Examine

With all the scams and contradictory news stories out there do you ever speculate on what is true? Have you ever questioned where people come up with some of the crazy ideas that are prevalent these days? Doesn’t it seem like the ideas keep getting wilder by the moment? Have you considered that you are being programmed just like a computer?

The masses, including you and I have been and are being bombarded with information by the media, advertisements, schools and through our peers. That info is programming us, whether we realize it or not just like a computer is programmed by what it takes in. We are being indoctrinated day in and day out without being aware of it.

There are so many voices out there and they often contradict each other so how can we know the truth?

Since our beliefs are the basis for making daily decisions, we might say they are our compass. A compass shows us the way we should go therefore it is radically important that our compass is accurate for us to make the right decisions.

As a man thinks (true) in his heart (places value, estimates as true, reasons), so is he (so he responds in life). Proverbs 23:7

With all diligence, keep your heart (protected), for out of it (its reasoning, values) issue (comes forth) actions. Proverbs 4:23

For truth we must look to GOD and HIS word for it is written “let GOD be true, but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4) GOD, cannot lie, (Titus 1:2).

JESUS highlighted this when while talking to GOD the FATHER HE said, “YOUR word is truth” (John 7:17).  Furthermore, JESUS told us, “Man cannot live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of GOD” (Matthew 4:4).

For that reason, it is essential that the Bible is our compass. In these days of deception, we need to prayerfully EXAMINE what we believe and everything that is being said against the light of the truth, that is, how it lines up with the WORD of GOD which is the truth.

As GOD said in Isaiah 8:20, “To the law and to the testimony (the Bible): if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Hugs

Sharon Manning

Did you ever wonder why?

Have you ever wondered why GOD did something?

I was reading in the Bible and a question rose in my mind. “Why did GOD anoint Saul king fully knowing he would disobey HIM?”

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

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

2 Peter 1:20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of GOD spoke (and wrote) as they were moved by the HOLY GHOST.

GOD gave us HIS word so that we could learn about HIM and HIS ways for it is through our knowledge of GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST that we obtain all things necessary for living this life and godliness. In fact, we are told that if we will use (apply) the great and precious promises within the Word of GOD we will be changed bit by bit (here a little/ there a little) into the likeness of JESUS (2 Corinthians 3:18) and take on the divine nature (2 Peter 1:1-4).

Therefore, we know there is a reason that GOD appointed Saul even though GOD, who knows all things past, present, and future, knew how Saul would act. So, I asked GOD, “What were YOU teaching us about YOURSELF in placing Saul as king?”

Then I went back and reread the Bible account.

Saul was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward (1 Samuel 10:23). That would make him look strong, definitely a good choice to lead the people. But Saul on different occasions chose to do things his way, things he thought best instead of obeying clear directions from GOD. That did not set well with GOD (1 Samuel 15:11).

Saul was told “But now your kingdom shall not continue: the LORD has sought for HIMSELF a man after HIS own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be captain/ leader over HIS people, because you have not kept that which the LORD commanded you (1 Samuel 13:14).

GOD sent Samuel on a mission. GOD told Samuel to go to Jesse and make a sacrifice and anoint one of Jesse’s sons as king (1 Samuel 16:1-3). Samuel went and told Jesse to gather his sons for the feast. Beginning with the oldest Eliab, one by one Jesse’s sons were brought before Samuel (1 Samuel 16:10). When Samuel look at the 1^st one Eliab he thought “he is the one!”

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Look not on his appearance or on the height of his stature because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see what man sees. Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

GOD said no to all of Jesse’s sons who had come to the feast so, Samuel asked Jesse, are these all your sons? There was one more, the youngest, but he was not there for he was the youngest and, in the fields, watching over the sheep. Samuel told Jesse to get him, and the moment Samuel saw David, GOD spoke, “Arise and anoint him for this is he.”

Why was David chosen?

“And when HE(GOD) had removed him (Saul), HE raised up David to be their king; to whom also HE (GOD) gave this testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after MINE own heart, which shall fulfill all my will (Acts 13:22).

“But why LORD, did you make Saul king since YOU knew how he would not do what YOU commanded?”

Inside came an awareness, “Sharon, it was to teach you not to judge. Because the only basis of your judgments are on appearances (unless I personally show you something more). Appearances can be deceiving and besides, you only have part of the facts, so wait.

I Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the LORD come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of GOD.

Hugs

Sharon

The heavens declare why we can trust GOD

Tomorrow Tuesday 11/8/22, in the predawn sky between 1 AM and 3AM here in Colorado we will be able to watch a total eclipse often called a blood moon.  Being scientists can chart precisely when this will occur shouts out GOD’s magnificent wisdom in design and synchronization.  They are not shots in the dark but detailed precision that can and are measured.

“The heavens declare the glory of GOD; and the firmament shows HIS handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). Yes, the heavens declare why we can trust GOD.

As we pray, we must be careful not to limit GOD, not just by unbelief, but also by thinking we know what He can do or how HE should do something. Expect the unexpected, things far above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

Each time you intercede, first be quiet, worship the LORD GOD in HIS awesome holiness.  Think of HIM sitting majestically on HIS throne high and lifted up above all things.

Recalling things we know are true about our Creator – HIS infinity (unlimitedness in all qualities HE possess), powerful, gentle, knowledge of everything past present and future… and thinking of some of the great things HE has done, things HE has promised, and how HE urges us to come talk with HIM (Hebrews 4:16) builds our faith.  It will flow out in rejoicing and thanksgiving that the MOST HIGH GOD actually delights in us who are in CHRIST through believing in JESUS.

I have found that by taking time to 1^st see GOD high and lifted up in HIS glory builds my faith and opens me up to hear HIM. The HOLY SPIRIT will help us pray by directing our thoughts (Philippians 2:13) according to GOD’s will for the concerns on our hearts. Sometimes I am left wordless but full of HIS peace, and assurance that HE is at work doing what is best in the situation.

That target above shows how off base we can be when we pray with our limited understanding.

Think of our need as a target.  Often the things we think need to be done are like missing the bullseye.  But GOD’s answer to prayer is right on for HE knows the real need- the bullseye of the target. GOD knows the solution and how to bring it to pass.  The target GOD aims at is the need, HE always hits the bullseye.

Hugs

Sharon

Do you ever hold a grudge?

August of 1968, we moved to a cabin surrounded by tall pines off the beaten path in northern California. These pictures show my two girls 1^st drinking milk.

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2)

The 2^nd snap shot reveals a residue of milk above their top lips.

For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass (mirror)for he sees himself, but goes his way, and straightway forgets what manner of man he was (what he saw in the mirror) (James 1:23-24). 

This morning as I was reading the word of GOD and came to the words “grudge not against one another lest you be condemned” (James 5:9)  I felt a prick in my spirit for I knew I held a grudge, I had not recognized my grudge as such, thinking it was just a momentary feeling I got when certain things occurred. But the Word of GOD, showed me where I was at.

I was caught with milk on my upper lip and I wasn’t about to leave it there.

 Going to the Greek to examine the passage more closely to see what the words actually meant.  The Greek word for grudge means to groan, sigh, or complain/ grumble or give vent to censorious feelings against another. 

My eyes were opened to how I was grudging=holding on to resentment and even some hostility toward one specific person.  I saw how wrong I was and knew immediately what I needed to do.  I confessed my sin of grudging and asked GOD for grace to release the resentment (Hebrews 4:16) even if the situation continues as it has for years.  Then thanking the LORD for 1 John 1:9, I told HIM I wanted to understand it all a bit more.

 ^“If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Wanting to check out the consequences of grudging, since they seemed so severe for the act itself, I went to my Greek.  That word translated judge there means to call into account/ judge.  My thoughts flew to another text, being that is often how GOD talks to me (Proverbs 21:1), I turn there.

“But if we judged (examined) ourselves truly (when we see we have done wrong and confess our sin-1 John 1:9), we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the LORD (because we have not accepted HIS words and continue in the sin), we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world” (1 Corinthians 11:31-32 ESV).

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the LORD, nor be weary when reproved by HIM.  For the LORD disciplines the one HE loves, and chastises every son whom HE receives” (Hebrews 12:6 ESV)

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11 ESV).

That whole picture is so beautiful.  GOD does not let HIS children get away with sin. Because sin damages.  1^st HE shows them they are wrong.  If they confess, they are forgiven but if they continue, HE disciplines them so that they will grow in righteousness. 

GOD’s long suffering with us is amazing and how HE loves those who believe in JESUS.

Hugs

Sharon

Stir up

Has the fire of passion for telling others about JESUS and getting prepared for what’s coming cooled down?

Stir up:  Summer is here and wanting to go camping. My thoughts flew to friends in Northern California who taught me to build a campfire in the day you could pick up a pinecone in California.

Would you believe that now it’s against the law in California?  But I digress.

Sometimes the campfire would die down and I’d have to stir it up and blowing on the coals at the bottom for it to flare up and catch the fresh kindling I’d put on fire.  Just like you have to stir up the coals to get them to burst into flames, so the Bible tell us to stir up something within us. “Stir up the gift of GOD that is in you through the putting on of my hands.  For GOD has not given us the Spirit of fear; but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:6-7).

Our Heavenly FATHER promised a gift for all believers in JESUS.   JESUS spoke of it Acts 1:4-5.  If you read the context you will see the promised gift is the Holy SPIRIT. Earlier JESUS said (that Old Testament) “scripture declared that rivers of living water shall flow from the innermost being of anyone who believes in ME.  HE was speaking of the Holy SPIRIT who would be given (as a gift) to everyone believing in HIM” (John 7:38-39).

At the end of HIS ministry, JESUS talks about HIS going to heaven and then another ONE coming to be with them.  JESUS said “HE is the Holy SPIRIT, the SPIRIT who leads into all truth.  The world at large cannot receive HIM for it isn’t looking for HIM and doesn’t recognize HIM.  But you do for HE is with you and shall be in you” (John 14:17). 

Notice one had to 1) be a believer in JESUS 2) know about the Holy SPIRIT, 3) look for HIM and 4) recognize HIM to be able to receive the Holy SPIRIT. 

2 Timothy 1:7 shows us one way we can recognize HIM: HE is a SPIRIT of fearlessness, not timid (that means HE is bold), of power, of love and of sound mind (clarity of thought).  HE will remind us of scripture that tells us GOD is with us and we are not to fear.  Scripture that we can say aloud to resist the lies of the evil one.

One example of receiving the Holy SPIRIT is found in Acts 8:5-17 Phillip preached CHRIST JESUS to those in Samaria and did many miracles and many believed in JESUS.  When the apostles heard about it they went to see what was happening.  But the new believers had not yet received the Holy SPIRIT for they had not even heard about HIM.  So, the apostles then laid their hands on these new believers and they received the Holy SPIRIT.

I believe that gift Paul says to stir up in 2 Timothy 6:7 was the Holy SPIRIT and when he told Timothy to stir it up he spoke of the SPIRIT being in our innermost being (which is in you).  We must allow the HOLY SPIRIT to fill us by yielding to HIS instruction and reminders, by obeying the nudges HE gives, acting on the insight HE gives us so that the living water of GOD can flow through us. 

Here I believe GOD is telling us to stir up the SPIRIT.  To do so we need to check to see if we have grieved HIM with sin or quenched HIM by disobedience or not acting on what HE shows us to do.  Then get in the Word of GOD, where GOD often talks the loudest, and ask for direction and to let those rivers of living water (Acts 7:38-39) bubble up and overflow into whatever situation GOD has placed us in (Acts 17:26). 

Like Paul exhorted Timothy so I say to you: stir up the Gift of GOD (the HOLY SPIRIT) within you.

Hugs,

Sharon