Do what I say

Do you, do I really believe what we say we believe?

If we truly believe something we act on it.

I believe in the GOD of the Bible and therefore, in the Bible itself.

I believe GOD spoke to us things we need to know through HIS prophets, and they were recorded in the Bible (Hebrews 1:1-3, 2 Peter 1:21).

Romans 15:⁴ For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Matthew 4:⁴ JESUS answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of GOD.

Do you, do I go without food day after day? Do you, do I open the Word of GOD every day to get the instructions we need for that day?

Hebrews 4:¹² For the word of GOD is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Some claim the things the Bible says are obsolete/ outdated, but what does JESUS say?

Mark 13:³¹ Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY words will never pass away.

Isaiah 8:²⁰ Consult GOD’s instruction and the testimony of warning (Bible). If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.

Psalm 119:⁸⁹ Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.

JESUS asks, Luke 6:⁴⁶ Why do you call ME LORD, LORD and do not do the things I say?

The word LORD means master. A master tells his servants what to do not the other way around. So let’s look at JESUS question again.

JESUS asks, Luke 6:⁴⁶ Why do you call ME LORD, LORD and do not do the things I say?

How do you, do I answer JESUS question in Luke 6:46?

Hugs,

Sharon

Release it to HIM

When my world seems to be falling apart I have learned since I believed in JESUS and called on the name of the LORD to save me (Romans 10:9-10, 13) to run to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and receive grace to help in my time of need (Hebrews 4:16).  Then I will open my Bible and begin to read. For faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of GOD (Romans 10:17).  As I read HIS Word peace comes over me.. 

In GOD’s Word, we discover wonderful things about GOD. I’ve learned the LORD really knows what will work, and that HE acts on my behalf because HE loves me and wants what is best for me.  Sometimes GOD allows hard things in my life as discipline (Hebrews 12:10-11) to develop me into the likeness of JESUS (Romans 8:28-29) restoring me into HIS image.

Faith in GOD, HIS love, goodness, and power to perform is why I pray.  I don’t pray when we think we can handle things.  But even knowing I need GOD to work I sometimes foolishly try to instruct GOD (who knows all things) in how to handle what I do not know how to handle on my own. 

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY says HIS ways are not our ways but that they work (Isaiah 55:8-11).  Often we want GOD to do things our way, on our time schedule. 

One day when several situations, all out of my control struck the LORD led me to 2 Corinthians 4:15-18 it begins with “all things are for your benefit” (that means the hard things as well as the good Romans 8:28).  I thought, “Yeah sure!”

But I went on reading anyway and in verse 17 it said my problems were achieving for me and then in verse 18 it commanded me “don’t look at what you can see (your situation) but look at what you cannot see (what GOD is achieving for you through your situation) for what you see is temporary, but what you don’t see is eternal.”

I didn’t understand but I had no other option, so I chose to do what GOD said and released to HIM all those situations out of my control.   Guess what, HE worked them out little by little, but HE gave me peace the moment I released them to HIM.

Do you have a problem? Talk it over with our LORD and release it to HIM.  HE will show you anything you might need to do.

Hugs

Sharon

Any problems?

Is anyone among you troubled?  Is anyone struggling, hurting, or grieving?

Many of us are suffering in problems and sickness even though we pray. It helps me to know that when I don’t get the answer I want there is a reason intended for our good.  GOD declares that our struggles are producing things in us (James 1:2-4) and that our temporary troubles benefit us and are achieving things for us that will last forever (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

We who believe in and have called on the name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, the eternal Word (John 1:1-3, 14), the SON of GOD (John 3:16) who took on a human body, was born of a virgin, died on the cross for man’s sins and was raised again for our justification believe the written word of GOD referenced as the Bible.  The Bible speaks to us today.  Do we pay attention to GOD’s word?

If we believe in JESUS we are born again and become children of GOD (John 1:12-13, John 3:5-7).

 JESUS in bringing many sons (believers) to glory -HE the ONE through whom GOD the FATHER created all things (Hebrews 1:1-3) that JESUS had to suffer in all ways that men suffer (Hebrews 2:10-11,18, 4:15), JESUS suffered not just to save us from punishment but also to prepare HIMSELF as our high priest. (Hebrews 2:17).

Therefore HE (JESUS CHRIST) had to be made like HIS brothers in every respect, so that HE might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of GOD, to make propitiation (atonement) for the sins of the people (Hebrews 2:17).

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love GOD, to those who are the called according to HIS purpose.  For whom HE foreknew (would believe in JESUS), HE also predestined to be conformed to the image of HIS SON, that HE (JESUS) might be the firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:28-29).

The LORD JESUS CHRIST was prepared to be our Savior and High Priest through the things that HE suffered, and we also are prepared to be what GOD has called us individually to be through the things that we suffer.

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of CHRIST’s sufferings, that when HIS glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy (1 Peter 4:12-13).

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of JESUS CHRIST (1 Peter 1:6-7),

Therefore, since CHRIST suffered in HIS body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin (1 Peter 4:1).

Whatever you are suffering, or a loved one is suffering it is for your and their good and will achieve great things for both of you.

Hugs Sharon

Ever wondered why?

Since GOD so loved the world (John 3:16) this image shows why GOD the SON came to earth and then died on the cross for mankind’s sin.

hugs

Sharon L Manning

Every thought

It’s not just that I am getting older, just 10 years ago things were way different.  Words have changed their meanings and even history is being erased.  Have you ever wondered how everything has gotten so crazy? I believe it is that spiritual warfare has been upped a level or two.

In today’s world with one saying this and another saying that how can we know what is true?  No matter where we look there seems to be another reason to fear or get angry.  So how can we obey JESUS who tells us not to let (allow) our hearts be troubled but to simply believe in GOD the FATHER and to believe in HIM (John 14:1).

According to the Bible, we have been in the last days for some time now (since our LORD JESUS was on the earth -Hebrews 1:1-2) and we are told the last days are days of deception.  There is a battle going on for our minds and though it may not seem that way our battle is NOT with flesh and blood people but with principalities and powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in the heavenlies (Ephesians 6:10-13) against us and influencing people.

In this spiritual war GOD has weapons powerful enough to pull down the strongholds of wrong thinking and every deceptive argument that rises up against GOD’s knowledge (2 Corinthians 10:4-5) For really GOD is still in control, does know what HE is talking about, and all of HIS ways are right and do work.  We are instructed to take every thought captive, we cannot let them run wild.

JESUS said abide in ME (stay close to ME), without ME you can do nothing (John 15:5) and HE said if we let HIS words abide in us our prayers will be answered (John 15:7). Then in 2 Corinthians 3:5 we are told that we are not sufficient as of ourselves to think anything as coming from ourselves, our sufficiency comes from CHRIST. So, we need to abide in HIM- meet with HIM in HIS word and prayer.

Hebrews 4:16 tells us to run to the throne of grace for mercy and grace to help in time of need. So, I just take troublesome thoughts in prayer to the throne.  GOD has an amazing way of taking my thoughts and through the HOLY SPIRIT showing me HIS.  For when I am in HIS presence things become clear as I am reminded of Bible verses.

When fears, frustrations, anger or rebellious thoughts come, do what I have learned to do.  I arrest them by taking them to JESUS who sits on the right hand of GOD the FATHER’s throne in heaven for HE understands (Hebrews 4:14-16).  Why should you struggle in your own strength (or lack of it) with the thoughts that the enemy is shooting at you like fiery darts?  Just take those thoughts to throne and HE will show you the truth and give you strength to cope.

Hugs

Sharon

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

Changes, changes, changes

The great and mighty GOD, who made all things is sovereign over all (2 Samuel 7:22). HE knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10) and everything in between and has shared enough with HIS children (John 1:12-13)/ us who believe in JESUS and HIS word that we can do all HE asks of us (Deuteronomy 29:29).  That is how JESUS could say, “Peace I leave with you…Do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

In our troubling times we need to remember those verses so, I have those verses memorized.

Since I was teen in the late 50’s, the meanings of words have changed some, the values of the world and what is shown on TV and in movies have shifted in an unbelievable way, what is taught in public schools have changed as history and science is being rewritten to fit an agenda.  Things that are right and good are being called evil and wrong, while things bad and wrong are being called right and good just as JESUS said would happen. 

But the worst part to me are these lies, this false propaganda pushed and fed to youngsters are being believed by them and have blinded them to the truth.  Many Christian churches have followed suit and are buying into the lies as well as they turn away from the truths in GOD’s Word.

To hear some relate their views of life and values and see how closed they are to any thought other than their own shows that they are totally blind to truth and to the consequences of their beliefs. Their perspective comes from what they have been cleverly taught, programmed by teachers and the media, not so concerned with truth as with getting others to think as they do. It’s actually scary how indoctrinated the kids and even adults are with the world’s standards of self. The lust of the flesh (desires from food to sex. Whatever feels good), the lust of the eyes (wanting everything they see that they like) and the pride of life with everything about ‘me’ (How I think, how I feel, what I want, doing it my way). All are things of this world which lay under Satan’s influence (Ephesians 2:2-3,1 John 2:15-17, 5:19).

As I walked around the park talking to the LORD about these troubling things and how they are affecting some of my precious grand and great-grandchildren, a verse flooded my thoughts.

Malachi 3:6 “For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore, you sons of Jacob are not consumed.”

This verse speaks of the LORD’s faithfulness to HIS word.  HE made promises to the Jew’s ancestors that can be read beginning in Genesis. The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY will keep everyone of HIS promises, fulfilling each detail, for HE does what HE says. HE fulfills HIS word whether to bless or discipline (Numbers 23:19).  Even when they act against HIM, HE cannot deny HIMSELF (2 Timothy 2:13).

GOD’s nature is WHO GOD is. GOD cannot deny HIS nature.  The LORD is truthful (HE  cannot lie Titus 1:2), HE is love (John 3:16), HE is power (Luke 1:37), HE is wisdom (Psalm 51:6), HE is understanding (Hebrews 4:14-15), HE is knowledge (John 16:30) HE is mercy (Lamentations 3:22-23), HE is eternity (Psalm 90:2), HE is righteousness (HE does what is right Genesis 18:25, Romans 3:21-22), HE is goodness (Mark 10:18) and HE has wrath (John 3:36) to mention just a few of the things true about GOD.

Since GOD cannot change, neither can HIS nature nor HIS standards change.  What HE has said in the past is true today.  If HE has said something is wrong in the past, it remains wrong today.

So, I will obey the LORD’s instructions to not strive with those who are opposing themselves, but gently and with respect speak the truth in love and continue to pray that GOD grant them the ability to see the truth and turn to what is right, to recover themselves and escape from the snare/ trap that has held them captive (1 John 5:16, 2 Timothy 2:24-26).

Will you join me?

Hugs

Sharon

It had escaped my notice

Something had escaped my notice and it took seeing a little blue car for the HOLY SPIRIT to teach me.  You may laugh at me, for it is quite simple yet very significant to me, so I am going to tell you about it.

As I passed the elementary school on my morning walk this morning, I saw a new little car painted the most beautiful blue.  It was a shade I don’t remember seeing before and in the split second I was admiring it, I was reminded of a piece of a bible verse and in a flash of insight, I suddenly understood more than I’d ever seen in that verse before. I will highlight the section that exploded like a firecracker as I lay the foundation and put this truth into Bible context.

John 1:¹ In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with GOD and the WORD was GOD…¹⁴ and the WORD was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld HIS glory, the glory of the only begotten of the FATHER (GOD), full of grace and truth.

So, we see clearly that the WORD, spoken of here who is with GOD and is GOD is the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

John 1:³ All things were made by HIM and without HIM not anything (not a single thing) was made that was made.

Hebrews 1 verifies that JESUS is GOD and the Creator of all things.  Hebrews 1:³ (GOD) has in these last days spoken to us by HIS SON whom HE has appointed heir of all things, by whom (JESUS) also HE (GOD the FATHER) made the worlds. ⁸ to the SON (GOD the FATHER) said, O GOD YOUR throne is forever…¹⁰ O LORD in the beginning YOU laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of YOUR hands.

So how does John 1:3 without HIM not anything (not a single thing) was made that was made have to do with that beautiful blue color I was admiring? 

JESUS made all things that were made, The Greek construction of the words ‘were made’ are in the perfect tense meaning they were made and continue to be.  JESUS made all the elements that exist and those elements continue to be.  Those elements JESUS made were used in the making of that beautiful blue.  Therefore, that beautiful blue could not have been made without JESUS.

Without JESUS nothing could or can be made and that highlights another aspect of JESUS who died for the sins of the world that any who believe in HIM might not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

In the same way that nothing can be made without JESUS, so also no one can come to GOD without JESUS.

John 14:⁶ JESUS said unto him, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to (GOD) the FATHER but by ME.

Do you have access to GOD the FATHER?

Hugs

Sharon

Training sessions

Revealed truth from GOD comes like an explosion in our reality, for the Word of GOD is “dynamite” in the hands of the HOLY SPIRIT (1 Corinthians 2:10-12). When the HOLY SPIRIT brings to our mind a verse that fits our circumstance (John 14:26), the verse seems to explode in vivid colors and startling clarity like firecrackers on the 4th of July.  It gives insight and direction.

Once we see a truth, we get to choose.  We must decide whether or not we will accept that truth and the direction/ perhaps upheaval that it will produce in our lives or suppress it (Romans 1:18).

The SPIRIT of GOD works by nudging us, who believe in JESUS CHRIST.   HE does this by placing in our minds and writing in our hearts the way we should go (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16).

While the literal interpretation of a scripture may seem humdrum at first, when the SPIRIT of GOD gets involved and shines HIS light of revelation on our LORD’s words, revealing an application to our own affairs it is mind-blowing and challenges us.

GOD’s thoughts and ways are vastly different than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).  At times they even seem out of proportion when compared to our natural way of looking at things.  GOD issues astonishing directives which at times don’t make a whole lot of sense to us.

That is probably why the HOLY SPIRIT reveals how truth applies to us in our circumstances a step at a time (2 Corinthians 3:18) line upon line, here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:9-10) as we are able to grasp it.  By doing this, HE gradually conforms our thinking and thus our actions and conversation to the very nature and characteristics of our LORD and Savior JESUS CHRIST just as GOD our Heavenly FATHER has decreed to happen (Romans 8:29) and JESUS our high priest intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25).

(See the Trinity at work?)

Heads up: The whole process of growing in the likeness of JESUS goes much smoother and quicker when we allow the HOLY SPIRIT to have HIS unhindered way with us by getting in GOD’s word for ourselves and following the HOLY SPIRIT’s insights, nudges and directions.  We can confidently know that an insight comes from the HOLY SPIRIT when it agrees with the written Word of GOD that HE moved on holy men to write (2 Peter 1:21).

It is written that as we grab hold on these truths and live by them, we actually take on an aspect of the divine nature although never become GOD (2 Peter 1:4).

However, our speedy growth is not a given.  We can hinder the HOLY SPIRIT’s work through disobedience. Disobedience will always bring discipline from GOD our Heavenly FATHER.  And no discipline at the present is joyous but grievous. But, Praise the LORD! GOD’s discipline of us will produce righteousness in us and right action by us as we are trained by it (Hebrews 12:11).

Some painful training sessions have taught me to listen more carefully, obey those nudges more closely and quickly when the HOLY SPIRIT explodes a truth in my thoughts that demands action.

Hugs

Sharon

Chill

Do you ever get irritated by what another does or says?

Do you act out your irritation or do you run to the throne of grace to see how to respond?

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge HIM (talk it over with HIM) and HE will direct your paths.  Be not wise in your own eyes…” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

GOD gave us HIS word to show us HIMSELF and to give us instructions. When we refuse to follow GOD’s instructions, we are turning our back on GOD and forsaking the mercy and grace HE offers to us. Instead of running to HIS throne for mercy and grace to help we turn away from GOD saying by our actions, “GOD YOU don’t know what YOU are talking about.“

This is true for whatever instruction HE gives us in HIS WORD, whether it is to believe on the LORD JESUS and be saved (John 3:16, Romans 10:13), to be kind to others, to witness, put up with those who annoy us or to forgive.

In our irritation with people GOD says, “Put up with one another, be ready to forgive and don’t hold grudges. If anyone has a quarrel against another, even as CHRIST forgave you, so you also must forgive others (Colossians 3:13).

Forgiveness describes GOD’s nature. Look to what extent HE went to in order to be able to forgive us. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD” (Romans 6:23).

If we refuse to believe in JESUS, our sin remains on us, and we are condemned along with the devil and his demons. But “GOD so loved the world (mankind) that HE gave HIS only begotten SON (JESUS to die on the cross, carrying our sins) that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Even today GOD is waiting for sinners, waiting to give more opportunities that they might come to JESUS and be saved, (2 Peter 3:9).

GOD longs to forgive, HE takes no delight in the death of the wicked but wants him to turn from his own ways and live (Ezekiel 18:23,32).

GOD is waiting and we who believe in JESUS have been told witness/ to get the word out (Acts 1:8, 2 Peter 3:15).  Part of that witness is how we act, for people think our GOD is like us.

GOD loves to forgive… it is part of HIS divine nature.  Is there any unforgiveness in you that is blocking your witness of JESUS?

There may be things in your life that you’re angry about. GOD tells us in HIS word to run to the throne of GOD (pray) for mercy and to get the grace to help forgive so we can offer GOD’s forgiveness to others.

Note: Forgiving someone doesn’t mean that you are saying another was not to blame or that what was done was OK. Forgiveness is letting go of the right to get even. Forgiving others is an important step in your own healing, and without it you cannot heal. The bottom line is that when you forgive someone who has wronged you, you are then set free of anger and hatred that poisons you and overflows to others. But if you choose forgiveness, hope and healing begins.

“Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit of GOD whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger and shouting and harsh words be put away from you with all ill intent. Instead, be kind to each other, forgiving one another just as GOD for CHRIST’s sake forgave you” (Ephesians 4:30-32)

Hugs

Sharon