that lie

My old peach tree was heavy laden, and it literally had over 300 small peaches. It’s branches were breaking due to the weight so I had to pick most of the peaches before they got big and ripe or lose my tree. As they ripened, I skinned and froze and even made jam (a 1st for me). Well, one heard about my jam and came to get a jar and that’s how I learned the predicament he is in. Trying to keep out of trouble he told a lie and that lie begat another and another.

It made me think of what my daddy used to say: “What a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive.” Spiders weave webs to catch their prey. But when we lie the web we weave catches us. As another put it, “Every lie will come back to bite you.”

Do you know why that is? Every lie is from that old serpent the devil (John 8:44). Through snide whispers that seem to come from us, Satan convinces us that telling that lie will help fix things or make things better. But I guarantee that the devil comes only to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10) and every lie will end up biting you with its deadly poison.

When JESUS, who is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6) said the devil was a liar from the beginning and the father of lies (John 8:44) HE was sketching a word picture for us. You or I am the mother and when we turn from the truth (JESUS’ way) and believe the father of lies (the devil) a baby is conceived, and a lie is born.

That sweet talking devil makes telling a lie sound so good and one thing that helps me say no to him is to realize it’s the devil hitting me with fiery darts not handing me candy. So, if you have been tricked by that liar, and we all have at one time or another, run back to JESUS who is the truth and promises to heal that snake bite by giving you forgiveness (1 John 1:9) and life in abundance. The truth will set you free (John 8:32). Trust HIM and do things HIS way.

Hugs
Sharon L Manning

Walk hand in hand

“And now, just as you accepted CHRIST JESUS as your LORD, you must continue to follow HIM.  Let your roots grow down into HIM, and let your lives be built on HIM.  Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6-7).

Jesus said “If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7).

To abide with someone, we simply walk hand in hand in agreement with them where we are going.  Therefore, if we walk in agreeance with JESUS and with HIS word, we get to know how HE thinks and what HE wants.  But for HIS word to abide in us, we must know it.  So, we need to take some time every day to grow in our knowledge of HIM by spending time in HIS word (2 Peter 1:1-4).

Then as we walk hand in hand with JESUS desiring HIS will, the HOLY SPIRIT will bring HIS words to our minds and as we comply to those nudges HIS word abides in us and we can ask what we will, and it will be done for us.

Isn’t the simplicity of CHRIST amazing and beautiful?

Hugs

Sharon

Ps this is me and my big sister.

The ability to choose

What was the last choice you made?

When GOD made people HE chose to make us in HIS image with the ability to choose like HE has (Genesis 1:26). Then by setting the times and places (Acts 17:26) HE engineers situations where we have the choice and opportunity to reach out and seek HIM (Acts 17:27).

Nana (my mom’s mom) had a ‘lead foot’, but then Mom did too. I guess it was passed down, for I’ve always had to watch my speed, as well. It was back in the days before seat belts, when my mom was about five so that put it at 1928, she and her little brother, a year younger, piled into the car with Nana and went zooming down the dirt road leaving a trail of dust behind them. But when they hit a big bump, the passenger door jerked open, and my mom was flung out. She landed on her back and a sharp rock cut into the base of her head on impact. As farmer happened to be on his tractor working his field he saw my mom fly out of the car and he jumped off his tractor, and rushed over.

Mom was so tiny and blood was everywhere so the farmer gently picked up Mom then cradling the little 5-year-old tightly against himself with one arm, he stood perched on the running board, clutching the side of the car through the window with his free hand and told Nana to go! She floor boarded the gas and sped to the hospital as fast as that old car could go.

Now the doctor did all he could but recommended that they just let Mom die. He predicted that if she lived, she would be a mere vegetable anyway. Meanwhile, someone had gone for mom’s dad, and he arrived about the time of the doctor’s verdict.

But Grandpa said, “NO way! We are not letting go of Gerry so fast. We’ve only had her five short years. Let’s give it a week.” Then, although not a man of GOD, he’d heard Christians had an in with GOD, so he notified every church in town and the praying began.

GOD, who says, “ask and it will be given unto you” (Luke 11:9) was good to HIS word. GOD in HIS great love and mercy, reached down and healed my mom. That’s how Grandpa, Nana and Mom and maybe even my Uncle Gene (I’m not sure about him) came to believe in JESUS and gained life eternal.

There are lots of people out there who like my grandpa was, and don’t know GOD personally. So we who do need to let them know what GOD can do. The world seems to be getting worse and we are not guaranteed tomorrow, so, don’t miss your opportunity today. Choose to tell someone about JESUS!

Tick tock goes the clock A second, a minute, an hour, a day It’s mine to use or waste as I may The time is slipping away, the time is slipping away,

Tick tock goes the clock Where can I find time to do what I ought? There’s never more time than now what I have got. The time is slipping away, the time is slipping away.

Tick tock goes the clock. I’m rushing or waiting can’t seem to get done. The urgent is calling, no time now must run. The time is slipping away, the time is slipping away.

Tick tock goes the clock. Where am I going and where am I at? I’m going in circles, no plan thus begot The time is slipping away, the time is slipping away.

Tick tock goes the clock. Where is the strength and direction from GOD? Too busy to seek HIM, to HIM I’ll just nod. The time is slipping away, the time is slipping away.

Tick tock goes the clock. Where are my children and plans to enjoy? They’re married and gone now their own plans employ. The time has slipped away, the time has slipped away.

Tick tock goes the clock. Where are the lost and plans to proclaim? All preaching is over for the LORD JESUS came. the time has slipped away, all time has slipped away.

Don’t let it happen to you

Looking unto JESUS the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

Revealed truth is like an explosion

The Word of GOD is “dynamite” in the hands of the HOLY SPIRIT.  When the HOLY SPIRIT brings to our remembrance a verse that fits our circumstance, the verse seems to explode in vivid color with startling clarity like firecrackers on the 4^th of July. Then we get a choice, we must decide whether or not we will accept the direction and perhaps upheaval that will be produced in our circumstances if we choose to obey HIS nudge.

That is the way the SPIRIT of GOD works in us who believe in JESUS CHRIST.

The literal interpretation of the scripture may seem humdrum. But the interpretation by the SPIRIT of GOD as HE applies our LORD’s statements to our circumstances is mind-blowing and challenges us.

The truths of GOD are all out of proportion when compared to our natural way of looking at things (Isaiah 55:8-9), and they bring astonishing directives that at times don’t make a whole lot of sense to our way of thinking.

That is probably why the HOLY SPIRIT reveals how truth applies to us and our circumstances a step at a time (2 Corinthians 3:18) line upon line, here a little there a little, gradually conforming our walk and conversation to the very nature and characteristics of our LORD and Savior JESUS CHRIST as GOD our Heavenly FATHER decreed (Romans 8:29).

Heads up: The whole process goes much smoother and quicker when we allow the HOLY SPIRIT to have HIS unhindered way with us by following HIS nudges and directions (which all agree with the Word of GOD since HE is the ONE who moved men to write it- 2 Peter 1:21).  However, it is not a given, for we can hinder HIS work through disobedience.  Disobedience will bring discipline from GOD our Heavenly FATHER and no discipline at the present is joyous but grievous (Hebrews 12:4-11).  But Praise the LORD, it will produce right action in the ones trained by it (Hebrews 12:11). 

Some painful training sessions have taught me to listen carefully and obey quickly those nudges when the HOLY SPIRIT explodes a truth that demands action.

Hugs

Sharon

Walk in the light

We are told to walk in the light we have and then GOD will give us more light.

I love these mornings I can be outside for my time with the LORD. The sun is too bright when it rises to sit on my porch swing so I go out back and sit. i have had to turn my chair to the south so I am facing the peaceful green of trees, lawn and bushes and not the blaring white garage.

The whiteness reflecting the brightness of the sun blinds me when I face the garage so i can’t see to read and reminds me of the pictures of GOD on HIS throne Who lives in the light that no one human in this fleshly body can approach that we see in Revelation 4:3-5, Ezekiel 1:4, and even the burning bush where Moses was told not to come near.(Exodus 3:5).

“Who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power eternal. Amen.”(1 Timothy 6:16).

Although in this life we cannot see GOD and live, we are told not to walk in darkness of sin but to walk in the light of truth as HE is in the light (1 John 1:6-7) and then we can really have fellowship…

So although I must face the peaceful green of the lawn and trees, each morning I seek HIS face in the Word of GOD by learning more what HE is like and what I am to be like.

Will you join me?

hugs

Sharon L Manning

My Swing

My porch swing is a family favorite and I often swing in it for I have faith (confidence) that it will hold me up. Here is an old picture showing some of my great-grand kids on my swing and my grandson Zachary, who turned 11 today stands behind it. They all had faith in my swing as well.

One day several were swinging on my swing and crash- one side of the swing hit the floor of the porch. The board put in place back in 1928, which had held up the swing, had given way. After my husband replaced the old board we are back to swinging. But it took a while, before one of the people on the swing that day it fell, would venture back on the swing. Why? She had no faith that it would hold her up.

I know people who have great faith in physical exercise and eating a certain way. They believe it will benefit them so they schedule their days to include physical exercise and buy certain kinds of food. But it doesn’t stop there, it overflows to others. They talk about exercise and eating right trying to get others to join them. It is natural if you really believe in something to want others to benefit from it too. That is just how it works. Their faith in what they believe overflows.

But my greatest faith is in GOD my heavenly FATHER and JESUS CHRIST my LORD. Now faith without works is dead/ non-existent (James 2:20). Why? Because true faith naturally produces action/ it overflows in what we do. Without faith it is impossible to please GOD for anyone who comes to HIM must believe (1) that HE exists and (2) that HE rewards those who diligently seek HIM (Hebrews 11:6). There are times I must remind myself of the 2nd part of faith.

Sometimes we get in situations and we don’t like what’s happening. At those times, having someone say, “Trust the LORD,” can be down-right irritating. For we are trying to do just that but are our minds are being bombarded with little accusing thoughts.

Those times when we struggle to trust GOD and HIS word, know it’s because of the fiery darts of the evil one accusing us or GOD and HIS ways. JESUS tells us, “Don’t let your heart be troubled (stirred up by doubts or fears) believe in GOD and believe in ME.”

In other words HE is saying, pick up the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of lies from the evil one (Ephesians 6:16). To do that simply say aloud, “I believe GOD, HE says if I trust HIM HE will lead me” (Proverbs 3:5-7) or whatever verse comes to mind for the Word of GOD is the sword of the SPIRIT.

Knowing it’s the enemy’s whispers causing my doubts and fears helps me to refuse those thoughts and claim GOD’s Word. But even then, it is a deliberate choice to turn from those accusations to what I know is true.

Hugs
Sharon

The thief

Don’t judge on appearances

“Therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time, wait till the LORD comes.  HE will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts..”(1 Corinthians 4:5).  Only GOD knows what’s in our heart.

But isn’t it easy when someone we have heard talk strongly against the reality of GOD, or seen someone living a reckless life of sin to assume we know where they are headed once they die, even knowing we are clearly commanded not to do so (Romans 10:6-7). 

There were two thieves being crucified on either side of JESUS.  Both of them had lived wicked reckless lives, both of them mocked JESUS as HE hung on the cross (Matthew 27:44). 

But to one of them JESUS made a promise, “Today, you will be with ME in Paradise.”  What gives?  What made the difference. Why would that thief not go to hell?

As that thief hung on a cross and watched JESUS and heard the other thief continuing to bad mouth JESUS the light came on and he rebuked the other thief saying, “Don’t you fear GOD, seeing we too are being crucified and we justly for we are receiving the just reward of our actions.  But HE has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:40-41). Then, he said to JESUS, “LORD remember me when YOU come into YOUR kingdom” (Luke 23:42).

Clearly that thief believed JESUS was LORD and he met the requirements to be saved by believing JESUS would live to rule over a kingdom and calling on the name of the LORD he was saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13). 

But anyone knowing that guy’s history but was not at the cross to hear his last words would assume hell was his destination.  We would be totally wrong, and GOD warns us about assuming/ judging and in HIS amazing wisdom and faithfulness gives us illustrations to help us do what is right.

“Now all these things happen to them for examples and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Corinthians 10:11).

“Now everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).

GOD is faithful to do what HE says, and GOD promises that no temptation will ever be too hard for us to resist, but that when we are tempted, HE will also provide a way to escape sinning and endure the struggle (1 Corinthians 10:13).  We can escape the temptation to judge when we acknowledge we don’t have all the facts.

GOD’s promise to make a way applies to all our struggles not just judging. Since JESUS was tempted in all ways as we are but without sin, HE knows just what we need to stand strong against temptation (Hebrews 4:14-16). GOD’s word encourages us to run to the throne of grace for mercy and grace to help us in our times of need (Hebrews 4:16).

I run there, do you?

Hugs

Sharon

Changes

To fill the hours of dragging days, start a project. The only projects I think will have any lasting effect is Bible study.

Use the spare time GOD has given you to learn about GOD in HIS word, ask HIM what does verse mean for me? For instance, Read Romans 2:1 think about what the verse is saying, then ask yourself “what does that say about me, am I willing to change?”  

Our old independent sin nature within us pushes with resentment against the demands of CHRIST. When the HOLY SPIRIT begins to show us what sanctification means, the struggle starts immediately.

JESUS said, “If anyone comes to ME and does not hate his own life (independence) he cannot be MY disciple” (Luke 14:26).  

A disciple is one who follows another’s actions. So, to be JESUS disciple we are to do what JESUS did.  

The mystery of being conformed to the image of JESUS (Romans 8:29) is that the perfect qualities of JESUS CHRIST are imparted as a gift to me, not gradually but instantly once I enter by faith into CHRIST JESUS.

Sanctification or being set apart to CHRIST means nothing less than the holiness of JESUS becoming mine and being exhibited in my life (1 Corinthians 1:30). In GOD’s eyes, it has happened, but living out what HE put in (Philippians 2:12-13) is a process one step at a time.  

Is JESUS going to help HIMSELF to your life, or are you taken up with your ideas of what you are going to do?

GOD is responsible for our lives, the only way to get direction is ask and then do what you know to do recklessly depending on GOD to do what HE says HE will do (Proverbs 3:5-7), that is direct your path.  

GOD has great plans and we have great potential but GOD gives us choices every day, do we stop and ask HIM the way?  

hugs Sharon L Manning

Have faith

This old song by B.B. McKinney answers the cry of so many hearts who feel GOD is not listening.

Have faith in God when your pathway is lonely.
He sees and knows all the way you have trod;
Never alone are the least of His children;
Have faith in God, have faith in God.

Have faith in God when your prayers are unanswered,
Your earnest plea He will never forget;
Wait on the lord, trust His word and be patient,
Have faith in God. He’ll answer you yet.

Have faith in God in your pain and your sorrow,
His heart is touched with your grief and despair;
Cast all your cares and your burdens upon Him,
And leave them there, oh, leave them there.

Have faith in God though all else fall about you;
Have faith in God, He provides for His own:
He cannot fail though all kingdoms shall perish.
He rules. He reigns upon His throne.

chorus:

Have faith in God, He’s on His throne,
Have faith in God, He watches over His own;
He cannot fail, He must prevail,
Have faith in God, Have faith in God.

Hugs,

Sharon

As YOU really are

This morning I was kinda down and the Word was kinda dry until I stopped and told GOD how I felt and that’s when HE put a song in my heart;

As YOU really are: Show me YOUR ways, teach me YOUR paths, free me from all of my fears, trusting in YOU is so easy to do when I see YOU as YOU really are. As YOU really are GOD and KING, as YOU really are MASTER of everything, help me to see YOU to see YOU as YOU really are. As YOU really are risen and living, as YOU really are Just and forgiving, help me to see YOU to see YOU as YOU really are.

After singing the song to the LORD I returned to reading.

1 Thessalonians 4:6 Message “Don’t run roughshod over the concerns of other believers. Their concerns are GOD’s concerns and HE will take care of them”

Some who have been on my heart and whose concerns seem so heavy came to mind and it was like GOD saying, “Sharon (you know GOD always calls us by name), those concerns are MY concerns and I am working on their behalf’.

They were such wonderful words, a balm for my aching heart comforting me, and so like our LORD the GOD of all comfort who comforts us in all of our difficulties so that we may comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Then the HOLY SPIRIT (John 14:26) reminded me of how GOD told me to pray for those same people many, many years ago as CHRIST HIMSELF prayed for Peter… that Peter’s faith would not fail but that when he turned back around that he would strengthen others (Luke 22:32).

The HOLY SPIRIT then reminded me of Hebrews 7:25 that JESUS can save us to the uttermost because HE ever lives to pray for us just as HE prayed for Peter that his faith wouldn’t fail and it didn’t.

Isn’t our LORD amazing in HIS gentle love and comfort?
Hugs
Sharon