Tag Archive | faith

Rich in Joy

Jun26

Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
James 2:5 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.2.5.NASB1995

Do you ever notice you’re smiling without realizing it? You might be alone or in a crowd but there is this smile on your face for no apparent reason. This verse brought that to mind. I believe the joy of knowing the richness of faith in God and that I belong to His everlasting kingdom is the reason.

Do you find contentment and joy knowing that you are part of something bigger and better than the life you live now? Are you experiencing the joy of the Lord and His grace being poured out on you?

Is it time to put your trust in Him?

🌹The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.
Psalms 28:7 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.28.7.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Personal Favoritism

Jun24

My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.
James 2:1 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.2.1.NASB1995

I’ll be honest. I struggled with the meaning of this verse. I was not satisfied with the commentaries I consulted and the different translations just confused me.

But God . . .

I understand that the interpretation of the Word of God should be viewed in the context, in this case, of the letter, but I kept coming back to a personal viewpoint. (Which I truly believe was guided by the Holy Spirit).

“Personal favoritism.” Was I looking at myself? Was I thinking I am something special because I belong to the Lord? I will confess that I am truly blessed and my Lord God is a very, very special part of my life but do I act as if I am above others because of all the blessings God has given me? Do I think and act as if I am one of His favorites? That would not be very humble of me. I needed to change my viewpoint, all of God’s children are His personal favorite.

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 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/deu.10.17.NASB1995

As God’s child we can feel pretty special but all are special in God’s sight. Jesus shed His blood for all people. He called me to walk with Him. I made a choice to follow. He does the rest. I’m still a flawed sinner saved by grace. There have been many, many people of faith who have done extraordinary service to and for the Lord but not without God enabling them.

🌹Look to Jesus . . .

. . . the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/heb.12.2.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Living By Faith?

Jun23

If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle (control) his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.
James 1:26 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.1.26.NASB1995

Are the words that come from our mouth God honoring? Is it truth that springs from our lips, refreshing, soul lifting, even in the presence of non-believers?

I said, “I will guard my ways That I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle While the wicked are in my presence.”
Psalms 39:1 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.39.1.NASB1995

I will delve further into the controlling of tongues more in chapter 3 of James.

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
James 1:27 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.1.27.NASB1995

What is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of God?

First it is to be doers of the word and to live by faith, for the righteous shall live by faith. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we being justified and righteous by our Lord, are given the opportunity to join in our Lord’s work as He works through us. Serving our Lord by feeding the hungry; quenching the thirst of the thirsty; welcoming strangers into the church; clothing the naked; visiting the sick; and visiting those in prison.
So let us learn to do good; seek justice, reprove the ruthless, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Let us, because Jesus purified us for Himself, be a people zealous for good works.
Romans 2:13a/Galatians 3:11b/Matthew 25:35-36/Isaiah 1:17/Titus 2:14 NASB1995

🌹For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/eph.2.10.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Speaking the Gospel

May29

Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; . . . so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:11a, c NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/1pe.4.11.NASB1995

What a privilege we have to be entrusted with the gospel of Jesus Christ. To tell people about the saving grace we embrace. But do we? Are we embarrassed, ashamed, afraid? Fear is the greatest deterrent I’ve found to sharing the gospel. Fear of rejection being at the top of the list. Contentment in our own salvation is another. God commands us to go into all the world and make disciples, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.
1 Thessalonians 2:4; Matthew 28:19-20 NASB1995

So, what can we do?

🌹Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.
Hebrews 13:7 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/heb.13.7.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Heart Set For Prayer

May5

“Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Matthew 6:9 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.6.9.NASB1995

When you are in the presence of God to pray, is His name hallowed (consecrated, holy), in Your heart? Does your mind acknowledge His divineness?

🌹let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Hebrews 10:22 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/heb.10.22.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Where is Your Hope Based?

May1

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

Are you living your life in the hope of eternity?

For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/jer.29.11.NASB1995

Is your hope based in your career or in the One who guided you to and in your career?

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/heb.11.1.NASB1995

Does eternity play a part in how you hope for the things of this world?

and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:5 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/rom.5.5.NASB1995

Do you live your life in hope for the next minute or for eternity?

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/rom.15.13.NASB1995

We all have an eternity awaiting us. Will your hope be in Christ alone?

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;
Hebrews 10:23 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/heb.10.23.NASB1995

🌹For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my confidence . . .
Psalms 71:5 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.71.5.NASB1995

Is your hope found in Christ alone?

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Peace With God Through Jesus

Dec12

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Romans 5:1 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/rom.5.1.NASB1995

For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,
Romans 8:6 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/rom.8.6.NASB1995

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Galatians 5:22 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/gal.5.22.NASB1995

for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Romans 14:17 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/rom.14.17.NASB1995

So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
Romans 14:19 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/rom.14.19.NASB1995

🌹Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/rom.15.13.NASB1995

Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Romans 15:33 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/rom.15.33.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Thankful for the Gift

Nov29

I hope you enjoyed this month’s focus of thankfulness as much as I did. I think it’s awesome to focus on a month of thanksgiving to prepare our hearts to  celebrate a month of the greatest gift ever given to mankind . . . Jesus!!

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/isa.9.6.NASB1995

And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:7 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.2.7.NASB1995

Jesus, eight days old, is presented at the temple.

then he (Simeon, a priest) took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation, Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A Light of revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”
Luke 2:28-32 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.2.28-32.NASB1995

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him.
1 John 5:1 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/1jn.5.1.NASB1995

Are you ready to celebrate a month of Jesus and what He came to earth to do, in obedience to the Father? Let the celebration overflow into a new year. A new walk with Jesus. A new life encounter with Jesus.

To do this, you must make a decision to follow Jesus, believing He came as baby into the world to save the world from sin.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/rom.6.23.NASB1995

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
Ephesians 2:8 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/eph.2.8.NASB1995

The gift we will celebrate as believers in Jesus Christ. And

being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;
Romans 3:24 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/rom.3.24.NASB1995

After praying, confessing your sins, asking God for forgiveness, turn from your sinful nature to walk with God.

Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/act.2.38.NASB1995

Now, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, you can walk in newness of life. Your gift of a new life is worth celebrating in Jesus. Let your December be a Merry one.

🌹so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 Corinthians 1:7 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/1co.1.7.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Jehovah Tsidkenu

Nov19

Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord our righteousness.

In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell securely; And this is His name by which He will be called, ‘The Lord our righteousness.’
Jeremiah 23:6 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/jer.23.6.NASB1995

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
2 Corinthians 5:21 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/2co.5.21.NASB1995

Without Jesus we have no righteousness.

By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
Hebrews 11:7 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/heb.11.7.NASB1995

By faith may we be found in Jesus . . .

and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,
Philippians 3:9 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/php.3.9.NASB1995

In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death.
Proverbs 12:28 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.12.28.NASB1995

🌹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

Thank You, Jehovah Tsidkenu!

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Are You Assured?

Oct28

Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God.
Hebrews 3:12 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/heb.3.12.NASB1995

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.
Colossians 2:8 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/col.2.8.NASB1995

See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven.
Hebrews 12:25 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/heb.12.25.NASB1995

For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. But My righteous one shall live by faith; And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.
Hebrews 10:37-39 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/heb.10.37-39.NASB1995

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;
and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:23-25 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/heb.10.23-25.NASB1995

🌹But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end,
Hebrews 3:13-14 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/heb.3.13-14.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https//:indasharonjesus.org