Joy?

From a punctured tire to water leaking down the side as the washer as fills, electrical outlets just stop working, the banister on the back porch falls, off are just a few of the seemingly unending challenges confronting my poor and aging (79 years old) husband.  That does not even mention the constant pain in his hands from years of operating a crane.  He at times gets weary but through the LORD he is strengthened. As I cried out to the LORD for my dear husband- Mac, the LORD reminded me of another of HIS startling ways that is so vastly different than ours.

“…count it all joy when you fall into divers (diverse or various) temptations (troubles); knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh (develops) patience.  But let patience have her perfect (perfecting) work that you may be perfect (complete) and entire wanting (lacking) nothing” (James 1:2-3).

Then I understood how I was supposed to pray.

I often quote Acts 17:26-27 that GOD has preset all our times and places so that we will reach out to HIM and get closer to HIM but here the LORD shows us that what happens to us is also to develop us into the likeness of our Savior (Romans 8:28-29) and so we may as GOD’s children participate in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:2-4).

GOD has decreed that each and every one of us who believes in JESUS will be conformed to the image of JESUS and HE does it through the good, bad and ugly things we encounter in life (Romans 8:28-29).  JESUS warned us that in this world we would have problems but encouraged us to cheer up (John 16:33). We are also told that JESUS had to learn (be prepared) through suffering (Hebrews 2:10, 4:15), how much more so we.

GOD declares that all things are for our sakes (benefit)…that our light affliction (troubles) which comparatively last only a moment, are at work-achieving for us an eternal weight (reward) in glory that far surpasses the pain of today.  So, the LORD urges us to take our focus off what is seen (our momentary problems) and look to what cannot be seen (what GOD is achieving for us through our struggles).  Because what we can see (our situation) is temporary but what we can’t see (what GOD is achieving for us through our situation) is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Like taking bad tasting medicine or getting a shot, this is not a popular teaching, but it is truth.  We can choose to give GOD thanks for all things because we believe that GOD, who flung the stars into space, loves us and knows what HE is doing (1 Thessalonians 5:18). GOD says, what we focus on will determine how we feel about something (2 Corinthians 4:18).  So, choose joy by looking to JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and HIS peace will lead you (John 14:27, Colossians 3:15).

I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to prayerfully consider these things I’ve felt compelled to share with you and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding and keep you from deception (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT” (Romans 15:13). Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs

Sharon

A plan

The choices we make today often will determine where we are and what happens to us tomorrow. If we don’t have a goal or destination we are heading for and instructions in how to get there, we can end up somewhere we don’t want to be at all.

Don’t be like King David who caused himself problems and pain by refusing to do things according to the instructions (2 Samuel 12:9-14). But even though he suffered severe consequences, he found forgiveness and he still had an assignment to complete for the LORD (2 Samuel 12:13).

Our GOD is an intentional GOD. HE is truth in action, love motivated and goal oriented. HE does everything and has made everything with a defined purpose in view. All things, from rainbows to mosquitoes, have a function/ part to play in HIS all-encompassing eternal plan. HE clearly states that HE does nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23). All HIS plans are according to HIS astounding foreknowledge (knowing how all things will act before they do).  

Since the ALMIGHTY CREATOR preset the exact times and places for all things to happen, with the definite purpose that each and every happening is an invitation to have men, women and children reach out to HIM (Acts 17:26-27), I can confidently claim GOD desires relationships.

But since man is sinful and GOD is holy (can not look on sin), something had to happen so we could come together. “For how can two walk together unless they be agreed” (Amos 3:3).  Therefore, GOD acted in love.  “GOD so loved the world that HE sent HIS only begotten SON (to die on the cross and pay for our sins Matthew 1:21) that whosoever believes in HIM will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  

Before heaven, even here and now on earth HE gives abundant life for those who reach out to HIM (John 10:10).

The LORD being a GOD with a purpose, made you and me with a specific purpose in mind, and planned ahead for us (Ephesians 2:10). HE didn’t make us to go through life aimlessly just grabbing pleasure here and there and suffering pain along the way. You’re here on Earth for a specific reason, a GOD ordained purpose. There is something GOD wants you to do. According to Philippians 2:13 the LORD places in our minds and hearts that which HE want us to do and gives us the ability to do it.

What is that dream God has planted in your heart? If you don’t have a dream you’re working toward, you are just existing and need to start praying, “God, show me your purpose for me.” When you discover that purpose/ your assignment, you’ll gain directions to find real fulfillment.

My prayer for you is to come to know GOD our FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST, and grow in your knowledge of them by reading GOD’s Word and praying and doing what the HOLY SPIRIT leads/nudges you to do, even if it a little thing like doing the dishes or calling someone.  That is the way GOD gives birth to the dreams HE has spoken to us in our hearts (Luke 1:45).

Hugs
Sharon

Anger

“everyone must be quick to hear (listen), slow to speak, and slow to anger. For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness GOD desires” (James 1:19).

An incident occurred where we felt it necessary to call 911. As the officers were gathering information, some comments triggered me. I spoke out, and as I did, I felt anger rising up within me. But, I also heard the still small guiding whisper of the HOLY SPIRIT warning me to push the anger away from me, giving me a phrase from James 1:19, “man’s anger will not produce what was right in GOD’s sight.”

Anger is an emotion pushing us to speak before we really think about what we should say.  Since anger was stirring within me, in order to obey GOD’s instructions, I felt I had to leave the room, and the officers with my husband. The fact was, he had been the victim in the offense, while I had been blissfully oblivious, as I sat in another room (with my ears/ hearing aids off), reading the Word of GOD.  So what I had to say was second hand information anyway.

As I walked away from them, I switched off my ears (hearing aids) once more, to keep me from temptation and began to pray.

A little while later, as Mac was showing the officers some things concerning the episode, they passed by me and I felt the eyes of an officer on me. I looked up and one was looking straight at me. So, I turned on my ears, and asked him if he needed something. He had some questions for me, and since I was full of peace, (from obeying GOD), I was able to answer him calmly. The results, I feel, were very positive.

Now, I am not especially proud of getting angry, but since that illustration came to mind as GOD nudged me to write, I know I’m required to share that little bit of info.

Anger is only one letter short of DANGER.  So, we must push away anger just as the Word of GOD says. “But now put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth” (Colossians 3:8).

I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to prayerfully consider these things I’ve felt compelled to share with you and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding and keep you from deception (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT” (Romans 15:13). Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs

Sharon

Reach out

It is such a temptation during holidays to eat until you are stuffed. 

The Bible is stuffed full of many wonderful truths.  One of them has been swirling around in my mind since I woke up.  This truth often brings me hope and peace when the world around me seems out of control. 

GOD who made all things has preset the exact times and places for all things to occur and the purpose HE did it was so that men (women and children) would reach out to HIM (Acts 17:26-27). 

Furthermore, GOD has promised that for those who do reach out to HIM, HE will work all things together (like stirring up the ingredients of a cake) for an end result of good (Romans 8:28).

This is ONLY true for those who will reach out to HIM, all others are still under the wrath of GOD (John 3:36).  Why would a good GOD, and GOD is good, be so good to some and harsh with others?

The answer is sin, and all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD (Romans 3:23). You see the wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD (Romans 6:23). 

GOD’s love for the world prompted HIM to send JESUS (John 3:16) to save us from our sin (Matthew 1:21).  But GOD’s love remains and settles down only on those who reach out to JESUS (Romans 8:39).  To them HE gives them eternal life (John 3:36).

Have you reached out to JESUS?  If you have you can know without a shadow of a doubt that you are in the love of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS and whatever comes to you (the good, the bad, and the ugly) GOD is behind the scene working on your behalf for an end result of good.

Reach out to the LORD every morning and when things surface throughout the day and HE will give you direction and be your strength (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Hugs

Sharon

Consider your ways

Often in the Old Testament GOD draws pictures with words to describe truth and HE does that in Haggai. The little 2-chapter book of Haggai uses the word “consider” 5 times and since repetition in the Bible always places a strong emphasis on what is being said, we can be sure GOD wants to tell us something and wants us to ‘listen up’.

Since the priests knew GOD word, HE had the prophet Haggai go to the priests and ask them if one carries holy (concentrated) meat in his garment (apron) and the apron touches bread, or wine, or oil, or any other meat will what it touches become holy?  The priests quickly answered, “No”.

Then Haggai asked them if one is unclean (defiled) by contact with a dead body touches one of these things do they become unclean (defiled)? The priests responded, “Yes”.

Haggai relayed, “So is this people and so is this nation before ME, says the LORD; therefore, every work of their hands; and that which they offer is unclean” (Haggai 1:14).

When we are submitted to GOD and obeying HIS will, we are vessels of honor for GOD to use for HIS glory. But if in our hearts (where none can see) you or I harbor selfish thoughts, envy, anger and malice, or if we refuse to forgive, or are greedy although we are still GOD’s vessel we are vessels of dishonor (2 Timothy 2:20). Every work we do, or sacrifice we make is defiled.

Instead of being a blessing by allowing the HOLY SPIRIT to flow through us to meet the needs of others (John 7:38-39), we become vessels of dishonor and no matter how good the works we do appear to men, we are the means of defiling those around us (example-Hebrews 12:15).  But if we confess, we are cleansed.

As you see, it is really important to keep short accounts with the LORD.  What I mean by that is when you or I recognize (and the HOLY SPIRIT will show us John 14:26) a bad thought, jealousy, greed, hatefulness, or competitiveness with a Christian brother or sister and we run to the throne of grace for mercy confessing our sins, GOD is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (sins we are not yet aware of)à (1 John 1:9) and we again are vessels of honor cleansed and ready for our amazing GOD.  

But over sinning is not the only time we lose our effectiveness.  What we do may not be what we consider sin, but merely be our acting independently of GOD’s counselà going with our own thoughts and ideas. JESUS said, “without ME you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

The LORD tells us to consult HIM about all things (Proverbs 3:5-7).  When we do that, listening attentively and carefully complying with what our amazing Creator shows us, we are laboring together with GOD (1 Corinthians 3:9) to do HIS will.

As we daily choose to be a living sacrifice to GOD (Romans 12:1) there is no longer any responsibility on us for the work.  Our only responsibility is to stay in constant communication with GOD, following HIS leading and nudges.  An old hymn says, “Trust and obey for there is no other way”.

If we want to bless GOD and man we must choose to die to our own ways and ideas and to conformity to this world (Romans 12:2) and let GOD direct us (by planting creative ideas and urges within our hearts and minds Philippians 2:13).  That is the way we are gradually transformed by the renewing of our minds and in this manner show that GOD’s will is good (beneficial) acceptable (a reason for thanksgiving) and perfect (lacking nothing) (Romans 12:2).

Haggai told the people of his day, “Consider you ways”.  I join with him and I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to prayerfully consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding and keep you from deception (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT” (Romans 15:13). Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs

Sharon

An animated face

My 10-year-old grandson, Zachary, is a double amputee. When he was born Christians told us if we had enough faith GOD would heal Zachary and his feet would not need to be amputated. For two years many prayed and believed. Since Zack could not be kept down by the time he was two his bones were coming through the skin and something had to be done.  

Did GOD not listen? Did we not have enough faith? This weekend we have proof again that GOD listens and that we had enough faith. Our faith is in GOD, not in what we think HE should do, or in how HE should do it, but in GOD HIMSELF and wisdom and power.  

GOD’s word says that HIS ways are not our ways, but that they will accomplish all HE wants done (Isaiah 55:8-11) and that the LORD has planned specific works for each and every believer to do (Ephesians 2:10) plus that the LORD has preset the exact times and places they should be done (Acts 17:26-27).  

One of those works for my GOD-fearing grandson, that GOD equipped him for, came this weekend in a nursing home. There was a grumpy old man with an amputated leg who refuse gifts from some well-meaning ladies on the visiting team from my daughter’s job who came to bless those in that nursing home. Then with a grin animating his face, Zachary in his 2 wildly colorful prosthesis jauntily walked over to the old man and the man’s eyes lit up as he accepted a gift from Zack’s hands.

It is surprising what seeing a happy child in prosthesis will do to inspire one struggling with his loss.   This isn’t the 1st time that Zachary’s amputations have been an encouragement to grown-ups facing or just receiving amputations. GOD knew precisely what HE was doing with our boy and GOD our Creator never makes a mistake. But, like HE says, HIS ways are not our ways.  

When we think of JESUS on the cross, we generally think only about JESUS carrying the sins of the world that those who will receive the truth and believe on JESUS can have forgiveness of sin and eternal life (John 3:16). But, “GOD (the FATHER) was in CHRIST (GOD the SON) reconciling us to HIMSELF by JESUS and has committed to us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19).  

A horrible, shameful death on the cross hardly seems like a way to effect reconciliation or bringing two enemies together as friends. Yet that is what GOD did. For “while we were enemies, we were reconciled to GOD through the death of HIS SON” (Romans 5:10).  

Have you received the gift of forgiveness and eternal life by believing in the LORD JESUS and that GOD our FATHER raised HIM from the dead? If not call, upon the name of the LORD and be saved. (Romans 10:9-10, 13).  

I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to prayerfully consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding and keep you from deception (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT” (Romans 15:13). Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).  

Hugs Sharon L Manning

On a hill

This evening many of us will gather at the foot of a cross on a hill to honor our LORD JESUS, the eternal SON of GOD, through WHOM GOD the FATHER made the heavens and earth yet WHO willingly (hung on the cross and paid for the sins of mankind).  On each side of our LORD hung a thief.  One ridiculed and mocked JESUS and the other came to believe in JESUS and called out to HIM.

“For whosoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

“He that believes on the SON has everlasting life; and he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides on him” (John 3:36).

Why?

“All have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD” Romans 2:23 “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD” Romans 6:23.

Have you reached out to JESUS like the thief on the cross?

Hoping that you have,

Sharon

the cross

In this picture our amazing Creator is declaring HIS love.   In love GOD has done HIS part- “Having made peace through the blood of HIS (JESUS’) cross, by HIM (JESUS) to reconcile all things unto HIMSELF…” (Colossians 1:20).   Have you done yours? “For GOD so loved the world that HE sent HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
hugs
Sharon

Empty

Have you ever felt empty?

The Old Testament of the Bible paints pictures of truth.  Today’s picture reminded me of and took me to several similar pictures. They all told the same story- the things this world values are empty and will empty out the person who seeks after them.

“Take (catch) the foxes the little foxes that SPOIL the vines for our vines have tender grapes” (Song of Solomon 2:15). Here the little foxes which SPOIL the vines are sins, and we are told we must catch them and not allow them to SPOIL the tender grapes on the vines.

“The LORD has turned away the excellency of Israel because the EMPTIERS have EMPTIED them out and marred their vine branches” (Nahum 2:2). No longer are there tender grapes for something has EMPTIED out Israel and marred the branches.  The context shows Israel was into idolatry (things of this world).

In the Hebrew the word translated VANITY means EMPTY, transitory in nature (Job 7:16-my days are but  VANITY/ a breath); and means meaningless, purposeless like cotton candy that appears to offer a lot but when sampled it disappears (Ecclesiastes 1:2); VANITY is used to speak of idols that anger GOD (Deuteronomy 32:21).

“And they rejected HIS statutes and HIS covenant that HE made with their fathers, and HIS testimonies which HE testified against them and they followed (chased after) VANITY (EMPTINESS) they became VAIN (EMPTY/ worthless)” 2 Kings 17:15.

“Thus, saith the LORD, what iniquity has your fathers found in ME, that they are gone far from ME and have walked after VANITY (EMPTINESS) and became VAIN (EMPTY)? Jeremiah 2:5

“Let not him that is deceived trust in VANITY (EMPTINESS) for VANITY (EMPTINESS) shall be his recompense” (Job 15:31).  

When we go after the temporary, delusional things of this world to find fulfillment we end up EMPTY.  I once asked a drug addict if she ever felt satisfied.  She said no she always needed more.  For you see chasing after a high, or power or things just creates a hunger for more.  As the drug addict told me the hole she was trying to fill kept getting bigger.

That is simply because we were made for GOD and only HE can fulfill us up.  As JESUS said, “The thief (with his lies and enticements) comes only to kill, steal and destroy. I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

What are you seeking after, a bigger house? a new car? a better job? power? position? $money? attention? a high? or do you seek to know the ONE who made you and loves you and died for your sins?

I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to prayerfully consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding and keep you from deception (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT” (Romans 15:13). Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs

Sharon

A crock pot not a microwave

Meeting with the LORD in HIS word, a part of a verse stuck me, “Hear all ye people, hearken (pay attention) ye earth and all therein” and although I read the rest of the book nothing more struck home. Then driving home from the store with the radio blaring out a Christian song a man spoke a few words and I understood not only what he said but why GOD told me to hearken.

Since I’m not able to understand words without seeing faces due to the severity of my hearing loss, I paid close attention to those words. “In preparing and developing HIS children GOD uses a crock pot not a micro wave.” 

Those words made me smile and rang so true I got all excited and could hardly wait to get home so I could tell you all about it.

Many years ago, GOD gave me a magnificent promise through HIS word.  HE told me it would happen.  Expecting it to happen soon I kept looking for it.  Then after pestering the LORD concerning the delay the everlasting GOD gave me a “heads up”.

“The vision (promise) is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry (seem to never get here), wait for it; because it will surely come, and (when it does) it will not tarry” (Habakkuk 2:3).

GOD tells us over and over in HIS Word, 90 plus times, to wait and promises great rewards if we do (like in Isaiah 40:31, Hebrews 10:36).   

Well, I have waited and waited, some days full of turbulence when I disarm myself by focusing on the situations. Discouraged I’ll cry out to GOD, “How long?” Other times, like King David I will counsel myself, “Why are you cast down O my soul, hope thou in GOD!”

I’ve learned through the years that those accusing thoughts that bombard my mind and threaten to overwhelm me don’t originate in me. Those insinuating hints that instead of receiving a clear word from the LORD, I’d put 2 and 2 together and got 6,000, are from the liar who is also called the accuser.  When I realize what’s happening, I run to the throne of grace for mercy and to receive grace to help in my need (Hebrews 4:16).

At the throne of grace this morning, grace came through the words from HIS Word “Hear all ye people, hearken (pay attention) ye earth and all therein” which prepared me to listen to HIS still soft voice later in the day and peace enveloped me.

It wasn’t until I was driving home and understood those words, when humanly speaking it was impossible for me to understand, that I knew the encouragement of GOD reminding me it wasn’t time yet but that HE was still at work behind the scene, using a crock pot not a micro wave.

Is a problem going on and on with no hope in sight, are you still waiting for a promise to be fulfilled?  Let me encourage you to remember GOD uses a crock pot (slow cooker) not a microwave (cooks fast).

The difference in cooking time is noteworthy and the quality is often quite different. While we want to rush things, GOD goes slowly for HE is changing us into the image (to have the character qualities) of HIS own dear Son our LORD JESUS CHRIST (Romans 8:29) just like a caterpillar is changed into a butterfly, as well as waiting for all who will believe to come to JESUS.  As 2 Peter 3:8-9 tells us 1 day with the LORD is as 1,000 years and 1,000 years as a day.  The LORD is not slack (late or tardy) in keeping HIS promises for there is a valid reason for every seeming delay.

I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to prayerfully consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding and keep you from deception (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 15:13). Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs

Sharon