Tag Archive | Jesus

In The Love Of God

Feb22

keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. — Jude 21

Keep ourselves in the love of God. Hmmmm, how is that done?

First we must come to believe the love that God has for us. We must believe that His unearned love is simply who God is, He is love. We know Him when we abide in love. Abiding in love is abiding in God. When we abide in Him, He abides in us. Jesus said, “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.”

Jesus is our example. He tells us that He kept the Father’s commandments and abided in His love. Jesus informs us that if we keep His commandments we will abide in His love. So keeping His commandments means loving one another. God’s Word says that if we love one another God abides in us and His love is perfected in us. We need to seek Him, love, keep His commandments, love one another to abide in Him.

When we do abide in our Lord, we bear much fruit. Apart from the vine the branch cannot bear fruit. So let us keep ourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, being fruitful to eternal life.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

 

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. — 1 John 4:16

Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. — John 15:9

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. — John 15:4

If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. — John 15:10

No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. — 1 John 4:12

 

Second Chances

Feb21

That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, That they may arise and tell them to their children,  That they should put their confidence in God And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments, — Psalm 78:6-7

When I look back over my child rearing years I see many regrets and failures. If I could change or have do overs I would say the name”Jesus” more often. I would tell the plan of salvation until they understood. I would point out the attributes of a living God. My lips would testify more often of His greatness, goodness, provision, compassion, mercy and grace. My children would hear the Word of God more often than Sunday mornings. They would see me praying more often and family prayer would be more than just before eating or sleeping. They would know that Jesus was a very real part of the family Who would go with them out into the world when they started their own journey.

If only . . .

God is a God of second chances. Maybe becoming a grandmother is my second chance. I just found out I am to be a grandmother for the first time. I am so excited about this new creation being formed and woven in it’s mother’s womb. I give thanks to my Lord for my grandchild who is fearfully and wonderfully made. This baby’s frame is not hidden from Him and all it’s days are already ordained and written in His book.

God has given me a second chance to make a monumental difference in a child’s life. Thank you Almighty God. To you I will look for strength and seek Your face continually.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. — Psalm 139:13-16

Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually. — Psalm 105:4

Thank You Christ Jesus

Feb20

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, — 1 Timothy 1:12 (NLT)

What an honor and privilege it is to be a spokesperson for God Himself. That He would think me faithful and trustworthy to serve Him so blesses my heart. “But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me” my journey of a lifetime truly began.

In serving the Lord I am only worthy because God revealed His Son in me and by His strength alone I can do all things. As servants of our God we do well to recognize that we are not adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves but our adequacy comes from God through whom our only power and success come.

Our trust and dependence must be solely upon our Lord. We must seek His ways and be obedient with total surrender. When we are, we will see the glory of God at work in us and in those lives we touch. Are you ready for the adventure God has planned for you? He is waiting to reveal the infinite things that Jesus Christ can do through you.

Seek Jesus and let Him transform you.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, — Galatians 1:15-16

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. — Philippians 4:13

Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, — 2 Corinthians 3:5

Sufferings to Glory

Feb19

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. — Romans 8:18

Life is tough. I don’t know of anyone who has not suffered in some form or another — loss of a loved one, illness, disabilities. Then there is the sufferings of strained relationships – marriages, parent/children, employer/employee, etc. – the stress of life-changing decisions and so many more that you could come up with yourself that you have experienced or are experiencing.

Far beyond all comparison are these momentary, light afflictions which will produce for us an eternal weight of glory. They may not seem to be light afflictions at the time but when we compare them to the glory of God, His glory overshadows our afflictions or sufferings. Seek the Lord and rely on Him instead of focusing on the situation, ailment, disability. Reminding ourselves that He loves us and will never leave us nor forsake us, He also promises that glory will be revealed to us!

Our reliance and trust in the Lord during suffering strengthens our faith. Even when our faith is tested by fire our faith is refined and more precious than gold which is perishable. Our refined faith will result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Suffering is a part of life but we don’t need to be defeated. Endure to strengthen your faith, leaning on the everlasting arms until that glory is revealed to us.

Can we even begin to compare our sufferings to the sufferings of Christ? Oh what He did on the cross for all humanity. Oh the sufferings He endured for us. In our sufferings let us keep on rejoicing so that at the revelation of Jesus Christ’s glory we may rejoice with exultation.

To God be the glory revealed in Jesus Christ.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, — 2 Corinthians 4:17

so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; — 1 Peter 1:7

but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 1 Peter 4:13

Because of You

Feb18

Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad because of You. Let those who love Your salvation continually say, “The Lord is great!” — Psalm 40:16 (GW)

Because of You, Lord God, I seek You. Because of You I am glad and rejoice in You. Because of You, Lord Jesus, I love Your salvation and I will shout, “The Lord is great!”

Because of You I have life, my Creator. Because of You, my Provider, I have all I ever need for Christ is sufficient. Because of You, my Redeemer, I am forgiven and washed as white as snow. Because of You I have the capacity to love since You first loved me.

Because of You, magnificent, Perfect, all Powerful, all knowing, ever present God, I will tell of Your greatness, Your love, Your salvation and peace. The Lord is great!

Because of You . . .

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Show Me Your Glory

Feb17

Then Moses said, “I pray You, show me Your glory!” — Exodus 33:18

and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. — Exodus 33:22

Moses is my favorite Bible person. I love reading about his interactions with God. He and the Lord met together many times from the”burning bush” to Moses’ dying day. They had the kind of intimate relationship that I would like to have with our Lord.

In this particular passage of Scripture God said, “You have found favor in My sight”. Moses boldly said, “I pray You, show me Your glory”. As we see in verse 22, God showed him!!!

I often pray asking God to show me His glory and He does!!! In answered prayers, in blessings, in watching His master work in restoring relationships, in spiritual growth in believers, etc. When we ask to see His glory He opens our eyes to see. God is amazing!

On one occasion Moses’ meeting with God lasted 40 days and 40 nights. Moses was so overtaken with the glory of God that he didn’t even eat or drink that whole time. When Moses returned to the people of Israel the skin of his face shone from speaking with God. The Israelites were afraid so Moses put a veil over his face. Whenever Moses went in before the Lord he would remove the veil.

I have known Christians in my time who’ve had a special glow about them, a twinkle in their eye when they spoke of the Lord. I wonder if it is because they spend intimate, quality time with Jesus. I’m guessing that is the reason. In the meantime I am going to work on that glow of glory that comes only from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. How about you? Will you join me in the quest to glory in the Lord and for the Lord?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Confidence

Feb16

Confidence: full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,”so that we confidently say,

“The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?”

Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. — Hebrews 13:5-7

Confidence in the Word of God is confidence in life. Do we trust what God says? If we do our life exhibits that confidence.

Are we content with what God has given us? God created us for His glory and if we are confident in that we can trust that He wants the best for us so He may be glorified. He is with us always, never deserting nor forsaking us. That’s what His Word says. Do we believe it? Do we trust it?

His Word also says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” “all these things” are “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?” God supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory. Worry means we do not trust and lack confidence in God and His Word. We do not need to be afraid. Jesus is our helper.

Are there individuals in your life who display confidence in Jesus and trust in His Word? Learn from them. Are you giving glory to God in your walk? People are watching and hopefully some are imitating your confidence in the Lord. Keep seeking Jesus so you can walk with confidence in your life.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. — Matthew 6:33

Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ — Matthew 6:31

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

Draw Near To God

Feb15

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works. — Psalm 73:28

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Being near to God is nothing but good for anyone. He is all we need in heaven and on earth.

Draw near to God for He is our refuge, our shelter. We find peace in His presence as He protects us from the world, giving us security that we can depend upon. He is faithful. We sit in in the sanctuary of His presence when we draw near to God.

When spending time with Jesus in prayer, meditation and study of His Word, our eyes are opened to the wonders of God. We are overwhelmed and overflowing with testimony of His goodness that we must tell the world what He has done, the wonderful things He does.

The real key to proclaiming the good news is knowing the One who is the good news. Draw near to our God so you can proclaim His goodness, salvation, love and the hope He has for everyone.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Walk Humbly With Your God

Feb14

 He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? — Micah 6:8

What is walking humbly? Humble can be defined as not proud or arrogant; modest or lowly of spirit. To walk with God we can’t have a haughty spirit, or be arrogant. Sometimes walking with God can make us feel like we are the only ones who do God’s bidding and that we’re the best at it. God has a way of making us feel very special but walking humbly reminds us that the work of God is done by Him, not us.

Jesus is our example of humility. Philippians 2:6-8, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Jesus honored the Father by humbling Himself in obedience and is the perfect role model for us in how to walk humbly with our God. We are to empty ourselves, taking on the form of a bond-servant , and becoming obedient to God — to the point of death. How far are you willing to walk humbly with our God?

Our Lord gives grace to the humble and when we humble ourselves in His presence, He will exalt us. Let God do the bragging about you instead of tooting your own horn. It is so much more rewarding when He does it.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

 

Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. — James 4:10

But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” — James 4:6

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” — Luke 14:1

A man’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor. –Proverbs 29:23

 

May Be Well With Us

Feb13

But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, that it may be well with you.’ Jeremiah 7:23

 Whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, we will listen to the voice of the Lord our God to whom we are sending you, so that it may go well with us when we listen to the voice of the Lord our God.” Jeremiah 42:6

God commands us to obey His voice. How do we hear His voice? Through His Word, prayer, the Holy Spirit, and God’s people. When we study His Word, alongside prayer, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, and the godly counsel and accountability of His people — He is our God and we are His people. When we listen and obey we walk in His way and when we walk in His way it is well with our soul.

Listening is a choice. When we listen intently to the Lord, it is well with us,  whether our lives are pleasant or unpleasant. Obedience to the Lord our God brings well being in all circumstances. Our focus must be intent upon Him and seeking His ways. Whether pleasant or unpleasant we have peace of mind that things are going God’s way and we can trust that He is in control. It is well with my soul.

Walking with Jesus I am made righteous in the sight of God and I will be fruitful in my endeavors, works, resulting in eating the fruit of my actions. It is well with me.

God desires us to have a heart that fears Him and keeps all His commandments always — that it may be well with us. Do you desire to live a life of well being? God desires that for us all. Have a heart that fears Him and keep His commandments.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

 

Say to the righteous that it will go well with them, For they will eat the fruit of their actions. — Isaiah 3:10

Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever! — Deuteronomy 5:29