Roller coaster

I lived in the small mountain town of Quincy, California when I got my driver’s license.  Back in the day before roadwork, there was this windy, bumpy stretch amidst tall pines that went from the outskirts of town to the little Quincy hospital.  Two girl friends and I would speed through that stretch as fast as we could laughing hysterically as it felt like a wild roller coaster ride.  I love roller coasters.  We hated it when they straightened out the road.

Sometimes life feels like a wild roller coaster ride but now we aren’t laughing are we?  Yet we can experience peace and even joy when our focus is on JESUS and GOD’s great and precious promises, that we find in HIS holy Word.

“But I want you to understand, brethren, that the things which have happened unto me have turned out unto the furtherance of the Gospel” (People got saved) (Philippians 1:12).

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose” (Romans 8:28).

The hardest things in my life, even the death of my 1st son, brought about good for me and others and my little one was with GOD in heaven having the time of his life. 

“For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of GOD. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a MOMENT (compared to eternity), works for us a far more exceeding ETERNAL weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen (our situation), but at the things which are not seen (what GOD is achieving through our situation): for the things which are seen (the circumstances) are temporary; but the things which are not seen (things GOD is using the temporary situation to do)  are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Hard and confusing things will hit for JESUS said: John 16:33- “These things I have spoken unto you, that in ME you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

When problems come remember that GOD promises that HE will use whatever it is for your benefit and HIS glory.

Hugs

Sharon

How salty are you?

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 which makes swimming like 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 living and powerful, showing us our thoughts and the intents of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12) which teaches, corrects, and instruct us.

Too much salt is not good, nor is it good for us. Have you ever put too much salt on your food?

In an open wound salt can really burn, so we must always seek GOD’s wisdom before speaking. I find that it is helpful to send silent arrow prayers for direction (Proverbs 3:5-7) as Nehemiah did before he answered the king (Nehemiah 2:4-5). 

As salt purifies and preserves and enhances the flavor of foods, so the truth of GOD’s word can preserve and enhance lives.  We are seeing more Bible prophesies written centuries ago are being fulfilled one after another than at any time in history since the time of CHRIST JESUS. 

Therefore, even if it stings a bit, speaking the truth is a very good thing. It helps us know what is going on.  We live in a day of so much sickness, increasing natural disasters, and disasters. It is a time when all around the world people are going crazy with riots and looting because of food, gas and electric shortages and building coming down after earthquakes.  We hear of wars in the Mideast and threats of a war and ultimatums from Russia and North Korea, and even spy balloons invading our air space from China.

It is a time when we who know what GOD has said, need to be salty.  We must care enough about others to tell them GOD’s truth, the plan laid out clearly in HIS Word the Bible. Whether they listen or mock we must offer the Gospel to them. 

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 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 ready? Are you salty?

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

What in the world is going on?

Have you been wondering “What in the world is going on?

With all the catastrophes such as earthquakes all over, train wrecks, explosions, threats like those posed by the huge, suspected surveillance balloons in many places, the strange blue lights in the sky over Japan, plus so many health issues, one hardly knows who or what to pray for 1^st.  Yet my thoughts and prayers keep going back to Turkey.  Turkey that was highlighted in the Bible as having the 7 churches JESUS speaks directly to In Revelation 2 and 3.  Turkey I’m sure you know has had more than 90 aftershocks (both big and small) after the 1^st two huge earthquakes (7.6+) with the NY Post reporting on February 18, 2023 of over 46,000 casualties.  Geophysicists also say there is more coming.

I wonder if the LORD keeps turning my mind (Proverbs 21:1) to Turkey to remind me of GOD’s faithfulness to me personally when I was in Turkey.  For as I remember HIS faithfulness to me, I am not fearful but can trust HIM, the only great GOD, while the world is in such an upheaval.  For only as I look to HIM in trust am I able to walk by faith in my Sovereign good GOD and not by what I see  around me (Habakkuk 2:4, 1 Corinthians 5:7).

I thank GOD for the 30+% of the Bible that is prophesy (telling of things to come before they happened).  So many of those prophesies have already come true which assures us that the rest will materialize as well.  The prophesy fulfilled gives credence to the Bible and is never meant to scare people but to prepare them for what is coming.  JESUS also said, “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe” (John 14:29).

In October of 1995 a team us traveled to the Muslim country of Turkey, on what was called a prayer journey.  We went to pray for the people of Turkey, to confess the horrible sins of Christians during the Crusades and to pray at the locations of the 7 churches of Revelation 2 and 3. What we saw in those 7 locations was mostly ruins.  The picture shows some of my teammates going down in the ruins of the amphitheater in Ephesus. 

We arrived in Istanbul and experienced a mild earthquake, just a tremor- a shaking more than anything.  During our travels, one late afternoon before dusk, we were headed up a winding mountain road.  It seemed like one lane to me, but vehicles traveled both ways on it. Occasionally a car would be coming down from the opposite direction and we would pull closely to the edge of the road and stop.  Suddenly, we saw a bus headed straight toward us and there was nowhere to pull over to, but we stopped.  I was sure we would go over the ledge so took a deep breath and prayed.  The bus barely missed us.  Though shaken we continued to the high place we had been heading for.

Once back in the States, I visited a Bible study of ladies who had promised to pray for me on the journey to give a report detailing highlights of the trip.  Before I began to speak, one gal said tearfully, “I promised to pray for you, but I kept forgetting.  Then early one morning while still dark, on the way to work, I just had to stop and pray for you. I prayed and prayed until the burden lifted.”

I asked Monica about what time that happened.  As far as we could figure with the time difference between the countries, GOD made her stop and pray just as that bus headed our way. To me that shouted GOD’s word is true.

“Faithful is HE who calls you who will also do it.” GOD was faithful to protect us and faithful to enable Monica to do what HE had assigned for her to do at the right time, which enabled her to be faithful to her promise.

“So that we may boldly say, The LORD is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:6).  That adventure speaks loudly of the faithfulness of GOD, and enable me to trust in GOD’s goodness and control in what I don’t like or understand.

To us who belong to JESUS, HE said, “Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid believe…” (John 14:1) and we are also told to, “examine yourself to see if you are in the faith…”  (2 Corinthians 13:5).

To the church of Ephesus JESUS said, “You have left you 1^st love… repent… or I will remove your lampstand” (Revelation 2:4-5).  There is no lampstand/ church (Revelation 1:20) in Ephesus.  What does that tell you? It tells me that GOD keeps HIS word.

For GOD declares HE is going to punish sin, since sin destroys.  On the other hand, there is forgiveness if one believes in the LORD JESUS CHRIST and GOD is faithful to all believers in JESUS who have become HIS children by believing the Gospel which is the good news that GOD loves mankind and sent HIS only SON to earth (John 3:16) to reveal the nature of GOD to us (John 14:7) and then to die for the sins of mankind that we might be forgiven and reconciled to GOD. and that JESUS was raised again to life to be declared the Son of GOD with power- (Romans 1:4). GOD promises to work all things (good and bad) together for an end result of good for those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).

If you who do not know JESUS, I urge you in the name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, call upon the name of the LORD and be saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

Hugs

Sharon

Hold on to the promises

The barren tree branches sway in the wind knocking off the bits snow left from the recent storm; patches of dead grass are seen here and there as the snow melts and its not surprising that there is not a flower in sight.  Glancing around reminds me of verses I memorized years ago to earn a patch at Camp Elim.

“All flesh is like grass, and all the goodness thereof is like the flowers of the field, the grass withers and the flower fades but the Word of our GOD shall stand forever” (Isaiah 40:6, 8).

The pleasures and possessions of this world with all its goodness are fading in light of the individual and worldwide mounting problems and disasters crashing all around.  So many are filled with fear on every side.

But there is still a place to find freedom from fear and even gain peace, joy, and hope (Romans 15:13).  Something that will last no matter what else comes our way.  It is found in coming to JESUS and daily meeting with HIM in GOD’s word. 

JESUS urges us, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

JESUS also promises that anyone who comes to HIM will obtain eternal life (John 3:16) and that HE will never leave nor forsake those who believe in HIM (Hebrews 13:5). 

With all that is going on in our country and globally I especially love JESUS promise found in Revelation 3:10. “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.”

The first step is to make sure you know JESUS.  That is to know HE is eternal GOD and came to earth in a human body (John 1:1-3, 14), sent to earth by GOD the FATHER (John 3:16) to reveal the truth (John 18:37) and then to die for the sin of mankind (1 Corinthians 15:3) and disarm the powers of darkness while on the cross (Colossians 2:15).  GOD the FATHER through the HOLY SPIRIT raised JESUS from the dead and if you confess that JESUS is LORD, and call on HIS name believing JESUS lives today because GOD raised HIM from the dead you will be saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13). 

Does that seem like a lot to swallow?  Then let me suggest that you go to the book of John in the Bible and ask GOD to show you the truth.  For, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of GOD” (Romans 10:17).

By prayerfully reading the Bible you get to grow in you knowledge of both GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST.  As that happens, you learn of the wonderful things HE promises to those who love HIM and do what HE says.  (2 Peter 1:2-4).

Your fears will flee and you will find peace, joy and hope even in the turmoil and troubles of this world when you continually run to JESUS (Hebrews 4:14-16). 

Let GOD speak to you through HIS word.  What you find there will last forever, for the Word of GOD shall stand forever (Isaiah 40:8).

Hugs

Sharon

HE is teaching me

My dad, Charles F. McIntire, was a real teacher, a very good teacher. On his very 1^st teaching assignment, he taught me my 1^st 3 grades.  It was in a one room schoolhouse in the mountains of California.  His perspective became a part of me.  He pointed out things I will never forget, and I wrote this poem for HIS birthday one year.

You taught me to savor the beauty all around, The beauty of nature, the beauty of sound. To enjoy learning, stories, and poems, To cherish sunsets, friendships, and home To desire to reach out and touch one in need. To joy in accomplishing one tiny deed. These things and more dad, I learned at your side As I watched you display them though oft wearied and tried. Thank you for being and teaching to me. The values of listening and looking to see.

When I was in grade school learning my ABCs there were certain rules that had to be kept but when I went to high school those rules didn’t always apply.  Yet I still had to hang on to and use my ABCs- that which I had learned when I was little.  It is the same in my walk with GOD, basics remain the same, they do not change (Psalm 119:89).

It was over 50 years ago after my 1^st son died and trauma pursued that the LORD GOD called me back to HIMSELF.  About a year later GOD told me what HE made me for and gave me my assignment on earth. HE promised to wake my ear (though I am profoundly hearing impaired) to hear as one being taught so that I might have a word in season to give the weary (Isaiah 50:4). That is what I do.  I simply share with you what GOD points out to me as I read HIS word and encounter life. 

I must say that as much as I loved my earthly dad and as much as I learned from him it cannot compare to my relationship with my loving heavenly FATHER. The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is a better teacher for HE knows all things.  HE is always with me, and through HIS infinite knowledge and wisdom GOD shows me through HIS HOLY SPIRIT (John 16:13) and HIS Word (Hebrews 4:12) what I need to know each day as I meet with HIM in HIS Word or when challenged with unexpected divine appointments.

“For his GOD instructs him to discretion and teaches him” (Isaiah 28:26).

One reason GOD’s teaching is so much better than any other is because different people have different needs and only GOD knows how to meet each one and also knows what tomorrow holds.

GOD is, “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done…” (Isaiah 46:10).

Hugs,

Sharon

Are you walking in the SPIRIT?

Are you walking with GOD?

In the beginning GOD walked in the garden and talked with Adam and Eve.  But when they chose to do what HE warned them would kill them, they sinned.  GOD being holy and good cannot agree with sin for it destroys. Therefore, sin came between GOD and those HE had made. 

“For your iniquities have separated between you and your GOD, and your sins have hidden HIS face from you, that HE will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2).

Knowing all things past, present and future from before time began, the GODHEAD (GOD the FATHER, the Word (JESUS) and the HOLY SPIRIT) before they made the world determined how to reclaim mankind for HIMSELF (Revelation 13:8) since humans were going to sin and turned in allegiance from GOD their maker to Satan the fallen angel.

GOD is right (just).  Mankind’s sin had to be paid for because the justice of GOD had to be satisfied (Romans 3:26).  JESUS volunteered to lay aside HIS rights and privileges as eternal GOD the Word Who was to speak and create the universes (Colossians 1:15-16, Hebrews 1:2).  It was determined that at the appointed time (Galatians 4:4, Acts 17:26-27) JESUS would take on a human body and go to earth to reveal GOD to mankind and then carry man’s sin on the cross so man could be forgiven if he would believe in JESUS (Philippians 2:5-11, Revelation 5:9, John 3:16).

GOD lives in a perpetual now. Therefore, those in the Old Testament who believed in and sought after GOD to Worship and obey HIM GOD accepted on the basis of what JESUS was going to do (pay for their sins).  We learn of Enoch who walked with GOD for 300 years (Genesis 5:22) and GOD took him to heaven.  Then there was Noah who walked with GOD (Genesis 6:9).

“How can two walk together unless they agree” (Amos 3:3).

There are 2 basic worldviews or kinds of wisdom, and they are diametrically opposed one to another. #1-There is the earthly wisdom which is demonic (worldly thinking is under the control of the evil one Ephesians 2:2, 1 John 5:19).  You may think that sounds a bit strong but that is how GOD defines it.

#2 Then there is Godly wisdom (it is from GOD which comes down to man through the HOLY SPIRIT John 16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:10).

“the wisdom that is from above is 1^st pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).

“If you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts glory not and lie not against the truth.  That wisdom descends NOT from above (it’s NOT from GOD) but is earthly, sensual, demonic for where envying and strife (selfishness) is, there is confusion (disorder) and every evil work” (James 3:14-16, Ephesians 2:2).

Because on his own Man cannot direct his own steps rightly (Jeremiah 10:23), GOD throughout the Old Testament sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT to come upon men HE chose for special assignments and through them HE led HIS people. 

In Genesis 24:27-29 Abraham’s servant said, “GOD led me straight to my master’s niece to be his son’s wife.” (That is quite a story so check it out).

Isaiah 63 tells us how GOD sent HIS SPIRIT to Moses and thus led HIS people through the wilderness in a powerful way. It is interesting to note that Moses asked for GOD to go with him and the Jews (Exodus 33:15) Just as we are urged to ask GOD for the power and wisdom of the HOLY SPIRIT for our daily assignments although the HOLY SPIRIT already lives within us to teach and instruct us (Luke 11:13).

Yes, over and over in the Old Testament (which pictures New Testament truth) you will read how GOD would send HIS SPIRIT to an individual to empower and lead HIS people in the way they should go. 

But then once JESUS came to earth and died for mankind, things changed.  Now, not just a few but everyone who believes in JESUS is given the HOLY SPIRIT to lead and teach them individually.  Yet we are encouraged to ask (like Moses did) for the HOLY SPIRIT’s power to do our assignments (Luke 11:13).

JESUS said, “He that believes on ME, as the scripture says, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.(But this HE spoke of the (HOLY) SPIRIT, which they that believe on HIM (JESUS) should receive: for the HOLY SPIRIT was not yet given; because that JESUS was not yet glorified)” (John 7:38-39).

That river of living water is speaking of the fruit of the SPIRIT: love, joy, peace, long suffering/ patience, gentleness/ kindness, goodness, faith, humility and self-control and more (Galatians 5:22-23).  They are all part of the divine nature and we get to partake of it as we use GOD’s precious promises and follow the lead of the HOLY SPIRIT (2 Peter 1:4).

Now as a believer in JESUS we have the HOLY SPIRIT within us but we also have choice. “If you are led of the SPIRIT, you are not under the law (Galatians 5:18) for the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after (led by) the flesh but after (led by) the SPIRIT.  For they that are after (led by) the flesh mind (think about) the things of the flesh but they that are after (led by) the SPIRIT (think about) the things of the SPIRIT (Romans 8:4-5).

Whenever I become aware that a fruit of the SPIRIT is lacking in my attitude or actions, I know without a doubt that I am not walking in the SPIRIT and not letting HIM lead me. That grieves (Ephesians 4:30) and quenches (1 Thessalonians 5:19) the HOLY SPIRIT so I can no longer hear HIM.  So, I must confess anything I know is wrong or ask what I did so I can confess (1 John 1:9) and then GOD the HOLY SPIRIT will again make HIMSELF and the Word known to me.

Are you letting the HOLY SPIRIT lead you? 

Hugs Sharon

Laying a foundation

Part 1, Laying a foundation:

Most Christians know about and worship GOD the FATHER from whom all blessings flow (James 1:17) and our LORD JESUS CHRIST who died for the sins of the world, was buried and raised from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) and is now seated at the right hand of GOD the FATHER in heaven (Hebrews 1:2-3) Yet, they know little about or are confused concerning the HOLY SPIRIT of power (Micah 3:8, Luke 4:14, Romans 15:29) who is just as much GOD as GOD the FATHER and LORD JESUS CHRIST.  But the Bible is not quiet about the HOLY SPIRIT nor of HIS role in the lives of the believers.

When we look at what JESUS told HIS disciples about the HOLY SPIRIT, we will learn how the HOLY SPIRIT relates to us who believed in and have received JESUS as our LORD.

“And I will pray the FATHER, and HE shall give you another (of the same kind-like JESUS) Comforter, that HE may abide with you forever (literally to the end of the age- Ephesians 4:30). Even the SPIRIT of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees HIM not, neither knows HIM: but you know HIM; for HE dwells with you, and shall be in you (John 14:16-17).

What is meant that the SPIRIT dwells with you? That is the HOLY SPIRIT’s work bringing things to bear to convict us of sin and our need of a Savior (John 16:8). Without acting on the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT a person cannot be saved.

The term shall be in you speaks of what happens when one believes in JESUS.  The HOLY SPIRIT could not be in a person until JESUS was glorified/ was declared to be the Son of GOD by being raised from the grave (Romans 1:4, Ephesians 1:13, John 7:38-39). 

JESUS appeared to the disciples after being raised from the dead (thus glorifed), and seeing HIM the disciples believed in the resurrection of JESUS from the dead- which declared HE was the SON of GOD.  At the time JESUS breathed on them and they received the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT as JESUS had said, the HOLY SPIRIT shall be in you (John 20:22).

So why did JESUS tell them to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the FATHER which was power from the HOLY SPIRIT to do their assignment of witnessing? (Acts 1:8).  We see in Acts 2 an outpouring of the HOLY SPIRIT on these 1^st believers who already had the HOLY SPIRIT living within them.  When the HOLY SPIRIT came upon them in the upper room they were filled with the HOLY SPIRIT and received power to witness to the unsaved by speaking in tongues and preaching boldly (Acts 2).  Later these same disciples prayed (Luke 11:13) and were filled again with the HOLY SPIRIT and received power this time for boldness (Acts 4:31). This is not a continuing thing but special power for works of service.

1st work:  GOD the HOLY SPIRIT’s being with a person concerns the HOLY SPIRIT 1^st action of being with/ around but outside of a person convicting them of sin and of their need of a Savior is generally a process. 

2^nd work: the Holy SPIRIT being in or being born of the SPIRIT into the family of GOD (John 1:12, John 3:3-6) speaks of when the HOLY SPIRIT comes to live within a believer is a one time occurrence.  A person is born again and the SPIRIT comes within him to seal and indwell him when that person believes that JESUS died for them and GOD raised HIM from the dead and placed JESUS above everything. So when a person calls on the name of the LORD he is saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13) and the HOLY SPIRIT comes to live within him to teach and direct him. This is not a process but happens only once and at that time the person is sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT until the day of redemption when JESUS comes to get HIS church (Ephesians 4:30).

3^rd work when the HOLY SPIRIT comes upon a believer and fills them with power is a happening for a time, for a season and for a purpose, This can and does happen many times and manifests in many ways.  More about that in part 2 or being led by or walking in the SPIRIT. Let me just remind you that we are commanded to be filled with the SPIRIT (Ephesians 5:18, Acts 9:17) and believers in Acts are repeatedly said to be full of the HOLY SPIRIT.

Now my question concerning this 3 work is: since the Greek word to be filled is passive…that means an outside source must fill us, why are we commanded to be filled?  What part do we have in being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT?  Check the word of GOD first, there is much speculation, but the word of GOD holds the answer. Luke 11:13.

Hugs

Sharon   

Seek and you shall find

Being 5 years older, my husband retired 5 years before me so I gave him the job to do the grocery shopping.  Although I have been retired for years, Mac will NOT relinquish the job. But at times he gets irritated when the store changes where they put things.  This week he could not find an item he thought should be in a certain place but wasn’t.  He hunted and hunted but couldn’t find it so finally asked a clerk who was stocking where the item might be.  The clerk told him, and Mac went right to it but later he related to me that he had passed that spot several times as he had looked for it, but never saw it there on a lower shelf by the rice because it had never been by the rice before.

In the same way we miss a lot in the Bible when we speed read or rush through our quiet times with GOD.

If I lost a diamond ring, I wouldn’t casually glance around, but I would search for it high and low until I found it.  As a young teen bride cleaning a company house before moving in, I found an expensive wedding ring. It was good for the owners that we knew who had just moved out so we could return the ring.  But it always baffled me why they hadn’t searched for it.

Treasures are waiting to be found in GOD’s Word if we look for the clues.  Much can be learned if we simply pay special attention to the details and ask questions as we read the Bible. Things like the context or the setting in which things are done and notice the specific words.  Words can have various meanings. If we notice the setting they are used in, often our questions will be answered.

For instance, this week as we were talking about suffering for JESUS, one of my students asked concerning a verse she had heard: “So then what does it mean to suffer little children to come to ME (JESUS)?”

When I explained the setting of that verse was when some were bringing children to JESUS to touch and bless them. JESUS disciples had rebuked them and said not to bother the Master with children.  But JESUS said, “Suffer (let/ allow) little children to come unto ME, and forbid them not, for such is the Kingdom of GOD” (Mark 10:13-14). Seeing the setting where those words were said, my student immediately understood what was meant.

In a program to show parents what the children had learned, the teacher spontaneously asked the children about JESUS’ miracles. One little boy said, “JESUS raised Lazarus from the dead!” When the teacher urged him to tell more about what happened. The boy responded, “Well, JESUS told them to open the tomb, and then HE said, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ And it’s a good thing HE didn’t just say ‘Come out!’ because there would have been a stampede of dead guys.”

Besides being funny, that little guy has the right idea.  HE noticed the details.  Do you?

Hugs

Sharon

Peace

During these days of worldwide upheavals and turmoil, are you experiencing PEACE, or do you experience confusion and fear?  The only way I can walk in PEACE is if I seek the LORD early each day (Isaiah 26:9).

JESUS said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in ME you might have PEACE. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

“HE will keep in perfect PEACE the mind who stays (focused) on HIM because he trusts in GOD” (Isaiah 26:3). 

When Peter saw JESUS walking on the water, he asked JESUS to let him walk on water too.  It worked as long as Peter looked at JESUS.  The moment he looked around at the storm he sunk. (Matthew 14:28-31).  We must keep our eyes on JESUS (Hebrews 12:2).

Without the LORD “we can do nothing” (of any real value) (John 15:5). HE gives us all things, even the air we breathe. “LORD, YOU will ordain PEACE for us for YOU also have wrought (done) all our works in us” (Isaiah 26:12). 

Yes the LORD GOD places in us the desire and ability to do all that HE has assigned us to do (Philippians 2:13). “Faithful is HE that calleth you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

Therefore, “Trust in the LORD forever, for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:4).  

“Trust in the LORD will ALL your heart and DO NOT LEAN on your own understanding, In all your ways acknowledge (talk them over with) HIM and HE will direct your path (not necessarily your minds-you will not always understand). DO NOT BE WISE in your own eyes, fear the LORD and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Then my friends you will experience an unreal PEACE.  “HE will keep in perfect PEACE the mind who stays (focused) on HIM because he trusts in GOD” (Isaiah 26:3). 

Hugs

Sharon

Now is the day

Our GOD is a GOD of love.  HE works for the end result of good.  But being good HE can not allow evil to go on eternally and continue to hurt others. Therefore, HIS longsuffering will one day come to an end, HE then must eternally punish all who refuse to come to HIM for forgiveness. HE is doing all HE can to get people to come to HIM and be saved.

15 years ago today my 14 year old grandson Ronnie passed from this life into the glorious presence of our great GOD and Savior.  When Facebook brought up in memories what I posted that day I saw how it is the same truth as GOD spoke to me through HIS living word concerning the earthquakes in Turkey and the middle east as I poured out my heart to HIM with tears.

February 8, 2009 I wrote: Today my 14 year old grandson Ronnie passed from this life into the Presence of our glorious GOD.  The last few days since his liver quit working have been difficult for the rest of us but necessary (in GOD’s economy).  Throughout that time questions bombarded my mind and I silently dialogued with GOD and in HIS grace HE allowed me to see things I needed to understand to do what HE wanted me to do.  During that time GOD gave me the privilege to share the saving Gospel with 2 seekers who had come to see Ronnie.  One was 69 years old and one was 16.  Seeing their openness showed me that dealing with the situation with Ronnie  put things into perspective for many.  Even some broken relationships within the family were healed that day.

It is awesome to know GOD uses all things for an end result of good to those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).  Truly one day we shall understand that GOD does nothing without a good cause (Ezekiel 14:23).

Today February 8, 2023 The truth I saw 14 years ago today when my grandson Ronnie died, GOD reminded me of again today as I prayed and cried for all that is happening in Turkey and Syria and spreading throughout the Middle East with the disasters caused by the continuing earthquakes.

GOD says HE presets the exact times and places so that people would reach out to HIM (Acts 17:26-27).

As JESUS told us in Matthew 24:8 that these signs (one being increasing earthquakes in several places along with other signs) are the beginning of sorrows (pre-birth pains that increase in intensity until the baby is born). GOD uses pre-birth pains to prepare the body of a woman to give birth. HE is using what we now see to cause people see their need and to call upon HIM and be saved from the coming 7 year Tribulation of GOD’s wrath on sin.

So in CHRIST’s stead I plead with you be reconciled to GOD now,  for HE does not delight in the death of any but that they all come to JESUS and obtain eternal life (John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:9).

Hugs

Sharon