GOD doesn’t change

Where do you get your direction?  Do you go with your own ideas, the suggestions of others, or do you seek direction from the only ONE who knows what tomorrow holds?

GOD is good and every good and perfect gift comes down from above from the FATHER of lights (GOD) who doesn’t change.  With the Sovereign Maker of heaven and earth there is no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning (James 1:17). But because of the rebellious sins of men, there is evil and because of evil people blame GOD. They doubt HIS goodness, reject HIS wisdom and rebel against HIS authority.

We live in an age where everyone seems to have an opinion about everything and openly vocalize their thoughts as though their viewpoint is the end word on whatever subject is being discussed.  They turn away and stop their ears from hearing anything other than their perspective.  They deem their angle as the only reality. They believe only they can decide what is true for them.  Yet the LORD JESUS said there are absolutes.  GOD’s standard is the one truth there is.  HIS absolutes are GOD’s nature and HE set them in place to protect HIS creation. Truth is found in the Word of GOD- the Bible.  What GOD says ends all discussion.

GOD’s ways are not our ways, HIS thoughts are not like our thoughts, but we find HIS ways always work and achieve what needs to be done (See Isaiah 55:8-11).

Throughout the Bible GOD talks about HIS ways and often tells us the dangers of going our own way. Yet, we want our own way, don’t we?

Isaiah 65:² I have spread out MY hands to a rebellious people who walk in a way this is not good, after their own thoughts.

Isaiah 66:³ “they have chosen their own ways… therefore I also will choose their delusions and will bring their fears upon then; because when I called none did answer; when I spoke, they did not listen, but they did evil before MY eyes and chose that in which I delight not.

Isaiah 58:¹³ “if you honor GOD, don’t go your own way or seek/ or find your own pleasure, neither speak your own [idle] words, ¹⁴ Then will you delight yourself in the LORD.”  Doing right bring delight!

GOD gives wonderful promises for those who will turn from their own ways to listen and follow HIM. With those promises HE also gives a graphic description of ones who refuse HIS way and go their own way.

Psalm 32:⁸ GOD says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go. I will guide you…⁹ don’t be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding whose mouth must be held in with a bit and bridle” (the mule is known for being stubborn and wanting to go his own way).

I must confess there have been times that I’ve acted like the horse and the mule determined to go my own way.  Have you?

May you be blessed as you seek to learn GOD’s ways so you can walk in them.  You can find GOD’s ways in the Bible.  Once you accept JESUS who died for you, that is.  For when a person turns to JESUS CHRIST, he is given the HOLY SPIRIT who will explain the bible to him and give him direction.  (John 16:13, Ephesians 1:13, 1 Corinthians 2:10-12, 2 Corinthians 3:16-18).

hugs

Sharon

How many?

Today many say that the bible is outdated and even some churches no longer accept the Word of GOD as applicable to our lives today, because their personal desires go in a different direction.

JESUS said that man cannot live by bread (food) alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4). That is GOD’s words are to guide us through life.

GOD cannot lie (Titus 1:2), in fact it is impossible for GOD to lie (Hebrews 6:18), therefore whatever HE says is true and GOD’s truth endures forever (Psalm 117:2).

That means it still applies. Take for example forgiveness.

How many? Talking to my LORD this morning concerning another we both love, I asked, “How many 2nd chances (new beginnings) are there, LORD?”

JESUS answered immediately and simply by reminding me of HIS word. Matthew 18:22 “70 times 7” (an idiom meaning= times without number.)

Wow! It is nothing new but what a refreshing reminder!

Back in the day, Peter asked JESUS that same question and said even added up to 7 times? Peter was really being generous for the Rabbinical rule (taken from Amos 1:6) stated that you were to forgive 3 times period.

But JESUS took the question out of the sphere of the law (what must be done) and transferred it into the realm of grace where there is always mercy and grace it help in times of need. A realm where nothing is impossible.

So, until time is no more, (and that day is fast approaching) GOD is true and what HE said in HIS word still applies. But at the same time if you go to GOD when you have gone against HIS word, you will find forgiveness through JESUS CHRIST and another chance.

Hugs

Sharon

HE listens

Ever need someone to just listen and understand how you feel?

“I love the LORD because HE listens to my prayers for help. HE paid attention to me, so I will call to HIM for help as long as I live” (Psalm 116:1-2)

Hugs

Sharon

Way is wide and easy

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many” (Matthew 7:13).

As they turn away from GOD and reject HIS ways, our world has and continues to change quickly. They are rushing in and are traveling along the wide and easy way spoken of in Matthew 7:13. The real shift is in two basic areas: in the line of technology and that of progressive morality (which is really nothing new). Even many so called Christian churches have left the foundational teachings of the word of GOD for a social gospel that the world will accept.

The technology of AI is opening up a new world and has been used to preach in churches. And just as many in high places are rewriting history to fit their agenda, some are getting AI to rewrite the Christian Bible to fit the changing thoughts of today’s world. No longer would the Bible be GOD’s word to men, but rather men’s thoughts to men.

“but the word of the LORD endures forever” (1 Peter 1:25).

The Maker of heaven and earth and everything in them (Psalm 102:25) does not change (Malachi 3:6).  HIS character, mode of operation and standards remain the same with no variation or the slightest hint of change.  (James 1:17 ESV).

GOD made all things and as Creator has the right to set up the rules.  GOD says that all have sinned and come short of those standards which are the very nature of GOD (Romans 3:23).  GOD continues to say that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD (Romans 6:23).

Yet the ones having AI rewrite the Bible say that AI will take the animal sacrifices out of Genesis, besides all mention of moral depravity being the cause of the universal flood or the sending of fire and brimstone to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah.

But GOD says that there is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22).  That is why GOD sent HIS only SON JESUS to die on the cross to carry all mankind’s sins so that any and all who believe in HIM (JESUS) and call on the name of the LORD would be saved from eternal punishment, by being cleansed from their sins and be born into GOD’s family (John 1:12-13). Animal sacrifices were merely a stop gap/ temporary picture of what JESUS would do on the cross until the time for the once for all real sacrifice of the SON of GOD came (Hebrews 9:28, 10:14).

If you are on the wide and easy way that promises fulfillment but leads to destruction, get off it now and enter into the narrow gate.

“If you openly declare that JESUS is LORD and believe in your heart that GOD raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with GOD, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.  As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in HIM will never be disgraced…For Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved” (Romans 10:9-11, 13 NLT).

Hugs

Sharon

Do you want to hear?

Many years ago, my sister Carol sent me this picture saying, “This picture looks just like you did when you were a young girl.  I especially like that she is listening to the seashell.  It reminds me of you listening to GOD.” 

Her take of me blew me away for it humbled and challenged me. Wanting to live up to her assessment of me, I keep that picture on my dresser to remind me to always stop and listen to GOD.  When I see it, it reminds me of my little sister Carol as well.

It is so easy to just go lay our requests at GOD’s feet and then get busy doing other things.  GOD wants more.  HE wants me to not just acknowledge HIM in everything but also to listen/ be alert waiting to hear HIS take on the issue.  That way I can do what HE leads me/ impresses on me to do (Philippians 2:13). 

There are so many things we don’t know, but GOD knows all things.  Isaiah 28 speaks of GOD as teaching the farmer.  Isaiah 28:26 the farmer knows what to do, for GOD has made him see and understand what he should do…Isaiah 28:28 speaks of how different things need to be handled in different ways and Isaiah 28:29 sums it up with “The LORD of Hosts is a wonderful teacher and gives wisdom.”

Do you have a problem and are you not sure what to do?  Ask of GOD, who gives to all generously, without scolding or bringing up the past, and it shall be given to you. But be sure you ask expecting GOD to answer and willing to do as HE says otherwise, you’ll be greatly disappointed. James 1:5-6

It is GOD who is nudging me by putting that knowledge that I should do something in me (Philippians 2:13). I have learned that if I don’t do what I know I should do, GOD will not give me anymore direction until I do what HE has already shown me to do.

But why wait for a problem?  GOD instructs us ALWAYS/ or in ALL our ways to (Proverbs 3:5-7), “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding.  In ALL your ways acknowledge (talk to HIM) and HE will direct your path.  Don’t be wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and depart from evil.”

hugs

Sharon

Is there a why behind the what?

D

Is there a why behind the what is going on, or is life meaningless?

I want to begin with a disclaimer.  Not all problems are a direct result of our misconduct, but these thoughts are for the times they are.  For the times we have done it our way instead of GOD’s.

Things stood out as I read Psalm 107 this morning. I was incredibly impressed and deeply comforted as I saw anew the steadfast love and longsuffering of GOD toward HIS people.  The captivating concepts the Psalm so clearly revealed repeatedly were:

1)How it took much opposition or trouble for the people to look to GOD

2)How quickly they turn back away from GOD to do their own thing

3)Yet, immediately GOD’s response was to run to their aid, once they cried out to HIM.

“Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and HE delivered them” Psalm 107: 6, 13, 19, 28

It was as though GOD was waiting to have them reach out to HIM.

Isaiah 30:18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that HE may be gracious to you and therefore will HE be exalted, that HE may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a GOD of judgment blessed are all they that wait for HIM.

Psalm 107 shows troubles that invariably came as a consequence of something the people did. Their turning to GOD in their struggles suggests the truth seen in the verses below.

Acts 17:²⁶ “(GOD) has determined the times before appointed (preset them) and (preset) their boundaries of habitation (movement) ²⁷ that they should seek the LORD…”

Job 14:5 “Seeing his (man’s) days are determined, the number of months is with YOU (GOD), for YOU (GOD) have appointed his boundaries that he cannot pass.”

Have you ever been in a performance where between scenes the props were changed to fit what was coming up next?  In one way you could say that GOD does that.  HE sets the up the stage by pre-determining the times things will happen and places/ boundaries wherein the action will take place, and all this is done according to HIS infallible foreknowledge.

Then we come on stage, and we choose how to act in the circumstances HE has put into place.

GOD knows what it will take to turn us to come to HIM.  In our crazy world there are many fearful scenarios.  Some will use their ability to choose to turn to GOD and find peace and direction in this crazy world, while others will not.

I for one find great peace in GOD’s Sovereign control during turmoil for I know HIS purposes will be fulfilled even as they were when evil men took the LORD JESUS with wicked hands and crucified HIM.  Through HIS death all who will believe have eternal life (John 3:16).

I call on HIM in times of trouble, do you?

Hugs

Sharon

All squished up

All squished up in that worm is a beautiful butterfly.

Back in the day I was reading in the Bible and came to, “where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9: 48). Puzzled I asked the LORD, “What in the world does that mean, LORD?”

The word metamorphosis came to mind and so I went to an encyclopedia to refresh my memory on the process (it was back in the days before computers and cell phones).

Unless the larva leaves his worm state of consuming hunger and constant eating by entering the cocoon, he will never become a butterfly. But once he enters into the cocoon something awesome happens.  While inside the cocoon, digestive juices destroy much of the worm’s body, leaving a few cells intact. The remaining cells begin the growth of a totally different creature using the nutrients from the broken-down worm. During this stage the insect is resting yet experiences a considerable amount of activity as its body tissues reorganize to form wings, legs, new eyes and mouth parts. It undergoes a complete transformation. 

Modern science is unable to explain how a lowly crawler (worm) with biting mouth parts can be transformed (metamorphosized) into a graceful, winged insect with a built-in straw for sipping nectar from flowers, nor how several pairs of simple eyes become one set of eyes with thousands of facets. But science can tell us that the struggle of coming out of the hard cocoon is essential for the life of the butterfly.  The tremendous pressure of squeezing through the small opening forces the butterfly’s body fluids to move to the proper place for the fore and hind wings are attached and held in place by the veins at the base of the wings.  Without that happening the butterfly will never fly.

The word metamorphosis is used two times in the original New Testament manuscripts. Both times it describes the process of someone become all that GOD wants him to be.

“I beg you … by the mercies of GOD, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy (set apart to GOD), acceptable unto GOD, which is your reasonable service. And don’t be conformed to this world: but be transformed (Greek- metamorpho) by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of GOD (Romans 12:1-2).

We have to be renewed in our thinking to know GOD’s will, and to know that it is good, to understand that by GOD’s design whatever comes into our lives is acceptable and is perfect, that is lacks nothing but will achieve good for us (2 Corinthians 4:15-18, Romans 8:28).  But that can only happen if we choose to go to the LORD and learn of HIM (Matthew 11:29).

II Corinthians 3:16 tells us that when we turn to JESUS CHRIST and believe that HE died for our sins and was raised so we too could be raised and live with HIM forever, the veil that keeps unbelievers from understanding the Word of GOD is taken away. For we are given the HOLY SPIRIT to explain GOD’s Word -the Bible to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

Only then can we behold, as looking in a mirror the glory of (wonderful things that are true about) the LORD, and we are changed (Greek= Metamorpho) into the same image (what we see) from glory to glory (step by step), by the SPIRIT of the LORD (2 Corinthians 3:18).

As we grow in our knowledge of JESUS by the illumination of the HOLY SPIRIT, it is like we are looking into a mirror and seeing JESUS. Little by little the HOLY SPIRIT enable us to see more of what JESUS is like and that changes (metamorphosis) us so that quality of JESUS we have seen becomes a part of us.

I saw this truth as if in Technicolor one day when I was furious with a person who was an authority in my life.  I don’t remember being so angry with anyone before or since that day. That one was taking away my freedom to do the work I love.  He was doing it just on a whim for it made no actual difference to him. I can’t put into words how victimized I felt. So, I poured out my fury before the LORD and told HIM what I was going to do about it.  Suddenly, almost as if I was seeing a video, episode after episode of times the LORD had forgiven me began rushing through my thoughts.  My anger dissolved.  The offense no longer seemed worth bothering with. Seeing GOD at work changed me.  I said OK GOD and shockingly not long afterwards that authority figure without any promptings or pleas said I could go ahead and do the work I loved.  GOD is so good.

In this world, people are constantly trying to fill the emptiness they feel by feeding on the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. But nothing ever really satisfies for long. Actually, the hunger increases. It is as if the hole grows bigger and bigger. Just ask any drug addict or alcoholic.  

II Kings 17:15 tells us that chasing after emptiness, they empty themselves out.

Like a caterpillar, unless one begins to die to his self-centered, self-deifying, self-satisfying quest and enters into CHRIST JESUS through believing/trusting in HIS finished work on the cross, that person’s worm does not die.

There is a warning” JESUS described hell as a place – “where their worm does not die (that ceaseless hunger), and the fire is not quenched (there is no way to satisfy that hunger).” Mark 9: 48.

Does that seem mean of GOD?  GOD, like a gentleman, is just giving them what they want and what they have chosen.  They refused over and over forgiveness and being made new each time they refused JESUS and HIS ways.  They refused JESUS because they want the things they crave. Therefore, they will crave them forever.  Their worm does not die.

Everyone not written in the Lambs book of life will be thrown into the everlasting lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

Like the pressure to emerge from the cocoon is vitally necessary to prepare the butterfly to fly, so it is through the struggles we face in life, GOD is pushing all into place/ achieving for us astounding things vastly beyond all we can ask or even imagine.  We shall emerge beautiful butterflies conformed to the image of JESUS CHRIST our LORD (Romans 8:29/ Hebrews 1:2-3) when we see JESUS face to face. (1 John 3:2).

hugs

Sharon L Manning

A heads up

Love does what it can to protect those they love. Sometimes children cannot understand our actions and often view our warnings as silly or mean.  That is even more true when we consider the warnings and choices of GOD, whose ways and thoughts are vastly higher and greater than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

GOD did not make puppets, HE made man in HIS image and gave him the ability to choose.  GOD did not make evil but choosing against GOD is harmful, and it is where evil came from back in the garden of Eden. Even though GOD warned him/ gave him a heads up, Adam’s choice to rebel against wisdom brought death and struggles to all people who ever lived as well as all creation (Romans 8:19-22).

Something I recognized the day when my 14-year-old grandson Ronnie died, GOD reminded me of again today as I prayed and cried for all that is happening around the world.  On that day, I wept for his last days were so difficult as he struggled with liver cancer.  Yet, looking back I see they were needed to do the work Ronnie was commissioned to do and will be rewarded for.

Throughout that day in hospice, questions bombarded my mind and I silently dialogued with GOD.  In HIS grace HE reminded me of verses preparing me for what HE’d arranged for me to do (Ephesians 2:10).  For during that day GOD engineered opportunities for me to share the saving Gospel of JESUS CHRIST with 2 seekers who had come to see Ronnie.  One was a 69-year-old man, the other was a 15-year-old friend of Ronnie’s.  Looking at Ronnie in his last hours made them consider themselves and wondered if they were ready to meet their MAKER.

Also, that day I watched as extended family members saw each other with Ronnie, walls were broken down and relationships were healed within the family.

Though all things definitely are not good, it is beyond impressive to know that GOD uses all things together for an end result of good to those who love HIM (Romans 8:28). 

In HIS astounding foreknowledge, GOD preset the exact times and places so that people would reach out to HIM (Acts 17:26-27).  That is simply mindboggling when you consider the amount of people worldwide and that each constantly are making choices.  GOD’s infinitude is unfathomable.

So how does that speak to our crazy world that has seemed to go mad?

As JESUS told us in Matthew 24:8 these signs increasing nature upheavals, storms, earthquakes, food shortages, men’s choices of violence, lawlessness, and greed, creating wars and rumors of wars are just the beginning of sorrows (pre-birth pains that increase in intensity until a baby is born).

GOD in wisdom designed pre-birth pains to prepare a woman’s body to give birth. The LORD is in control of nature, but also, HE allows men choices and GOD is using what we now see to cause people see their need of a Savior and call on the name of the LORD JESUS and be saved from GOD’s wrath on sin.  We call it the 7 year Tribulation. Which will also save them from an eternity in the everlasting lake of fire (Revelation 20:10, 15).

So in CHRIST’s stead I plead with you be reconciled to GOD,  for HE does not delight in the death of the wicked but that they turn (Ezekiel 18:23, 32, 33:11) and come to JESUS to obtain eternal life (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10, 13) For HE does not want any to perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Hugs

Sharon

In this heat

“I would seek GOD…WHO gives rain upon the earth and sends waters upon the fields” (Job 10:8, 10).

With this heat wave, no matter how one tries it is hard to get relief.  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. Jeri opened it and poured it over her head standing 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 ahead and provides what is needed! 

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 cope in 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 in amazing wise practicality as well as beauty?

Seeking GOD’s wisdom in HIS creation, when things overwhelm me seek I the LORD JESUS CHRIST who saved me by washing me from my sin with HIS very own blood (Revelation 1:5). HE now lives to pray for me (Hebrews 7:25) and changes and purifies me as I run to HIM.  When I seek HIM and open HIS word there is refreshment and cleansing with the washing of the water of the WORD of GOD (Ephesians 5:26).

Hugs

Sharon

Taste the heavenly gift

Many years ago, a friend of mine while out walking saw the then President of the USA. She was allowed to get a picture of herself with him.  She treasures that picture.  That is just an example of how people value those in high position.  Yet strange as it seems, although everyone has the opportunity to not just to meet, but actually get to know the MOST HIGH HIMSELF, few do.

In our study of Hebrews, we came to the phrase ‘tasted of the heavenly GIFT’. When asked what that GIFT was, the girls had different answers, so we looked at it more closely.

“The wages of sin is death, but the GIFT of GOD is ETERNAL LIFE through JESUS CHRIST our LORD (Romans 6:23).

And this is ETERNAL LIFE, that they might know YOU (GOD the FATHER) and JESUS CHRIST whom YOU sent (John 17:3).

How do you get that GIFT?

“HE (JESUS) is able to save to the uttermost, those who COME to GOD through HIM” (Hebrews 7:25).

“For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM (JESUS) shall not perish but have ETERNAL LIFE” (John 3:16).

The words taste the heavenly GIFT means to begin to actually know GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST.  Up until that moment we believe in/ put our trust in JESUS and call on the name of the LORD (John 3:16, Romans 10:13), we just have heard about THEM and we can gather a lot of facts about THEM.  But once we truly believe and ask JESUS the LORD to save us, we meet both GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST as it were face to face.

From that point on, the more time we spend praying and listening by reading GOD’s Word the better we get to know THEM and what THEY like and how THEY feel as well as experience THEIR love and leading in tangible ways.

So, you see that ETERNAL LIFE means so much more than just life that will go on forever and ever.  For even those thrown into the everlasting lake of fire for refusing GOD’s offer of the heavenly GIFT through JESUS CHRIST, are consciously aware forever and ever (Revelation 20:10, 15 John 3:36).

Hugs

Sharon