Joy

With the challenges of the recent days I have found myself looking at struggles instead of promises of the LORD.  But praise the LORD HE reminds me to give thanks and claim HIS promises.  I especially enjoy the promise about JOY.

“If ye keep MY commandments, ye shall abide (walk) in MY love; even as I have kept MY FATHER’s commandments and abide (walk) in HIS love. These things have I spoken unto you, that MY JOY might remain in you, and that your JOY might be full. This is MY commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:10-12)

“who for the JOY that was set before HIM endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2).

The JOY of JESUS was HIS absolute self-surrender and self-sacrifice to HIS FATHER— the JOY of doing that which the FATHER sent HIM to do—  “I delight to do YOUR will, O my GOD…” (Psalm 40:8).

And JESUS found JOY in HIS love for mankind “…MY delights were with the sons of men” (Proverbs 8:31). “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Don’t let the cares of this world distract you from that which will bring you real JOY. Look to the LORD and do what GOD places in your heart to do and HIS JOY will fill you! (Philippians 2:13).

Hugs

Sharon

It is finished!

Have you ever had to do something you didn’t want to do, but it was necessary? Wasn’t it a relief when you had completed it, and could say, “It is finished!”

That is how JESUS felt about the cross.  HE knew it was necessary and HE willingly did it even volunteering for it.

Hebrews 10:7 Then said I (JESUS), Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of ME,) to do THY will, O GOD.

but it was such a hard thing to do JESUS wished there was some other way.  How do I know?  The Bible says so.

Mark 14:36 And HE (JESUS) said, Abba, FATHER, all things are possible unto THEE; take away this cup from ME: nevertheless, not what I will, but what THOU wilt.

But when HE had done what HE had to do JESUS said,

John 19:30 “…HE (JESUS) said, IT IS FINISHED: and HE bowed HIS head, and gave up the ghost (died).

For JESUS who never sinned to be made sin for us was so hard

2 Corinthians 5:21 For HE (GOD) hath made HIM (JESUS) to be sin for us, (JESUS) who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of GOD in HIM.

but HE (JESUS) endured the cross by looking at the joy (of saving us) and when it was FINIFHED HE was satisfied (Hebrews 12:2, Isaiah 53:11).

Isaiah 53:11 AMP As a result of the anguish of HIS soul, HE shall see it and be SATISFIED; By HIS knowledge [of what HE has accomplished] the Righteous One, MY Servant, shall justify the many [making them righteous—upright before GOD, in right standing with HIM], For HE shall bear [the responsibility for] their sins.

JESUS died on the cross for everyone who would believe on HIM.  Do you?

Hugs

Sharon

Walk together

My big sister Rosie and I were just two years apart and here we are walking together back in the day. The cars in the picture give you a clue just how many years have passed by since that walk.

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).

Wow, that is some promise!

To abide with someone, we must simply walk hand in hand in agreement with them about where we are going.

How can two walk together unless they agree? Amos 3:3

When we walk in agreement with JESUS (which according to HIS word) we get to know HIM better and better.  We learn how HE thinks and what HE wants (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16).

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 (John 14:26) and as we comply to those nudges to act 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

All things

I love to teach, but I can only teach that which GOD has taught me. HE promises to teach us (Isaiah 50:4, Isaiah 29:26, 29).

Years ago when I was just learning about spiritual warfare I fell asleep on the couch and while asleep I felt like I was being strangled and pushed further and further down. I remember saying, “I can’t , I can’t” (meaning that whatever was taking my life was stronger than I was). But all of a sudden from deep within me (John 7:38-39) came the words “I can do all things through CHRIST which strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)” Immediately I was released from the stranglehold and wide awake.

That taught me the reality of 2 things, 1) spiritual warfare is real and 2) the HOLY SPIRIT within me will lead me to victory. HE is the one who spoke through me, “I can do all things through CHRIST with strengthens me.”

Excited for all GOD has done for me, especially loving me and giving me JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT!

Hugs

Sharon

Today is the day

Mom was in her 90’s and was down to a mere 98 pounds, the size of a girl, when I asked her how she came to know GOD was real? Mom told me this story.

Nana (her mother) 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.

In the days before seat belts, when my mom was about five, 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 when they hit a 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 it happened, a farmer was on his tractor working in his field nearby. Seeing what happened, 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.

The doctor did what he could but recommended that they just let Mom die. He predicted that if she lived, she would be a mere vegetable. Someone had gone for her 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!

We live in a crazy world and are not guaranteed tomorrow. So, tell someone about JESUS today!

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 begat.

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 the LORD JESUS came.

The time has slipped away, all time has slipped away./ by Sharon

Don’t let that happen to you.

Look up our redemption is drawing near

Hugs

Sharon

We win!

If things look dark and foreboding, just turn to the end of the book and read the end of the story!  We win for GOD is on our side!

After the Rapture of the Church of JESUS when the witness of the Church leaves the earth, 2 Jewish witnesses appear in Jerusalem and have a 3 ½ year ministry ( Revelation 11:3) that reaches the furthest corners of the earth (easily achieved with our technology today) They have great power and all those on earth feared them. After they complete their assignment comes the next OVERCOMING.

“And when they (the 2 witnesses) shall have finished their testimony, the beast (demonic) that ascends out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall OVERCOME them, and kill them” (Revelation 11:7).

But that victory doesn’t last long for after 3 ½ days the 2 witnesses (who had been left lying in the street of Jerusalem since their murder while earth’s inhabitants rejoiced) were raised to life and stood on their feet.  People all over the earth are terrified.  Then a loud voice said, “come up here” and they ascended into heaven in a cloud while their enemies all over the world watched (Revelation 11:11-12).

Now we read of  the Antichrist OVERCOMING the saints.  It is after the Rapture and now it is the time referred to as Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7 a 7 year Tribulation or the last week of judgment on the Jews ) The Jewish prophet  Daniel learned from Scripture that GOD intended to restore HIS people and as Daniel prays concerning it GOD sends Gabriel, who explains that GOD has decreed 70 sevens (for the Jews and the holy city (Daniel 9:20-23) the purpose is:                                                              

To finish transgression                                                                  

To make an end of sin                                                                

To make atonement for iniquity                                                                                

To bring in everlasting righteousness                                         

To seal up (fulfill) the vision and prophecy

To anoint the most holy place                                                                                  

At the end of 69 sevens there is a gap of an untold time period that begins when the Messiah is cut off (JESUS CHRIST died on the cross) Then after the time of grace- or the church age followed by the Rapture, the clock begins on the 70^th seven or the 7 year Tribulation. It is at that time GOD will complete HIS plan for the world (Daniel 9:24).  Gabriel explains to Daniel when to begin the counting, and how the time period is divided, focusing on the 70^th week, which is separated from the other 69 by the cutting off of the Messiah (Daniel 9:25-27) which is JESUS’ death on the cross. The Jews rejection of their Messiah opened up the (pre-planned) door for the salvation of the Gentiles (Romans 11:11). When the age of grace ends at the Rapture of the church by JESUS calling HIS Church from the air- at that time the 70^th seven begins.      

Therefore, the saints spoken of in Revelation 13:7 is a reference to Jewish believers in GOD

“And it was given unto him (the Antichrist) to make war with the saints, and to OVERCOME them: and power was given him (Antichrist) over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations” (Revelation 13:7)

The next OVERCOMING

In the last half of Tribulation after the 2 witnesses have ascended into heaven, a statue of the Antichrist is put in Jewish temple and those who refused to worship the Antichrist or take the mark of the beast OVERCAME the Antichrist by refusing his demands and were beheaded.

And they OVERCAME him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony (they refused to take the mark of the beast or worship the statue); and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Revelation 12:11).

“…And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about JESUS and because of the word of GOD. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with CHRIST a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4)

The next reference to OVERCOMERS concerns what happens at what is called the Battle of Armageddon which comes at the end of the 7 years of tribulation when JESUS returns with the armies of heaven.

“These shall make war with the LAMB, and the LAMB shall OVERCOME them: for HE is LORD of lords, and KING of kings: and they that are with HIM are called, and chosen, and faithful” (Revelation 17:14)

“He that OVERCOMES shall inherit all things; and I will be his GOD, and he shall be my son” (Revelation 21:7).

We have come to the end of our exhaustive study and I hope you’re not exhausted but have enjoyed this word study on OVERCOMERS, I have thoroughly enjoyed the research and learned so much as I searched all the references.

Hugs

Sharon

Eyes to see

This smoke from the Colorado fires is so bad in the air it burns my nose but worse than that it causes me vision problems. JESUS said that the Laodicean church had vision problems too.

We are told we can only see spiritual things as the HOLY SPIRIT shows us the things of GOD. Back in the Old Testament is a story that illustrates this truth. “And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray THEE, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha” (2 Kings 6:17).

To the church of Laodicea JESUS describes HIMSELF as the AMEN (so be it- referring to the Sovereignty of GOD), the faithful and true witness (what HE says happens) and the Ruler of GOD’s creation. HIS introduction is to prepare them to listen to HIS strong rebuke for JESUS had nothing good to say about this church.

As GOD always speaks to us in ways we can clearly understand so he spoke to this church. In the ancient world at feasts and sacrifices things were drank either hot or cold, never lukewarm. But the Laodiceans knew about lukewarm for their water had to be piped from another city a few miles north so was lukewarm when it got to the people.

Have you ever eaten anything that was so awful that you had to spit it out? Well that is what JESUS threatened the church at Laodicea. JESUS said you are not hot (on fire for GOD) nor cold (deny GOD) but are lukewarm and I will spit you out of MY mouth.

Furthermore, HE said, You think you are rich and don’t need anything but you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. So, buy of ME 3 things without money:

1-gold refined (made pure to glorify GOD instead of themselves) in the fire (suffering),

2-white clothes so you won’t be naked (Revelation 7:14 speaks of washing your clothes and making them white in the blood of the Lamb-that is believing in JESUS Ephesians 1:7, John 3:16).

3-eye save so you can see (Laodicea had a famous hospital that was known for an eye salve that cured the common eye disease of the area) and we are told in 2 Corinthians 3:14 and 16 that when someone turns to CHRIST for salvation they gain spiritual insight! (get eyes to see). For when we believe we get the HOLY SPIRIT and HE explains the things of GOD to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

Once again we see what one needs to be an OVERCOMER is to know/ believe in JESUS.

To him that OVERCOMES will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also OVERCAME and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the SPIRIT saith unto the churches” (Revelation 3:21-22).

Hugs

Sharon L. Manning

GOD knows best

Ever feel like giving up?

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people” (Galatians 6:9-10).

Sometimes I wonder what I am doing wrong, although I do what I know I should do,  for what is visible looks to me like failure. 

Tonight, an issue came up and my reaction was initially negative but after a check in my spirit I stopped and sought the LORD asking HIM what HE wanted me to do.  It wasn’t long until I had a startling clear answer backed up by scripture.  The answer was not what I would have chosen but I knew it was what GOD wanted me to do. 

With the answer came the assurance that GOD knew what HE was doing so I could smile for my misgivings had fled.

The LORD is teaching me not to worry about visible measures of success. My job is just to be faithful to do what the LORD nudges me to do and leave the results to HIM.  HE alone knows what HE wants to accomplish and determines the times and the places (Acts 17:26-27) for that outcome.

Oh LORD YOU are my GOD I thank YOU for loving me and for YOUR word.  I am grateful and take great comfort that YOU have given me things to do (Philippians 2:13) and have given me a guarantee that YOU will fulfill YOUR purpose for me (Psalm 57:2) YOU are the one in charge of the results for YOU are the one at work in the lives of others and know what is needed. Help me just to do what YOU ask no matter what I think or how they respond and then to trust YOU with the outcome despite my disappointments.  I know what YOU have purposed YOU will bring to be.

hugs

Sharon

• 2 or 3 witnesses
• 7-year Tribulation
• a child of GOD
• a crazy idea
• a given
• a mess
• a right to be there
• a time and a place
• abide
• access
• accident
• Accuser
• acknowledge GOD in everything
• afraid
• alarm
• alert us to danger
• all over again
• am I willing?
• angel
• anger and strife
• answer
• answered prayer
• apply it to your life
• armor of GOD
• arrows of light
• ask
• assignments
• assume
• assuming
• attitude
• bad turns out good
• battle
• be filled with the Spirit
• be ready
• bearing fruit
• beelezub lord of flies and prince of demons
• behind the scenes
• believe
• believe in JESUS
• believe means trust
• benefits
• Bible
• Biblical example
• Biblr
• black attracts cat hair
• blame GOD
• blinded by sin
• book
• born again
• both GOD and the devil plant seed thoughts
• boundaries
• bring thought into captivity
• busy schedule
• busybody
• but I think
• butterflies and metamorphosis
• call on the name of the LORD
• call out to GOD
• called
• caught in a web
• caught in trap
• change
• children of GOD
• choice
• choices
• Christmas caroling
• church
• claim promises
• clouds
• co-labor with GOD
• collect
• come to GOD through JESUS
• coming back to JESUS
• compassion
• condemn
• conditions
• confess
• confront
• consider
• control
• Corona virus
• coronavirus
• could it be?
• counsel
• Covid-19
• creation
• Creator
• crisis
• cross
• cross reference
• dead works
• death
• deception
• decision
• delays
• delight in
• deliver
• demand
• demonic
• designs
• details
• develop
• devil
• discipline
• discouraged
• do right
• do what you know to do
• do what you say
• Does GOD care
• don't get caught
• donkey
• door
• earn
• earth shattering events
• empty
• encourage another
• envy
• equipped
• eternal life
• evil
• examine your heart before the LORD
• exercise
• expectations
• explain
• explain or confuse
• facts
• faith
• faithful
• faithfulness
• false prophets
• fear
• fellowship
• fiery darts of the devil or arrows of light
• find answers
• flesh and blood
• flowers
• focus
• food
• fool
• forgiveness
• from a manger to a cross
• gather
• gather together
• gentle
• get all excited
• gift
• give thanks
• give up rights
• go to JESUS
• GOD
• GOD ;laid the sin of mankind on JESUS
• GOD can fix anything
• GOD cannot lie
• GOD cares
• GOD changes not
• GOD has a plan
• GOD is at work
• God is faithful
• GOD is good
• GOD is love
• GOD is speaking
• GOD is still in control
• GOD is using it for good
• GOD keeps HIS word
• GOD kknows
• GOD knows
• GOD looks at intents of heart
• GOD made a way
• God makes the difference
• GOD of all comfort
• GOD of today
• GOD says
• GOD sings
• GOD the FATHER sent JESUS
• GOD uses all things
• GOD will make a way
• GOD with us
• GOD works behind the scene
• GOD's concerns
• GOD's decrees
• GOD's love is IN JESUS
• GOD's promise
• GOD's timing
• GOD's ways
• GOD's word works
• GODHEAD
• good
• grace
• grace of GOD
• grace of GOD is available for the asking
• gravity
• greater
• grey areas
• grow in grace
• grumbling
• guide
• hand
• HE understands
• hear
• helmet of salvation
• help
• help one caught
• hidden from the storm
• higher than ours
• hiss
• hold me
• hold on
• HOLY SPIRIT
• Holyground
• honor GOD
• hope
• hope of glory
• hopeless?
• horsemen
• how can I know
• how should I pray
• how to pray
• hurry up
• idols
• if HE be for us
• ignore
• image
• imposters
• in the name of JESUS
• in times of trouble
• independence
• infinity
• Israel the Jews
• it will happen
• it works
• its all in who you know
• JESUS
• Jesus Christ
• JESUS CHRIST come in the flesh
• JESUS endured looking ahead to what he was achieving
• JESUS is coming
• JESUS is worthy
• JESUS lead us
• JESUS saves
• JESUS the lamb of GOD
• joy
• judge
• judge of all the earth does right
• just a touch
• just follow directions
• just thinking
• Keep things fresh
• kind
• Kingdom of GOD
• kneel
• know
• know GOD by looking at JESUS
• lake of fire better known as hell
• lead
• learn
• led and empowered by the HOLY SPIRIT
• lesson
• letting go
• lie
• light in the darkness
• light of the world
• listen
• listen to the still small voice
• listening
• look to JESUS
• looking for JESUS' appearing
• looking to JESUS
• LORD
• LORD of hosts the LORD of heaven and earth
• love
• love gives
• love yourself more than love GOD
• loving
• lust
• Master
• matter
• measure distances
• mercy
• messages
• micro-manage
• milk
• mind of JESUS
• mindset
• minor issues
• misunderstand
• Motivation
• mud
• murmured and complained
• my part
• my way
• mypart
• names
• new beginning
• new creation
• New Year
• no time
• nudges
• obey
• offering
• oil
• one world government
• opinion
• opposite
• out of nothing
• out of the blue
• out of the heart
• overwhelmed
• paradox but truth
• pay attention
• peace and joy
• peace of GOD
• perfect peace
• plans
• pointing to what is coming
• pour out your heart like water
• power
• practicing
• praise GOD
• pray
• prayer
• pre-determined
• preaching
• prepare
• prepares in advance
• preserve
• preset
• preset times and places
• pride
• problems
• prodigal
• programing
• promise
• prophesy
• pull out the weeds
• purpose
• quote verses
• race set before us
• Rapture
• reach out to JESUS
• receive the truth
• refining
• refuse
• rejoice
• remind
• renewed in Spirit
• responsibility
• restrain evil
• resurrection
• right but wrong
• righteous
• riots
• river of life flowing out of me
• sacrifice
• salt
• sanctification is a process
• sanctified
• satan's device
• Save us from our sins
• savesus
• science fiction movie
• search the Bible
• seek
• seems not quite right
• sees things as they really are
• self-will ve self control
• set free
• set your mind
• shame
• sheep
• shelves are bare
• shoes
• show me the way
• signs
• simplicity
• sin
• sing to GOD
• sing unto the LORD
• slavery
• snakes
• snow
• sparklers
• speak
• speak life
• spending time with GOD
• stand the gap
• stir up your heart to move you
• storms
• strength
• strengthens me
• stress
• struggle with sin
• struggles
• study to show yourself approved
• submit to GOD
• suffering
• surrender
• synchronizes
• taking advantage
• talk about GOD and think on HIS name
• talk to JESUS
• teach
• teacher
• tell others what I say
• temptation
• testimony
• text
• the battle belongs to the LORD
• the father of lies
• the New covenant
• the Savior CHRIST the LORD
• the times we live in
• the Word of GOD
• things of GOD
• things of this world
• this of this world
• thoughts
• throw away
• transformation
• tried and tested
• trinity
• troubles
• troubles achieve for us
• trust
• truth
• Uncategorized
• understand
• unfair
• vapor
• variety
• wait
• walk in the light
• walk in the SPIRIT
• want
• warning
• wars and rumors of wars
• wash the cups and saucers
• washing with the water of the word
• we are GOD's workmanship created to specific things
• We choose
• weak
• weapon
• weary
• weeping may last for a night but joy comes in the morning
• what can we count on
• What GOD is like
• what should we do?
• whispers
• why?
• wicked men
• will be saved
• wind
• wisdom
• witness
• wonderful colors
• Word of GOD
• word of GOD is true
• work
• work in progress
• worldviews
• worry and fret
• worship
• wrath
• yes
• your way or GOD's

Clinging

“Those who cling to worthless (worldly) idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs” (Jonah 2:8 EHV)

“All who worship worthless (worldly) idols turn from the God who offers them mercy” (CEV)

And yet another translation states “They who keep their focus on empty delights turn their backs on all the mercies waiting for them from the LORD”

The LORD says, “Call unto ME in the day of trouble; I will deliver you.”

What are you, what am I holding on to that keeps us from seeking GOD with all our hearts?

Hmmmm

hugs,

Sharon

Getting to know HIM

I love just Jeremiah 22:16 where GOD is speaking of King Josiah, “He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know ME, declares the LORD?”

That verse declares that as we get to know the LORD, as we see HIM act, it will produce in us like action (2 Corinthians 3:18, 2 Peter 1:2-4).

That to me is exciting, a real motivator to find out more and more about HIM?

Looking unto JESUS the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

hugs

Sharon