Saved For a Relationship

May21

that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;
Romans 10:9 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/rom.10.9.NASB1995

Wedding day. Two excited, anxious hearts awaiting the “I Do’s”. The groom stands at the front of the church. Here comes the bride to join him. They confess their love to one another and at the end of the service they go live their own lives. . . Wait. . . Rewind.

Is this the way we are when it comes to the marriage of Christ and the church? Christ and a professing believer?

“I walked the aisle.” “I confessed that Jesus is Lord and that He was raised from the dead.” Now that I’m saved I’m insured . . . I mean assured a place in heaven, right?

At salvation our life, our walk with Christ, begins. It is an everyday, growing all the way, surrendered relationship with God. It is daily communication – prayer, Bible reading. It is confessing the work of Christ in our lives – testimonies. It is bringing others to the altar of confession for redemption.

It is living ‭
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 2:10-11 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/php.2.10-11.NASB1995

‭Are you living a separate life from Jesus? Or are you walking with Him all the way to the promised land?

🌹I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me,
John 10:14 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/jhn.10.14.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Pressure

May20

The Lord said, “I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings. So I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite. Now, behold, the cry of the sons of Israel has come to Me; furthermore, I have seen the oppression with which the Egyptians are oppressing them.
Exodus 3:7-9 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/exo.3.7-9.NASB1995

The Lord God sees you, hears you, knows the sufferings you face from the pressures of life. Just as God sent Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt to a promised land; the Father sent His Son, Jesus, to lead mankind through the pressures of life to the promised land of eternity abiding with Him.

‭“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/jhn.3.16.NASB1995

God made a way for you to be released from the pressures of your affliction – sin. Jesus. Jesus will lead a surrendered heart out of the pressure of sin and release you from bondage by following His lead. There is one way only for the pressure release — follow the
Leader — Jesus.

What does that mean?
Surrender your life to Jesus –> His way. His plan. His will.

Our need here is to follow a faithful, trustworthy leader.

‭🌹Who is your leader in life?

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
‭https://indasharonjesus.org

Appreciation

May17

It is good to give thanks to the Lord And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning And Your faithfulness by night,
Psalms 92:1-2 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.92.1-2.NASB1995

‭Looking over your past week, where did you see God at work in you? How about through you? For you? Around you?

God is always at work. Are you missing out on seeing His glory? I hope not.

If you have seen Him at work this week, take time to thank Him; to praise Him.


🌹For You, O Lord, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands. How great are Your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep.
Psalms 92:4-5 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.92.4-5.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Talk to God

May16

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/php.4.6.NASB1995

What is the cure for anxiety?
Pray.

‭Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart,
Luke 18:1 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.18.1.NASB1995

Pray Believing

‭And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
Matthew 21:22 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.21.22.NASB1995

Pray with Persistence

‭“Ask (keep asking), and it will be given to you; seek (keep seeking), and you will find; knock (keep knocking), and it will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.7.7.NASB1995

If the persistence is lacking we are probably asking for something we really don’t want or need.  Persistence in prayer may also be because God is preparing us for the answer. How often do we pray for something without really thinking about how the answer would affect our walk? Persistence so we are aligned with God’s will and purpose.

Pray Trusting

‭This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 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 5:14-15 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/1jn.5.14-15.NASB1995

🌹Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.3.5-6.NASB1995

Pray with a thankful heart.

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Provisions Anxiety

May15

Be anxious for nothing,
Philippians 4:6a NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/php.4.6.NASB1995

Life can come with lots of anxiety. Worries about ourselves, our children, our livelihood, and multiple other things in life. But God says be anxious for NOTHING.

Why? How?

‭“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Matthew 6:25 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.6.25.NASB1995

Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?
Matthew 6:26 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.6.26.NASB1995

And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin,
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!
Matthew 6:28, 30 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.6.28-30.NASB1995


Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’
Matthew 6:31 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.6.31.NASB1995

If God can be trusted to care for the birds and flowers, will He not care for His prized and precious creation, you?

🌹casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Peter 5:7 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/1pe.5.7.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Gentle Quiet Spirit

May14

Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:5 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/php.4.5.NASB1995

Do you have a gentle spirit? Have you ever thought about where a gentle spirit comes from?

‭Your adornment must not be merely external . . . but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.
1 Peter 3:3a-4 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/1pe.3.3-4.NASB1995

A gentle spirit comes from Jesus. The imperishable and gentle quiet spirit is the Holy Spirit that resides in a saved person. Precious in the sight of God is the reflection of the Father’s Son, Jesus, in us. Surrendering our whole heart to God will transform us into a gentle spirited person.
‭
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
Romans 12:1 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/rom.12.1.NASB1995

To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;
For, “The one who desires life, to love and see good days, Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it.”
1 Peter 3:8,10-11 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/1pe.3.8-11.NASB1995


So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
Galatians 6:10 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/gal.6.10.NASB1995

🌹But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
1 Peter 2:9, 17 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/1pe.2.9-17.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

The Lord Opens, Raises, Loves

May13

Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.
Matthew 20:34 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.20.34.NASB1995

Jesus opens the eyes of the blind, the lost, so they may follow Him and see His salvation.
Is there someone you are or can pray for to have their eyes opened?
‭
He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap To make them sit with nobles, And inherit a seat of honor; For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, And He set the world on them.
1 Samuel 2:8 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/1sa.2.8.NASB1995

Glory to God for raising up those who bow down before Him.

The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But He loves one who pursues righteousness.
Proverbs 15:9 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.15.9.NASB1995

Are you pursuing the righteousness of God? Are you clothed in the righteousness of Jesus?

‭I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:10 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/isa.61.10.NASB1995

🌹The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; The Lord raises up those who are bowed down; The Lord loves the righteous;
Psalms 146:8 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.146.8.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

To All Mothers

May12

Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise),
Ephesians 6:2 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/eph.6.2.NASB1995

Today many will take time to honor their mother on this designated “Mother’s Day”.

Mothers sacrifice for their families out of love and care for them.

[15] She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens.
[18] She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night.
[21] She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
[25-28] Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, . . .
Proverbs 31:15, 18, 21, 25-28 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.31.15-28.NASB1995

‭There are also the Mothers who are not blood related.
Someone said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You.” But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, “Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.”
Matthew 12:47-50 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.12.47-50.NASB1995

There is the mentor, those godly women who “mother” younger women. The nursery worker, school teacher. The mother who adopted, the mother of foster kids. And so many more.

God bless your Mother’s Day!

🌹How blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, Who walks in His ways. . .
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine Within your house, Your children like olive plants Around your table. . .
Indeed, may you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel!
Psalms 128:1, 3, 6 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.128.1-6.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
‭https://indasharonjesus.org

Mother Mary (Luke 1-2:22)

May10

And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.”

And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
Luke 1:45-48 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.1.45-48.NASB1995

Mary. The Mother of Jesus. Just an ordinary girl chosen by God to fulfill God’s redemptive plan. She humbly took on this role of Mother to Jesus.

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”
Luke 1:30-33 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.1.30-33.NASB1995

Mary rejoiced at the birth of her son. She treasured the years she had raising Him.

‭And He (Jesus) went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
Luke 2:51 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.2.51.NASB1995

Mary knew Jesus came for a purpose and faced the death of her firstborn son. Being a mother is hard work but . . .

🌹. . . we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/rom.8.28.NASB1995

Have a Wonderful Mother’s Day Weekend 💓

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Mother Hannah (1 Samuel 1-2:21)

May9

Elkanah, the husband of Peninnah and Hannah, would yearly travel with them to Shiloh to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord.

‭Elkanah .  . .
loved Hannah, but the Lord had closed her womb.
1 Samuel 1:5b NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/1sa.1.5.NASB1995

‭Peninnah, having several children, as . . .
Her rival, however, would provoke her (Hannah) bitterly to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. It happened year after year, as often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she would provoke her; so she wept and would not eat.
1 Samuel 1:6-7 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/1sa.1.6-7.NASB1995

Hannah goes to the temple . . .
‭She, greatly distressed, prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. She made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and a razor shall never come on his head.”
1 Samuel 1:10-11 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/1sa.1.10-11.NASB1995

Hannah spoke a prayer from her heart, oppressed in spirit she poured out her soul before the Lord.  (1 Samuel 1:12-15)
Hannah left the temple, her face no longer sad. (1 Samuel 1:18)

Hannah, a godly, believing woman took her desire to the Lord. She poured out her heart. Hannah left the outcome of her prayer to God. She left the temple at peace with her request.

‭It came about in due time, after Hannah had conceived, that she gave birth to a son; and she named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked him of the Lord.”
1 Samuel 1:20 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/1sa.1.20.NASB1995

Hannah raised her son to know God. I believe she also prayed for him as he grew up so he would be prepared to serve God for life.
Praise God for the influence of a godly mother.

‭🌹For this boy I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition which I asked of Him. So I have also dedicated him to the Lord; as long as he lives he is dedicated to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.
1 Samuel 1:27-28 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/1sa.1.27-28.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org