GOD is over all

Thinking of the all the struggles so many of us are having and how people can react to troubles in such opposite ways. Why the difference?

Now I’m not trying to play down anxiety for it is no laughing matter. Times are tough, and the stresses of life can make you feel trapped and totally helpless.

But GOD who is over all tells us to look away from those problems that are causing you such stress and look to HIM (2 Corinthians 4:18). HE says that HE is achieving through them eternal wonders for the one enduring them (2 Corinthians 4:15-17).

JESUS said, “Man cannot live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4) and GOD’s word says, “Cast all your anxiety on HIM because HE cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7.)

GOD says HE will not allow anything to hit us that we can’t handle with HIM.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

“No testing has come upon you, but such as is common to man: but GOD is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tested above what you are able; but will with the testing also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Praying concerning the ongoing struggles of dear friends and family members, the LORD reminded me of JESUS being tempted by the devil for 40 days straight and how JESUS overcame through quoting the Word of GOD.  HIS testing was really ongoing, but HE was victorious. 

Then as I talked to the LORD concerning the many family members and dear friends very different reactions to ongoing struggles, my mind flew to the old illustration of what happens when a potato and an egg are boiled. The egg gets hard, the potato gets soft. Both have hot water boiling them, but the result is vastly different. In the same way, I see one person being angry and bitter while others continue to cry out to GOD in trust and are becoming more understanding and more patient. 

The astounding instructions/ illustrations GOD gives us through HIS creation are stunning.  JESUS told us we will have problems in this world, but this world is not our home and JESUS has made a way for us to go and be with HIM in a wonderful place where there will be no more sorrow or pain.  Therefore, let us look unto JESUS the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2-4) and go to the throne for the grace to help us during our struggles (Hebrews 4:16).

“But the GOD of all grace, who has called us unto HIS eternal glory by CHRIST JESUS, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you” (1 Peter 5:10).

Hugs

Sharon

Appointed time

Today as I walked in the coolness just before dawn, the sky seemed especially beautiful and the grass and flowers and trees brighter than usual.  As I thanked GOD for the beauty all around me, I thought of how in the beginning when HE made them GOD said “It is good.” 

As I considered this I thought, even knowing the wonders HE has prepared for in the new Heavens and new earth how it must grieve HIM to have to do what is necessary in getting rid of evil and corruption of things HE so lovingly made. I wondered if that is why GOD gives us moments like I saw this morning when the sky and colors appear more clearly, more brilliant… showing us anew the wondrous beauty HE spoke into existence. 

There is an APPOINTED time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven— A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. … 11 He has made everything appropriate (literally beautiful) in its time. HE has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which GOD has done from the beginning even to the end. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-3, 11 NASB).

Let’s just pray. “LORD we know that YOU have and do thwart (stop) the plans of men (Isaiah 8:10, 2 Samuel 17:14) and I ask that YOU do that to any plan not based on Your purposes. Prepare my heart to accept YOUR plan for I know YOU do nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23) and nothing can be done without YOUR permission (Lamentations 3:37, Job 1:9-12, 2:6).

Many years ago, GOD told me (impressed on my heart) that my prayer would be answered but a certain thing had to happen 1st. Well, I thought HE was preparing me for that thing. But it did not come. Years went by and yet it still did not happen.

Throughout the waiting I questioned the LORD over and over asking if I heard HIM right or if as a friend I confided in said that it was just wishful thinking. Each and every time I asked GOD reinforced what HE had said by bringing other scripture to mind. But HE also made it clear that it was for an appointed time and that I must wait for it (Hebrews 10:36).

Finally, I came to understand that the reason GOD had told me way back when was to enable me to persevere and live in hope that what HE promised was really coming during the especially hard times.

I also began to see differences in others, so I realized that during what seemed to me as delay after delay, GOD was busily at work preparing hearts and changing people so all could be blessed in the end.

Well the thing promised nor what must come 1st is still not here. Though at times I struggle (until I run to the throne-Hebrews 4:16) I have no doubt that at the APPOINTED time I will receive what is promised.

I think you know what I’m saying. It’s not just about us and what we think is needed, for others will be affected and GOD is at work on the behalf of each one. Being aware of that helps me wait more patiently. I hope it helps you too.

In the same way that I am awaiting that special personal promise given me years ago, so also I am waiting for JESUS prophesied promise to return for us who believe in HIM to catch us away to be with HIM and to keep us from the evil to come. The signs are all around us and mounting everyday and at the appointed time HE will come. Even so come LORD JESUS.

Hugs
Sharon L Manning

Colors

Being I focused in with my phone, this snap-shot can only give you a small hint and tiny portion of the brilliance and panorama GOD set before me.  HE is so good to me!

GOD’s throne is describe as encircled with colors predominantly green (Revelation 4:3).  GOD set HIS bow (the rainbow which has all the colors of the spectrum in the clouds as a reminder of HIS promise to all living things on the earth (Genesis 9:8-17). 

Colors are amazing and have power. They can impact our moods, emotions, and behaviors.  They are a gift from GOD, a smidgeon of what it means to be made in the likeness of GOD (Genesis 1:26).

Warm colors (red, yellow and orange, and variations like pink) evoke warmth and even happiness due to their brightness.  They convey optimism, enthusiasm, and passion.

Cool colors (greens, blues, purples) have a calming effect with the power to relax us.  It is no wonder GOD’s throne is encircled in green (Revelation 4:3) and that HE made the sky and water blue and trees and grass green.  For the LORD who knows all things knew we would have struggles. When we look to GOD HE calms our fears (John 14:1) and gives us rest.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Neutral colors (brown, black and white, as well as variations like gray) can be powerful.

A moment ago, through colors, I was reminded of how much GOD loves me and how HE loves to give me good things.   “For no good thing will HE withhold from them that walk uprightly” ( Psalm 84:11).

You see I had foot surgery and one thing about foot surgery, you need to keep your foot elevated as it is healing and are therefore confined in one position and one place.  So here I am I stuck sitting with my foot propped up.  As I stopped to think about the wording, I glanced up from my writing of a lesson to view breathtaking beauty.

Just looking out my window I saw the spectacular Autumn colors of the trees in the park across the street from me and rejoiced in GOD’s detailed creation and love.  I thanked GOD for making me and you in HIS likeness (Genesis 1:26) in that we can see and enjoy colors.

A month ago, I had the delight of attending a retreat. Between meetings a train ride was scheduled to see the changing colors in the mountains north of Woodland Park.  But what I just saw out my very own east windows far surpassed the beauty I saw that day both in variety and vibrance.  Which just goes to show you that GOD can and will bless you no matter where you are.

  HE is so good to me!

Hugs

Sharon

Who hovers?

“In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with GOD and the WORD was GOD The same was in the beginning with GOD. All things were made by HIM (the WORD); and without HIM was not anything made that was made… and the WORD was made flesh and dwelt among us” John 1:1-3, 14.

“In the beginning, GOD created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the SPIRIT of GOD was hovering over the face of the waters” Genesis 1:1-2.

Hence we see the Trinity in creation.

Let’s look at a little more about the HOLY SPIRIT.

Imagine GOD’s SPIRIT hovering over the face of the earth. Everything is dark and without form until GOD spoke through the WORD, “Let there be light.” In an instant, everything changes. The light pierces the darkness, and what was once invisible is now seen clearly. This is what GOD the SPIRIT does. HE is always close, always near, always bringing to light what was once covered in darkness.  HE does that in many ways.  Lets look at a few.

The HOLY SPIRIT explains what the Bible means (1 Corinthians 2:10) and helps us understand more and more what JESUS is like and changes us all the while (2 Corinthians 3:18).

The HOLY SPIRIT prays for us and leads us according to GOD the FATHER’s will (Romans 8:26-27) by speaking to our thoughts and putting GOD’s desires in our heart (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10: 15-16).  

We have been given the ability to choose but when our everyday choices are not according to GOD the FATHER’s will, The HOLY SPIRIT will press a check into our spirit, bringing a restraint that we are aware of. At those times we need to stop, be quiet and wait for HIS direction.  We must not grieve HIM by doing what we know we should not do (Ephesians 4:25-30), nor do despite HIS warning (Isaiah 50:10-11). But rather, we need to wait until we “know” (that inner awareness) what step we are to take (Proverbs 3:5-7) and then do it. If we refuse to act on HIS prodding, we quench HIM (1 Thessalonians 5:18-22).

Wow!  What a mighty GOD we serve.  FATHER GOD has prepared the way ahead for us and all that we have comes from HIM (Ephesians 2:10), JESUS, GOD the SON, died to save us and continually works on our behalf as HE discusses our needs with the FATHER (Hebrews 7:25) so HE can save us completely.  And the HOLY SPIRIT lives within us flowing HIS divine nature John 7:38-39) through us as HE teaches (John 14:26) and leads us way we should go, confirming our witness of JESUS by convicting hearts as we speak (John 16:8).

Hugs

Sharon

Creation witnesses

Psalm 19 1-3 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shews his handywork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night shews knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

At times creation will declare the gospel “For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON (to take on a body and die on the cross for the sins of the world so mankind could be saved) that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

Are you part of the whosover? Do you believe in JESUS? Have you called on HIM to save you?

All who call on the name of the LORD (JESUS) will be saved (Romans 10:13).

I hope you have
hugs
Sharon L Manning

Open your eyes!

“Come on lets go!” Like the little puppy, sometimes we are in a rush to get going and we wonder if GOD is sleeping. Why am I not seeing the promises HE gave me fulfilled?  But all timing is in GOD’s hands and HE has a reason for every seeming delay (Acts 17:26-27).

Problems and waiting are hard and sometimes we forget to look around us at the little gifts from GOD as HE teaches us in other areas.  When I do look around my attitude changes and I am filled with joy.

I just got back from a stroll around the park across the street from my house.  The sun is shining brightly, the wind blew softly just enough to keep my hair out of my face and then I saw a tiny squirrel scampering around, I couldn’t help but smile.  There also was a beautifully colored bird perched on a fence.

Each of those things, beginning with my ability to walk without pain around the park are special gifts from the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY and redirected my thoughts from struggles to our wonderful loving Creator and totally changed my attitude.

GOD is so good!

Hugs

Sharon

Color, variety and detail

    Just looking around me I caught a quick glimpse of what I want to share with you.   The secret things belong to GOD but the things revealed belong to us and our children that we may be able to do all (GOD wants us to do) Deuteronomy 29:29   Once in a while, the Light of the world, the revealer of secrets, lets us catch a glimpse of HIMSELF. And it is but a microscopic glimpse for we see only the mere edges/ tiny parts of HIS ways; and after thousands of years only a little is heard of HIM (Job 26:14). That glimpse can be nearly blinding. At least it is to me. That glimpse is given so that we can do what HE wants us to do. For me, that means share it with others because GOD told me years and years ago that HE opens my ears to hear as one being taught, so that I might have a word in season for the weary (Isaiah 50:4). The word came to me as a glimpse.   I have many times throughout the years thought of Yahweh- the great I AM who I AM- the Eternal- the LORD of hosts, in connection with prayer and the millions who at any given moment are crying out to HIM. When I do this, my mind becomes overwhelmed at the infinite capabilities of our Almighty GOD in relation to time and quantity.   For HE listens carefully to each of the millions individually and immediately. HE gives HIS total undivided attention to each individual’s cry separately, not distracted or interrupted by others. This is done simultaneously, yes- all at the same time. Totally beyond not just our ability to do but our ability to comprehend. It is far beyond what we can think or imagine.   I was just sitting here, thinking of the creation of man and how GOD formed him in HIS own image, when a thought new for me shot by, much like the cartoon Road Runner might.   I know it is nothing new but the thought blew me away for I had never considered the aspect of the infinite scope and timing of GOD designing/ creating and its implications. Sure, I realized that although man’s creation is the only one told in any detail, GOD must have designed each thing in HIS creation individually for they are so different. Look at a wildflower. Just by observing the amazing, beautifully intricately design of each type of wildflower (and there are so many) we know without doubt that GOD is a detail person. HE cares about details even for the wildflower that today is and tomorrow is gone.   The cryptic wording in Genesis 1 seems to imply that the individual creation of the vast varieties of each order of things (everything after its kind) such as the wild flowers were done simultaneously (much like HE listens to each of the millions of concerns brought to HIM although they all pray all at the same time). And just think- GOD gives each thing HE makes HIS total attention without distraction as HE designes in minute detail glorious and sometimes funny qualities and hiding secrets (like the star in center of an apple or a rose) throughout HIS designs. Talk about multi-tasking! That is wild, its mind blowing.   As the Psalmist would say—Selah or STOP and just think about that! Hugs Sharon

Eye has not seen

Struck by the amazing beauty of the flowering cactus beside me, I began thinking of the infinity of GOD as seen in HIS Creation. There is such a vast variety in what HE made, from the comical praying mantis, to the lumbering elephant, a tiny brilliantly colored flower to the grass or an eagle. GOD must have designed each thing in HIS creation individually for they are so different in design, color, shape, size and purpose.  The intricate details of a tiny wildflower that is here today and gone tomorrow declares our Creator is a GOD of details.  No wonder it is written, “The heavens declare the glory of GOD; and the firmament (earth) shows HIS handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).

 

The cryptic wording in Genesis 1 seems to imply that the individual creating of the vast varieties of each order of things (everything after its kind) such as birds were done simultaneously -much like HE listens to each of the millions of concerns continually brought to HIM through prayers all at the same time yet giving each HIS total undivided attention without distraction. Talk about muti-tasking!

 

As I think about the minute thought out details of HIS creation, the seasons, the water cycle, the sometimes funny qualities and hidden secrets (like the star in center of each apple and rose) I can’t help but wonder what hidden surprises await me in the plans HE has for me.

 

“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. But GOD is revealing them unto us (one by one) by HIS SPIRIT” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)

 

As the Psalmist would say—Selah or STOP and just think about that!

Hugs

Sharon