Instruction manual

Why don’t things come with instructions anymore? 

I want to follow instructions but am at a loss in areas that I have not learned.  I am not technologically savvy like my grandchildren or even great grandchildren. When I needed a new phone with enough space for my cochlear app it took my grandchildren to set it up for me.  And when I run into a problem on my computer or phone who do I run to? my grandchildren, of course.  But with my new printer I had to go on line to get the information I need.

But praise the LORD! Unlike man, GOD has given us an instruction book-HIS word, the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16 says “All scripture is given by inspiration of GOD (is GOD breathed), and is profitable for doctrine (to teach us), for reproof (show us right from wrong), for correction, for instruction in righteousness (in how to do what is right)” (2 Timothy 3:16).  But instructions are only good if you follow them.  JESUS said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD” (Matthew 4:4).

Hebrews 1:1 tells us we are in the last days, that they began with JESUS coming to earth.  1 Timothy 4:1 says that in the latter times some are tricked and depart from truth paying attention to deceiving spirits and suggestions/ teachings of devils. So especially now we must be careful to do things according to GOD’s instructions. How do you get those instructions? Read the bible and pray.

JESUS said: that the one who had HIS commands/instructions (which are available to all of us) and follows them that one loves JESUS  (John 14:21) and HE said, “If you love ME do what I say” (John 14:15) and furthermore “Why call me LORD, LORD and do not do the things I say?” (Luke 6:46)

Sometimes what the Word of GOD tells us to do does not fit with what we think needs to be done. That is because GOD’s ways are not our ways and HIS thoughts are not our thoughts but are vastly higher and better (Isaiah 55:8-9). Especially at those times we must humbly do what the bible tells us to do for GOD knows all things and HIS ways are always right.

We are told not to quench the SPIRIT’s instructions or despise prophesy (that flash of insight could have very well been a word straight from GOD for the situation) but then we are instructed to test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22).  So how do you test them?  Isaiah 8:20 tells us to check what the Bible says on the issue and if the words don’t agree with HIS word then there is no truth in it.

Following GOD’s written instructions is imperative for GOD says that to disobey HIS word is sin and if we hold on to sin in our hearts HE will not hear us (Psalm 66:18).

Words of GOD from the word of GOD will come into our mind directing  us even in how to pray.  That is the HOLY SPIRIT leading the way as HE always does (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16). 

Isn’t GOD good to us?

I am so grateful that not only has GOD given us instructions but has also given to every believer in JESUS HIS HOLY SPIRIT (John 7:38-39) to teach us how to apply and live out what the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY wants done and enable us to do it! (Philippians 2:13).              

Have you read the instruction book?  Are you following what it says?

Hugs Sharon

HE edits my prayers

I PRAISE the LORD that the HOLY SPIRIT edits my prayers.

When I was 12 I came to JESUS and HE saved me.  A couple of years later at a summer camp I felt compelled to ask HIM to do whatever was necessary to make me all HE wanted me to be.  Just months later, though I was an A student, I began having trouble understanding in my classes.  It was discovered that I had a severe hearing loss and that is was getting worse. So, from age 15 on I was considered profoundly hearing impaired. Mockery and put downs that naturally resulted from my misunderstanding led me to isolate to a great degree other than church and women’s Bible study. 

I spent much time with GOD in HIS word through those years when my kids were at school. Meanwhile at 35 I got my 1^st hearing aids but I still missed a lot while conversing.  Yet, the LORD who loves to use foolish things (1 Corinthians 1:27) enabled me participate in women’s Bible studies and even teach hearing children and work as a counselor of kids at a Christian camp and go on prayer journeys to three countries overseas.

I praise the LORD for my hearing loss for I really believe my relationship with the LORD and understanding of HIS word that has taught me to trust HIM came from HIS taking away my hearing.  A couple years back I got a Cochlear implant so I hear so much more today.  But I would never trade those years alone with GOD.

After seeing GOD work in many situations in my life, in the lives of many in my family and friends, and throughout one Bible episode after another where what I would consider terrible situations the LORD used to do something REMARKABLY good. Just one example is the Crucifixion of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, without which we could not be saved.

Therefore, I have come to realize that the LORD with HIS great wisdom and foreknowledge of all things sees things vastly different than I do.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

MY thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. And MY ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so MY ways are higher than your ways and MY thoughts higher than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Therefore, I have learned how limited I am in knowing what is best so consult the LORD even in how I should pray rather than go with my own ideas.  In this I obey HIS word.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek HIS will in (talk over with HIM) ALL you do (even prayer), and HE will show you which path to take.Do not be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. (Proverbs 3:5-7 NLT)

After talking with the LORD, sometimes I am given a go ahead, a word, direction or a verse that shows me how to pray. Other times there is a definite DO NOT pray that way, and still other times I get nothing, nothing at all even though I have asked.

It is at those times I most rejoice in the ONE who edits my prayers.

…the SPIRIT helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the SPIRIT HIMSELF intercedes for us with groanings that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).

We can make our own plans (according to what we think is right), but the Lord gives the right answer (Proverbs 16:1 NLT).

So

Commit your actions (including prayers) to the Lord, and your plans (prayers) will succeed (Proverbs 16:3 NLT).

And this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that, if we ask any thing according to HIS will, HE hears us: And IF we know that HE hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of HIM (1 John 5:14-15) 

Hugs

Sharon

Key of knowledge

Which of us does not want to KNOW what to do next?

Luke 11:52 “Woe to you lawyers (scholars of the law) you have taken away the key of knowledge, you didn’t enter in and those who were entering you hindered.”

The law said do this and that, but just following rules won’t get you the knowledge you need to cope with life, especially in these days of deception.  We need the key of knowledge.

#1 What does a key do?  It unlocks something that is locked.

What is the key of knowledge?

Proverbs 1:7 “The FEAR of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.”  Therefore, the key that unlocks knowledge is the FEAR the LORD.

What is the FEAR of the LORD? This Hebrew word for FEAR —the key that unlocks knowledge incorporates the idea of fearfulness/ of being afraid and of a reverential awe from KNOWING/ BELIEVING in the HOLY LORD and HIS infinite power, authority and justice. Consequentially, by seeing HIM we see our own weaknesses and smallness.  What it comes down to is BELIEVING in GOD who loves us but to Whom we must give an account.

Proverbs 9:10 “The FEAR of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the HOLY (ONE) is understanding.”   

It is in growing in knowledge of GOD our FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST (2 Peter 11-4) which comes as we learn about HIM by spending time with HIM in HIS word that we grow in FEAR of the LORD. As we see HIM at work throughout scripture we become more aware HIS ways and thoughts are not our ways and thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). We see HE is good and right and that the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY means what HE says. HE always does what HE says HE will do, and it is always for the ultimate eternal good. But at times we don’t like HIS way of doing things.

As we grow in our knowledge of GOD, the FEAR of the LORD causes us to do right because we understand GOD knows best, that HE disciplines HIS children and will judge wrong.   I for one don’t like to be disciplined.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter FEAR GOD and keep HIS commandments for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For GOD shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.

Psalm 34:11 “Come listen and I will teach you the FEAR of the LORD…13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking guile (deceit) 14 depart from evil and go seek peace and pursue it.”

Psalm 111:10 the FEAR the LORD is the beginning… a good understanding have all who do HIS command (instructions).

Proverbs 8:3 The FEAR of the LORD is to hate evil, pride, arrogancy and the evil way and lying mouth.

Proverbs 15:32 He that refuses instruction despises his own soul but he that hears reproof gets understanding 33 the FEAR of the LORD is instruction.

Proverbs 16:6 by the FEAR of the LORD men depart from evil.

Abraham used this word when he answered a king, “Because I thought surely the FEAR of GOD is not in this place, and they will slay me for my wife’s sake.”

Grow in your knowledge of GOD and you will grow in the FEAR of the LORD for you will see more of HIS holiness and the fruit of HIS divine nature will flow through you (2 Peter 1:1-4) as you are being changed (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Some might ask, isn’t that legalism? NO! Legalism is doing something to get a right standing with GOD.  The only way to GOD is through JESUS who died for our sin (John 14:6).  But as we grow in our knowledge of GOD we are changed by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT who is given to everyone who believes in JESUS as Savior and LORD (Ephesians 1:13, 4:30).  As we change inwardly our actions change outwardly to match those of our heavenly FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

I am saved eternally ( 1 Corinthians 3:15), but I FEAR meeting my GOD ashamed because I chose not to let HIM change and use me while in time and on this earth (1 John 2:28).

I also FEAR for those who do not know JESUS for the wrath of GOD is on them. That is because their sin is still on them (John 3:36).  It is only when one receives JESUS that he receives the payment for his sins, and his name is in the book of life.  The wages of sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23) in the lake of fire for all whose names are not in the book of life (Revelation 20:15).

Hugs

Sharon

Something I overlooked

This morning reading about the last hours of JESUS before and during HIS crucifixion, I noticed something I had not picked up on yet, although I have read the account in John countless times.  There are several references that I knew well stating this was to fulfill scripture.  But in John 18:32 I saw something that I had totally overlooked.

John 18:³¹ Then said Pilate unto them, Take HIM, and judge HIM according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: ³² That the saying of JESUS might be fulfilled, which HE spoke, signifying what death HE should die.

Now I knew the Jews could not crucify people, they stoned them to death. But I never saw that the crucifixion was JESUS’ (NOT Old Testament) prophesy being fulfilled.  So, I went to check where JESUS prophesied HIS manner of death.

What I found were verses I knew, could quote to you and had even taught from but I had never seen them as JESUS prophesying how HE would die.  I also saw truth in them I hadn’t been able to grasp.

John 12:³² And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto ME.³³ This HE said, signifying what death HE should die.

I thought instantly of John 3 when early in JESUS ministry HE talked with a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews who came to JESUS by night wanting to know more but not wanting others to know he was seeking.  JESUS told Nicodemus a story he knew well.

Numbers 21:⁹ And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man (because he had sinned), when that man beheld (looked up to) the serpent of brass, he lived.

JESUS said to Nicodemus:

John 3:¹⁴ And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the SON of man be lifted up: ¹⁵ That whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁶ For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM (JESUS) should not perish but have everlasting life.

JESUS explained in those few verses to the noted Jewish teacher who HE (the SON of man) was, how to be born again, the reason one needed to born again and now I know JESUS also spoke of the manner of HIS death and not just HIS death.

Only those Jews in the wilderness who choose to believe the inconceivable word of GOD spoken by Moses that just looking at a brass snake would heal them and they would live and not die chose to look and were healed.  Any who thought it was crazy and didn’t look died because they refused to believe GOD and accept HIS offer to heal them.

It is the same with JESUS.  Those who will look to HIM receive everlasting life but those who refuse the wrath of GOD remains on them (John 3:36).

Remember IF you are a believer in the LORD JESUS CHRIST and have called on HIS name to save you (Romans 10:9-10, 13) you are saved and are a KING for GOD tells us in Revelation 1:5 from JESUS CHRIST, Who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth. Unto HIM that loved us and washed us from our sins in HIS own blood, ⁶ And has made us kings and priests unto GOD and HIS FATHER; to HIM be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

As a KING you can choose to search and find the delights of truth hidden in the Word of GOD for Proverbs 25:2 “It is the glory of GOD to conceal a thing: but the honor of KINGS (you) is to search out a matter.”

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

3/ 16

Today is 3/16. the most famous 3/16 is John 3:16 For GOD so loved the world that HE sent HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM will not perish but have eternal live.

another fine 3/16 is 1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of GOD, because HE (JESUS) laid down HIS life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

So if you hear HIS voice today, do not harden your heart (don’t be stubborn) Hebrews 3:7-8. Listen and receive JESUS as your Savior.

The LORD has seemed so near throughout our 6 week study “To know and Pray GOD’s nature” and now going into the conclusion-“Being made in GOD’s image and walking in the SPIRIT”, the LORD is richly opening the Word. I think our triune GOD is pleased that we are considering HE HIMSELF.

hugs

Sharon L Manning #John316

All things

Because of the mesmerizing Friday study on GOD’s nature, I have really gotten behind on preparing lessons for Tuesday and new homework is needed to be handed out Tuesday.  So, I was determined and after working for hours writing lessons I hit print. Strange sounds came to my ears. The printer would not feed the paper and was growling as it tried repeatedly to do so.  My printed had died.  Nothing I tried would bring it back to life.

Irritating yes, but nothing compared to one of my students being in bed with extreme pain, or another dear sister quite out of the blue having a seemingly impossible scenario dumped on her, or another friend’s mother is in the hospital and her stepfather left the world last week, or a new acquaintance telling of physical problems causing friction in the home and on new requests.

When troubles big or small come to me or to my attention, the gracious HOLY SPIRIT is faithful to remind me (John 14:26) by pouring phrases into my mind.  Phrases like:

“MY ways are not your ways, and MY thoughts are not like your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9),

“Give thanks in all things for this is the will of GOD concerning you” (I Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 4:20)

“all things are for your benefit” (2 Corinthians 4:15),

“works all things after the counsel of HIS own will” (Ephesians 1:11),

“I do nothing without a cause” (Ezekiel 14:23),  

“you meant it for evil, but GOD meant it for good to save many alive” (Genesis 50:20),

“all things work together for good to those who love GOD” (Romans 8:28),

“the lot is cast in the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD” (Proverbs 16:33),

“HE has preset the times and places’ (Acts 17:26). 

As these Bible truths tumbled into my mind they stirred me up to look to GOD to know how to pray, 1 Timothy 1:17 came to mind and began singing it: “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible the only WISE GOD be glory and honor for ever and ever AMEN, AMEN, be glory and honor for ever and ever AMEN. 

As I acknowledged and honored GOD in the midst of all the concerns, HIS peace through me beyond having to understand enveloped me (Philippians 4:6-7).  I began praying for each of these situations and others by lifting them up to my all-WISE GOD being ever so grateful that JESUS opened the way for me to go directly to GOD the FATHER from whom all blessing flow (Hebrews 7:25, James 1:17) and that the HOLY SPIRIT will edit my prayers according to the will of GOD when I am off base in what I ask (Romans 8:26-27) being confident of this very thing that the LORD GOD AMIGHTY, the entire Trinity is at work on our behalf.

Amazing peace comes with awareness that my LORD is the only WISE GOD who loves those who love HIM (John 14:23, 16:27) and HE knows what is best!

Do you or someone you know/ love have a struggle?  I recommend that you hand the situation to the only WISE GOD.  But remember, you must come in the name of JESUS, (John 16:23-24) for there is no other way to get to the Majesty on High where is the throne of Grace (John 14:6, Hebrews 7:25, Hebrews 4:16).

Hugs

Sharon

The Wheelbarrow

This beautiful sunshine makes me want to get the flower beds cleaned up and ready for spring flowers.  It reminds me of Dad and how he would get things ready.  Though quite small when we moved to June Lake, I remember Dad building a rock border so he could level the yard.  He used a wheelbarrow to haul the rocks and also to mix up the cement to fix them into place.  Other times when the wheelbarrow was empty and clean he’d give my sister and me wild rides tipping the wheelbarrow to the right and left as he’d move it forward.

That old wheelbarrow and how Dad used it reminds me of what the LORD has emphasized to me lately about JESUS the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Let me lay the foundation of what I am seeing in hopes that you can see it too.

JESUS-then called the WORD- totally equal with GOD the FATHER both in form and nature (John 1:1-4), laid aside HIS visible glory and rights and riches and took on the form of man and became obedient unto death because the GODHEAD (all THREE) desired a relationship with mankind whom they had made (Philippians 2:4-8)

Leaving the glory of heaven the Light of the World came down into the darkness of this world of sin saying, “I come to do THY will, O GOD” (Hebrews 10:9).  In doing so HE determined to not speak HIS own words (John 3:34-35, 12:49) nor use HIS own powers (Luke 4:14, Acts 1:2). 

Totally aware of what HIS choice would mean (John 21:17, Acts 15:18 KJ) JESUS humbly chose to suffer for HE knew it was necessary for HIM to be made like unto HIS brethren (humans) in all ways, that HE might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to GOD, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people (Hebrews 2:17). That was the only way people could be saved and live eternally with HIM.

Now how does this connect with Dad’s old wheelbarrow?  He could not mix the cement in the wheelbarrow when it was full of rocks, it had to be empty, nor could Dad give his 3 girls rides while the wet cement was in the wheelbarrow.  Dad had to empty and wash it out before we got our rides.

In order for JESUS to be made like us (Humans) HE emptied HIMSELF out.  That only means HE chose not to go HIS own way, nor find HIS own pleasure, nor speak HIS own words but only do GOD’s will.  Did you know that Isaiah 58:13b states that doing those very things enables you and me to delight in the LORD?

When the Creator, JESUS took on a human body inside of Mary and became a baby, dependent on ones HE had made and even submitting to them was beyond huge.  But what the LORD has been impressing on me was the beginning of HIS ministry up to HIS ascension back into heaven as how I am to daily follow HIS lead (Hebrews 2:10). “Looking unto JESUS the Author and finisher of our faith” Hebrews 12:2.

Hebrews 10:9 “I come to do YOUR will O GOD” John 3:34 For HE (JESUS) whom GOD has sent speaks the words of GOD: for GOD gives not the SPIRIT by measure unto HIM (JESUS).

Luke 4:1 And JESUS being full of the HOLY SPIRIT returned from Jordan, and was led by the SPIRIT into the wilderness, Luke 4:14  And JESUS returned in the power of the SPIRIT into Galilee… 15  And HE taught in their synagogues… Acts 1:2 Until the day in which HE (JESUS) was taken up, after that HE (JESUS) through the HOLY SPIRIT had given commandments unto the apostles whom HE had chosen. 

I see JESUS does only what GOD wants HIM to do.  HE does not speak HIS own words but speaks only what HE hears the FATHER say.  HE goes not in HIS own power and ideas but is filled by the HOLY SPIRIT.  Being FILLED HE is led and goes by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.  Notice, the HOLY SPIRIT teaches through HIM, so JESUS doesn’t convict people JESUS just speaks the words the FATHER give HIM, and the HOLY SPIRIT gives the people understanding (1 Corinthians 2:10-13).

Hebrews 8:14 blows me away, “… CHRIST, who through the eternal SPIRIT offered HIMSELF without spot to GOD…” 

On earth while in a human body, JESUS depended on GOD the FATHER and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT and did nothing on HIS own.

We received and were sealed with the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT when we were saved (John 7:38-39, Ephesians 1:13). But now we are commanded to be filled by the HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 5:18).  But what does that mean since we cannot not fill ourselves? I think Luke 11:13 holds the key when it say that GOD the FATHER will give the HOLY SPIRIT to those who ask.  We see in Acts 4:31 that the very disciples who on the Day of Pentecost were filled (Acts 2:4) with the HOLY SPIRIT with power yet on another day they prayed to GOD for boldness after being threatened and they are filled anew with the HOLY SPIRIT and speak with power. We are saved one time.  We get the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT one time and are sealed to GOD one time.  But the filling with power comes and goes.  I think we need to ask daily for the HOLY SPIRIT to fill us for whatever GOD has prepared for us to do.  Scripture says, “You have not because you ask not” (James 4:2).

Therefore, to follow JESUS how much more do I need to lay aside my personal opinions and ideas and seek to know and follow GOD’s leading (Proverbs 3:5-7) and be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT.  Only when we are filled by the HOLY SPIRIT can we be led by and walk with the HOLY SPIRIT. Daily I need to prepare my heart (Proverbs 16:1) by being in GOD’s word (Matthew 4:4), talking to GOD our FATHER and being willing to obey regardless so I can hear and understand the HOLY SPIRIT (1 Corinthians 2:10-13).  I need to listen carefully and do what I know I should do and say what I know I should say whether I agree with it or not.  For if I am willing to hear and obey, the HOLY SPIRIT will make my instructions clear to me and enable me to obey (John 7:17, Philippians 2:13) . 

But like that wheelbarrow full of dirt, if I am full of my own ideas I won’t be able to hear the HOLY SPIRIT.

Hebrews 8:14 How much more shall the blood of CHRIST, who through the eternal SPIRIT offered HIMSELF without spot to GOD, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living GOD?

Hugs

Sharon   PS-See the TRINITY in the crucifixion?

Learning

Whether a baby is learning to swallow food, sit up or walk, or a preschooler is learning to identify different colors and letters, learning is a process that takes time. Each skill has to be practiced. The progression goes forward when one skill has been mastered. Rushing it only leads to frustration and the wise parent/ teacher takes into consideration where the little one is and when they are ready to move forward. A preschooler just learning her numbers would never be expected to do algebra.

For new and old believers in JESUS the same principle is true.  Every morning as I read the Bible I ask GOD to highlight something me that HE wants me to see. Sometimes it’s something I had never seen before- although I have read through the Bible multiple times.  Whatever HE highlights it is HIM talking to me explaining to me what I need to see. Either HE teaches me something new, convicts me of something, expands my understanding, points out a verse to use in a lesson, or shows me something HE wants me to do.

I love it that JESUS was made like us in all ways (Hebrews 2:17), even to being tempted in all points like us (but without sin) so we know that HE understands us thoroughly and can sympathize with our weaknesses and know exactly what help we need to get through (Hebrews 4:15-16, 7:25).

Since that is true, the LORD knows where we are at in knowing HIM and what HE wants of us (our spiritual growth in becoming like JESUS Romans 8:29).  HE never expects more than we can handle with HIM! (Philippians 2:13, 4:13).  That being true we cannot compare ourselves with others for each of us are different in gifting, jobs, and our level of maturity.

The ALMIGHTY gave us HIS word and teachers, so we can learn the whole counsel of GOD and partake of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:1-4).  By Bible study and prayer we get to understand what GOD wants us to do. But we need to read the whole Bible; both the Old and New testaments.

Things we find in the last book of the Bible will help us understand the 1st book of the Bible.  One example is that in Genesis, the 1st book of the Bible we read about a serpent but it is in the last book of the Bible- in Revelation 20:2 where we are told who that serpent is. 

You cannot just take one portion of the Bible by itself and claim that is all GOD is or wants.  The Word of GOD is like a zig saw puzzle with many, many pieces.  Each piece may tell a part of the story but the whole picture is only seen when the pieces of the puzzle are put together.

That is why Paul earnestly sought to teach all the counsel of GOD (Acts 20:27).  That is why I give references to what I share with you and why they come from all over the Bible.  But look up those verses and check if what I am saying is true for we live in a day when many false teachers and deceivers twist Scripture to get you to do or think what they want.

Praise the LORD, when we accepted JESUS as our Savior by believing that HE died for our sins, was raised to life again and called on HIM to save us (Romans 10:9-10, 13) we were born into GOD’s family (John 1:13-14) and GOD our heavenly FATHER gave us the HOLY SPIRIT to live within us to teach us, lead us in the way we should go and empower us to do what GOD wants us to do (John 7:38-39, 14:26, 16:13, Acts 1:8).  The HOLY SPIRIT helps us understand the Bible (1 Corinthians 2:10-13) and will let us know when something is not right.  In that way the HOLY SPIRIT warns us about false teaching, so it is important to pay attention to those little checks of uneasiness HE gives us and check out what is being said by searching the scriptures to see if what is being said is true (Acts 17:11).

Hugs

Sharon

A faithful witness

Faithful witness

“It will be as eternal as the moon, MY faithful witness in the sky” Psalm 89:37

Why is the moon called GOD’s faithful witness?

The moon has no source of light from itself.  The reason we can see the moon at all is because the sun shines. The moon just reflects (witnesses to) the light of the sun.  To be a witness is to tell of something you see and the moon’s light is a reflection of the sun shining on it.

So, for us to witness of GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS is merely to tell others about GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST.  So you see anyone who has come to GOD through JESUS (Hebrews 7:25), can be an effective and faithful witness.

Are you witnessing?

Hugs

Sharon