GOD works

Have  you ever heard a speaker say something that doesn’t quite jive?  There in an inner check in your SPIRIT… or maybe just a bit of a “Huh?”

You hear of a lot about prophets nowadays, and we are told not to despise prophesying but to test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:20-22).  That is because the Bible says in the ‘last days’  (Acts 2:17 last days began when JESUS was raised from the grave) lots of false prophets/teachers and doctrines of demons will deceive many. 

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of GOD: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

“Now the SPIRIT speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1).

Well, how do you test a prophet or what a speaker says?

If they listen to GOD and cause people to hear GOD’s Word they are real prophets (Jeremiah 23:22).

Well how can you know if that is so? GOD said if they don’t agree with MY Word then there is no light of truth in them (Isaiah 8:20).  (Compare what is said with the Bible and make sure it is in context or the principle spoken of applies).

Elijah was a true prophet of GOD: “Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that YOU are GOD in Israel, and that I am YOUR servant, and that I have done all these things at YOUR word” (1 Kings 18:36).

GOD gave Elijah instructions and when Elijah obeyed GOD, the LORD would tell him the next step.  For example, Elijah went and told King Ahab it would not rain until he said so -1 Kings 17:1 (for 3 ½ years it didn’t rain) then GOD told Elijah to go to a specific place by a creek and that HE (the LORD) had commanded ravens to feed him (and they did) 1 Kings 17: 2-4, then when the creek dried up GOD told Elijah to go to a specific country to a widow and that HE had commanded her to provide for Elijah (and she did) 1 Kings 17:7-9.

In the same way, GOD often only leads us one step at a time.

I am pretty sure Elijah got verbal orders from GOD but what about the ravens and the widow?  How did they know what GOD wanted them to do? 

Personally I am confident that they heard the LORD like you and I do.  Let me explain.

“For it is GOD who is at work in you, enabling you both to desire and to act according to HIS chosen purpose” (Philippians 2:13).

Philippians 2:12-13 you have to “work out” what GOD “works in” you— not work to accomplish or earn “your own salvation,” but work it out so you will exhibit the evidence of a life based on a determined, unshakable faith in complete (finished) and perfect work of the LORD /Oswald Chambers.

“the LORD says, ‘I will put MY laws into their hearts (so they desire what I desire), and in their minds will I write them (so that they think like I think)” (Hebrews 10:16).

Therefore, listen to that still small voice speaking a Bible verse or nudging to you make a phone call.  It is GOD working in you to do HIS good will.

Note: as children of GOD (John 1:12), we still can disobey GOD and if we do, we will suffer consequences.  For GOD is a good FATHER and will develop righteousness in us and HE will not hesitate to discipline us when necessary (Hebrews 12:11).  GOD has declared that HE will transform us into the image of HIS SON JESUS through what comes into our lives. (Romans 8:28-29).  And what GOD says HE will do.

The LORD said, “yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it” (Isaiah 46:11).

Hugs

Sharon

Not by might

JESUS tells the parable of the 10 virgins in Matthew 25:1-12.  Each of the 10 had a lamp but only 5 of them had oil.  The other 5 were called foolish. The 5 with oil went with the bridegroom (JESUS), the bridegroom told the other 5 that HE never knew them.

“He that trusts in his own heart is a fool” (Proverbs 28:26).

Oil for lamps speaks symbolically in the Bible of the HOLY SPIRIT as explained in Zechariah 4:2-6.

Therefore, 5 of the virgins had the HOLY SPIRIT and 5 did not.

John 7:38-39 says that every person who believes in JESUS receives the HOLY SPIRIT and Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30 explicitly states that a person is sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT until the day of redemption when they believe in JESUS.  Consequently, only 5 of the virgins believed in JESUS and had eternal life (John 3:16) and the HOLY SPIRIT within them.

The other 5 kept company with the 5 with the HOLY SPIRIT seeming to indicate they were in the church, but just not saved.  Not having believed they needed to call on the name of the LORD to be saved (Romans 10:9-10,13).

“He that believes on the SON (JESUS) 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).

So you see how important it is to believe that JESUS is LORD (Master) and was sent by GOD the FATHER, and to believe that JESUS died for sin and was raised from the dead and is seated at the right hand of GOD, the Majesty on High.  

Once we know JESUS we need to tell others about HIM for there is only one mediator who can get us right standing with GOD and that is JESUS.  For it is through the blood of JESUS that we become acceptable to GOD (Hebrews 7:25, 10:14) and even have the right to become the children of GOD (John 1:12).

Why is that important? All have sinned (3:23) and the wages of sin is death but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD” (Romans 6:23). 

But the Bible declares that dead see, the dead hear, the dead feel (Luke 16:24) and their worm (appetites) remain and their fire is never quenched (Isaiah 66:24, Mark 9:44). Although the dead can see and hear and feel they can no longer do anything to change their condition. So tell them now of JESUS.

Now is the day of salvation.

Hugs

Sharon

Has HE spoken and shall HE not do it?

A few days ago, looking across the room from where I sat praying, I saw my 10/40 Window map.  The 10/40 Window is an area previously known for highest resistance to the gospel, it’s where all major religions were formed and where most of the persecution of Christians has been.  Praise the LORD! Reports show that people within these areas (such as Iran) are now flocking to the LORD in large numbers, although persecution persists.

As I looked at the map, my eyes flew to India. I remembered my failure to FAITHFULLY pray for Al an evangelist in a highly persecuted area in northern India. Words of scripture floated into my mind.

“He that is FAITHFUL in that which is least is FAITHFUL also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much” (Luke 16:10).  Ouch!

“Oh LORD” I cried out, “forgive me for sinning in neglecting to pray for Al and help me to remember to pray as FAITHFULLY for Al and other evangelists and those persecuted as I do for my own family.”

GOD has pre-determined that those who love HIM, every single believer in JESUS who has called on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:13, I Corinthians 1:2, Romans 8:29) will be transformed into the character image (the divine nature spoken of in 2 Peter 1:4) of JESUS who is the exact image/ representation of GOD the FATHER (Hebrews 1:1-3).

Since then GOD has been directing my attention to that quality mentioned 105 times in the Bible. HE wants me to ponder on FAITHFULNESS so I can consistently apply in every area of my life.

One verse I quote during times I can’t see GOD at work that helps me resist the doubts Satan whispers is Numbers 23:19.  It speaks of GOD’s FAITHFULNESS.

GOD isn’t a mere human. HE can’t lie. HE isn’t a human being. HE doesn’t change HIS mind. HE speaks, and then HE acts. HE makes a promise, and then HE keeps it” (Numbers 23:19 NIRV).

GOD is FAITHFUL to provide for us. GOD is FAITHFUL to keep HIS word.  GOD is FAITHFUL to correct us (Psalm 119: 75), FAITHFUL to forgive (1 John 1:9) GOD is FAITHFUL to answer when we call out to HIM (Psalm 143:1) HIS FAITHFULNESS is seen throughout nature (Psalm 119:90).

As I pondered GOD’s FAITHFULNESS pieces of an old hymn came to mind.  “Great is thy FAITHFULNESS O GOD my FATHER, there is no shadow of turning with Thee.  Thou changest not they compassions they fail not, as Thou has been Thou forever will be…Summer and winter and spring time and harvest, sun, moon, and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold witness to Thy great FAITHFULNESS mercy and love.

I heard a preacher say, “When JESUS spoke of handing out rewards, HE did not speak of productivity, nor did HE say good and fruitful servant. But rather what JESUS said is good and FAITHFUL servant.”

“His LORD said unto him, Well done, thou good and FAITHFUL servant: you have been FAITHFUL over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter into the joy of the LORD” (Matthew 25:21).

You see our productivity is determined according to what GOD has designed for us to do (Ephesians 2:10), for what do we have that we have not received? (1 Corinthians 4:7).  But we determine if we are FAITHFUL in what HE calls us to do and say.  We determine if we keep our word, if we listen to HIM and move at HIS prodding.

So, I seek to be more FAITHFUL in my actions in big and small things, not to get the reward but rather to bring a smile to my LORD and my GOD.

Hugs

Sharon

How can we tell?

How can we tell if GOD is showing us something HE wants us to change (CONVICTION), or if the devil is putting us down to defeat us (CONDEMNATION)?

The word condemn is a key to determine who is doing the talking.  To be CONDEMNED holds an eternal punishment fitting to the wrath of GOD against all sin.

But GOD laid on JESUS the sins of all (Isaiah 53:6) so all who come to HIM (JESUS) are cleansed from their sin.

Much more then, being now justified by JESUS blood, we shall be saved from wrath (of GOD) through HIM (Romans 5:9).

He that believes on HIM (JESUS) is NOT COMDEMNED: but he that does not believe IS CONDEMNED already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD (John 3:18).

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

And this is the CONDEMNATION, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil (John 3;19).

Verily, verily, I (JESUS) say unto you, He that hears MY word, and believes on HIM (GOD the FATHER) that sent ME, has everlasting life, and shall not come into CONDEMNATION; but is passed from death unto life (John 5:24).

For if we would judge ourselves (confess and turn from sin), we should not be judged.  But when we are judged, we are chastened (disciplined) of the LORD, that we should NOT be CONDEMNED with the world (1 Corinthians 11:31-32).

There is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION to them which are in CHRIST JESUS (Romans 8:1).

So, if you feel CONDEMNED and defeated you know that it is the devil talking.  GOD will and does correct us, but it is always by letting us know the next step we should take.  There is always hope when GOD is correcting us.

Hugs

Sharon

Snake in the grass

The snake in the grass

As young girl of six, living in the mountains, I was very much a tomboy and climbed like a mountain goat up the mountains. Being my dad yearned to have a son, but ended up with three daughters, may have caused some of my tomboyish ways in competition for attention.

Daddy was a teacher. On one learning session he took the handful of students from his one room schoolhouse in June Lake, California on what today would be considered a field trip. We went down the hill the school was on and across the highway to the grassy meadow below. Then he led us down a path to the creek hidden by the tall grass and fuzzy brown cattails that grew on either side of the creek. I reached out and touched a cattail and loved the way it felt.

There by the creek Daddy spotted and caught a small harmless garden snake as it soundlessly slithered over the rocks and through the grass. Dad said the snake was harmless and I believed him.

Feeling very brave, I begged Daddy to let me carry it back to the schoolhouse, and with a wry smile he handed the colorful little snake to me. But the other girls who saw the snake, squealed, and scattered. So naturally, I began to chase them with the snake held out in front of me, laughing all the while.

The sneaky devil disguising himself entered a snake to entice Eve to commit the first human sin (Revelation 20:2). GOD put a special dislike of snakes in women, from that day in the Garden til now (Genesis 3:15) as HE began to reveal some of HIS strategy in dealing with sin by prophesying that her seed (JESUS) would crush the serpent’s (the devil’s) head (Revelation 20:2).

Many years later after delivering over a million Jews from slavery in Egypt though miracle after miracle HE began leading them to the Promise land. Over and over and over again, problems came up, and instead of asking GOD for help, the Jews murmured and complained.

They cried out, “Where is GOD?”

Even so, GOD, in HIS great mercy, always came through for them. GOD kept delivering them and providing them with food and water, keeping their clothes from wearing out and fighting their enemies, yet the Jews continued to murmur and complain.

They were sick and tired of daily problems, and delays (sound familiar)? They were discouraged, impatient, feeling they had reached the limit of their endurance. Plain and simple, they forgot all GOD had done and was doing for them.

Instead, they listened to that old serpent -the devil’s snide accusations and whispers focusing them to be tunnel visioned on their temporary struggles, so they forgot GOD.

GOD got them out of slavery in Egypt yet the Jews didn’t trust GOD to fight their battles, or meet their needs.

Sound familiar? Do we trust GOD to save us from the death penalty of sin but forget that HE is with us and wants to help us with our daily problems? Do we, like the Jews, listen to those snide accusing whispers of that old serpent leading to fear and tunnel vision onto our limited abilities and blocking our view of our all wise and powerful GOD?

One time the people became very discouraged because of the way and spoke against GOD and Moses. And the LORD sent fiery serpents among them. When a person got bit, they died. Immediately the people understood it was their murmuring and complaining that had caused this, so they ran to Moses and begged him to pray to the LORD for them. GOD told Moses to do a strange thing.

GOD told him to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole and put in on a high place, so all the million plus Jews could see it. If someone got bit, all he had to do was to look at the snake on the pole. If he looked, he would live. But, if he didn’t believe it would help, so refused to look at the snake that was lifted up, he would die. (Numbers 21:4-9).

JESUS talked about that very snake on a pole. When HE said, “As Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man (JESUS) must be lifted up. That whosoever believes in HIM, should not perish but have eternal life. For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM, should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:14-16).

Just as the Jews had to look to the snake on a pole, to be cured from the deadly snake bites; so, we must look to JESUS, who carried our sin on the cross, to be cured/ forgiven of our sins and given the righteousness of GOD (Romans 3:20-22).

Let us look to JESUS the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) and refuse to listen to the snide accusations against GOD that come from the enemy. Did you notice it was the murmuring and complaining that got the Jews into so much trouble? It showed that they didn’t trust GOD or praise HIM for the wonderful things HE had done and was doing for them. Do you, do I, murmur and complain? Or do we look to the LORD and trust HIM to know best how to deliver us? Remember accusations against the goodness of GOD is weapon of Satan that began in the Garden of Eden and it worked so well he still uses it today.

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

hugs

Sharon L Manning

River of Life

At camp we used to sing, “I have a river of life flowing out of me”. I have taken this devotion from Amir’s Bible Bites to share with you because it is so true and explains truth concerning the river of Life so clearly.

“The Dead Sea will one day be made alive by the river of life flowing from the throne of GOD.”

You too can be made alive by faith in the One from whom living water flows.

People who do not accept JESUS are dead in sin and will be cast into the everlasting lake of fire at the White Throne Judgment, just before GOD makes the new heavens and earth.

The Bible also tells us that the dead in hell will see, the dead can feel, and the dead can understand what is happening to them.

But once you’re dead it’s too late to do anything about your circumstance, because then you can only see and feel and understand. What you cannot do is change anything.

So while you’re still alive, believe in HIM (JESUS) and allow that river of living water that will completely change who you are to flow out of you (John 7:38-39).

And just as the Dead Sea is going to become a living lake with living creatures in it, your heart can be transformed from stone into flesh. Your soul can be revived. Your life can change, and you can have eternal life. But only if you trust in HIM, in Yeshua (JESUS), our salvation.

“if you confess with your mouth JESUS is LORD (Ruler/ Master), and believe in your heart that GOD raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation…For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

As JESUS said, If you only believe in Me, from your bellies rivers of living water will flow” (John 7:38-39) /from Amir’s Bible Bites /Amir Tsarfati

Tasks and emotions

After a long day have you ever faced a sink full of dirty dishes think it is unfair drudgery?  I must admit I have.  At those times I have a choice to either go with my emotions or claim the Word of GOD.

Because the Bible states GOD has scheduled each day of our lives before we began to breathe (Psalm 139:16) we can be assured what comes our way are assignments from GOD HIMSELF.

Sometimes we can see GOD is using us in different ways.  I love the divine appointments like when we have opportunities to speak with strangers about HIM as we wait in the doctor office, or someone texts about a struggle and you can minister to them. 

But often we experience nothing but the humdrum daily routine with its common everyday tasks.

I have found that if I will do my duty in those little routine things (like making the bed, doing the dishes or scrubbing out the bathtub) aware the GOD has engineered my circumstances (Ephesians 1:11), then at that very point of my obedience to HIM comes joy and completing the job goes faster and brings satisfaction.

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much” (Luke 16:10).

Hugs

Sharon

What is your goal?

If you aim at nothing you are sure to hit it.

That is why it is so very important to have goals in life. For without a goal/ purpose, life is drab and meaningless.

As a believer in JESUS CHRIST and thus a child of GOD (John 1:12) we are urged to have one goal. It is stated over and over in the Bible..

“imitate CHRIST” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

“Look to JESUS” (Hebrews 12:2).

“become followers …of the LORD” (1 Thessalonians 1:6).

“GOD, who at many times and in different manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Has in these last days spoken unto us by HIS SON, whom HE hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also HE made the worlds; Who (JESUS) being the brightness of HIS (GOD’s) glory, and the express image of HIS person, and upholding all things by the word of HIS power, when HE (JESUS) had by HIMSELF purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the MAJESTY on high” Hebrews 1:1-3).

“Therefore, be imitators of GOD as dear children” (Ephesians 5:1).

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the FATHER is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the FATHER, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of GOD abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17).

Before you can hit a target you must set it up where you can see it. So every morning, before your day begins I urge you to read at least a verse or 2 out of the Bible. By doing so we learn what GOD and therefore what JESUS (who is the exact representation of GOD the FATHER) does and we then know how to follow HIM.

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

Do you really believe?

Do you really believe what you say you believe?

Take for instance “…do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Matthew 6:25

Jesus summed up commonsense carefulness in the life of a disciple as UNBELIEF. “…do not worry about your life…”  In other words- Don’t take the pressure of your situation or provision upon yourself.

It is not only wrong to worry, it is UNBELIEF and whatever is not of FAITH (believing GOD) is sin (Romans 14:23).

Worrying means we do not believe that God can look after the practical details of our lives, and it is never anything but those details that worry us.

JESUS said “than man can not live by bread alone but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4).

Have you ever noticed what JESUS said would choke the Word HE puts in us (Philippians 2:13)?  “It is the cares of this world” (Matthew 13:22). It is always our little worries. Unconsciously we say, “I will not trust when I cannot see or unless I understand”— and that is where unbelief begins.

The only cure for unbelief is to quote scripture the HOLY ONE brings to mind (John 14:26) and choose to obey to nudges and whispers of the HOLY SPIRIT even when it makes no commonsense.  Proverbs 3:5-7 promises that GOD will always lead us if we ask instead of leaning on our own understanding and wisdom.

For me it seems HE often leads just one step at a time but then that is all I need.

We cannot trust our feelings, or what we see or know (we know in part 1 Corinthians 13:12), but we can CHOOSE to trust the ONE who made all things (John 1:1-3) and love us (John 3:16) and from WHOM all blessing flow (James 1:17). 

So, turn away from your love of this world, and its momentary pleasures… abandon them and trust GOD.

Hugs

Sharon

Joy in the morning

Even when things are really difficult, I find going to GOD in the morning and opening HIS word brings joy and peace and often a verse to see me through the day.

Have you ever had one problem after another come straight at you hitting  with such intensity and fury that it is hard to breathe?  Big problems, little problems, irritations along with unfairness and so much more so that every day some thing new occurs. That is where I am at.  So what do I do?

I run to the throne of grace for mercy and grace to cope (Hebrews 4:16).  I acknowledge GOD and step by step HE directs my steps (Proverbs 3:5-7) and I go with the (obey the still small voice of the) HOLY SPIRIT and obey HIS nudges (Romans 8:4-5,14).

Our problems can seem so heavy, unfair and pointless, but their very nature, weight and even timing is designed with purpose by GOD to drive us into GOD’s arms (Acts 17:26-27).  Troubles strengthen us believers in JESUS, develop us and prepare us for the work GOD has planned for us to do (Romans 5:3-8, James 1:2-4, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, Ephesians 2:10) and well as achieve eternal rewards for us (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

During the onslaught of troubles we cry out to GOD.  Then the HOLY SPIRIT takes our confusion and heartache to the FATHER, translating and editing our tears and words into effectively conveyed, though unuttered messages to GOD.  The SPIRIT always prays for us according to GOD the FATHER’s perfect plans for us for they are for our ultimate best. (Romans 8:26-27).

 “And the HOLY SPIRIT helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what GOD’s plans are nor what HE wants us to pray for. But the HOLY SPIRIT knows and prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed aloud. And the FATHER who knows all hearts knows what the SPIRIT is saying, for the SPIRIT pleads for us believers in harmony with GOD’s own will” (Romans 8:25-27NLT).

No matter how deeply we ache now, suffering has an expiration date (it will pass).  GOD who cannot lie has declared that HE works (stirs) all things (good and bad) together (as one might stir together ingredients for a cake) for the (end result of) good to those who love HIM…(Romans 8:28-29).

Many years ago during great turmoil and heartbreak I wrote/ sang this to the LORD.

This night there’s pain and weeping, the path’s so black ahead, my burden feels so heavy. I feel alone, confused unled.

(Chorus) But there’s joy, joy, joy in the morning, joy in the morning with JESUS my king, yes there’s joy, joy, joy in the morning I’ll be so happy I’ll dance and I’ll sing.

Through this night of weeping, I’ll cling to Christ my stead. For HE claims there is a purpose; that through it all I’m being led.

And there’s joy, joy, joy in the morning, joy in the morning with JESUS my king, yes there’s joy, joy, joy in the morning I’ll be so happy I’ll dance and I’ll sing.

During my night of weeping, the LORD gave me this song, to ease some of the burden of those weeping all night long.

For there’s joy, joy, joy in the morning, joy in the morning with JESUS my king, yes, there’s joy, joy, joy in the morning I’ll be so happy I’ll dance and I’ll sing.

“…weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

Joy comes in the morning as we look to JESUS the author and perfecter of our faith and let HIM speak to us through HIS word. (Hebrews 12:2).

Hugs

Sharon