MY army

Sitting out on my porch swing after sunset is pleasant, until the mosquitoes attack thinking of me as their dinner!  Their attack reminds me of a trip out to northern California several years ago to see family and friends.  While there, we camped at Silver Lake, midst the tall evergreens, nestled in, and surrounded by majestic mountains with friends we have known for decades/ since childhood.  During our week by the lake, I had a disturbing encounter by that peaceful lake in northern California.

One morning I quietly snuck out of camp very early before the sun was up or others were stirring. I wanted time alone with GOD. Softly singing praises, I walked up to the lake- a quarter mile, or so, from our campsite. There was a stillness everywhere, and just enough light to see two geese slowly moving out toward the center of the lake. Then more geese joined them, and a soft honking began volleying back and forth between the geese as they greeted each other.

Slowly more light began to reflect off the mountains surrounding me, all of a sudden things became crystal clear.  I became aware that all around me were hordes of tiny mosquitoes. I was all set to run in a mad dash, when one of GOD’s names, the LORD of Hosts came to mind. Now that name: YHWH Sabaoth means LORD of armies /troops/ organized bodies.  The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is LORD over all and that includes over all armies (British, Russian, Iranian, American, Chinese, whatever) whether human, angelic, animal, and it is even said GOD sends forth an army of scorpion like locust (see Revelation 9) and once sent an army of locusts.

“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, … MY great army which I sent among you” Joel 2:25

So, when GOD’s name/ the LORD of hosts came to mind, I knew what GOD was saying to me.  “They are MY army, Sharon.” And I answered HIM quickly, “Tell them not to bite me!”

A gentle calm settled over me and I stood transfixed, fascinated by the thousands of teeny newly hatched snow mosquitoes which looked like minute helicopters diving, rushing ahead but never colliding. I was amazed at the seeming confusion, yet perfect order in their zooming this way and that. (though I was there for some time, they never did bite me.- AH  Thank YOU LORD!)

As I stood watching them, and later on the walk back down to camp, I was reminded that as the mosquitoes were under the control of GOD, so the armies of this world, and each of the foretold coming events are under the control of the Commander and chief of all armies, the LORD of hosts. We see that very thing in play over and over, as we read the Old Testament.

Just as GOD kept the mosquitoes from biting me that morning, so HE is able to protect any who will seek HIS protection.  There are unsettling real world events: changes in NATO, changes the European Union, food and gas shortages, upcoming elections, wars and rumors of wars, and nuclear threats.  It’s only by claiming the name LORD of hosts for our Sovereign GOD that enables me to obey HIS command to “fear not” (Luke 12:7), “don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:1) and “be anxious for nothing but in everything to make my requests known to HIM with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7). As I claim HIS word, trusting it and HIM, I experience HIS peace guarding my heart and mind just like HE says it would.

Just for a heads up:  If you use the NIV you will not find the name LORD of Hosts… the translators of the NIV chose to translate it LORD GOD ALMIGHTY leaving the concept of armies (seen in the original language) out of the picture. Thereby, missing out on this comforting and gloriously motivating facet of our amazing GOD.

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

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

Stir up

Has the fire of passion for telling others about JESUS and getting prepared for what’s coming cooled down?

Stir up:  Summer is here and wanting to go camping. My thoughts flew to friends in Northern California who taught me to build a campfire in the day you could pick up a pinecone in California.

Would you believe that now it’s against the law in California?  But I digress.

Sometimes the campfire would die down and I’d have to stir it up and blowing on the coals at the bottom for it to flare up and catch the fresh kindling I’d put on fire.  Just like you have to stir up the coals to get them to burst into flames, so the Bible tell us to stir up something within us. “Stir up the gift of GOD that is in you through the putting on of my hands.  For GOD has not given us the Spirit of fear; but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:6-7).

Our Heavenly FATHER promised a gift for all believers in JESUS.   JESUS spoke of it Acts 1:4-5.  If you read the context you will see the promised gift is the Holy SPIRIT. Earlier JESUS said (that Old Testament) “scripture declared that rivers of living water shall flow from the innermost being of anyone who believes in ME.  HE was speaking of the Holy SPIRIT who would be given (as a gift) to everyone believing in HIM” (John 7:38-39).

At the end of HIS ministry, JESUS talks about HIS going to heaven and then another ONE coming to be with them.  JESUS said “HE is the Holy SPIRIT, the SPIRIT who leads into all truth.  The world at large cannot receive HIM for it isn’t looking for HIM and doesn’t recognize HIM.  But you do for HE is with you and shall be in you” (John 14:17). 

Notice one had to 1) be a believer in JESUS 2) know about the Holy SPIRIT, 3) look for HIM and 4) recognize HIM to be able to receive the Holy SPIRIT. 

2 Timothy 1:7 shows us one way we can recognize HIM: HE is a SPIRIT of fearlessness, not timid (that means HE is bold), of power, of love and of sound mind (clarity of thought).  HE will remind us of scripture that tells us GOD is with us and we are not to fear.  Scripture that we can say aloud to resist the lies of the evil one.

One example of receiving the Holy SPIRIT is found in Acts 8:5-17 Phillip preached CHRIST JESUS to those in Samaria and did many miracles and many believed in JESUS.  When the apostles heard about it they went to see what was happening.  But the new believers had not yet received the Holy SPIRIT for they had not even heard about HIM.  So, the apostles then laid their hands on these new believers and they received the Holy SPIRIT.

I believe that gift Paul says to stir up in 2 Timothy 6:7 was the Holy SPIRIT and when he told Timothy to stir it up he spoke of the SPIRIT being in our innermost being (which is in you).  We must allow the HOLY SPIRIT to fill us by yielding to HIS instruction and reminders, by obeying the nudges HE gives, acting on the insight HE gives us so that the living water of GOD can flow through us. 

Here I believe GOD is telling us to stir up the SPIRIT.  To do so we need to check to see if we have grieved HIM with sin or quenched HIM by disobedience or not acting on what HE shows us to do.  Then get in the Word of GOD, where GOD often talks the loudest, and ask for direction and to let those rivers of living water (Acts 7:38-39) bubble up and overflow into whatever situation GOD has placed us in (Acts 17:26). 

Like Paul exhorted Timothy so I say to you: stir up the Gift of GOD (the HOLY SPIRIT) within you.

Hugs,

Sharon

What are you looking at?

Looking to see… We miss so much as we read the Bible by not looking to see GOD and JESUS and understand what HE wants us to know.

See the way that the little kitten is focusing in on that dragonfly? She isn’t noticing the grass below or the sky above for she has taken her eyes off everything else and is fixing her eyes on the dragonfly.

With everything happening in our world, like the Euphrates river drying up in Syria, the increase hatred and wars, inflation and food shortages plus in everyone doing what is right in their own eyes it is so easy to get distracted but like that little kitten we are instructed to focus in on JESUS.

The Greek word in the text translated LOOKING unto JESUS holds a twofold command-1-don’t look all around, but turn your eyes from everything else and 2- fix your eyes on JESUS.

The Old Testament Jews looked to the law and put their trust in the law and being sons of Abraham; but we are told to look to JESUS and put our trust in HIM for HE makes us sons of GOD when we believe in HIM. (John 1:12)

One morning I was especially rushed needing to be on my way to work but needing strength from GOD as well, so I cried out to GOD “Please give me word, just a word!” and turned to my Bible. Usually I am much more orderly, systematic even in my reading of the Word, but that morning I had no time so I just looked at it opened on my table.

Hebrews 12:1-3 … let us also throw off everything that hinders (distracts us) and the sin that so easily entangles us and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on JESUS (literally- looking/ focusing on JESUS) the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of GOD. For consider HIM who has endured such hostility by sinners against HIMSELF, so that you do not grow weary and lose heart.

On my way to work, and when my actions didn’t require thought I obey those instructions. I looked at JESUS- considering HIM, pondering those circumstances mentioned.

JESUS is the Author of my faith…Yes, when HE spoke to my heart I received HIS word and believed. For faith comes from hearing and hearing by the (rhema- spoken in our hearts) word of Christ (Romans 10:17).

The Greek word for AUTHOR is also translated leader… If HE is our Leader, we need to follow HIM. (1 Peter 2:21, Hebrews 2:10) JESUS asked, “Why do you call ME LORD, LORD and do not the things that I say? (Luke 6:36)

Who for the JOY that was set before HIM (saving you and me) JESUS ENDURED the cross… By focusing on what HE was achieving HE was enabled to endure the horror, pain and shame of the cross.

JESUS took HIS eyes off the pain; off the SHAME and horror of bearing all sin of mankind on the cross; off the SHAME of HIS physical nakedness though HE DESPISED the SHAME (see it is ok not to like something when we are being obedient). JESUS deliberately FOCUSED on one thing .. HE purposely set before HIS eyes that by HIS suffering HE was reconciling man to GOD our FATHER.  That brought HIM great joy.

NOTE: JESUS despised the SHAME… hey it is ok not to like what’s going on… just follow JESUS example and don’t FOCUS on it.

Consider HIM who suffered such a contradiction of sinners against HIMSELF.

Knowing how HE suffered helps me grasp the truth that HE really understands and therefore knows what I need when I have struggles. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Just for telling some Jews Bible stories they already knew well, those Jews tried to throw JESUS over a cliff (Luke 4:22-30).

JESUS healed a man who had suffered for 38 years, and that man turned HIM in to the Jewish leaders (John 5:5-15).

JESUS was innocent of any sin but died for all the sins done or will be done against HIMSELF. (Hebrews 10:10, 1 John 2:2)

The LORD JESUS CHRIST the Creator of heaven and earth and all that is within them (Colossians 1:14-17), was mocked and hated by the very ones HE was dying to save. Talk about unfair. You think things are unfair in your life? Consider JESUS and the unfairness lest you grow weary and become discouraged.

Looking unto JESUS… only 3 little words, but in doing them is the whole secret of life. Let us not be corrupted from the simplicity that is in CHRIST JESUS. (2 Corinthians 11:3).

Look at JESUS during times of trouble set your eyes on HIM and HIS Promises for what we see is temporary but what HE is achieving for us through our troubles is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Look unto JESUS as you read the Bible and you will know the way to go. By looking at how JESUS did things you will know how to do things. (John 5:39)

Look unto JESUS when you feel alone for HE is with you, HE will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

Look unto JESUS when the burden is too heavy. HE will bear it for you. (Matthew 11:28)

Look to JESUS, HE understands your struggles (Hebrews 4:15).  So go boldly to HIM when you need mercy or help in your times of need (Hebrews 4:16 ).

Look unto JESUS and see what GOD the FATHER is like. (Hebrews 1:2-3).

Look unto JESUS and you will be changed little by little into HIS likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18).

What are you looking at?

Are you looking at your gifts? At your work? At your successes? JESUS said, without me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

Are you looking at your weaknesses? You are being transformed into the image of JESUS by the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18).

Are you looking at your struggles? They are temporary (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).               

Are you looking at the things and pleasures of this world, they will all pass away. (Matthew 24:35, 1 John 2:15-17)

Are you looking at what people will think? If you are, you will be hindered in pleasing GOD (John 5:44)

Are you looking at the enemy of your souls. Greater is HE who is in you than he that is in the world. (I John 4:4)

Look at JESUS, just as that kitten is looking at that dragonfly. One glorious day HE is coming to get you & me so that we will always be with HIM (John 14:3).

With the ways things are going, prophesies being fulfilled right and left, it won’t be long before HE calls us to come up.  So look up your redemption draws near. (Luke 21:28).

Hugs

Sharon

Roots under the surface

Tree roots broke my friend’s sprinkler line. Ugh! That shows that things under the surface, things we don’t see, can really be dangerous and cause big problems. 

Those tree roots in Barb’s yard made me think of what GOD said in Hebrews 12:15

Looking diligently lest any man fail of (fail to use) the grace of GOD; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled (Hebrews 12:15).

When we feel we can’t, or refuse to forgive, a root of bitterness will spring up and cause all kinds of problems and others will be hurt by it as well.

Notice the verse says we need to watch out against bitterness. That means that bitterness is a consequence of a deliberate choice.  We are told that we have to guard against it by using grace.

Grace undeserved favor.  It is only found in JESUS.

John 1:17- “The law (an eye for an eye) came by Moses, but grace (undeserved favor) and truth came by JESUS CHRIST.”

HE came and died for us when we were HIS enemies.  Now as GOD’s children (John 1:12) we are told to forgive as GOD forgave us.

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as GOD for CHRIST‘s sake has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).

“But GOD, who is rich in mercy, for HIS great love wherewith HE loved us,  Even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us (made us alive) together with Christ, (by grace you are saved” (Ephesians 2:4-5).  “For by grace you have been saved through faith (believing in JESUS) it is the gift of GOD not of works lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

GOD forgave us when we were in sin, when we didn’t deserve it and when we were hostile to HIM when we believed in JESUS (John 3:16, 36).  That kind of forgiveness of an unrepentant offender can be so hard, even impossible on our own. 

But we are promised the grace to help us forgive.  That grace to help us in our times of need is found only at the throne of grace as we stop and ask GOD for help (Hebrews 4:16).

Isn’t GOD is amazing?  Whenever HE asks us to do something HE offers to supply everything we need to get it done!  But we need to ask.

Hugs

Sharon

Every word

We live in a day when it is hard to tell who is telling the truth.  The worst part is that is also true within the church.  The Holy Bible says that the end days will be marked by many false teachers. (2 Peter 2:1). As one man aptly put it, “The more truth mixed in, makes the little lie seem true.”  So as never before we must be Bereans.  Who were they?

“These (those in Berea) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).

Today I received an email about a false teacher and what she believed. Though I’d heard of that teacher, I was astounded at some of the points they claimed she taught.  Most were wild and clear error.  But one thing stated as false doesn’t jive with Scripture.  It said GOD doesn’t speak to us today.  But GOD never changes! (Malachi 3:6, James 1:17).

I believe the Scripture is complete, nothing should be added to it nor subtracted from it. The Scriptures were written as the HOLY SPIRIT moved on men of GOD to write what GOD wanted. (2 Peter 1:21).  They were written for our learning (Romans 15:4, 1 Corinthians 10:11). They show us what GOD is like, how GOD deals with people, and what is pleasing to GOD.  GOD the HOLY SPIRIT teaches us through these Scriptures and reminds us of Scripture when we need it. (John 14:26, 16:13).

HE the HOLY SPIRIT who was given to each and every believer when they believe in the LORD JESUS CHRIST (Ephesians 1:13-14, John 7:38-39) also interprets GOD’s word to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-11).  That is necessary so we can understand it, for GOD’s ways and thoughts are different than the human perspective vastly higher and beyond our understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9).

The HOLY SPIRIT also individually leads us, and comforts us directly in personal situations. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).   Part of the purpose of HIS individual speaking to me is so through the comfort HE gives me I am enabled to comfort others with the same comfort HE gives me.

As the Old Testament prophet Joel prophesied in the “last days” visions and dreams will be part of the HOLY SPIRIT’s work after HE is poured out. (Joel 2:28-29). This BEGAN (for it was not completely fulfilled at that time) on Pentecost when the church was born. (Acts 2:14-18). JESUS tells us that when the HOLY SPIRIT comes (which HE did on Pentecost over 2,000 years ago) HE would convict the world of sin (John 16:8) of righteousness and of judgment and HE is still doing it.

An example of this is seen in Iran were 1,000s unable to hear the gospel by people, have and are having visions that have brought them to saving faith in JESUS just as Paul had on the road to Demarcus. (Acts 9:1-8). 

When GOD impresses instructions on me, they are not scripture. They are not words for others. But GOD is speaking to me/ impressing on me (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16) with GOD’s words of comfort or direction and HIS words are to lead me as HE walks with me through life.  (Proverbs 21-1).   Just as HE promises.

(Proverbs 3:5-6)  Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and HE shall direct thy paths.

As I submit myself to HIS instructions in HIS word and directions through the nudges of the HOLY SPIRIT (hearing a word in my ear to turn to the left hand or to the right Isaiah 30:21) HE leads me.  Sometimes it is simply to call a person which I then learn needed a word of encouragement. 

JESUS said in Matthew 4:4, It has been written, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD.”  The Greek word translated for word in this verse is not logos (the Greek word for Scripture, and even used of JESUS) but it is the Greek word Rhema (which means a spoken word for a specific situation).  Both are needed and the spoken word will ALWAYS agree with the written word.  The Rhema is just personal directions for specific situations, like when GOD wouldn’t let Paul go into Turkey on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:17), but later on Paul’s 3^rd missionary journey Paul did go into Turkey (that is where the 7 churches of Revelation 2-3 are). That showed it wasn’t GOD’s timing on the 2^nd journey but was GOD’s timing on the 3^rd.

Check all that is said by the written Word of GOD (the Scripture/ the Bible) for many false teachings are out there.  But at the same time despise not that still small voice nor GOD’s nudges.

Hugs

Sharon

It’s all in who you know

With that crazy June snow and then all the rain the grass really grew tall fast. I was amazed the grass across the street at the park was literally over a foot high before they finally mowed it.

Sometimes knowing the right person will open doors for you that otherwise are slammed shut.

My great grandson Riley, 14, decided he wanted a part time job this summer and got a job mowing this lady’s lawn.  Well, her son had a mowing business but now was old enough and got a job with the city.  So, the lady seeing Riley as proactive and a diligent worker referred all her son’s clients to him.  Now Riley has a thriving part time business that allows him freedom to enjoy his summer too along with an income.

We find that WHO we know opens doors for us with GOD.

Jesus said, “… Because I go to the FATHER (GOD)” (John 16:17)  ^“And in that day you shall ask ME nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever, you shall ask the FATHER (GOD) in MY name (according to MY nature), HE will give it you (John 16:23).

 Wherefore HE (JESUS) is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto GOD by HIM…(Hebrews 7:25).

“For there is one GOD, and one mediator between GOD and men, the man CHRIST JESUS” (1 Timothy 2:5).

There is only one way to GOD.

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 (stays) on him (John 3:36).

(nothing) “Not height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of GOD, which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD (Romans 8:39).

WHY is that?  GOD is holy and cannot tolerate sin in any shape or form.  But HE is also love so HE wanted us in fellowship with HIM.  Therefore GOD provided a way to cleanse mankind from sin.  JESUS came and died to bear our sin for us.  But only the ones who accept that payment by calling on the name of the LORD JESUS (Romans 10:9-10, 13) have had their sins forgiven, washed away by JESUS blood.

Without the suffering of JESUS CHRIST, man could not be reconciled to GOD. Without the death of JESUS CHRIST man could not be reconciled to GOD. Without the resurrection from the dead of JESUS CHRIST on the third day, man could not be reconciled to GOD.

But we see “… that GOD was in CHRIST, reconciling the world unto HIMSELF, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed unto us (who believe in JESUS) the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19).

We also need to remember that without the giving of the Law, man would not recognize that he is a sinner and in need of forgiveness.

“Therefore, by the deeds of the law no flesh (person) will be justified in HIS (GOD’s) sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20).

Have you called on the name of the LORD so that you are forgiven?  If so, you have the right and privilege to ask the sovereign LORD GOD ALMIGHTY-GOD the FATHER for things in the name of JESUS and they will be given to you.

Hugs

Sharon

Seek and you will find

Have you ever been in the place when you are sharing something important, something you are excited about and the person you are speaking with looks bored or turn to look at something, or someone else?  To me that says, “I don’t care about what you are saying”.

Body language has power and speaks loudly. For by how we hold our body we give clues as to what we are feeling and thinking.  When you like someone, you want to get closer to him/her, it’s just that simple.  When someone is telling you about something you think is valuable you want to catch every word.  The closer you get to the speaker, the more interest you show. Hence, leaning forward, especially when combined with nodding and smiling, is the most noticeable way to silently say, “ Yes, I care and I’m listening to you.”

The great I AM-YAHWEH is our GOD.  Isaiah 55:8-9 tells is that GOD is so high above us in position, and power, and knowledge that by ourselves it is impossible to know what HE is like.  HE is infinite/ unlimited and HIS thoughts and ways are said to be as high above ours as the heaven is above the earth.  Simple mathematics tells us if we started running at the moment we are born at the rate of 1 mile every 4 minutes (no breaks) we would be 700 years old before we reached our sun;  we would be 182 million years old before we reached the nearest star… and that is just the beginning of the heavens.  So, you see, understanding GOD is nigh on impossible to the human mind. 

Through HIS amazing creation (the stars, and flowers, and seasons of the year, through light and darkness, thunder and lightning, colors and sounds, mosquitos and bees and on and on) we can catch glimpses of things true about GOD (Romans 1:19-20).  Things like GOD’s power, imagination, wisdom, humor, organization and love of color and sounds… I could go on and on.  

Then to the ones who believe in JESUS CHRIST and call on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:13) is given a tremendous gift-GOD the HOLY SPIRIT is sent to live within us (John 7:38-39).  HE is our teacher, our helper, HE interprets GOD’s heart and mind to us, reminds us and explains how the WORD of GOD applies to us, convicts us when we do wrong, and nudges us to do what GOD wants us to do.  To help us to grasp things too wonderful for us to know/understand, The HOLY SPIRIT uses illustrations we can understand.

Therefore, HE who hears prayers is a name assigned to our GOD (Psalm 65:2).  If you go to the Hebrew word for that verse you will find it means: one who in reality is continually leaning forward in order to intensely and attentively listen to what we have to say. So, when GOD calls HIMSELF, HE who hears prayers we can know HE cares about us and is interested in what we have to say.   

We know GOD the Father and our LORD JESUS CHRIST already know all things (John 6:30) but GOD desires for us come to HIM about EVERYTHING so HE can show us HIS perspective and get HIS directions (Proverbs 3:5-7, 2 Corinthians 10:5).  HIS attention to us opens us up to lean in and listen to HIS voice.  It also puts us in the place where HE can give us assignments so we can co-labor with HIM in achieving HIS purposes.

GOD intently listens to those who seek HIM in truth (Proverbs 8:17), do we follow HIS example and listen to those GOD places in our path?

Hugs

Sharon

Help from the heat

With this heat wave, no matter how one tries it is hard to get relief.  Yesterday, one of my girls traveling home in a jeep with no air conditioner stopped at a gas station.  Seeing stars before her eyes, she felt as though she would pass out so her daughter handed her a bottle of water that she had just purchased and Jeri opened it and poured over her head standing right there with people all around.  As the water ran down over her, drenching her from head to foot, she revived!  Praise the LORD Who always prepares in advance and provides what is needed!  All we need to do is look to HIM.

“I would seek GOD…WHO gives rain upon the earth and sends waters upon the fields” (Job 10:8, 10). And seek the LORD JESUS CHRIST who saved me by washing me from my sin with HIS very own blood (Revelation 1:5) and changes and purifies me with the washing of the water of the WORD of GOD (Ephesians 5:26).

Now this boldly beaked Toucan is the toco toucan, is a great example of GOD preparing HIS creatures for where HE places them.  This bird lives in world’s largest area of tropical wetlands, the Pantanal, which stretches across a large swath of Brazil along with parts of Paraguay and Bolivia. The weather is warm and humid, and GOD, in HIS interesting and creative way enabled the Pantanal’s wildlife to handle the sultry conditions.

The toco Toucan species has the largest beak, relative to its body, of any bird. While his big bright bill is terrific at plucking and peeling fruit, and defending against predators, its greatest use may be in regulating temperature.  The toco toucan’s lightweight keratin beak is underlain with blood vessels which help dissipate body heat. The jumbo beak serves as a kind of thermostat, cooling the toucan off in much the same way those oversize ears do for elephants.

Aren’t GOD’s colorful designs enthrallingly amazing in wise practicality as well as beauty?

Hugs

Sharon

A weapon from GOD

Have you ever wondered how to fight the escalating evils you see all around?

 ^“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through GOD to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of GOD and bringing every thought captive to the obedience of CHRIST” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Today I was reminded of one of the mighty weapons GOD has given us but we don’t talk about.

As I sat out in the back yard praying for drug addicts and alcoholics, I believe it was the HOLY SPIRIT directing me when an old song rose from within me and I began to sing “Set them free to worship, set them free to praise YOU, set them free to rejoice around your throne, they’ll laugh they’ll shout, they’ll dance they’ll sing, Hallelujah AMEN let the praises ring. Set them free to worship evermore.”

Then as I open the good book to where I left off reading, Isaiah 30:29-32  in essence it spoke that GOD will bring down HIS punishing arm to the beat of the music.  And I remembered 2 Chronicles 20:22.

“When they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the (enemies) who had come against them” 2 Chronicles 20:22.

What wonderful words telling of the weapon of song that GOD has given us to fight the evil around us.  It also was a fun confirmation that I was hearing HIM correctly.

Hugs

Sharon

Chasing the Wind

I felt rushed and a bit frustrated because I’d gotten behind on writing the homework and had to prepare the lessons for my classes.  Just then someone stopped over and needed to talk. Oh no! After a quick arrow prayer (Hebrews 4:16) to realign my attitude, I remembered that if GOD was giving me that work/classes HE would supply what was needed.  (I Thessalonians 5:24).  Only then did I really see the one who’d stopped by and I really wanted to hear what was on his heart.  It was a special time, I’m so glad I didn’t miss it!

I almost missed out on those precious moments I had been given with my friend.  So, silently I thanked and praised the HOLY SPIRIT for poking me and reminding me of what is really important (John 14:26).

Our lives are made up of moments, we can use them to the fullest, or waste them through selfishness and grumbling.  

Although there is a time and season for all things (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 17), it is as the Preacher (King Solomon) said that our personal desires and attempts to achieve are mere vanity and grasping for the wind (NKJV or vexation of spirit KJV). 

The word vanity can be translated pride, emptiness, or absurdity but the Hebrew word vanity actually means breath or vapor. The word vapor reminds me of how as a young child I thought seeing my breath in the cold winter air looked like I had been smoking.  We see it for a moment but then it evaporates.

The use of that word vanity (literally vapor) indicates that whatever we do is fleeting and will soon just vanish away. Therefore, everything on our TO DO list should be prioritized and gauged on it’s eternal value.  Is it just for now (on earth and GOD gives us good things to enjoy) or for eternity value (things for others as led by the HOLY SPIRIT).

I prefer the term chasing after or grasping for the wind as used in the NKJV to vexation of spirit KJV because it draws such a picture in my mind of running and grabbing after something but just can’t get it.  The Hebrew word is used only in the Hebrew Bible in the book of Ecclesiastes. (See Ecclesiastes 1:14, 17,  2:11, 17, 26,  4:4, 6, 16,  6:9 NKJV) but it speaks graphically of what man’s attempts to achieve are.

For we cannot even see the wind, therefore how in the world can we grasp a hold on it?

Our moments, all of our daily grind and even our achievements are a mere vapor unless JESUS is directing them.  More clearly than ever I see what JESUS meant when HE said, “Without ME you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Do your words seem to vanish just a vapor, disappearing into the air? Do your efforts seem as if you are chasing after or grasping for the wind the goal just out of your reach?  If so stop and “Trust in the LORD with all YOUR heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge GOD (consult with the LORD) and HE will direct your path” Proverbs 3:5-6. And that is a promise from our faithful GOD who cannot lie! (Titus 1:2).

Hugs

Sharon

PS I got the lessons written in record time.  Praise the LORD!