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

Did GOD really say?

Did GOD really say?

Did GOD ever give you a promise? Has it been fulfilled yet? 

As we begin this new year we need to leave behind the past, both good and bad. We need to look and reach forward to what GOD has for us both now and eternally.  BUT, that does not mean we are to trash promises GOD has placed in our heart and created faith and hope in us (Romans 10:17).

As a believer in the LORD JESUS CHRIST’s saving work for us on the cross, we are a new breed that can hear directly from GOD.  If we go seeking to hear HIM, we will hear HIM in HIS written word (Matthew 4:4, Hebrews 4:12) and through an inner voice (knowing) as GOD through the HOLY SPIRIT leads, corrects and promises us of things to come (Philippians 2:13, John 16:13).

GOD gives promises of something that will really come to be to encourage and enable us along the way. Habakkuk 2:3 says, “For the vision (promise) is for yet an appointed time, at the end it shall speak (happen) and is no lie.  Though it tarry wait for it, because it will surely come and it will not tarry (it will come suddenly!).

GOD has given me a promise and when LORD speaks it creates faith if we grab ahold of it (Romans 10:17).  But the preset time (Acts 17:26-27) for its fulfillment has not yet come.

GOD spoke to an idol worshipping Abraham and Abraham believed and it was accounted to him for righteousness (Romans 4:3) but it was decades before Abraham got what was promised. 

GOD showed Joseph what was to be when he was a young teen and then after being sold as a slave by his brothers and several other horrible things at the age of 30 Joseph was called for out of prison to became 2^nd in command of Egypt and the things GOD had promised him were fulfilled.  The Bible tells us that through that time, even having to be lie about and wrongfully put in prison GOD was working out (putting all the players into place) HIS eternal plan for good for Joseph. The Word of GOD to Joseph tested him as he lie in prison (Psalm 105:16-19).

Its been years and years since GOD gave me a promise, there have been times the evil one taunts me with, “Did GOD really say?”  Well, each time that happens I go running to the LORD and HE always speaks.  Once it was directly from Hebrews 10:35-36 “Cast not away your confidence which has great recompence of reward.  For you have need of patience that after you have done the will of GOD, you will receive the promise.”

I am learning that the seeming delays are GOD at work putting everything in place and preparing me, as HE prepared Joseph, to do what I am to do (James 1:2-4).

Hebrews 10:23 “Hold fast the profession of faith (in that promise) without wavering (for HE is faithful who promised).

Hugs

Sharon   

I believe

“But without faith it is impossible to please HIM: for he that comes to GOD must BELIEVE that HE is, and (BELIEVE) that HE is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM” (Hebrews 11:6).

For years when I prayed I could BELIEVE for others but it was harder to BELIEVE GOD would bless me.  Then one day as I read Hebrews 11:6 I understood why.  GOD only hears those who BELIEVE HE will answer.

A friend at church shared some struggles her family were having so as we went to prayer I declared:  “I BELIEVE YOU care, and I BELIEVE YOU know what YOU are doing! And know YOU are working on their behalf because YOUR word in 2 Corinthians 4:15-18 says so and I’ve seen YOU do over and over. So, I come asking for a special healing touch on each of them and please comfort them and give them peace and assurance that YOU are with them and are working for them behind the scenes.” 

Then a few lines of an old chorus came to mind plus the 2 other verses I’d added years ago so quietly sang them.

Singing and prayer to the LORD always lifts me up and when we were done, I saw it lifted my friend as well for my friend’s eyes sparkled and her face glowed.

But to as many as receive HIM (JESUS) to them gave HE the power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that BELIEVE on HIS name.  John 1:12

Here is the song with added verses 

I believe in JESUS, I believe HE is the Son of GOD, I believe HE died and rose again, that HE paid it for us all.  And I believe that HE is here now, standing in our midst, here with the power to heal now and the grace to forgive.

I believe in GOD our FATHER, I believe in HIS great love, I believe HIS endless wisdom designed the perfect plan above. And I believe that HE is working, now behind the scenes and what HE has once spoken will really come to be.

I believe in GOD the SPIRIT, I believe HE lives in me, I believe HE came to seal me when in JESUS I believed. I believe HE is my teacher, I believe HE knows the way for I know HIS gentle prodding and HIS comfort through the day.

hugs

Sharon

I really do believe, yet…

I really do trust in the LORD with all my heart and really believe HIS Word the Holy Bible. Yet there are times fear invades my heart. Recently innuendos from the enemy causing fear hit when an especially bad flareup of ongoing severe problems of a loved one manifested. There was no human help available.

So, you know what I did? I ran to the throne of grace, by calling out to the LORD of heaven and earth, to receive mercy and grace to help in my time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Yes, I take those thoughts helpless fear to JESUS and tell HIM how I feel (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Usually then a verse or a phrase from a Bible verse will come to mind and as I speak it out aloud, peace will settle over me.

You know why? Because the Word of GOD is alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). It is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) and it cuts through those lies of Satan and the spirit of fear flees when I speak out loud the word placed in my heart (Philippians 2:13).

Looking to JESUS the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

Hugs

Sharon

All squished up

All squished up inside of him is a beautiful butterfly

Some wonder why JESUS commanded us to be HIS witness.

“their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.” Mark 9: 48.

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 in the days before computers and cell phones).

As I studied out the word, the answer to my question was crystal clear.

Interestingly the word metamorphosis is used two times in the original New Testament manuscripts. Both times tell how someone can become all that GOD want 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 metamorphosis) 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).

Hummm we have to be renewed in our thinking to know GOD’s will and to know that it is good, it can be accepted and is perfect.

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 the Bible to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

Then we who believe in JESUS, beholding 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 from glory to glory (step by step), by the SPIRIT of the LORD (2 Corinthians 3:18).

This is saying that as we grow in our knowledge of JESUS it is like we are looking into a mirror and seeing JESUS. Step by step the HOLY SPIRIT shows us more of what JESUS is like and that changes (metamorphosis) us so that quality we have seen becomes a part of us. An example of this literally occurred one day when I was furious with a person in authority who I felt totally wronged me. So I told the LORD all about it and all of a sudden it was like I was seeing a video. I began remembering time after time when the LORD had forgiven me and no longer could I hold on to my anger against that person. The offense didn’t seem worth bothering with.

With that in mind let’s look back to what we learned in school about how a butterfly came to be and see what the Bible is saying about us as Christians.

Metamorphosis is a process with 3 distinct stages.

1)It begins when the larva hatches from an egg-worm. This is the eating and growing stage-constantly eating/ never having enough.

In the secular 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. Actually, the hunger increases. It is as if the hole gets bigger and bigger. Ask any drug addict or alcoholic.

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

(2)Then, the larva spins a cocoon and goes into its resting stage. While inside the cocoon digestive juices destroy much of the worm’s body, leaving a few cells intact. The remaining cells will begin the growth of the adult by using the nutrients from the broken-down larva. 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.

But, unless the larva leaves his worm state of consuming hunger / constant eating and dies by entering the cocoon he will never become a butterfly.

The same is true for people. Unless one dies to his self-centered, self-deifying, self-satisfying quest and enters into CHRIST JESUS through believing in HIS finished work on the cross, his worm does not die.

JESUS described hell as a place – “where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. Mark 9: 48

The cocoon or resting stage is hard and takes time and it is a breakdown of the old and a reconstruction to create the new. We are told we enter into rest when we believe (Hebrews 4). When we realize we are lost and cannot save ourselves and choose to look to JESUS’ work on the cross for us, then as we call on the name of the LORD we are saved (Romans 10:13). By reaching out to JESUS by believing HE died for us, we die to self and are placed in CHRIST.

Then GOD takes over to do the changes Romans (8:29). because by one sacrifice HE has made perfect forever those who are being (process) made holy (Hebrews 10:14).

(3)Stage 3 is when a totally different creature emerges from the cocoon. That is done with a great struggle and pressure. Note: if the cocoon opening is enlarged to aid the butterfly’s exit it will emerge deformed for the tremendous pressure of squeezing through the small opening is what 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.

Just as the pressure of our problems are needed for our strengthening. Problems produce (James 1:2-4), yes actually achieve for us. “All this is for your benefit, … to the glory of GOD. For that reason we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen (our situation), but on what is unseen (what GOD is achieving for us through our situation), since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:15-18)

“we also glory (give thanks and take joy) in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because GOD’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the HOLY SPIRIT, who has been given to us (Romans 5:3-5).

In other words, step by step we are made to participate in the very nature of GOD (2 Peter 1:4) though we never becoming gods.

We begin our lives as a worm constantly striving to feed our hungers/ our desires. Our worm dies as we enter into the cocoon of believing in JESUS. Then we rest from self-effort by believing in JESUS’ finished work and following what the HOLY SPIRIT tells us (which is always agrees with the Word of GOD).

Through the struggles we face GOD is pushing all into place/ achieving for us astounding things vastly beyond all we can ask or even imagine, and we shall emerge beautiful butterflies conformed to the image of JESUS and our Heavenly FATHER who JESUS is exactly like. (Romans 8:29/ Hebrews 1:2-3). When we see JESUS face to face is when we become a butterfly (1 John 3:2).

Unless the larva leaves his worm state of consuming hunger and constant eating to die to his hungers by entering the cocoon he will never become a butterfly.

The same is true for us. Unless one dies to his self-centered, self-deifying, self-satisfying quest by entering into CHRIST JESUS through believing in HIS finished work on the cross, his worm does not die. His hungers remain and intensify. Some Christians fight the cocoon and GOD must discipline them (Hebrews 12:11). Upon believing in JESUS we get eternal life (John 3:16, 36) and are born of the SPIRIT into the family of GOD. GOD disciplines HIS children (Hebrews 12:5-8). GOD decreed all HIS children will undergo metamorphosis (Romans 8:29) and become butterflies.

JESUS described hell as a place – “where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.” Mark 9: 48.

Mark 9:48 says the fire is not quenched for those who refuse CHRIST. Everyone not written in the Lambs book of life will be thrown into the everlasting lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

The Bible goes on to say everyone (you and me included) will be salted with fire.” We all have struggles, but if we believe in JESUS, our struggles will end when we go be with JESUS. Not so for the unbeliever whose worm does not die. Whose constant hungers continue throughout eternity and they will suffer. Never, never will the potential all squished up within them develop. Never, never will they be what they were meant to be all because they refused/ chose not to receive the love of the truth that JESUS died for them.

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

Have you ever?

Have you ever done anything wrong?  I have.

I can remember sitting in the front row of the small balcony of a small church and quietly passing notes to my Junior High girlfriend when I distinctly heard the pastor say, “JESUS came to take your guilt away.”  The notes no longer meant anything.  All I could think of was how this and that was my fault and JESUS would take my guilt away.  I believed and called on the name of the LORD and was saved from GOD’s wrath (Romans 10:13, John 3:36).

Well, if you ever did anything wrong, I must tell you “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Yet as I learned so many years ago, there is great news!  The gift of GOD is eternal life for all who will accept it.  GOD so loved the (people of the) world that HE sent HIS only begotten SON (JESUS) that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

If you believe (your choice) that JESUS died to pay for your sins and call on the name of the LORD JESUS (your choice) you are part of the called (1 Corinthians 1:2) and saved from the wrath of GOD on sin (Romans 10:13, John 3:36). 

We love HIM for HE 1^st loved us (1 John 4:19).  Now the bible says that if we love HIM, we are called according to HIS purpose and predestined not to salvation, for that is a choice.  The destination of predestination is conformity to the image (divine nature) of CHRIST JESUS (Romans 8:28-30). 

That being conformed all happens through or according to the working of CHRIST JESUS in which HE is able to subdue all things to HIMSELF (Philippians 3:20-21).

We have the opportunity to co-labor with GOD (Mark 16:20) to speed up the process by listening to those inner nudges of our teacher (John 14:26) the HOLY SPIRIT and following HIS instructions in big and little things.  Those nudges are an inward knowing that is enhanced by reading the Word of GOD, prayer and progressively doing what you know you should do (Hebrews 5:12-14). If we do we save ourselves a lot of problems and discipline from GOD our FATHER (Hebrews 12:4-11).

Once we believe, “Now are we the sons of GOD (John 1:12), and it does not yet appear what we shall be (like): but we know that, when HE (JESUS) shall appear (2 Thessalonians 4:14-17), we shall be like HIM (JESUS); for we shall see HIM as HE is (1 John 3:2).

It is all so astoundingly amazing!

Have you believed? The way things are going it looks like what JESUS declared would occur just before HE comes get us who believe in HIM.  So don’t hesitate but look unto JESUS.

Hugs

Sharon

Is not

During the summer birds also waited, but now in the cold of winter only the squirrels run back and forth on the fence looking for my daughter to appear.  For Jeri faithfully finds something, whether it be bread, popcorn, leftover pancakes or veggies, anything she can find to toss out to them to feast on. And feast they do.

Like them, each morning I go hungry and open the word of GOD and pray, waiting to be fed.  JESUS said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of GOD” (Matthew 4:4).

Each day GOD meets with me there and prepares me for the day.

“Faith comes from hearing (and accepting as truth) and hearing from the Word of GOD” (Romans 10:17).

“The just (those who do right) shall live by faith (not sight)” (Habakkuk 2:4).

Faith is not for getting what we want.  Faith is just believing what GOD says and living accordingly. 

“For without faith you cannot please GOD.  For to come to GOD you must 1^st believe that HE is and 2^nd believe that HE will reward those who diligently seek HIM” (Hebrews 11:6).

When GOD speaks to our inner man, it will produce faith if we choose to believe HIM, and that faith acts.

Has GOD spoken a promise to you that produced faith that GOD would do something?  Hold on to that promise and do whatever HE nudges you to do.

Hugs

Sharon

A launch

Life is a definite challenge but exciting as we see prophecy unfold.

Did you hear that for the 1st time since 9/11 terrorist attack that the US stopped all flights and grounded all planes on the West coasrfor 7 minutes following the launch yesterday of a ballistic Missile from North Korea?

It’s the 3rd North Korean launch recently.

Sure stirs me up to proclaim the Jesus , the eternal Son of God, clothed himself with flesh in Mary’s womb and was born of a virgin, life a sin free life and carried all the sins of mankind (past present and future) on the cross dying and rose the 3rd day guaranteeing life and resurrection for all who believe in Him.

He who believes in the Son has everlasting life but he who does not believe the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abides on Him John 3:36

For God has not appointed us (any who will believe in Jesus) to wrath but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ who died for us that whether we wake or asleep we should live together with HIM 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10.

Right now as we see the birth pains prior to the Great 7-year Tribulation – as we see Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7) is it so comforting to know that Jesus promises to deliver us FROM (not through) the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 1:10.

Look up believers your redemption draws near.

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

Learn to believe

Have you ever had someone give you directions, but you thought it wouldn’t work so refused their instructions, ending up frustrated? 

Isaiah 7:9 (GOD is talking), “..you don’t believe ME! If you want ME to protect you, you must LEARN to believe what I say.”

Have you ever been reading in the Bible when something strikes a cord within you… it seems like GOD is speaking just to you? Well, HE probably is.

I have learned to write out that word that came into my heart. Then I ask GOD how it applies to me.  If it tells me to do something, I do it. If it promises me something, I claim it.

Sometimes what GOD speaks to you as you read HIS word seems farfetched and you might say, I want to believe but how can I? Well notice what GOD said in Isaiah 7. HE said learn to believe what I say.

How do we learn to believe? Speak HIS word aloud. It is amazing how the lies of doubt that the enemy shoots at us will flee at the word of GOD. For the word of GOD is alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12) and it is the sword of the HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 6:17). 

When we speak aloud the word of GOD we are following JESUS.  When tempted by the devil in the wilderness JESUS spoke the Word of GOD to refute Satan’s lied and he left JESUS (Matthew 4:3-4, 11).

We can trust the Word of GOD

“For GOD is not a man that HE should lie, nor the son of man that HE will change HIS mind. If HE said it HE will do it, if HE promised, HE will bring it to pass.” Numbers 23:19.

Are you choosing to learn to believe GOD by speaking out HIS word and then applying it?

Hugs

Sharon

All over again

Worry and scheme or believe and trust the choice is yours.

Have you ever shared how GOD has taught you something and then boom, you find that you are back in that test all over again?  Today that happened to me.  But as I read,  “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of GOD so that things that are seen, were not made of things that do appear (are visible)” (Hebrews 11:3).

GOD impressed in my heart, “Sharon, I don’t need anything to do what I promised you. Don’t look at the things you can see for they are temporary, but, like JESUS on the cross (Hebrews 12:2) look ahead to what you cannot see, that which I promised to achieve through these troubles, for that will last forever (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Just reading the living Word of GOD has flooded me with joy and peace and HIS word has renewed my hope.  GOD is so good!

Hugs

Sharon