Let’s celebrate

Birthday parties and cakes are fun, but today’s birthday I celebrate with singing and prayer.  For today is Pentecost, the birthday the church of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. 

How can I say that?  Well, it is written that the HOLY SPIRIT baptizes each person into the body of CHRIST (the church) when he/she believes (1 Corinthians 12:13) and that could not begin until the HOLY SPIRIT was given (John 7:38-39). 

The HOLY SPIRIT was given on the day of Pentecost (an old Testament feast day that was 50 days after Passover)- it was also 50 days after the JESUS dying for the sins of the world on the cross.  When the HOLY SPIRIT arrived, HE baptized every believer JESUS.  At that time they had gathered to await the promise of the HOLY SPIRIT’s coming (Acts 2:1-4)

JESUS said to HIS disciples before HIS crucifixion, “HE is the HOLY SPIRIT, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive HIM, because it isn’t looking for HIM and doesn’t recognize HIM. But you know HIM, because he lives with you now and later will be IN you” (John 14:17 NLT)

All 59 English translations carried by Bible Gateway say HE (the HOLY SPIRIT will be IN you).  Why is that so important that JESUS said you are not to go out as MY witness until the HOLY SPIRIT comes? (Acts 1:8)

1-As JESUS put it, the HOLY SPIRIT within us will be like a spring of living water rising up from within and overflowing to others (John 4:14/ 7:38-39). In other words, HE is developing in us love, joy, peace, gentleness, faithfulness, yes the divine nature (2 Corinthians 3:18, 2 Peter 1:1-4, Galatians 5:22-23).  Part of HIS job is fulfilling GOD’s decree that believers in JESUS will be transformed into the likeness of their LORD and Savior JESUS (Romans 8:29, 1 John 3:1-2)

2-The HOLY SPIRIT interprets for us GOD’s will (1 Corinthians 2:10-12) and directs our steps for HE is the mind of CHRIST within us (1 Corinthians 2:16)

3- HE teaches us all things we need to know as GOD’s servants (John 16:13-14) and reminds us of what we so easily forget (John 4:26).

4-HE is our power source to do what we ought (Acts 1:8)

5-HE is the ONE who takes the words we speak and convicts people (John 16:8).

6-HE seals us until the day of redemption when CHRIST comes for HIS church (Ephesians 4:30).

7-The HOLY SPIRIT is the promise of the FATHER, through JESUS and is a real person.  Let us not grieve HIM (Ephesians 4:30 for HE is stuck with us/ sealed in us) by sinning, nor quench HIM (1 Thessalonians 5:19-20) by refusing HIS instructions.

Join me and let’s celebrate today the incredibly amazing gift of HOLY SPIRIT and the birthday of the Church (body of CHRIST Colossians 1:18) with singing.

Hugs

Sharon

What do you cling to?

When I was young, we didn’t have baggies so used Saran Wrap a lot.  That thin, clingy plastic wrap did keep food fresh and from spilling in the refrigerator. But there were some problems 1- getting it off the roll and cut  2-and getting it to the item you wanted wrapped before it clung to something else. LOL

I cling to YOUR commands and follow them as closely as I can. LORD don’t let me make a mess of things. Psalm 119:31

Be like Saran Wrap.  Keep your love and excitement in GOD our FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST fresh by clinging tightly to the Word of GOD, don’t get stuck on the things of this world!

Hugs

Sharon

How do you get faith?

Faith comes from hearing and hearing from the word (Rhema) of Christ. Romans 10:17.

There are 2 major words for Word.. The basic word for Word is Logos. The Bible is the Logos (Word) of GOD, Jesus is the Logos (Word) made flesh. But there is another less used word that means a specific word spoken for a specific situation. That word is Rhema.

Another way to say Romans 10:17 is: If you believe what JESUS speaks to your heart you get faith to act, faith to pray, faith for whatever the situation demands.

Most of the time we will hear the Rhema in our hearts while we are reading the Logos of GOD (the BIBLE). It is GOD applying HIS Word to our situation.

hugs

Sharon

GOD works

Ever have a crazy idea?

GOD works (places) in you both the to will (want to do) and the to do (the motivation and ability) of HIS good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). 

That is, HE places in our hearts the desire to do what HE wants done. It could be simply tossing bread out to feed the squirrels, for all creatures look to GOD for their food (Psalm 147:9) or having my son notice me rubbing my aching leg and come and massage it til the pain left;  “for every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the FATHER of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17).

We are told to “work out” that which GOD has placed within us to do (Philippians 2:12).  It makes no difference if it is big or small for we are HIS hands and feet to do what HE desires.  So next time there is a nudge to do something right know it is GOD directing you.

Hug

Promises

Are we facing more than we can handle?

With people having to stay home or wear masks, losing their jobs, getting sick, and facing the possibility of a whole new normal, things have never felt more uncertain.  Yet we can navigate through these surreal times, with peace and confidence by keeping our eyes on GOD’ and HIS promises from HIS Word.

The only temptation [or trials] that has come to you is that which everyone has [ common to human life]. But you can trust GOD[GOD is faithful], who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand. But when you are tempted, HE will also give you a way to escape so that you will be able to stand [endure] it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 EXB-Expanded Bible).

Stay in GOD’s Word and trust HIS promise that HE will not give us something we cannot handle with HIS help. For GOD’s Word is true and GOD will never fail to keep HIS Word to you.

As the old song goes, trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in JESUS but to trust and obey.

Hugs

Sharon

In GOD’s hands

It is GOD who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure (Psalm 18:32).

We can be sure that the Lord will give us the strength we need and will take care of us. Besides all that JESUS prays for us to develop in us HIS own divine qualities (Hebrews 7:25).

Isn’t that awesome?

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

Trade in your fears for peace and joy

In these days of masks, social distancing and no school for the kids, do you feel a bit stressed or worried about what is coming?  GOD has a word for you.

‘I pray that GOD of all hope fill you with joy and peace as you believe in HIM so that you will overflow with hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT’ (Romans 15:13).

Worrying about what may happen, distress about your circumstances, and dread of what may come are the rewards for entertaining fear.

While joy and peace overflowing to into hope are the rewards of trusting in the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.

Joy, peace and hope can be our reality, even during this pandemic with so many unknowns, as we believe in GOD’s Sovereign power, wisdom and love.

When we accepted JESUS as our Savior, we were given the ability to choose and we can choose to fear or choose to rest in GOD who knows the beginning from the end.  Resting in GOD is believing HE really is in control and working all things together for an end result of good for those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).  When we choose to trust GOD’s love and power, we will enjoy the rewards of peace, inner joy and hope.

PRAYER: LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, with YOUR help I will not live by fear, for YOU have NOT given me the spirit of fear but the spirit of power and love and a sound (controlled) mind (2 Timothy 1:7).  Therefore, I am able choose and I do choose to live believing YOU are in control and trusting YOUR wisdom, power and love. Fill me with YOUR peace and joy as I rest in YOUR Word, so that my life will overflow with hope (Romans 15:13) for the encouragement and strengthening of others just as YOU promise.  In JESUS name I pray, Amen.

hugs

Sharon

Comfort

No one likes troubles and struggles can get us down unless we can look behind the scene at what GOD is doing.  HE gives us a glimpse in 2 Corinthians 1:3-8

CHRIST”S suffering flows into a believer’s life (verse 5) so the GOD of all comfort (verse 3) comforts the believer (verse 4) in order to prepare the believer so GOD’s comfort can overflow through us to strengthen and comfort another (verses 5-6) and thereby if we share in suffering we will co-labor with GOD as HIS love and comfort flows to us and overflows through us to meet the needs of others (verses 6-7).

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that its all-surpassing power is of GOD and not from us.”       2 Corinthians 4:7

I am an earthen vessel, just a little pot of clay. Without contents I’m worthless, unused, inane I lay. Til the tender master Potter fills HIS vessel from above with the living flowing water of HIS great eternal love. No longer am I worthless, nor inane, unused do lie now there’s water for the thirsty their needs HE does supply.

So next time you seem to be thrown a curve, seek GOD’s amazing comfort and you not just receive comfort but will get prepared to help another.

Hugs

Sharon

Singing lifts me up

Seems like there has been an unusual amount of challenges one after another and different people have asked “What is wrong?”  So, I must unconsciously wear a scowl.  It reminds me to redirect my attention to JESUS (Hebrews 12:2-3).

For GOD says to “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the LORD, always giving thanks to GOD the Father for everything, in the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.” (Ephesians 5:19 NIV) 

Even in the times when I am down because of this or that, there is something about singing to or about the LORD that releases spiritual energy within me causing praise to rise up and totally changes my outlook.

I have to take my focus off what is bothering me in order to praise or sing to or about the LORD. Then as I enter into HIS presence there is fulness of joy (Psalm 16:11).

So, join with me after releasing your troubles to our Sovereign LORD and thank HIM for HIS word that HE is working it for an end result of good for us (2 Corinthians 4:15-18) and “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before HIM with joyful songs” (Psalm 100: 2 NIV). 

Hugs

Sharon

Hope

It is wrong to do what GOD tells us not to do.  JESUS said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in GOD, believe also in ME (John 14:1).

If we deliberately do what we know is wrong- do what does not please GOD, it is turning away from GOD or turning our back to GOD. When we are afraid that is what happens for our focus is not on GOD but on a situation or a desire.  We must humbly turn back around and look to GOD for answers, willing to do things HIS way before we can hear HIS voice clearly. 

“Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live! Then the LORD GOD of Heaven’s Armies will be your helper, just as you have claimed” (Amos 5:14 (NLT).

“Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6:16).

What we focus on affects our attitude.

1-If we focus on the problems our perspective is that things are hopeless and that is how it will seem to us.

2-If we focus on a pet sin or temptation, we will be drawn into it.

3-But if we focus on GOD and HIS great promises, we will know that without a doubt GOD will come through for us. We will be thankful and flooded with HIS peace that will throw us beyond having to understand that peace will guard our hearts and mind (Philippians 4:6-7) and hope will rise within us.

Just as Elisha said to his servant, I say to you: “Do not fear, There are more for you than against you!”

LORD, the sky is bluer, the leaves on the trees are greener and the beauty of my Irises fills me with wonder and thanksgiving when I look to YOU. When problems crowd in or the state of the nation and world looms darker and darker, help me to change the direction of my focus so I can see things from YOUR point of view. Please remind me of verses to claim so YOUR light, peace and hope fill my heart and soul as YOU show me what YOU are seeing and what YOU are doing, I ask in JESUS name, Amen.

Looking unto and for JESUS

Hugs

Sharon