HE has a name

The word Allah is the Arabic word for GOD. Therefore, the Islamic GOD does not have a name.

Unlike the GOD of Islam, our GOD gave HIS people a covenant name by which to speak of HIM and call upon HIM as well as explain HIS nature. The name of our GOD is YAHWEY(sometimes pronounced Jehovah, written in the Old testament as the LORD-all caps).  By this name YAHWEY, GOD announced HIMSELF as the great I AM- the One Who IS, and it is because HE IS that everything else is.

YAHWEY is the reality behind all reality, the underlying cause of all.  HIS name proclaims HIM as self-existent, sovereign and wholly free from constraint by or dependent on anything outside of HIMSELF.

Yet the GODHEAD (YAHWEY) exists in 3 persons.

John 1:¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with GOD, and the Word was GOD ² The same was in the beginning with GOD. ³ All things were made by HIM (JESUS); and without HIM was not anything made that was made (see also Hebrews 1:1-2). ¹⁴ And the Word was made flesh (JESUS), and dwelt among us, (and we beheld HIS glory, the glory as of the only Begotten of the FATHER,) full of grace and truth.

From John 1:1-3, 14 we clearly see that JESUS is equally GOD with the FATHER.  Colossians 2:9 tells us “that in HIM (CHRIST) dwells the fullness of the GODHEAD bodily.” For of the 3 persons of the GODHEAD only JESUS has a body (Philippians 2:7), HE took that on HIMSELF through the virgin Mary so HE could come and in all ways be made like us (Hebrews 2:17-18) to live among us to show us what GOD is really like, and then die to save us that we might be forgiven and become the children of GOD (Colossians 2:13-14, John 1:12-13, 1 John 3:1-2).

 In JESUS’ command to the disciples in Matthew 28:19 we see the HOLY SPIRIT is also equally GOD. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the NAME (singular) of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the Holy GHOST (SPIRIT).

YAHWEY is unchanging (Malachi 3:6) therefore HE is consistent in everything HE does.  But we can’t always know what HE is doing for YAHWEY tells us in Isaiah 55:^{8 “}For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, saith the Lord. ⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways, and MY thoughts than your thoughts.”

In other words, GOD thinks differently than we do.  But when we cannot understand what HE is doing or allowing we can hold on to what we do know is true about HIM.  That is why we need to search the scripture to find out what HE is like. 

Some of the things that help me trust GOD when everything seems wrong are: GOD knows all things (including what everyone will do before they do it Psalm 139). GOD is merciful (Lamentations 3:22-23). GOD forgives believers in JESUS when we confess our sin (1 John 1:9). GOD is sovereign and does nothing without a good reason (Lamentations 3:37, Ezekiel 14:23). GOD has preset the exact times and places for specific purposes (Acts 17:26-27). GOD is fair (Genesis 18:25). HE will not leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). GOD is unchanging (Malachi 3:6). GOD works all things together for an end result of good for those who love HIM (Romans 8:28). What GOD says, HE will do (Numbers 23:19). Both my troubles and HIS discipline of me are achieving awesome things for me (2 Corinthians 4:15-18, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:11).  GOD has an eternal plan.

Isaiah 46:⁹ Remember the former things of old: for I am GOD, and there is none else; I am GOD, and there is none like ME, ¹⁰ Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, MY counsel shall stand, and I will do all MY pleasure: ¹¹ Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executes MY counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.

We can trust our GOD, HIS name is YAHWEY!

hugs

Sharon

Former things

Here it is snowing, was it just days ago I wore a short-sleeved blouse?

As I think about earth’s seasons, the water cycle, amazing variety and beauty, the sometimes-funny qualities and hidden secrets (like the star in center of each apple and rose) in GOD’s creation of this earth, I can’t help but wonder what hidden surprises await me in the eternal realm where the FORMER THINGS will be no more.

The things of this earth, it’s joys, relationships, achievements, and delights are the very things that bring us sorrow and pain and tears.  GOD promises that in the new world these FORMER THINGS will be no more.

Revelation 21:⁴ And GOD shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the FORMER THINGS are passed away.”

I have heard people adding words in JESUS mouth when HE simply said that in heaven we would be like the angels in heaven.  The bible tells us that the angels in heaven are FOCUSED on the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, full of joy in the Presence of the LORD and with jobs to do.  They are fully satisfied.

It was the angels who left heaven and their assigned place and came to earth who broke boundaries and then married human women.  Mankind followed suit in crossing boundaries GOD made and became more and more wicked in that it is written that the thoughts of their hearts were only evil continually (Genesis 6).  GOD grieved and had to destroy the increasing wickedness and did so with the worldwide flood.

JESUS said the world would become as in the days of Noah and today the wickedness is definitely beyond imagination.  GOD’s wrath must again be poured out and we read about it in Revelation 6 and following.

But we await JESUS who delivers us from the wrath to come (I Thessalonians 1:10) and we rejoice greatly in the further promise of Nahum 1:9 What do ye imagine against the Lord? HE will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

As Revelation 21:4 says .. there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the FORMER THINGS are passed away.”  JESUS declares after the resurrection we will be as the angels of GOD in heaven (Matthew 22:30). The angels who always behold the face of GOD, worship the ALMIGHTY, have work to do and are totally satisfied.

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which GOD has prepared for them that love HIM” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

But we do know things will be different, our focus for one and we know it will be FAR BETTER (Philippians 1:23).

Hugs

Sharon

How do you know?

One of the things about GOD that blows my mind yet at the same time makes me feel so secure is GOD’s FOREKNOWLEDGE. GOD never learns anything for HE knows all things. Before HE made anything, HE knew every choice I would make and knew how to use it for my good and to fulfill HIS eternal purposes. A pastor used the life of Joseph to show how our individual choices day in and day out GOD works together for the end result of HIS purposes and our good (Romans 8:28-29). His words blessed me so much I want to share his insight with you.

Jacob had 12 sons. His favorite son was Joseph, and he gave Joseph a coat of many colors –a good thing, how do you know?

At 17 Joseph had 2 dreams that indicated his family would bow down to him…a good thing, how do you know?

Because he was the favorite and because of his dreams his 10 older brothers hated Joseph-a bad thing, how do you know?

One day Jacob asked Joseph to go find out how his brothers were doing. Joseph could not find them at Shechem …a bad thing, how do you know?

but a man found Joseph wandering in the field asked Joseph what he was looking for. When he told the man he was looking for his brothers, the man said, I heard them say they were going to Dothan. A good thing, how do you know?

Jacob found his brothers…a good thing, how do you know?

Joseph’s brothers sold him as a slave to a caravan. a bad thing…how do you know?

A good and high official bought Joseph as his slave and seeing Joseph’s good work and attitude promoted him over all his goods…a good thing, how do you know?

His owners wife found Joseph attractive and tried to seduce Joseph. a bad thing

But when he continually refused her, she accused Joseph of trying to rape her and he was thrown into prison …a bad thing, how do you know?

In prison he was put in charge. 2 other prisoners (from the Pharoah’s house) looked sad, so Joseph asked them why are you sad? After he correctly interpreted their dreams Joseph thought the cup bearer would help him. The cupbearer forgot Joseph…a bad thing, how do you know?

When Pharoah had 2 dreams that no one could interpret, the cupbearer remembered Joseph and told the Pharoah about him. When Joseph interpreted Pharoah’s dreams giving GOD the glory, GOD showed Joseph the solution for the problem and Pharoah placed Joseph over all the country when he was 30 years old. A good thing

Years later his brothers came to Egypt and after playing a few games on them, Joseph let them know who he was. Joseph told them, “Do not be afraid although you sold me as a slave, GOD sent me to Egypt to save many alive (Genesis 50:19-20).

GOD had given Joseph a word through 2 dreams and although during those long years as a slave and in prison that word from GOD tested him.

Psalm 105:19 AMP   Until the time that his word [of prophecy regarding his brothers] came true, The word of the Lord tested and refined him.

But Joseph was determined to trust the LORD and do right.

Throughout the story you can see GOD using people’s choices to place Joseph where he needed to be for the next episode of his life.

Acts 17:26-27 …(GOD) preset the exact times and places for the purpose that men should reach out to HIM…

Notice, If that man had not asked young Joseph why he was wandering in the field how would Joseph have gotten to Egypt? If that brazen woman had not lusted after Joseph and then spitefully lied, or if the cupbearer had remembered Joseph when he first got out of jail, how could Pharoah had found Joseph to interpret his dreams and save Egypt.

This all was according to GOD’s eternal purpose and how HE set Jacob’s family in a safe place to begin forming HIS people, the nation of Israel?

Therefore, our daily choices big or small definitely do matter. That is why GOD advises us:  Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your path. Be not wise in your own understanding, fear the LORD and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:5-7).

hugs

Sharon

GOD keeps HIS promises

Jude1:²⁵ To the ONLY wise GOD our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

GOD tells us in Isaiah 55:⁸ For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, says the Lord. ⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways, and MY thoughts than your thoughts.

Deuteronomy 29:²⁹ The secret things belong unto the Lord our GOD: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law (all the HE has assigned for us to do).

The Sovereign LORD GOD ALMIGHTY Maker of heaven and earth is over all. HE has given us HIS word and sent HIS SON JESUS in order that we could know what HE is like and could have a relationship with HIM through JESUS (Hebrews 7:25).

Colossians 2:⁹ For in HIM (JESUS CHRIST) dwells all the fulness of the GODHEAD bodily.

GOD’s Word, the Bible, relates many things true about GOD. HE is eternal, unlimited, powerful, all wise and has all knowledge -in that is HE knows all things past, present and future-even our thoughts before they are formed so HE knows who will eventually believe and who will not (Psalm 139:2). The LORD is loving, compassionate, gentle and longsuffering, HE is good and never makes a mistake, but HE also is fair and punishes wrong. There is so much more about our GOD that we learn as we seek HIM and study HIS love letter to us, the Bible listening to that still small voice of the HOLY SPIRIT (our teacher within us John 7:38-39, 14:26 who interprets the Bible to us 1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

But there are also things that are secret that we cannot know.

There is one fundamental aspect of our amazing triune GOD that I want to zoom in on for it must be fully grasped for us to know and trust HIM. GOD cannot lie or promise something HE cannot or will not perform.

Isaiah 45:¹⁸ For this is what the Lord says— HE who created the heavens, HE is GOD; HE who fashioned and made the earth, HE founded it; HE did not create it to be empty but formed it to be inhabited. HE says: “I am the Lord, and there is no other. ¹⁹ I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob’s descendants, ‘Seek ME in vain.’ I, the Lord, speak the TRUTH; I declare what is right.

Titus 1:² In hope of eternal life, which GOD, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.

John 14:⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life. No one comes to the FATHER except through ME.

Can you trust someone who does not keep his promises?

Romans 3:⁴ GOD forbid: yes, let GOD be TRUE, but every man a liar.

In other words, every man has told at least one lie and with that potential man cannot be totally trusted. But GOD who always speaks the TRUTH can be trusted to do what HE says HE will do.

Numbers 23:¹⁹ GOD is not a man, that HE should lie; neither the son of man, that HE should repent: has HE said, and shall HE not do it? or has HE spoken, and shall HE not make it good?

Let us just look at something GOD has declared and, therefore, know is TRUE.

Jeremiah 31:³ The Lord appeared to us (the descendants of Jacob who today are known as the Jews) in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. ⁴ I will build you up again,

Jeremiah 31:¹⁰ Hear the word of the Lord, you nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: ‘HE who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over HIS flock like a shepherd. ¹¹ For the Lord will deliver Jacob and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they. ¹² They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord—

Jeremiah 31:³¹ “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will (future) make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. ³² It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. ³³ “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God,

Who is GOD talking to? To the offspring of those HE sent Moses to take out of Egypt and put them in the Promise land. In other words, the LORD is speaking to the Jews of today.

Jeremiah 31:³⁵ This is what the Lord says,

HE who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar- the Lord Almighty is his name: ³⁶ “Only if these decrees vanish from my sight,” declares the Lord, “will Israel ever cease being a nation before me.”

So as long as there is a sun, moon and stars the Jews are GOD’s people. Only after the Tribulation and 1,000 years reign on this earth, only after this earth is dissolved (Revelation 20:7-11, 2 Peter 3:12-13) do the sun, moon and stars disappear. So, until that time, the promises to the physical descendants of Isaac and Jacob remain in force.

Jeremiah 31:³⁷ This is what the Lord says: “Only if the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth below be searched out will I reject all the descendants of Israel because of all they have done,” declares the Lord.

GOD is saying that since the heavens above cannot be measured, and the foundations of the earth below cannot be searched therefore GOD will not reject ALL the descendants of Israel because of all they have done. There will be the remnant saved.

Isaiah 10:²⁰ And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them (the Antichrist); but shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. ²¹ The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty GOD.

Romans 11^:26 And so ALL (remaining) Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: ²⁷ Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved.

Romans 11:²⁹ For the gifts and calling of GOD are without repentance (irrevocable).

GOD will not break HIS covenant promises.

The LORD must keep HIS promise to the Jews since HE cannot lie. Yet, GOD is fair. During the 7-year Tribulation/ Daniel’s 70^th week also called Jacob’s Trouble, 2/3^rd of the Jews will die (they are the secular Jews who do not believe in GOD) and the remaining 1/3 Jews who believe in GOD but not JESUS will be refined during that time and when they see JESUS coming down out of heaven (Revelation 19:11-16, Zechariah 12:9-10) ALL the remnant (those 1/3)will believe on JESUS and be saved (Zechariah 13:7-9. Isaiah 10:20-21).

What it boils down to is: if GOD can break HIS eternal promise to the descendants of Jacob, then we have no guarantee HE will keep HIS promise to us who believe in JESUS.

Aren’t you glad GOD does do what HE says HE will do? I sure am!

Hugs

Sharon

What is the difference?

There are different kinds of joys on earth and different kinds of joys in heaven. But to be IN heaven is far better (Philippians 1:23).

We are in the faith chapter, Hebrews 11 and in class we discussed the vast difference between the faith GOD requires (Hebrews 11:6) and the believing of the demons (James 2:19).

Hebrews 11:⁶ But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he, that cometh to GOD must believe that HE is, and that HE is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM.

That one verse shows us 3 things GOD equates as FAITH that allows us to go to HIM.

1-We must believe that HE is

2-We must diligently seek HIM

3-We must believe that GOD rewards those who diligently (continually, earnestly) seek HIM

James 2:¹⁹ You believe that there is one GOD; you do well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

The vast difference between the devil’s BELIEF (mental acknowledgement) that GOD is, and FAITH (trust in JESUS saving work on the cross) is that they do not diligently seek HIM (they oppose HIM), and they do not believe that GOD will reward their seeking.

That discussion lead to another issue we find in Genesis 6:1-5, Jude 1:6, 2 Peter 2:4-5. Remember in the bible, context is a big factor.

Notice that the Genesis account and the 2 Peter account both connect angels with the wickedness of mankind and the birth of giants.

The big question comes from something JESUS said. Mark 12:²⁵ For when they (you and me) shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given IN marriage; but are as the angels which are IN heaven.

People have taken that to mean that angels are sexless. But that is not what it says.

I want to share something that came to mind as I talked with the LORD that may help us understand how angels could become sexually active on earth and how it applies to you and me.

IN heaven angels are IN the Presence of GOD and fully satisfied. It is when they crossed over GOD’s boundaries for them (Jude 1:6) and left their place with GOD to follow Lucifer (Satan) to take over earth that earthly desires invaded them. Then when they saw beautiful human girls they chose and married them and from their unions there were giants in the world, men of great wisdom and skill and many had extra toes and fingers (2 Samuel 21:20). This crossover of two kinds of beings not just created super humans, it resulted it horrible wickedness to the extent that the thoughts of the imagination of their hearts were only evil continually and GOD had to destroy all who refused to look to HIM.

That relates to us because when we are IN the Presence of GOD (when seeking HIM) earthly lusts fade but when surrounded in the world with temptations, lusts escalate unless we run to GOD for help (Hebrews 4:16). If we allow ourselves to give in to the temptations, sin escalates in our lives until do not see sin as sin anymore. Actually, that is what has happened here in America as we have shoved GOD out of our schools and lives.

Back to JESUS’ statement, IN heaven there will be no marriage because like the angels IN heaven (focused on GOD) we will be totally satisfied being with JESUS and have other things to think about.

Hugs

Sharon

Be still and know

Have your plans ever changed without warning?

Reading Psalm 46:10 caught my eye, “BE STILL and know that I am GOD.”  That word BE STILL can be translated calm down, stop fighting, let go, be in awe and silent, desist.

Attempting to put the concept of Psalm 46:10 into words even though there were several other things on my to do list, I talked with the LORD about my day. Saying, “LORD have YOUR way.”  I sat down at my computer and immediately I was interrupted by a phone call. My whole schedule was delightfully changed by grandchildren coming over to help make the traditional Manning goodies (popcorn balls, ginger bears, snowballs) and then sweet friends dropping over unexpectedly.

The picture with the popcorn balls was taken on that day years ago as one of my many grandchildren helped me.

By the end of day and finishing the clean up, I could do no more but collapse, so went and soaked in the tub.

The crazy thing is that my day was actually an illustration of what GOD spoke to my heart in that verse. “Trust ME, Sharon, I have a good reason for doing what I have done.”

When one believes in the LORD JESUS (John 3:16,36, Romans 10:9,10, 13) and becomes GOD’s child (John 1:12) among other things that person is set apart to GOD and by GOD (Colossians 1:13. Hebrews 10:14). Anything set apart to GOD is holy and removed from the realm of the common and moved into the realm of the sacred.

Anything set apart to GOD must be for HIS use alone. But holiness in practical daily life is progressive.

“In reality, the experience of holiness consists in one thing only, complete loyalty to GOD’s will” /Jean-Pierre de Caussade.

To be loyal to GOD’s will is to accept it as best. That can be hard and takes deliberately taking my focus off my way and letting GOD lead me. Especially when traumatic issues arise I must run repeatedly to the throne and ask GOD to refocus me onto the truth that GOD is in control and knows best.

Holiness is deliberately choosing to accept and trust GOD’s timing (Acts 17:26-27), wisdom and foreknowledge of what HE allows or sends into my life. Down through the years I have found that what helps me is the HOLY SPIRIT. HE reminds me that GOD is with me, and HE has a plan and HIS perfect love and foreknowledge of what lies ahead (Psalm 130:16, Isaiah 46:10) filters what comes to me. GOD declares that HE always has a good reason for what HE does! (Ezekiel 14:23). The LORD promises to keep me in perfect peace when my mind stays fixed on HIM (Isaiah 26:3).

Is your mind fixed on GOD, do you run to HIM for direction, or are you focusing on what you want to happen or get?

Hugs,

Sharon L Manning

Majesty

I love walking early in the morning especially now that it is fall and I get to see the brilliance and majestic beauty of the trees in their glorious changing colors. Awed by the beauty, one morning as I walked, I began singing “MAJESTY”, a hymn written by Jack Hayford in 1981.

 “MAJESTY, Worship His Majesty unto JESUS be all Glory, Honor, and Praise”.  Thinking about the words as I sang, I stopped.  I stopped because I questioned the lyrics being true.  You see I have been teaching in Hebrews and a couple of Hebrews verses flooded into my mind declaring that GOD the FATHER was the MAJESTY on high. 

Hebrews 1: 3 “Who being the brightness of HIS (GOD the FATHER’s) glory, and the express image of HIS (GOD the FATHER’s) person, and upholding all things by the word of HIS (JESUS) power, when HE (JESUS) had by HIMSELF purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the MAJESTY on high”

Hebrews 8:1 “We have such a high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the MAJESTY in the heavens;”

So. I asked the LORD GOD about it. Immediately John 14:9 came to mind, “he that has seen ME has seen the FATHER; so why do you says, Show us the FATHER?”

Satisfied that the lyrics were true I started singing again,

MAJESTY, Kingdom Authority flow from HIS Throne unto HIS Own HIS anthem raise  

Then I smiled for I thought of another verse.  Matthew 28:18 “Then JESUS came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to ME.”

So, Exalt, lift up on High the Name Of JESUS
Magnify come Glorify CHRIST JESUS The King

MAJESTY, Worship HIS MAJESTY, JESUS Who Died, Now Glorified, King Of All Kings.

In 2 Peter 1:6 the apostle Peter said “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, but were eyewitnesses of HIS MAJESTY.”

JESUS’ half-brother Jude (who refused to believe JESUS was the SON of GOD until JESUS died and rose again), declared to JESUS, “To the only wise GOD our Savior, be glory and MAJESTY, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen” (Jude 1:25).

Do you check to see what is said is true?

Let us bow before HIS MAJESTY the LORD JESUS our King and sing praises to HIS glorious name, which means “HE will save HIS people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

Hugs

Sharon

We are waiting

Right now, we who believe in JESUS are” WAITING for HIS (GOD the FATHER’s) SON from heaven, whom HE raised from the dead, even JESUS, which delivered us from the WRATH to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10).  For GOD has not appointed us to WRATH, but to obtain salvation by our LORD JESUS CHRIST (1 Thessalonians 5:9).

Now there are 2 kinds of WRATH: the WRATH of GOD and the WRATH of man. 

The WRATH of man can be with or without reason.  The unprovoked WRATH of man was poured out on Israel on October 7^th by men, and a provoked WRATH of man now is being being poured out today by Israel. 

GOD’s WRATH is against sin.  GOD sent HIS SON JESUS to bear all the sin of mankind.  But only those who receive JESUS get placed into JESUS and are forgiven.  If you believe in JESUS GOD has removed your sin so HIS WRATH will not ever touch you.

GOD’s WRATH however is reserved for a specific time period we call the 7-year-Tribulation or Jacob’s trouble and will also include being placed into the everlasting lake of fire (2 Peter 3:7, Revelation 6:16-17, 20:14-15).  But like the burning bush Moses saw, those in the lake of fire will never burn up for their worm (soul) dies not (Mark 9:43-44).

John 3:16 For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish but have eternal life. 36 He that believes on the SON has everlasting life: and he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the WRATH of GOD remains on him.

Romans 2:5 But after your hardness and impenitent heart treasure up unto yourself WRATH against the day of WRATH and revelation of the righteous judgment of GOD; 

2 Thessalonians 2:10 ^And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

Yes, the WRATH of GOD is coming, but cannot occur until believers in JESUS are removed from the earth for the WRATH of GOD will come on those on the earth (Revelation 3:10).  Therefore, JESUS who has delivered us from the WRATH to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10) must come and take us from the earth that we may be where HE is.

As JESUS said in John 14:3, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto MYSELF; that where I am, there you may be also.”

For the LORD HIMSELF shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of GOD: and the dead in CHRIST shall rise first:Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the LORD in the air: and so, shall we ever be with the LORD (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

But why will JESUS meet HIS bride the church (we who believe in HIM) in the clouds rather than coming all the way to the earth to get us and take us with HIM to where HE is?

Acts 3:18-21 But those things, which GOD before had shewed by the mouth of all HIS prophets, that CHRIST should suffer, HE (JESUS) has so fulfilled.  Repent therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the Presence of the LORD.  And HE shall send JESUS CHRIST, which before was preached unto you: Whom (JESUS) the heaven must receive until the times of RESTORATION OF ALL THINGS, which GOD has spoken by the mouth of all HIS holy prophets since the world began.

GOD the FATHER said to JESUS. “Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool” (Hebrews 1:13, Psalm 110:1, Mark 12:36).

A time which even earth’s creatures are waiting for (Romans 8:19-22).

It has been decreed by GOD that JESUS must remain in heaven until all HIS enemies are made a footstool (until JESUS is over them).  Until after the 7-year-Tribulation when JESUS will come down from heaven and end the battle of Armageddon and then set up a 1,000-year reign and RESTORE ALL THINGS as before the fall in the Garden which restoration was promised to the Israelites.  After that 1,000 years much more is coming but that is another story.

Since GOD cannot lie, HE must keep HIS word and JESUS must remain in heaven so cannot come to the earth but will call us up to HIMSELF into the clouds and we will go with HIM to the place HE has prepared for us.

In hope of eternal life, which GOD, that cannot lie, promised before the world began Titus 1:2

Hugs

Sharon

Not a second time

Have you ever had something beautiful that you treasured but it got broken or marred?  How did you feel about having to trash it?

I have had special items ruined in one way and another and I have felt sad that what I treasured was no longer any good and needed to be thrown away. 

When GOD made the heavens and the earth after each creation of making the moon and sun and stars. The earth, the grass and the trees and the animals HE delighted in them and saw that it was good!  But after making mankind, male and female, GOD said it was very good (Genesis 1:12, 18, 21, 31).

1^st the sin was in the garden of Eden when man decided to reject what GOD said and do as he deemed best.  Soon after we hear of envy and murder and sin escalated until we find a few chapters later that the wickedness of man was great on the earth and every imagination of the thoughts of hearts was evil continually and GOD was grieved and knew HE must stop it.  The only way was to eradicate sin and since men refused to repent and turn to GOD than meant they must die (Genesis 6:5-6).  Hence the universal flood. 

The problem is that Noah and his family, saved in the ark, began to sin also.  So, the whole thing started up again.  GOD in HIS fantastic foreknowledge knew all this would happen and devised a plan whereas it is written that JESUS was slain before the world was made (Revelation 13:8) in order to pay for all sins,

For you see man had to change before sin could be eliminated.  1^st sin had to be paid for so GOD the FATHER sent HIS SON into the world and the blood of JESUS did that when HE died on the cross.  Whoever will can come to JESUS and receive that cleansing from HIS sin.

(Romans 5:9) Much more then, being now justified (just as if I’d never sinned) by HIS blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.  

But it doesn’t stop there, for when a person believes GOD the FATHER sends GOD the HOLY SPIRIT to live in the believer.  The HOLY SPIRIT is our teacher and little by little HE is placing GOD’s desires in our minds, so we think GOD’s thoughts, and in our heart, so we want what GOD wants (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16).

But many choose to refuse GOD’s free gift of forgiveness and eternal life because they want to do things their way (John 3:18-20).  The wages of sin is death and since they refused GOD’s gift of forgiveness and eternal life through the LORD JESUS CHRIST they must die.  As it is written “It is appointed once for men to die and after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

If sin and those who refuse to love the truth are not condemned to be excluded from GOD’s Presence and the wonderful things HE has prepared for those who love HIM (1 Corinthians 2:9, Revelation 21:8, 27), the terrible mess of sin would begin all over again. 

But in Nahum 1:9 GOD has promised that that will not happen.  “What do ye imagine against the Lord? HE will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time” (Nahum 1:9).

Actually, when you think about it, GOD is showing the rejectors respect. HE is respecting their choice of refuse JESUS and the gift of eternal life.

The terrible things that happened last Saturday when the Hamas crossed over into Israel and attacked and slaughtered men, women, teens, children and even babies in such horrible ways show they too must be stopped.  If they are not, no one will be safe.

These past few days I have experience times of deep grieving rising up from within and believe it is the HOLY SPIRIT grieving of the horrors that have and are happening in and concerning Israel and their enemies.

Israel released thousands of notices over Gaza telling the people to leave northern Gaza and go to southern Gaza for their own protection because the Israelis intended to exterminate the Hamas but  didn’t want to harm innocent civilians.  When I heard that I thought of an incident that happened in the wilderness journey of Israel going to the Promise land of Canaan.

One of the leaders gathered others together in an uprising to take over the rule from Moses who at GOD’s command had lead over a million Jews out of Egypt.  GOD needed to show this was not to happen and stop such uprisings.  Therefore, HE had Moses tell the people to separate themselves from the ones causing the problems, warning them that unless they got away from that leader they too would suffer as the leader did. 

Like some from Gaza paid attention and fled to southern Gaze, so many Jews left the one starting the uprising and GOD cause the earth to open up and swallow that rebel, those with him and all their belongings for there are consequences for sin (read all about it in Numbers 16).

Pray for Israel in their need and for all concerned. Many of our USA troops are there. Pray also that in HIS great Mercy GOD would use this horrible time to cause men to seek the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY and come to HIM through the LORD JESUS CHRIST (Acts 17:26-27, Hebrews 7:25) that they might be saved from the wrath to come.

Pray for Israel!

Hugs

Sharon

GOD is fair

GOD is just. HE does what is right.

The war in Israel is being talked about everywhere along with videos the horror of it’s beginning, plus Israel’s retaliatory actions necessary in order to stop further attacks of like nature not only from the south but also from the north.

Israel WARNED Gaza’s residents to leave before they bombed.  That was Mercy to the unmerciful. Just as our great GOD and Savior the LORD JESUS taught us (Micah 6:8, Matthew 5:7).

I pondered on that WARNING given to Gaza before Israeli active retaliation against the terrorists. It gave the citizens time to leave, which is something Israel is known to do before civilians are affected.  That WARNING makes me think about how Israel’s need to strongly retaliate in order to stop further such attacks is like GOD’s need to stop sin but cause it only increases.

GOD’s WARNING is what we believers are to give out to the unbelievers.  It says “GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). “He who believes on the SON has everlasting life, and he that believes not on the SON shall not see life, but the wrath of GOD abides on him still” (John 3:36.

Just as the Jews must stop these attacks for they will only get worse, so GOD must stop sin. HE must utterly wipe it out. Yet GOD does not delight in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn and live (Ezekiel 18:23, 32). 

In the ALMIGHTY’s longsuffering HE sends out the WARNING both through HIS word and HIS believers longing for people to reach out to HIM and be saved (Acts 17:27).  But the day of reckoning, that day of the attack has been set (2 Peter 3:7) we call it the 7-year Tribulation or Jacob’s Trouble.  No one knows when it will happen, but when it comes it will come suddenly unsuspecting.

Have you fled to safety by believing in the LORD JESUS CHRIST’s blood that saves from the coming wrath of GOD?

As I thought of these things I recognized that this is a picture of what is coming. Israel is giving us a view of GOD’s wrath.  

We have a hard time watching, but seeing the escalation of sin we know it is necessary.

Surprisingly, many nations who usually condemn Israel’s defense of themselves are now in support of Israel.  By that very action we know this isn’t yet the time of the  Ezekiel 38 and 39 war. For the Bible is clear that at that time, though many nations will say to the aggressors why are you attacking Israel, no nation will help Israel.

Be ready for we know not the day.

Hugs

Sharon