Faith comes

Ever share the Word of GOD, but the listener just didn’t get it?  In all areas of my life, but especially as a mother, the Word of GOD brought me great encouragement this morning on that issue.

Regardless of where I am in the Word of GOD, GOD will speak to me about where I am at in my concerns.  It may seem way out of context, but HE will always link it to verses that are in context so I can trust what is impressed upon my heart.  This morning was such a time.

“… we gave birth … only to wind. We could not accomplish deliverance for the earth…” (Isaiah 26:18).

Has anybody reading this who taught their children of our amazing GOD and Savior JESUS and their kids still don’t get it?

Why don’t they get it? Faith comes from hearing and hearing from the Word (rhema) of CHRIST (Romans 10:17).

The words translated Word in the New Testament are Logos and Rhema.  The logos is the Word of GOD-the Bible and is also a name for JESUS in John 1:1, 14.  But rhema means a specific spoken word for a particular situation.  As we hear or read the Logos the HOLY SPIRIT (who interprets GOD’s meaning to us-1 Corinthians 2:10) HE speaks to us where it applies to us- that is the Rhema.  Therefore, faith comes as the HOLY SPIRIT convicts (John 16:8) us as we hear the truth of GOD.  It is not just for salvation, but also for us saved ones when there is something GOD wants to show us. Now we must remember we must accept the truth the HOLY SPIRIT shows us and receive it into our hearts for it to become faith.  Otherwise, it is just seed that falls on concrete.

I love the verifying verses GOD gave me this morning when HE impressed on me those words from Isaiah.

…we gave birth … only to wind. We could not accomplish deliverance for the earth…(Isaiah 26:18), 

That said to me that I can speak truth but cannot bring anyone to believe the truth.  It takes more than my speaking; it takes the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT.  That is why JESUS told the disciples to wait until the HOLY SPIRIT was given to them before they were to go out and witness (Acts 1:8).

John 10:3 says that we like porters (doorkeepers) open the door for the Good Shepherd to speak to the sheep.  But notice that the sheep only hear the Good Shepherd’s voice, not the porter’s voice.  We cannot convict anyone of sin or of their need of a savior it takes GOD to do that.  HE convicts us in our inner being both of right and wrong.

We all have heard that old saying, ‘A man convinced against his will, is not convinced at all.”

John 16:8 clearly states that the HOLY SPIRIT is the one who convicts a person of sin.

2 Timothy 2:23-26 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes (arguments). And the servant of the LORD must not strive (try to prove your point); but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach (the truth), patient,  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves (by holding on to their own ideas); if GOD peradventure will give them repentance (show them the truth) to the acknowledging of the truth; (but they themselves must choose to accept or refuse it) And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who have been taken captive by him to do his will.

GOD alone can convict them of sin, but they must accept HIS truth when they see it. For GOD has given each one of us the responsibility to choose.  So, they can refuse the love of the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10), just a we believers can turn from the nudges of the HOLY SPIRIT when HE shows us something.

That explains why, while we might persuade someone to think a truth is right but when adverse circumstances come, they fall away.  They didn’t have real faith to believe, they just thought it sounded good.  For real faith only comes as GOD speaks to their hearts and they accept HIS words.  Only then do they really believe what they say they believe.  Faith must be tested to see if it is real and to strengthen it (James 1:2-4) for that is one of the ways of GOD.  We also are told to examine ourselves to see if our faith is real (2 Corinthians 13:5) that is if we live according to what we think we believe.

Though the verse this morning said to me that my words were not going to change the one I was praying for, it did tell me that my loving gentle words I prayerfully write can open the door for our loving good Shepherd to speak in his heart.  But I must not bombard him for it will shut his ears to the HOLY SPIRIT.

GOD’s word impressed on me, lifted the burden of the accusations that I had failed.  For as I accepted the LORD’s words, that only HE can convict a person of truth (1 Corinthians 2:10), the accusing whispers of the accuser were silenced.  I knew that, but I needed the reminder (John 14:26).  GOD is so good to me!

Hugs

Sharon

Doing it on your own?

In these days many face struggles and temptations.  Are you facing something hard?

When struggles come where I can’t see my way out or I’m tempted to fear, act up, or think I must jump in to fix things for others, I run to the LORD 1st.

This past week I got angry when after praying for GOD to have HIS way in a serious situation, it looked like HE did nothing as if I’d not even prayed.  So, I told the LORD and just by turning my attention to GOD and telling HIM how I felt, HE calmed me by my just being in HIS presence.  Then HE impressed on my heart the truth I know so well, “Sharon, I know what I am doing.” And HE flooded me with HIS peace and joy.  Nothing had changed in the real world but my focus.

For in that HE HIMSELF (JESUS) has suffered being tempted, HE is able to succor/help them that are tempted (Hebrews 2:18).

For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities (weaknesses and struggles); but (JESUS) was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy (GOD’s favor when we are wrong), and find grace (GOD’s Riches At CHRIST’s Expense) to HELP in time of need (Hebrews 4:15-16).

Are you struggling in some area?  Are you tempted?  Run to the throne of grace (pray and tell the LORD how you feel) and HE promises to give you all the help you need for the situation.

Hugs,

Sharon

Are you salty?

How salty are you?

The Dead Sea is a salt lake bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and the West Bank to the west. The lake’s surface is 1,412 ft below sea level, making its shores the lowest land-based elevation on Earth. It is 34.2% (in 2011) salt- 9.6 times as salty as the ocean –making it the saltiest body of water in the world and also which makes swimming similar to floating.

It went from a fresh-water lake to a salt lake when GOD sent fire down upon it in judgment (Genesis 19:24).

When GOD says,   “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6), the salt HE is talking about is the truth of the Word of GOD which is purifying.

Too much salt is not good for us.  In an open wound salt can really make it burn, so we must always seek GOD’s wisdom when talking and saying silent arrow prayer for direction always helps.  Yet as salt purifies and preserves and enhances the flavor of foods, so the truth of GOD’s word can preserve and enhance lives.   Therefore, even if it stings a bit it is a very good thing.

We live in a day of pandemics and increasing natural disasters, when all around the world people are going crazy with riots and looting because of food, gas and electric shortages.  We hear of wars in the Mideast and threats of a war and ultimatums from Russia and North Korea, it is a time when we who know what GOD has said would happen to be salty. 

We must care enough about others to tell them GOD’s plan laid out clearly in HIS Word the Bible.  Prophesies written centuries ago are being fulfilled one after another.  GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten Son JESUS to die for us to pay for our sin and reconcile us to GOD that we might have eternal life (John 3:16).  They need to know of HIS love and HIS plan to purify this world when HIS wrath against sin will be poured out.   

People need to know that all they must do to be saved from what is coming soon is to call upon the LORD.  (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

^“The one who believes on the SON (JESUS) has everlasting life: but the one that does not believe the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides on him (John 3:36).

Are you salty?  Are you ready?

Hugs

Sharon

Do you do what you say?

Do you do what you say you will do?

Help O LORD, for the godly are fast disappearing!  The faithful are vanishing from the earth (Psalm 12:1)

Written thousands of years ago that verse sounds more accurate than today’s newspapers.  Broken promises, failure to keep commitments, quitting when things get rough and excuses are the name of the game today.  People as a whole are so wrapped up in their own little worlds GOD is ignored and others come after their own comfort, if at all. 

Unfaithfulness is part of mankind’s sinful nature especially in our “me-generation”.  And it is getting worse.

On the other hand, faithfulness is part of GOD’s divine nature.  HE cannot deny HIMSELF, so HE is always faithful. We can always count on HIM to keep HIS word.  When GOD says something, it will happen (Numbers 23:19).   One thing HE promises is that HE will enable us to be faithful if we look to HIM for help.  As we claim GOD’s promises and meet their conditions, we can actually partake it GOD’s divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) though we will never be gods.  Being led by the HOLY SPIRIT, HIS fruit of faithfulness will flow through us.   It is amazing.

Parts of a song I sang decades ago comes to mind.  “Summer and winter and spring time and harvest, sun, moon and stars in their courses do rise give with all nature a manifold witness to THY great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Psalm 15 lists faithfulness as one of the qualities to dwell in GOD’s Presence.  “Lord, who shall abide in THY tabernacle? who shall dwell in THY holy hill?” In verse 6 it says “the one who swears to his own hurt yet keeps his word.”

Yes, faithfulness is highly valued by GOD. 

Do you keep your word?  Are you faithful?  

Hugs

Sharon

Seeking

Some have asked me why GOD doesn’t listen when they pray. 

To begin with no one can come to GOD except through JESUS (John 14:6).

Another prerequisite is found in Jeremiah in the little word ALL.

“For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the LORD I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope. When you call out to ME and come to ME in prayer, I will hear your prayers. When you seek ME in prayer and worship, you will find ME available to you. If you seek ME with ALL your heart and soul (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NET).

Is your heart full of your own understanding and plans, or do you lay aside every other thing and seek GOD and HIS understanding, when you come to HIM as the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY?

JESUS said Matthew 22:37 ‘Love the LORD your GOD with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind (thoughts).

Hugs

Sharon

Stop and smell the roses

An old saying goes, stop and smell the roses.  It alludes to the truth that we need to stop and enjoy the little things GOD gives us along the way.  They lift our spirits and give us joy even in hard times.

Praise the LORD for HE is good! HIS mercy endures forever. 2 Chronicles 7:6

As you know there has been struggle upon struggle for us and many others, today at just the right time GOD (GOD is never late) sent an answer to a couple of the problems and set our hearts singing in hope for the other situations.

GOD tests our hearts ( 1 Thessalonians 2:4).  The bible tells us that these tests/ struggles are for our good and ultimately will bless us.  HE has reasons to test our hearts either proactively or by allowing the enemy to test us.  Here are 3 of the reasons and each of them are for our good.

1)GOD tests me to show me what is in my heart and to humble me (Deuteronomy 8:2).  Cause I don’t know what lurks within.

2)The LORD tests me to refine me and get the worthless things hidden within me to come out in the open/ to surface so that HE might skim them off and purify me (Psalm 66:10).

3)GOD tests me to develop and mature me so that I am ready to handle what HE has for me (James 1:2-4).

What a time of rejoicing when a test is over!  So, I am stopping to smell the fragrance of HIS love.

Hugs Sharon

A launch

Life is a definite challenge but exciting as we see prophecy unfold.

Did you hear that for the 1st time since 9/11 terrorist attack that the US stopped all flights and grounded all planes on the West coasrfor 7 minutes following the launch yesterday of a ballistic Missile from North Korea?

It’s the 3rd North Korean launch recently.

Sure stirs me up to proclaim the Jesus , the eternal Son of God, clothed himself with flesh in Mary’s womb and was born of a virgin, life a sin free life and carried all the sins of mankind (past present and future) on the cross dying and rose the 3rd day guaranteeing life and resurrection for all who believe in Him.

He who believes in the Son has everlasting life but he who does not believe the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abides on Him John 3:36

For God has not appointed us (any who will believe in Jesus) to wrath but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ who died for us that whether we wake or asleep we should live together with HIM 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10.

Right now as we see the birth pains prior to the Great 7-year Tribulation – as we see Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7) is it so comforting to know that Jesus promises to deliver us FROM (not through) the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 1:10.

Look up believers your redemption draws near.

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

Can you smile?

Can you smile and mean it even in the tough times?

James, the half-brother of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, tells us to consider it all JOY when your life full of difficulties and temptationsfor when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.

GOD using our struggles to develop wonderful divine character qualities like HE said HE would (Romans 8:29).  What the devil means for harm GOD intends and uses for our good (Genesis 50:20).

JESUS warned us that in this world we would have troubles.  But we need something to hang on when times get rough. HE said that man cannot live on bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4).  

“test everything (by the Word of GOD), hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:2).

GOD’s word is alive and powerfully energized, therefore the truths of GOD’s word is what we need to grab ahold of it and not let go of when times get rough (Hebrews 4:12). 

In the midst of trouble Job said, “Shall we indeed accept good from GOD–and shall we not accept adversity?” Job 2:10.

Shall we trust our Heavenly Father only when our lives are filled with what we perceive as good things, but not trust HIM and HIS eternal love when struggles tumble into our lives? Do we think that God is good only when HE makes things go the way we want them to?

GOD calls us to trust HIM no matter the circumstance.  When troubles enter, GOD is by our side for HE has promised never to leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).  HE works in the midst of our pain and sorrow.  HE can achieve whatever needs to be done and often HE does HIS awesome work behind the scenes.

GOD says, …All things are for our benefit…Outwardly we are wasting away but inwardly we are being renewed day by day. Our troubles are actively achieving for us awesome things that far outweigh the pain of today. So, look not at what is seen, (our situation), but focus on what cannot be seen, (that which GOD is achieving for us through our situation) for what is seen in temporary but what is not seen is eternal! (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

“We know that GOD causes all things (good, bad and ugly) to work together for (an end result of) good to those who love GOD, to those who are called according to HIS purpose.” Romans 8:28

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE will make your paths straight!  Be not wise in your own eyes…” Proverbs 3:5-7.

Remember too that the day is fast approaching, and it may be nearer than we imagine, when JESUS will come for we who believe in HIM and we will be air lifted to heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) where there is no pain or sorrow and where GOD will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4).

hugs  

Sharon

Learn to believe

Have you ever had someone give you directions, but you thought it wouldn’t work so refused their instructions, ending up frustrated? 

Isaiah 7:9 (GOD is talking), “..you don’t believe ME! If you want ME to protect you, you must LEARN to believe what I say.”

Have you ever been reading in the Bible when something strikes a cord within you… it seems like GOD is speaking just to you? Well, HE probably is.

I have learned to write out that word that came into my heart. Then I ask GOD how it applies to me.  If it tells me to do something, I do it. If it promises me something, I claim it.

Sometimes what GOD speaks to you as you read HIS word seems farfetched and you might say, I want to believe but how can I? Well notice what GOD said in Isaiah 7. HE said learn to believe what I say.

How do we learn to believe? Speak HIS word aloud. It is amazing how the lies of doubt that the enemy shoots at us will flee at the word of GOD. For the word of GOD is alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12) and it is the sword of the HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 6:17). 

When we speak aloud the word of GOD we are following JESUS.  When tempted by the devil in the wilderness JESUS spoke the Word of GOD to refute Satan’s lied and he left JESUS (Matthew 4:3-4, 11).

We can trust the Word of GOD

“For GOD is not a man that HE should lie, nor the son of man that HE will change HIS mind. If HE said it HE will do it, if HE promised, HE will bring it to pass.” Numbers 23:19.

Are you choosing to learn to believe GOD by speaking out HIS word and then applying it?

Hugs

Sharon

What’s the difference?

What is the difference between happiness and joy?

Me and a friend looked up into the sky.  I was filled with joy at the beauty of the clouds, while my friend scowled in dread of a potential storm.  I believe this shows the difference between joy and happiness. 

Happiness depends on what happens.  But joy comes as a result of focus on GOD and HIS faithful promises. 

Notice in Romans 15:13 Joy and peace is given to us by GOD as we believe HIM (GOD is in control and knows what HE is doing) and as we focus on GOD the HOLY SPIRIT  makes us overflow with hope so that is spills over onto others.

Now the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may overflow in hope, through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT Romans 15:13.

We cannot control what happens to us so we cannot control our happiness.  But, our focus determines whether we are filled with joy therefore, it is a choice.

What are you choosing today?

Hugs

Sharon