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

What do you fear?

Some people seem to FEAR many things and in these trying times FEAR attacks each of us.

So, what should we do?

“YOU will keep in perfect peace the mind that stayed (focused) on YOU because he trusts in YOU. Trust in the LORD forever, for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:3-4).

“For the Lord spoke thus to me with a strong hand and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, “Say not, A conspiracy!, to all of them to whom this people shall say, A conspiracy!; neither FEAR what they FEAR, nor be AFRAID. Sanctify the LORD of hosts HIMSELF; and let HIM be your FEAR and let HIM be your dread (not wanting HIS displeasure). And HE shall be for you a sanctuary;” (Isaiah 8:11-14a).

The FEAR of the LORD is the beginning both of wisdom and understanding (Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 9:10). As you focus on the LORD you learn to TRUST HIM (which includes GOD’s love, HIS word, HIS control, HIS power, HIS knowledge and wisdom and HIS justice) and you will have peace. A peace that will throw you beyond having to understand (Philippians 4:6-7).

The spirit of FEAR (FEAR of anything other than GOD) cannot cohabit with peace for “There is no FEAR in love; but perfect love casts out FEAR because FEAR hath torment. He that FEARS is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).

As Oswald Chambers said, “The remarkable thing about FEARING GOD is that when you FEAR GOD you FEAR nothing else, whereas if you do not FEAR (trust) GOD you FEAR everything else.”

“Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that FEARS the LORD, that delights greatly in HIS commandments” (Psalm 112:1).

Who or what do you FEAR, or should I say trust in?

Hugs

Sharon

Faith trusts

Just as lifting weights builds muscles little by little, so we exercise our spiritual muscles to grow in being able to distinguish what is of GOD by using the truths GOD shows us through HIS word. Our obedience builds us up spiritually so we grow in maturity.  We learn and grow in grace and virtue, a step at a time, little by little, line upon line, here a little and there a little.  That is how we grow in all of the godly attributes, even TRUST. 

A week after our move to Colorado Springs, I had a baby girl. Soon after my oldest daughter didn’t come home from school. I had no way to go hunting for her and had no clue where to look anyway. I anxiously waited and waited, still she didn’t show up.  My thoughts went crazy with questions: Where could Jeri be? Was she alright? Jeri was a beauty and had just turned 15.  There was nothing I could do, but I couldn’t just sit there for the scenarios that came to my mind had me in a stew. 

To redirect my thoughts, I drug myself down the stairs to the basement and started a load of laundry.  As I threw some of Jeri’s clothes into the washer, I dissolved in tears again.  I went back upstairs, sat at the kitchen table and after crying out to GOD, I opened my Bible and began to read.

“he shall not be afraid of bad news; his heart is fixed (set in cement) TRUSTING in the LORD” (Psalm 112:7).

As I read those words, GOD spoke/ impressing in my spirit the words, “Sharon, TRUST ME!”  As I heard those words (rhema) from GOD, FAITH blossomed (Romans 10:17) and I remembered that GOD was with her, just as HE was with me. GOD knew where Jeri was and knowing that kept me sane.

GOD didn’t say, there will be no evil tidings, HE just said TRUST ME and that was enough.  Peace flooded over me at those word and the joy of hope was renewed within me.

If you notice in Psalm 112:7 that the heart is fixed.  I liken that to being set solid and unmovable in cement.  In putting up a clothesline, we had to dig holes for the poles and then pour cement around the poles.  But we couldn’t string the lines or hang clothes yet. We had to wait until the cement was set/ hardened.  Once that happened, the poles were fixed into place and would hold the weight of clothes hung on the line. 

Learning to TRUST the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, Maker of heaven and earth is a process. we learn progressively as we step out and say, I will TRUST YOU here and now in this situation.

The Bible calls the fundamental truths of the Bible, the 1^st principles of GOD’s truth.  Such 1st principles are seen in: GOD the FATHER sent JESUS, GOD the SON to earth giving HIM a human body, to die for the sins of everyone who believed in JESUS.  By believing in JESUS a person will be forgiven of their sins, be born into GOD’s family and have eternal life. But if one rejects JESUS and HIS offer of forgiveness, the wrath of GOD remains on him.  For all have sinned and the wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD (John 3:16, 36, Romans 3:23, 6:23).

Once someone believes in JESUS and becomes a child of GOD, he is a newborn baby.  If he keeps having to be told the same truths over and over, he is said not to grow but to continue a baby and only able to drink milk (Hebrews 5:12). 

But when one takes what he hears/ reads in the Word of GOD and does what it says to do, that one is said to be exercised/ strengthened and ready to learn more (Hebrews 5:14).  Therefore, the more we choose to look to the LORD during troubles/ struggles that come our way the stronger our TRUST in GOD becomes.

I had gone through many struggles where over and over HE had proven HIMSELF to me. So, I had learned to go to the LORD when I needed help and to do what HE told me. Therefore, when HE said for me to TRUST HIM, I did.

P.S. Oh, in case you are wondering about what happened when my 15-year-old didn’t come home, I will fill you in. She had run away. The time schedule is hazy these 45 years later.  After a couple of days, we got a call. The parents of her friend called us. Jeri was safe with them.  She had somehow managed to get back out to Ellicott (the rural town we had recently moved away from). We turned their offer down to let her stay with them and go to school there. We went and brought Jeri home. It wasn’t long before she adapted to high school in a big city and made new friends.

Hugs

Sharon

Fear not

What do you think of when you hear the word submit?

In our culture submitting, or putting ourselves under another, is not seen in a positive light.  But I saw something about submitting that is new to me.

Sometimes stating a truth in different words makes it easier to understand.  As I listened to one speak of 2 types of fear, the word submit jumped into my mind.  With crystal clarity I saw that fear was submitting to what we focus on. Whatever we submit to, we allow to control us.

When we are stressed/ fear, we are focusing on a situation and depending on ourselves to find a way out.  By allowing the situation to control our thoughts, we are submitting to our fears.

The only way to get out of that bondage is to turn our thoughts to the problem solver-the LORD and submit to HIM and HIS ways by trusting GOD with the situation.

When we trust GOD in a situation, we are submitting to HIM.  When we submit to GOD, it shows that we fear HIM, and the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7).  Therefore, GOD is more able to lead us.

When we fear the LORD and submit to HIS ways we can claim HIS promises.  One of those promises says, GOD is working all things together for an end result of good for those who love HIM and are the called according to HIS purposes. (Romans 8:28).

1 Corinthians 1:2 says, “… to them that are sanctified in CHRIST JESUS, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of JESUS CHRIST our LORD, both their’s and our’s:

So you see that all who call upon the name of JESUS CHRIST our LORD are the called, so qualify for that promise in Romans 8:28.

And “whosoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

Just knowing that when I fear something, I am submitting to it makes it easier for me to take my eyes off that problem and refocus by turning to GOD by taking that thought to JESUS (2 Corinthians 10:5, Hebrews 4:16).

I’d not seen fear as submitting before… hmmm, there is so much to learn.

Hugs

Sharon

GOD delivers

I couldn’t help but think of GOD’s watchful care when I read about and saw a photo of a little 4-month-old baby dug out of the rubble and alive more than a day after the destruction of the cyclone.  It was just a glimpse of GOD’s gentle love and goodness in delivering us from harm.

Have you ever felt or cried out, “It’s not fair!  It’s just not fair!”  I know that I have many times. 

Being we don’t see the whole picture of why things happen and what lies ahead, human standards cry out ‘life is not fair!’ 

Yet the bible tells us, “The swiftest person doesn’t always win the race or the strongest man the battle, and wise men are often poor and skillful men are not necessarily famous.” Ecclesiastes 9:11 

We could add to that list: the innocent suffer while the guilty get rich; you do right and get blamed for wrong (like Joseph the son of Jacob); you lovingly teach your child to do right and he goes deep into sin;  or you just work hard and everything falls apart.

Although life on earth is not fair, we must not despair but rather put GOD in the equation. Too often we forget to remember GOD’s thoughts and ways are not our thoughts and ways.  We are told they are as high as the heavens above (light years away from) our thought and ways.  In other words, we do not have the capacity, at this time, to understand. We are as a preschooler who knows her ABCs yet can in no way understand a Greek novel.  It is totally beyond the level of her comprehension.

In the Bible we are told there is Divine reason behind everything that happens.  Don’t ask me to explain that, but since GOD says it, I believe it as a matter of faith in the truth, power, love and wisdom of GOD who works all things after the counsel of HIS own will (Ephesians 1:11). 

Although I am unable to know or convey the ‘whys?’,  I can give an example that reminded me of GOD’s wisdom behind unfairness as I read again in the book of Daniel.

Now Daniel was taken captive as a young teenager. He chose to do things GOD’s way when doing what was expected of him would have been so much easier.  This story takes place after Daniel faithfully served several kings and he was a very old man.  Daniel was in a place of power because GOD put him there and gave him great wisdom. Daniel was faithful to serve his captives well.  His life was so devoted to GOD that his enemies (jealous because the new king planned to place Daniel over all the other rulers) could not find anything to criticize Daniel of. They knew the only way to get rid of him was trickery and it had to concern his GOD. 

Long story short, his enemies tricked the king into signing an unchangable law stating, ‘no one could ask anything from anyone (god or man) but the king for thirty days.  If someone broke that law he would be thrown into the lion’s den. When Daniel knew the law had been signed, he continued his practice to kneel and pray to GOD three times a day before his open window. He was caught by his enemies who demanded that the king throw Daniel to the lions because of the law he had signed.  The king tried to get out of it, but could find no way out and so threw Daniel to the lions.  In anguish, the king told Daniel that Daniel’s GOD, whom he served day and night, would keep him safe and GOD did.

Now on the surface we must conclude that what happen to Daniel was totally unfair. Bearing in mind that in the Old Testament the Jews primary responsibility (outside of worshipping and obeying GOD) was the same as ours as believers in JESUS today.  That is: we are to be HIS witnesses and are to tell others about our GOD and Savior. 

After spending a sleepless night, come morning, King Darius, rushed to the lion’s den and cried out to Daniel.  “Daniel, was your GOD able to save you?”  Daniel was safe and called back, ‘Yes!’

What was the outcome of all the unfairness Daniel endured?  “Afterwards King Darius wrote this message addressed to everyone in his vast empire in their own languages: “Greetings! I decree that everyone shall tremble and fear before the GOD of Daniel in every part of my kingdom.  For his GOD is the living, unchanging GOD whose kingdom shall never be destroyed and whose power shall never end.  HE delivers HIS people, preserving them from harm; HE does great miracles in heaven and earth; it is HE who delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. Daniel 6:25-27 TLB

So we see that Daniel’s witness was not just with the words he said but by how he lived his life to honor the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.  Daniel’s words went far beyond anything he could imagine. Because of his suffering to do right, many people from many countries got to hear about GOD. 

Could GOD be doing something through your and my problems and struggles? The bible tells us that GOD has a reason for initiation or allowing of everything that comes our way (Ezekiel 14:23). HE did with Joseph, HE did with Job; HE did with Daniel and with JESUS and sob HE does with what touches you and me.  Are you willing to be like Daniel and trust GOD with all your heart and not lean on your own understanding? (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Hugs,
Sharon

Hold on to the promises

The barren tree branches sway in the wind knocking off the bits snow left from the recent storm; patches of dead grass are seen here and there as the snow melts and its not surprising that there is not a flower in sight.  Glancing around reminds me of verses I memorized years ago to earn a patch at Camp Elim.

“All flesh is like grass, and all the goodness thereof is like the flowers of the field, the grass withers and the flower fades but the Word of our GOD shall stand forever” (Isaiah 40:6, 8).

The pleasures and possessions of this world with all its goodness are fading in light of the individual and worldwide mounting problems and disasters crashing all around.  So many are filled with fear on every side.

But there is still a place to find freedom from fear and even gain peace, joy, and hope (Romans 15:13).  Something that will last no matter what else comes our way.  It is found in coming to JESUS and daily meeting with HIM in GOD’s word. 

JESUS urges us, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

JESUS also promises that anyone who comes to HIM will obtain eternal life (John 3:16) and that HE will never leave nor forsake those who believe in HIM (Hebrews 13:5). 

With all that is going on in our country and globally I especially love JESUS promise found in Revelation 3:10. “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.”

The first step is to make sure you know JESUS.  That is to know HE is eternal GOD and came to earth in a human body (John 1:1-3, 14), sent to earth by GOD the FATHER (John 3:16) to reveal the truth (John 18:37) and then to die for the sin of mankind (1 Corinthians 15:3) and disarm the powers of darkness while on the cross (Colossians 2:15).  GOD the FATHER through the HOLY SPIRIT raised JESUS from the dead and if you confess that JESUS is LORD, and call on HIS name believing JESUS lives today because GOD raised HIM from the dead you will be saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13). 

Does that seem like a lot to swallow?  Then let me suggest that you go to the book of John in the Bible and ask GOD to show you the truth.  For, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of GOD” (Romans 10:17).

By prayerfully reading the Bible you get to grow in you knowledge of both GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST.  As that happens, you learn of the wonderful things HE promises to those who love HIM and do what HE says.  (2 Peter 1:2-4).

Your fears will flee and you will find peace, joy and hope even in the turmoil and troubles of this world when you continually run to JESUS (Hebrews 4:14-16). 

Let GOD speak to you through HIS word.  What you find there will last forever, for the Word of GOD shall stand forever (Isaiah 40:8).

Hugs

Sharon

What do you fear?

“The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth (lying and corrupt speech), do I hate” (Proverbs 8:13).

Looking around anyone can see we as a nation do not hate sin anymore, therefore there is no fear of the LORD in our land.

And since “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10) we are in a very scary place indeed!

So, we need to “trust in the LORD with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding, in all our ways acknowledge (talk to) HIM and HE will direct our paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

JESUS said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled (by what you see is happening), you believe in GOD believe also in ME” (John 14:1) I will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

Hugs

Sharon

MY army

Sitting out on my porch swing after sunset is pleasant, until the mosquitoes attack thinking of me as their dinner!  Their attack reminds me of a trip out to northern California several years ago to see family and friends.  While there, we camped at Silver Lake, midst the tall evergreens, nestled in, and surrounded by majestic mountains with friends we have known for decades/ since childhood.  During our week by the lake, I had a disturbing encounter by that peaceful lake in northern California.

One morning I quietly snuck out of camp very early before the sun was up or others were stirring. I wanted time alone with GOD. Softly singing praises, I walked up to the lake- a quarter mile, or so, from our campsite. There was a stillness everywhere, and just enough light to see two geese slowly moving out toward the center of the lake. Then more geese joined them, and a soft honking began volleying back and forth between the geese as they greeted each other.

Slowly more light began to reflect off the mountains surrounding me, all of a sudden things became crystal clear.  I became aware that all around me were hordes of tiny mosquitoes. I was all set to run in a mad dash, when one of GOD’s names, the LORD of Hosts came to mind. Now that name: YHWH Sabaoth means LORD of armies /troops/ organized bodies.  The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is LORD over all and that includes over all armies (British, Russian, Iranian, American, Chinese, whatever) whether human, angelic, animal, and it is even said GOD sends forth an army of scorpion like locust (see Revelation 9) and once sent an army of locusts.

“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, … MY great army which I sent among you” Joel 2:25

So, when GOD’s name/ the LORD of hosts came to mind, I knew what GOD was saying to me.  “They are MY army, Sharon.” And I answered HIM quickly, “Tell them not to bite me!”

A gentle calm settled over me and I stood transfixed, fascinated by the thousands of teeny newly hatched snow mosquitoes which looked like minute helicopters diving, rushing ahead but never colliding. I was amazed at the seeming confusion, yet perfect order in their zooming this way and that. (though I was there for some time, they never did bite me.- AH  Thank YOU LORD!)

As I stood watching them, and later on the walk back down to camp, I was reminded that as the mosquitoes were under the control of GOD, so the armies of this world, and each of the foretold coming events are under the control of the Commander and chief of all armies, the LORD of hosts. We see that very thing in play over and over, as we read the Old Testament.

Just as GOD kept the mosquitoes from biting me that morning, so HE is able to protect any who will seek HIS protection.  There are unsettling real world events: changes in NATO, changes the European Union, food and gas shortages, upcoming elections, wars and rumors of wars, and nuclear threats.  It’s only by claiming the name LORD of hosts for our Sovereign GOD that enables me to obey HIS command to “fear not” (Luke 12:7), “don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:1) and “be anxious for nothing but in everything to make my requests known to HIM with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7). As I claim HIS word, trusting it and HIM, I experience HIS peace guarding my heart and mind just like HE says it would.

Just for a heads up:  If you use the NIV you will not find the name LORD of Hosts… the translators of the NIV chose to translate it LORD GOD ALMIGHTY leaving the concept of armies (seen in the original language) out of the picture. Thereby, missing out on this comforting and gloriously motivating facet of our amazing GOD.

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

Brought to tears

Have you ever thought when GOD tells us to pray that it is because GOD wants us to share our concerns with HIM so HE can comfort us, calm us, and direct us?

Have you ever had a conversation with someone who won’t let you get a word in edgewise? Isn’t that often the way we act when we pray? We just pour out our concerns and don’t stop to listen.

A few days back a I was informed of a very difficult situation. It brought me to my knees and filled my eyes with tears. I felt hopeless and all I knew to do was to run to GOD and open HIS Word. Peace and joy flooded over me as I laid my concerns down before the LORD and began to read. From helpless despair, GOD lifted me to joyful hope and a word here and a verse there spoke of promises… some I’d not seen as promises before but at just the right time they spoke to me.

JESUS said that we cannot live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD- Matthew 4:4.

GOD is still speaking. The question is are we listening or even expecting HIM to speak to us?

“GOD, who at sundry (many) times and in divers manners (various ways) spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken unto us by HIS SON (JESUS), whom HE has appointed heir of all things, by whom also HE made the worlds” -Hebrews 1:1-2

Let’s not forget that one of JESUS’ names is the Word -John 1:1, 14.

“For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways, and MY thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

“But GOD has revealed them (the thoughts of GOD) unto us by HIS SPIRIT: for the SPIRIT searches all things, yes, the deep things of GOD. For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of GOD knows no man, but (unless) the SPIRIT of GOD (show them to him)” 1 Corinthians 2:10-11.

Aren’t you glad you received the HOLY SPIRIT to live within you when you believed in JESUS? Just one of the benefits is that HE explains to us what GOD means.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” 2 Timothy 3:16

“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of GOD spoke as they were moved by the HOLY GHOST (SPIRIT)” 2 Peter 1:21

GOD wants people to know HIM and be able to communicate with HIM, so HE gave us HIS word. All scripture was written as the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD moved on men to explain truths of GOD for our learning.

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

“when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of CHRIST which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now (2,000 years ago) revealed unto HIS holy Apostles and prophets by the SPIRIT” Ephesians 3:4-5

The JESUS appointed Apostles and prophets were given special revelation to be passed on to the people, often in written form.

“And account that the longsuffering of our LORD is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him has written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction 2 Peter 5:15-16

Note in the above verse the Apostle Peter declares that Paul has written Scripture.

“And HE (JESUS) gave some (to be), Apostles; and some (to be), prophets; and some (to be), evangelists; and some (to be), pastors and (to be) teachers; For the perfecting of the saints (believers), for the work of the ministry, for the edifying (building up) of the body of CHRIST” Ephesians 4:11-12

“And (we the church) are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF being the chief corner stone” Ephesians 2:20

A cornerstone is laid, and a foundation is poured BEFORE the house is built. JESUS, the cornerstone, appointed the Apostles HIMSELF, whom HE trained for the purpose of laying the foundation along with the Prophets (setting up the organization of the Church to be governed by GOD’s standards).  The church is the building on that foundation.   It is CHRIST’s body. This was done over 2,000 years ago and nothing needs to be added. The foundation is complete. “No other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is JESUS CHRIST” -1 Corinthians 3:11

In Acts 15:18 it is written that GOD knows everything HE will ever do. That screams foreknowledge to me and that is something far beyond my comprehension abilities.

In Matthew 16:19 speaking of the inter-workings of the New Testament Church it is written that what the Apostles bound (literally set boundaries around) and what they loosed (set free) HAD ALREADY been bound and loosed in heaven.

In the 1st days of the church when the Gentiles began to believe they didn’t know how to act for their pagan culture was opposed to GOD. False teachers came in trying to get them to follow Jewish rules. The Apostles (who were appointed by JESUS to set up and organize the church) and elders of the church met. An example of the binding is found in Acts 16:19 “And as they went through the cities, they delivered (to) them the decrees to keep (boundaries to keep within), that were determined by the Apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. And so (with those instructions) were the churches established (strengthen/ and made firm) in the faith and increased in number daily” -Acts 16:4-5.

Now the loosing is seen another way. I saw it years ago as I was doing some translating homework for a Greek class. I think we need to view loosing by what the Word of GOD says JESUS came to loose.

1 John 3:8, “He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of GOD was manifested, that HE might destroy (same Greek word translated loose in Matthew 16:19) the works of the devil.”

That word loose means to unbind/ untie /to break/ to free/ to destroy. JESUS came to loose/set man free from the hold the devil had on him though lies. Therefore, the Apostles declaration of GOD’s truth of the gospel would break the chains and set people free from the lies of the devil which held them captive 2 Timothy 2:25-26.

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32.

JESUS said, “I come to bear witness of the truth” John 18:37.

The fears that attack me on Thursday fled when the truth of GOD’s word set me free.

I am beyond grateful to GOD for commissioning the Apostles and Prophets to write down the words the HOLY SPIRIT gave them for now in the Bible I have the truth that sets me free and through the Bible GOD speaks directly to me and to you if we go expecting to hear from HIM.

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

Many are struggling with fear

A special friend asked for a post to combat fear so I wrote one and since so many are struggling with fear I decided to share it with you.

The riotous scenes in Washington DC reminded me that we don’t know what lies ahead other than what is clearly foretold in the Bible. The word of God says that the last days will be filled with violence causing the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, Maker of Heaven and earth to: “.. punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible” (Isaiah 13:11).

But until GOD takes believers in JESUS out of here in the Rapture just before the antichrist comes to power (2 Thessalonians 2:7-9), what are we to do?

For the Lord spoke to me with a strong hand and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, … neither fear nor be afraid. Sanctify (Focus on) the LORD of hosts HIMSELF; and let HIM be your fear (fear displeasing HIM), and let HIM be your dread (dread the discipline of the LORD not man). And HE (the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY) shall be for you a sanctuary (a place of safety)…(Isaiah 8:11-14).

Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be dismayed: for the LORD thy GOD is with you where ever you go (Joshua 1:9).

For GOD has not given us the Spirit of fear but of power of love and of a sound (self-controlled) mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

GOD loves the people who sit at HIS feet and receive HIS word and HE holds them in HIS hand (Deuteronomy 33:3).

If you sanctify (devote yourselves to) the LORD and make (displeasing) HIM what you fear then HE will be a sanctuary (place of safety) for you (Isaiah 8:12-13).

GOD will keep in perfect peace the ones whose mind is focused on HIM because that one trusts in GOD (Isaiah 26:3).

GOD says..”let him take hold of MY strength, that he might make peace with ME and (then) he will make peace with ME” (Isaiah 27:5).

The joy of the LORD is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10)

“it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered” (Joel 2:32). Doesn’t that sound like Romans 10:13?

“But the LORD shall be the hope of HIS people and the strength of the children” (Joel 3:16)

“But you who fear MY name the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in HIS wings” (Malachi 4:1).

What a marvelous loving GOD our Heavenly FATHER and JESUS CHRIST our Savior is! If you are in JESUS by believing in HIS birth, death for your sins and resurrection for you justification you have been placed in CHRIST (Ephesians 1:13-14, I Corinthians 12:13, 27) and nothing can separate you from GOD love and care for you (see Romans 8:39).

May you be blessed as you grab a firm hold on GOD’s word. As JESUS said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4).

Hugs

Sharon