Tag Archive | Christian

Groping

Jun27

and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, 27 that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’ — Acts 17:26-28

The word “grope” stood out to me, jumped right off the screen (page). It is defined in Word Origin & History* as “O.E. grapian “to feel about as one blind or in darkness,” originally “to feel or handle,” related to gripan “grasp at” (see gripe)”.* Groping, as one blind or in darkness. Isn’t that our state of being without Jesus?

God, our Creator, made from one man (Adam) every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth. I think God has definitely accomplished that. How amazing when you think about it. Lands that had never been explored are now inhabited. From two there are now approximately seven billion people on earth. And it blows my mind when I read that He has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lives. All seven billion! I have trouble just making sure I am at my appointed place in a day. God is amazing!

What does He desire of us? To seek Him. But not just seek, grope. I imagine a desperation there. Darkness all around and having no direction, no sight. Many walk daily in this condition. God wants so much to give us sight and light to see Him clearly. To find Him. For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the Lord our God whenever we call on Him? (Deuteronomy 4:7) In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind? (Job 12:10)

God desires to give us abundant life through Jesus Christ. A life that is truly blessed, fulfilling, and amazing for in Him we live and move and exist. Do you want to truly live? Seek Jesus now while He may be found.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

 

*Dictionary.com, “grope,” in Online Etymology Dictionary. Source location: Douglas Harper, Historian. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/grope. Available: http://dictionary.reference.com. Accessed: June 26, 2014.

How Do You Handle That?

Jun26

When you “do good” — are obedient to God’s Word, will, direction, instruction and walking closely with Jesus — don’t you expect good results?

Going through a particular journey you know that God is present. He is guiding your every step. You see God at work and you feel extremely blessed. A lot of good is coming out of your obedience and God’s will is being accomplished. You are encouraged, blessed and praised by others around you. You are floating on cloud nine.

Then . . . the season of that journey comes to an end. You move on and it seems that all has been forgotten — all those “good things” that you did. The praise ends. It seems that no one cares. And to add to the feeling of abandonment comes persecution. Accusations of misconduct and inadequacy. “But I was in the midst of God’s will, doing what I believe the Bible instructs me to do. How can this happen?” How do you handle that?

Jesus was well respected by many people, especially those who benefited from His grace and power. He had quite a following. For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; (Hebrews 7:26) who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; (1 Peter 2:22) You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. (1 John 3:5) Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and turned and said to the crowd that was following Him, “I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.” (Luke 7:9) Jesus was right in the midst of fulfilling the Father’s will and purpose. People were coming to Jesus and having their sin forgiven.

Then . . . accusations started to fly. And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He did not answer. Then Pilate *said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” And He did not answer him with regard to even a single charge, so the governor was quite amazed. (Matthew 27:12-14) In humiliation His judgment was taken away”  (Acts 8:33) He was good, loving, caring and obedient to the Father. He did not seek the praise of man but the will and praise of the Father. How could this happen to Jesus?

The Word of God says:
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. — Matthew 5:10-11
Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. — John 15:20
Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. — 2 Timothy 3:12
If Jesus was persecuted we can expect to be persecuted also.

So, back to the question, “How do you handle that”? Remember! Remember to focus on Jesus and His example, how He reacted to persecution. Remember that He is with you always. (Deuteronomy 31:6) Remember where to stash your treasures. (Matthew 6:19-21) Remember His faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:23; Psalm 33:4; Psalm 100:5) Remember that all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) And remember to Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:12)

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

From Where Do You Seek Your Praise?

Jun25

How is it possible for you to believe [how can you learn to believe], you who [are content to seek and] receive praise and honor and glory from one another, and yet do not seek the praise and honor and glory which come from Him Who alone is God? — John 5:44 (AMP)

Do you seek the approval, glory, honor and praise from others? Is their praise necessary for you to live for Jesus? Is their approval necessary to serve God?

Jesus said,”I receive not glory from men [I crave no human honor, I look for no mortal fame]” in John 5:41. Jesus sought the approval, glory, honor and praise from the Father. Jesus served the Father to bring Him glory, honor and praise and in turn the Father exalted His Son. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, (Philippians 2:9)

Then if Jesus is our role model we need to seek to honor God. Jesus said that “If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him” in John 12:26. Following Jesus takes belief in Him as the Son of God who died on the cross for us and was raised on the third day by God Himself. It takes following in Jesus’ footsteps. It takes seeking God’s approval rather than the approval of men. For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends. (2 Corinthians 10:18)

Let us seek Jesus so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. (John 5:23) Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone. (1 Chronicles 29:12) Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, (1 Peter 5:6)

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God. — John 12:43

The Promise of His Promises

Jun24

For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. — 2 Peter 1:4

God’s promises come with a promise. God is so awesome! By His precious and magnificent promises we may become partakers of the divine nature. The likeness of God created in righteousness and holiness of the truth is in the new self we put on with the trusting acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior in our lives. We share His holiness. Isn’t that reason enough to trust in His promises? We are blessed beyond comprehension by the mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s time to trust in those promises of God. His promises.

Let our trusting faith in His promises help us to grow in our faith until the day He calls us home. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. — 1 John 3:2

What a glorious day that will be. In the meantime seek the Lord and His strength while He can be found.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. — Ephesians 4:24

For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. — Hebrews 12:10

Promises

Jun23

Remember His promises
Whenever you’re distressed
Remember His promises
They will bring you rest

His promises are found
In His precious Word
His guidance abounds
To lead us where we should

So seek Him always
Hiding in your heart
The promises of Jesus
From them never part

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Most High, Almighty

Jun22

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. — Psalm 91:1

Asking the Lord for a verse to use in today’s devotional, He led me to this one. I couldn’t help but think back to Psalm 46:10 that tells us to be still and know that I am God. Being still and not reacting without guidance is really the challenge to trust in the Lord. As we cease striving for awhile, we dwell in the shelter of the Most High. We abide in the shadow of the Almighty wherein lies our strength and trust. How can you not trust in the Almighty?

Think on that one word. Almighty. All Mighty. There is nothing He cannot do, there is no one who can come against Him and win and there is no one who loves you more. Trust Him. Practice everyday surrendering more and more to Him and watch as Jesus transforms your life.

Be still and dwell in Jesus abiding in His everlasting shadow.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

God

Jun21

“Cease striving and know that I am God; — Psalm 46:10

God: the sole Supreme Being, eternal, spiritual, and transcendent, who is the Creator and ruler of all and is infinite in all attributes; the object of worship in monotheistic religions*

For I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, And I will not come in wrath. (Hosea 11:9b) Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the highest heavens, the earth and all that is in it. (Deuteronomy 10:14) Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments; (Deuteronomy 7:9) For the Lord your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them. (Deuteronomy 4:31)

‘O Lord God, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand; for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as Yours? (Deuteronomy 3:24) For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the Lord our God whenever we call on Him? (Deuteronomy 4:7) “The eternal God is a dwelling place, And underneath are the everlasting arms; And He drove out the enemy from before you, And said, ‘Destroy!’ (Deuteronomy 33:27) for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’(Deuteronomy 20:4) Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) You shall not dread them, for the Lord your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God. (Deuteronomy 7:21)

To you it was shown that you might know that the Lord, He is God; there is no other besides Him. (Deuteronomy 4:35) For the Lord your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe. (Deuteronomy 10:17) “Moreover the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live. (Deuteronomy 30:6) Now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, (Deuteronomy 10:12)

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

*BibTeX Bibliography Style (BibTeX)

@article {Dictionary.com2014,
title = {Collins English Dictionary – Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition},
month = {Jun},
day = {20},
year = {2014},
url = {http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/god},

I AM

Jun20

“Cease striving and know that I am God; — Psalm 46:10

      God said to Moses, “

I

AM

       WHO

I

AM

      ”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of  Israel, ‘

I

AM

           has sent me to you.’” — Exodus 3:14

I AM  

a shield – Genesis 15:1
God Almighty – Genesis 17:1; 35:11; Exodus 3:6; Isaiah 49:26; 60:16
the God of Abraham – Genesis 26:24; Matthew 22:32; Mark 12:26; Acts 7:32
the God of Bethel – Genesis 31:13
God – Genesis 46:3; Psalm 46:10; 50:7; 81:10; Isaiah 41:10; 43:5; Jeremiah 1:8, 19, 15:20; 46:48
Healer – Exodus 15:26
Gracious – Exodus 22:27; Jeremiah 3:12
Holy – Leviticus 11:44; 19:2; 20:26; 21:8; Isaiah 43:3; Hosea 11:9; 1 Peter 1:16
your portion and inheritance – Numbers 18:20
He who put to death and give life – Deuteronomy 32:39
First and Last – Isaiah 41:4; 44:6; 48:12; Revelation 1:17
Helper – Isaiah 41:13
Savior – Isaiah 43:3, 11, 15; 49:26
(always was, always is, always will be and there is no other) – Isaiah 43:10, 13; 44:6; 45:6, 18, 22; 46:9; John 8:58
Creator – Isaiah 43:15; 44:24; 45:5, 7, 18; Jeremiah 32:27
One who wipes out our transgressions – Isaiah 43:25
Teacher – Isaiah 48:17; John 13:13
Guide/Leader – Isaiah 48:17
Redeemer – Isaiah 49:26; 60:16
Comforter – Isaiah 51:12
Master – Jeremiah 3:14
King – Malachi 1:14; John 18:37; 19:21
Gentle – Matthew 11:29
Humble – Matthew 11:29
the Christ – Matthew 24:5; Mark 14:62
the Son of God – Matthew 27:42; Luke 22:70; John 10:36
Bread of Life – John 6:35, 41, 48, 51
Light of the world – John 8:12; 9:15
door of the sheep – John 10:11
Good shepherd – John 10:14
Resurrection and life – John 11:25
the way, the truth, and the life – John 14:6
Vine – John 15:5
Jesus – Acts 9:5; 22:8
Alpha and Omega Revelation 1:8; 22:13
Alive forever more – Revelation 1:18
Lord – Exodus 16:12; 20:2; 29:46; 31:13; Leviticus 11:44, 45; !8:2, 4, 5,6, 21, 30;
19:3,4,10,12,14,16,18,25,28,30,31,32,34,37; 20:7,8,24; 21:12,15,23; 22:2,3,8,9,
16,30,31,32; 23:22,43; 24:22; 25:17,38,55; 26;1,2,13,44,45; Numbers 3:13,41,45;
10:10; 15:41; Deuteronomy 5:6; 29:6; Judges 6:10; 1 Kings 20:13,28; Isaiah 41:13
42:6,8; 43:3,11,15; 45:5,6,7,18; 48:17; 49:23; 51:15; 60:16; Jeremiah 9:24; 24:7
32:27; Ezekiel 6:7,13,14; 7:4,27, 11:10,12; 12:15,16,20; 13:9,14,21,23; 14:8;
15:7; 16:62; 17:24; 20:5,7,12,19,20,26,38,42,44; 22:16; 23:49; 24:24,27;
25:5,7,11,17; 26:6; 28:22,23,24,26; 29:6,9,16,21; 30:8,19,25,26; 33:29; 34:27;
35:4,9,15; 36:11,23,38; 37:6,13,28; 38:23; 39:6,7,22,28; Joel 2:27; 3:17; John
13:13

I found it very interesting that in all the I am’s I found, the list for “Lord” had the most references. I was once told that if the Bible stated something more than once it must be a very important message the Lord wants us to know. As I look over the list I see how easy it is accept that our God is King, a shield, a helper, teacher, etc. but when it comes to Lord it is a little harder to swallow. For God to be Lord of my life I must surrender all that I have, all that I am to His will and purpose. Hmm, could that be why the great I AM spoke so often, “I am Lord”?

Is He Lord of your life?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Know

Jun19

“Cease striving and know that I am God; — Psalm 46:10

Know: experience, understand
Cease striving, relax, wait upon the Lord and know. Know that He is our refuge: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.*It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.^ my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my Savior — from violent people you save me.~

*Psalm 46:1
^Psalm 118:8
~2 Samuel 22:3

Know that we find rest in Him when we spend time in prayer with Him. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him;* He bids us “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.^

*Psalm 37:7a
^Matthew 11:28

As we seek refuge and rest in Him we know forgiveness as we confess our sins. But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.* And experience His grace: But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.^ Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.~

*Psalm 130:4
^Psalm 86:15
~Hebrews 4:16

Being still and focusing on Jesus we find peace, love and wonderful fellowship. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.* For He Himself is our peace.^ He has given us peace: Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.~ For He is the Prince of Peace+

*Philippians 4:6-7
^Ephesians 2:14a
~John 14:27
+Isaiah 9:6

We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. And There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.* In this abiding we have fellowship with Him: that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;^

*1 John 4:16,18
^Philippians 3:10

We will know joy with time spent with Jesus in prayer and fellowship: Then he will pray to God, and He will accept him, That he may see His face with joy, And He may restore His righteousness to man.* For I will turn their mourning into joy And will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow.^

*Job 33:26
^Jeremiah 31:13b

That time you take to be still you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”* Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.^ Sitting with Jesus builds our confidence to follow Him without wavering. For the Lord will be your confidence And will keep your foot from being caught.~

*John 8:32
^John 14:6
~Proverbs 3:26

So in closing we can see that being still in the presence of God is essential to our lives. Jesus is our Refuge, Rest, and because of His grace and mercy we know forgiveness, His awesome love, and we have fellowship with Him as God planned. God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.* Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. We need Him everyday. He bids us come.

*1 Corinthians 1:9

“The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He. — Deuteronomy 32:4    

KNOW HIM!!!!!

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Be Still, Cease Striving

Jun18

“Cease (let go, relax) striving and know that I am God; — Psalm 46:10 NASB
“Be still, and know that I am God! — Psalm 46:10 NLT

As I enter into a new season of life, transitioning from a caretaker of my parents to being back home with my husband after 21 months, I find myself in limbo. I know that God has a plan for me but in the meantime what do I do with myself? I have always worked outside the home so do I go and look for a job? Is that what God wants me to do? Where do I even begin to look for a job? I have things that will keep me busy at home as I return my home back to a feminine touch from the bachelor pad it has become. My heart is ministry and would love to do that full time although I know that I can still work and minister. So many thoughts and ideas going through my head. Then there is the mourning of leaving behind the friendships I made over the past two years, not to mention my Mother who has been left in the hands of my brothers. Often guilt arises and questions as to whether I’ve done the right thing. Questions, confusion, lost, distress. Where do I turn? Where do I go from here?

Be still, my child. Cease striving. Relax. Let go.

Let go of the struggles, the to-do list, feelings of oppression, inadequacies, sin, failures, turmoil, trials, and others allowing God to do His work in you. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.* This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.^

Wait patiently. That is hard to do. It has been my experience that God leads where He wants me to go. I wait on Him and divine appointments happen that open doors to employment, places to live, provisions, etc. It is not the norm for most people. They tend to believe you need to pursue, which is done without the counsel or guidance of God. I seek Him first then by the guidance of the Lord I pursue where He leads. I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me and heard my cry.+ Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him;< My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him.~>

I can relax in the presence of the Lord and be restored. Waiting in His silence I am strengthened by the hope that is found in Him. When I surrender all to Him he blesses me beyond all I can imagine, meeting my every need, directing my every step. He becomes my direction, my strength, my hope, my all. That is where I want to be. I am renewed.

“Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; — Luke 2:29

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

 

*Matthew 11:28-29
^Isaiah 30:15
+Psalm 40:1
~Psalm 62:5