Design and color

HIS (the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY’s) work is honorable and glorious: and HIS

righteousness endures forever (Psalm 111:3).

In wisdom GOD created all things.  HE demonstrated such a flair for beauty, design, a love of color and variety in HIS creation of HE creatures.  When I saw this little bird today I thought of a Bible phrase… “even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these” (Matthew 6:29).  The phrase literally speaks of GOD clothing flowers of the field but the principle applies to all that HE has made. The LORD dressed this little bird beautifully, wouldn’t you agree?

The LORD GOD does all things well.

Hugs

Sharon

I looked up into the sky

One day in my past I became very upset and ran from my home.  Further circumstances of perceived danger caused me to climb through barbed wire fencing and run through an open field full of cactus.  Darkness descended and the stars became visible.  My tears had worn me out, so after a while I plopped down onto the ground careful to avoid the cactus and looked up into the sky.  

As I looked into the sky with its vastness and beauty I recognized some of GOD’s essence/ the glory of HIS immensity and wisdom and so I called out to GOD and GOD HIMSELF met with me as I sat on the ground.  A calm enveloped me, and I was impressed with words without an audible sound. “Sharon, I am with you. It’s time to go home.” 

My anger, frustration and fear drained out of me, for I knew the ALMIGHTY was right.  So, I got up and walk dodging the cactus straight across the field to my home.

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY who was and is and is to come desires a relationship with each person.  The MOST HIGH chose to make people in HIS own image so we could relate to each other and to HIM.  HE also placed evidence before us in the heavens to cause us to reach out to HIM.

The heavens declare the glory (essence/ character) of GOD; and the firmament shows HIS handiwork. Psalm 19:1

The heavens declare YOUR righteousness (that YOU do all things right), and the people will see YOUR glory (essence/ nature/ character) Psalm 97:6.

We look up in the sky on a dark night and see the heavenly lights all with circuits of their own, synchronized so that they don’t interfere with each other and know there must be a Creator who designed all of it.  This Creator must be immense since the heavens are vast beyond our comprehension and to make all of it shows fantastic power.  Then when the sun comes up or goes down we see beautiful colors in the sunrises and sunsets and clouds that not only add beauty but also speak of the water cycle designed by our skillful Creator.

These are just mere fringes of the wonders of our Creator GOD seen in HIS Creation.  No wonder we are told that the heavens declare HE does everything right and that the heavens show us our invisible GOD.

Because that which may be know of GOD is manifest in them; for GOD has showed it to them.  For the invisible things of HIM from the creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made, even HIS eternal power and GODHEAD; so that they are without excuse.  Because when they knew GOD they glorified HIM not as GOD, neither were thankful but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened (Romans 1:19-21).

Yet, to this day, if we seek HIM, HE will let us find HIM if we seek HIM with all our heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

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

How can we know?

Today people say all kinds of things so how in the world can we know what is right what is true?

I believe that our Creator and Savior knows the right way for the stars are perfectly synchronized and spring follows winter and then comes summer and then come fall year after year.

So seek answers from GOD in GOD’s love letter the Bible.

As JESUS said to Peter, the values and thoughts of the world come straight from the devil.

Matthew 16:23 AMP But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on things of GOD, but on things of man.”

Man can not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (the Bible) Matthew 4:4.

Who do you listen to?

hugs

Sharon L Manning

Help from the heat

With this heat wave, no matter how one tries it is hard to get relief.  Yesterday, one of my girls traveling home in a jeep with no air conditioner stopped at a gas station.  Seeing stars before her eyes, she felt as though she would pass out so her daughter handed her a bottle of water that she had just purchased and Jeri opened it and poured over her head standing right there with people all around.  As the water ran down over her, drenching her from head to foot, she revived!  Praise the LORD Who always prepares in advance and provides what is needed!  All we need to do is look to HIM.

“I would seek GOD…WHO gives rain upon the earth and sends waters upon the fields” (Job 10:8, 10). And seek the LORD JESUS CHRIST who saved me by washing me from my sin with HIS very own blood (Revelation 1:5) and changes and purifies me with the washing of the water of the WORD of GOD (Ephesians 5:26).

Now this boldly beaked Toucan is the toco toucan, is a great example of GOD preparing HIS creatures for where HE places them.  This bird lives in world’s largest area of tropical wetlands, the Pantanal, which stretches across a large swath of Brazil along with parts of Paraguay and Bolivia. The weather is warm and humid, and GOD, in HIS interesting and creative way enabled the Pantanal’s wildlife to handle the sultry conditions.

The toco Toucan species has the largest beak, relative to its body, of any bird. While his big bright bill is terrific at plucking and peeling fruit, and defending against predators, its greatest use may be in regulating temperature.  The toco toucan’s lightweight keratin beak is underlain with blood vessels which help dissipate body heat. The jumbo beak serves as a kind of thermostat, cooling the toucan off in much the same way those oversize ears do for elephants.

Aren’t GOD’s colorful designs enthrallingly amazing in wise practicality as well as beauty?

Hugs

Sharon

Everything good

GOD is amazing, the author of creativity and I love HIS designs.  Crazy as it seems, what appears here as a bird is actually a flower.

Have you ever been delighted when catching a glimpse of a vibrantly colored dazzling rainbow, filled with joy at seeing the beauty of a sunrise or sunset, or set to dancing when you hear lively strains of music?  Those are just crumbs of the glory/majesty of GOD’s astounding power. “For every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the FATHER of lights” (James 1:17).

Across the spectrum, when you have been troubled, confused, or hurting have you opened the Bible and prayed and been met and filled with peace?  That is just a tidbit of being aware of the Presence of our ALMIGHTY loving GOD.

As believers in JESUS, we are guaranteed to both experience the awesome wonder of GOD’s amazing Presence and every thing good which is the glory of HIS majestic power. We get to experience them both intimately throughout all eternity.

But not so for the ones who refuse JESUS and turn from the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10).  These want nothing to do with GOD on earth and suppress or push from themselves every thought of the LORD (Romans 1:18-23). So GOD gives them what they have chosen for all eternity.  It is written, “These shall be punished with everlasting destruction shut out from the Presence of GOD and the glory of HIS power (everything good)” (2 Thessalonians 1:9).

For this reason, we who know JESUS tell others about JESUS. And like GOD our Heavenly FATHER, we do not want others to suffer (Ezekiel 18:30-32).

The LORD is merciful and kind, HE is good and anyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved! (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

Hugs

Sharon

Camping and GOD

A dear friend told me she and hubby were heading out for a week in the mountains with her daughter and family and for a moment I envied her.  It’s been so long since I’ve been to my favorite place (anywhere in the mountains with pine trees) let alone go camping. 

But then I remembered how due to her husband’s nearly non-existent immune system, they were stuck home alone, couldn’t even go for groceries or have her kids over for months on end during the pandemic. So instead of pouting I began rejoicing as I saw the lovingkindness and justice of our eternal GOD.

The prefix omni is often placed before the attributes of GOD because it means all and unlimited. Being GOD is the source of all things that adjective belongs uniquely to HIM.

Now every thing true about GOD, all of HIS divine nature, compliments each of the other things true about GOD.

GOD is amazing and there is so much that can be said and so much more that we do not have a clue about our Creator-the source of all things.  Today, my heart is especially standing in AWE at the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY’s power and knowledge as it ties in with HIS justice and lovingkindness. 

In religious circles GOD’s power and knowledge are called omnipotence and omniscience.  They are a mighty combination and speak of the unlimited power of GOD over all and HIS unlimited knowledge of past, present and future events. Combine that with HIS unlimited love and justice you can see all at play in my friend’s week’s trip to the mountains. 

In the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY’s unlimited knowledge and power HE has synchronized events to display HIS love for HIS children and the justice of blessing them for their looking to HIM and endurance during the pandemic.

That speaks volumes to me and encourages me right now concerning the multiple crisis situations facing dear ones.  There is an awesome principle written in the word of GOD.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called (who call on the name of the LORD 1 Corinthians 1:2) according to HIS purpose.  For whom HE did foreknow (would believe in JESUS), HE also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of HIS Son (JESUS), that HE (JESUS) might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:28-29).

“For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of GOD.  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment {in comparison}, works {achieves} for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” {that far surpasses the pain of today} (2 Corinthians 4:15-17).

So, I can rest confident that GOD knows what HE is doing. HE says I will be comforted when I see the reason for all HE has allowed.

“and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem {them}, even concerning all that I have brought upon it. And they {those you love and see in crisis} shall comfort you, when you see their ways and their doings: and you shall know that I have not done without cause all that I have done ..says the LORD GOD (Ezekiel 14:22b-23). 

Rejoicing in hope and exalting in the ONE who has preset the exact times and places according to HIS purposes which are good! (Acts 17:26-27, Ephesians 1:11).

Hugs

Sharon

Through JESUS

We must learn what numbers are before we can add, and we must know how to add and subtract before we can do algebra and on and one it goes.  We are told that like any good teacher, GOD teaches line upon line, here a little and there a little (Isaiah 28:9-10). 

As JESUS said, “Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old” (Matthew 13:52). Therefore, it is important to study the full counsel of GOD (both the Old and New Testaments).  For the Bible with the illumination of the HOLY SPRIT explains itself.

When Eve listened to and believed (Genesis 3) that old serpent (the devil Revelation 20:2) instead of GOD and then ate of the forbidden fruit and had her husband join her death began.  Since that time all mankind have a date with death (Romans 5:12) and live in fear of death (Hebrews 2:15) being separated from GOD.

But GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten Son that whosoever believes in HIM will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

The only way to get rid of sin is the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22). Therefore JESUS, the infinite ONE through whom GOD the FATHER created all things (Hebrews 1:1-3) agreed with GOD the FATHER to be clothed with a human body for the suffering of death and was born of a human woman (Philippians 2:5-8).  JESUS suffered in all ways so that we could know HE fully understands our needs and thoughts and thereby able to give us help in our times of need (Hebrews 4:14-16, 7:25).

“He that commits sin is (listening to) the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning.  For this purpose the Son of GOD (JESUS) was manifested, that HE might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8).

But you see, JESUS carried the sins of the world when HE died on the cross and nailed the law (which showed us our sinfulness Romans 3:20) to the cross (Colossians 2;13-15) and having fulfilled all the law JESUS established and initiated a new covenant with HIS blood (1 Corinthians 11:25, Hebrews 10:16-17). 

Now all who believe in JESUS’ finished work on our behalf and call on HIS name (Romans 10:13) enter into the New Covenant fully forgiven and now as children of GOD through faith in JESUS (John 1:12),  GOD the FATHER is transforming us often through HIS truth and discipline (John 17:17, Romans 8:29, Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 12:6, 11), JESUS, GOD the SON saves us to the uttermost by 1^st dying for our sin and now praying for us and getting what we need from the FATHER (Hebrews 2:17-18, 7:25) and HOLY SPIRIT changes us step by step as HE shows us more and more of JESUS (John 14:26,Romans 14:16, 2 Corinthians 3:18), HE  too prays for us according to the will of GOD the FATHER (Romans 8:26). All three Persons of the GODHEAD are working on us and for us. 

Outside of the sacrifices and festivals which were pictures pointing to JESUS the CHRIST there are a bunch of rules in the Bible.  Now don’t get this backward, keeping those rules do NOT make you holy (Romans 3:20).  GOD alone sanctifies. But GOD gave us the rules in the Bible to show us how to let GOD work in our lives.  We are sanctified by faith in JESUS (Acts 26:18) sanctified through the truth-GOD’s word is truth (John 17:17).  The more we learn about GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST the more we fall in love with HIM and grasp a hold on the promises that enable us victory.

Or as one evangelist once said, we go to the Bible to see our FATHER and BROTHER and learn how to walk as a child of GOD.

Yes, we are in the process of being transformed into the holy nature of JESUS who is the exact representation of GOD the FATHER’s glorious being (Hebrews 1:1-3).  This process won’t end until the day of redemption when we get our new bodies (I Thessalonians 4:13-18, I Corinthians 15:42-44) and see JESUS face to face (I John 2:1-2).

“Behold, what manner of love the FATHER has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of GOD: therefore, the world knows (understands) us not, because it knew (understood and received) HIM not. Beloved, now are we the sons of GOD, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when HE (JESUS) shall appear (in the air), we shall be like HIM; for we shall see HIM as HE is” (1 John 3:1-2).

Even so, Come LORD JESUS!

Hugs

Sharon

What are you seeking?

Wise men saw a star in the heavens and somehow knew it meant that the King of the Jews was born.  They gathered gifts and supplies for the trip and headed out determined to find and honor HIM.

GOD ALMIGHTY said, “I have made the earth and created man on it.  I- MY hands- stretched out the heavens.  All of their host I have commanded (Isaiah 45:12).

Yet this mighty infinite powerful wise Creator says: “This says the LORD, the Holy ONE…the Maker; (1^st) ASK of ME of things to come concerning MY sons (believers John 1:12) (then you can) command ME concerning the works of MY hands” (Isaiah 45:11).

Reading those verses this morning the wonder and power of  the Sovereign ALMIGHTY GOD came through and HIS amazing command to me seemed urgent.  I was to ask HIM what HE was doing and then co-labor with HIM in intercession for HIS sons (and would-.be sons John 17:20).

Names came and as I asked GOD how to pray.  The same specific things came up over and over for them.  Things like that they be given direction, have a clarity about their responsibilities and consequences of their choices.  But then rose up a song that showed how it would all come together.

Seek ye 1^st the kingdom of GOD and HIS righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you  Hallelu Hallelujah  

After singing over them I went back to the Word and found the promise: “..I raise them in righteousness and I will direct all their ways” (Isaiah 45:13 personalized).

What an encouragement straight from the mouth of GOD!  Perhaps HE would have you ask HIM how to pray for those in your life.

Hugs

Sharon

Roller coaster

Life is like a ride on a roller coaster with great highs and scary downhill falls and twists but when the ride is over we want another ride.  My love of roller coasters made me laugh as I saw this picture as well as caused my heart to overflow with wonder, joy and praise to my GOD the Maker of heaven and earth with their colors, designs and order.

When I consider how GOD has made the most amazing things! It doesn’t matter if they are big or small- the intricate designs and colors are beautiful.  How HE must love the tiny details, for everything down to the fuzz on the cucumber plant that curls as a roller coaster, is so perfectly done shows there is no halfway measures with our GOD, the Creator of heaven and earth.

God’s accuracy is seen in the commonplace hatching of eggs.

   The eggs of the potato bug hatch in 7 days;

   Those of the canary in 14 days;

   Those of the barnyard hen in 21 days;

   The eggs of ducks and geese hatch in 28 days;

   Those of the mallard in 35 days;

   The eggs of the parrot and the ostrich hatch in 42 days.

There is no room for error.

GOD’s wisdom is seen in HIS design:

   In the making of an elephant.  The four legs of this great beast all bend forward in the same direction. No other quadruped is so made. GOD planned that this animal would have a huge body, too large to rise on two legs. For this reason, He gave it four fulcrums, so that it can rise from the ground easily.

Now the horse rises from the ground on its two front legs first, while a cow rises from the ground with its two hind legs first.  How wise the Lord is in all His works of creation!

   GOD knows precisely what is needed but HIS ways are not our ways and HIS thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

GOD’s design is also revealed in HIS arrangement of sections, and segments, as well as in the number of grains.

    Every bunch of bananas has on its lowest row an even number of bananas, and each row decreases by one, so that one row has an even number and the next row an odd number.

   Each watermelon has an even number of stripes on the rind.

   Each orange has an even number of segments.

   Each ear of corn has an even number of rows.

   Each stalk of wheat has an even number of grains.

   All grains are found in even numbers on the stalks, and the Lord specified thirty fold, sixty fold, and a hundred fold all even numbers.

   The waves of the sea roll in on shore twenty-six to the minute, in all kinds of weather.

GOD didn’t just place stars in the sky.  HE has placed a star in the center of every apple, and at the base of every rose.

In the light of the evidence of such wisdom, power and order, doesn’t it just make good sense to TRUST that Designer who also proved HIS love for you and me for HE “so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten Son that whosoever believed in HIM (GOD’s Son-JESUS) should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Our Wise Designer is the powerful Sovereign of heaven and earth.  Lamentations 3:37 tells us HE is in control even during the present Coronavirus.  GOD tells us that in everything we should reach out to HIM (Acts 17:26b-27).  Are you, am I looking to HIM?

“The man who has made God his dwelling place will always have a safe habitation.” AW Tozer

During this time of worldwide fear over the Coronavirus reach out to the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY for HE is able to save.

Hugs

Sharon