look different from the world?

🌹For how then can it be known that I have found favor in Your sight, I and Your people? Is it not by Your going with us, so that we, I and Your people, may be distinguished from all the other people who are upon the face of the earth?”
Exodus 33:16 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/exo.33.16.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Jesus, The Ladder of Heaven

Jun2

The stairway in Genesis 28:10-17  represents God reaching down to man.

Jacob, the son of Jacob, the son of Abraham, departed from Beersheba and went toward Haran. On his journey he came to a place where he slept and had a dream.

“a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.
And behold, the Lord stood above it (beside him) and said, “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie, I will give it to you and to your descendants.
Genesis 28:12-13 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/gen.28.12-13.NASB1995

Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”
Genesis 28:16-17 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/gen.28.16-17.NASB1995

🌹 Jacob had an encounter with God. Jesus brings heaven to earth.

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org