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

A lady and a basket

I was sent this delightful story and just had to share it.

            The Lady And The Basket    by Loreen   

A funny story tells about an old lady who was living in the village. She had never owned nor even been in a car before.  One day, she was returning home from the market carrying a big heavy basket on her head, when a rich man riding his car passed by.  Kindly, he offered to drive the lady to her home.  She thanked him and got into the car with her basket.

On the way, the man glanced at the lady in the mirror, still holding her basket over her head.  

Astonished, he asked her to lay the basket down in the car and rest.

The old lady naively replied, “Oh my son, your car is carrying me; this is enough, I should not burden it carrying my basket too!”

What an innocently funny response!  We sometimes do the same with GOD.  Every day, GOD carries us during the day. Still, we insist on carrying our heavy baskets of worries and fear of
 the future, for family, kids, spouse, money, job, etc…

We are carried by Almighty Hands, watched over by Sleepless Eyes and GOD plans our future.  Let us then relax and lay down everything in GOD’s Hands.  The old lady, if she agreed to lay down the basket, would have to carry it again when she got back home. But the beautiful thing about GOD is that once we cast our heavy basket in HIS Hands, we do not need to worry about it anymore.

PS-Just a thought from Sharon, Though the burden is lifted, GOD at times will give us instructions for action on our part concerning the basket.  If HE does, follow HIS instructions exactly. “For it is GOD who works (places in us) in us both (the the knowledge and desire) to will (determination) and (enables us) to do of HIS good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). The burden must remain on GOD not us.  for “faithful is HE who calls us who will also do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

Hugs,

Sharon

Do you want direction?

Being profoundly hearing impaired, my cochlear processor and my compatible resound hearing aid are my lifeline concerning communications with people.  So, to realize that my resound was gone freaked me out until I turned to GOD and I cried out to HIM for help in my time of need (Hebrews 4:16).  

Peace descended and I calmly started looking everywhere I had been at home and search the car several times as well.  I couldn’t find it anywhere. A thought came to go to my daughters for I had taken her daughter to the doctor and had to lift the knee scooter in and out of the trunk of the car which took some maneuvering. But I pushed the thought aside as my husband and son joined in the search.  After about an hour both of them were becoming frantic.  I felt calm but knowing GOD doesn’t always answer the way we want, I stopped and said, “LORD you know I can’t afford another one, and YOU know precisely where my hearing aid is please show me. But not my will but YOURs be done.  I do believe YOU know what YOU are doing and know best. I trust YOU LORD.”.

The thought to go check at my daughter’s came again (Proverbs 21:1), but just then my husband told me to search the car again.  While searching for the hearing aid I located a glass case with new glasses in it and since my daughter had borrowed the car I knew they must be the new pair of glasses my great-grandson had lost.  I knew I had to go to my daughter’s and guess what I found on her floor?  Yes, my resound hearing aid had fallen in the doorway!

GOD was directing me all along but even though I had rested in peace, I still had to obey that still small voice to do what I needed to do.

Even though this is a minor matter in these troublesome times of riots around the world and wars, food and utility shortages, train wrecks with toxic chemical spills and nuclear leaks, not to speak of so much sicknesses, still how GOD  directed me reveals how willing HE is to direct our steps in the way we should go (Proverbs 3:5-7).    

Are you stressed out, anxious about the global and nation troubles and what lies ahead or what you are facing today?

Anxiety isn’t a condition – it is a CHOICE. When we choose not to pray and trust GOD with our lives, we have chosen to be anxious. The formula is very simple, you are either going to pray or you are going to worry. /Jimmy Evans

The Word of GOD confirms that statement for it says that if we make our requests known to GOD with THANKSGIVING (that HE is listening, HE really cares and is actually at work through our situation (2 Corinthians 4:15-18) and HE has a plan that will bless you IF you belong to JESUS.  IF we hand GOD our concerns with thanksgiving, the LORD will give us HIS peace that will throw us beyond  having to understand the details and will shield our minds and emotions against stress, worry, demonic spirits of fear and even anxiety attacks. (Philippians 4:6-7).

But that just applies to those who have come to GOD through JESUS (Hebrews 7:25).

Do you know JESUS? Do you trust HIM?  Do you believe that:

1) You have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD?  (Romans 3:23)

2) The wages of sin is death? (Romans 6:23)

3) But the gift of GOD is eternal life through believing in JESUS CHRIST? (Romans 6:23, John 3:16)

4) GOD sent JESUS to die for your sin because HE loves you? (John 3:16)

5) If you confess with your mouth JESUS is LORD (Master) and believe in your heart that GOD raised HIM from the dead that you will be saved? (Romans 10:9)

6) With your heart you believe and thus justified (just as if I’d never sinned), and with your mouth you confess and are saved? (Romans 10:10)

7) All who call on the name of the LORD shall be saved? (Romans 10:13).

Direction or destruction the choice is yours.

Hugs

Sharon

Seek and you will find

Have you ever been in the place when you are sharing something important, something you are excited about and the person you are speaking with looks bored or turn to look at something, or someone else?  To me that says, “I don’t care about what you are saying”.

Body language has power and speaks loudly. For by how we hold our body we give clues as to what we are feeling and thinking.  When you like someone, you want to get closer to him/her, it’s just that simple.  When someone is telling you about something you think is valuable you want to catch every word.  The closer you get to the speaker, the more interest you show. Hence, leaning forward, especially when combined with nodding and smiling, is the most noticeable way to silently say, “ Yes, I care and I’m listening to you.”

The great I AM-YAHWEH is our GOD.  Isaiah 55:8-9 tells is that GOD is so high above us in position, and power, and knowledge that by ourselves it is impossible to know what HE is like.  HE is infinite/ unlimited and HIS thoughts and ways are said to be as high above ours as the heaven is above the earth.  Simple mathematics tells us if we started running at the moment we are born at the rate of 1 mile every 4 minutes (no breaks) we would be 700 years old before we reached our sun;  we would be 182 million years old before we reached the nearest star… and that is just the beginning of the heavens.  So, you see, understanding GOD is nigh on impossible to the human mind. 

Through HIS amazing creation (the stars, and flowers, and seasons of the year, through light and darkness, thunder and lightning, colors and sounds, mosquitos and bees and on and on) we can catch glimpses of things true about GOD (Romans 1:19-20).  Things like GOD’s power, imagination, wisdom, humor, organization and love of color and sounds… I could go on and on.  

Then to the ones who believe in JESUS CHRIST and call on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:13) is given a tremendous gift-GOD the HOLY SPIRIT is sent to live within us (John 7:38-39).  HE is our teacher, our helper, HE interprets GOD’s heart and mind to us, reminds us and explains how the WORD of GOD applies to us, convicts us when we do wrong, and nudges us to do what GOD wants us to do.  To help us to grasp things too wonderful for us to know/understand, The HOLY SPIRIT uses illustrations we can understand.

Therefore, HE who hears prayers is a name assigned to our GOD (Psalm 65:2).  If you go to the Hebrew word for that verse you will find it means: one who in reality is continually leaning forward in order to intensely and attentively listen to what we have to say. So, when GOD calls HIMSELF, HE who hears prayers we can know HE cares about us and is interested in what we have to say.   

We know GOD the Father and our LORD JESUS CHRIST already know all things (John 6:30) but GOD desires for us come to HIM about EVERYTHING so HE can show us HIS perspective and get HIS directions (Proverbs 3:5-7, 2 Corinthians 10:5).  HIS attention to us opens us up to lean in and listen to HIS voice.  It also puts us in the place where HE can give us assignments so we can co-labor with HIM in achieving HIS purposes.

GOD intently listens to those who seek HIM in truth (Proverbs 8:17), do we follow HIS example and listen to those GOD places in our path?

Hugs

Sharon

Do you really believe?

Do you really believe what you say you believe?

Take for instance “…do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Matthew 6:25

Jesus summed up commonsense carefulness in the life of a disciple as UNBELIEF. “…do not worry about your life…”  In other words- Don’t take the pressure of your situation or provision upon yourself.

It is not only wrong to worry, it is UNBELIEF and whatever is not of FAITH (believing GOD) is sin (Romans 14:23).

Worrying means we do not believe that God can look after the practical details of our lives, and it is never anything but those details that worry us.

JESUS said “than man can not live by bread alone but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4).

Have you ever noticed what JESUS said would choke the Word HE puts in us (Philippians 2:13)?  “It is the cares of this world” (Matthew 13:22). It is always our little worries. Unconsciously we say, “I will not trust when I cannot see or unless I understand”— and that is where unbelief begins.

The only cure for unbelief is to quote scripture the HOLY ONE brings to mind (John 14:26) and choose to obey to nudges and whispers of the HOLY SPIRIT even when it makes no commonsense.  Proverbs 3:5-7 promises that GOD will always lead us if we ask instead of leaning on our own understanding and wisdom.

For me it seems HE often leads just one step at a time but then that is all I need.

We cannot trust our feelings, or what we see or know (we know in part 1 Corinthians 13:12), but we can CHOOSE to trust the ONE who made all things (John 1:1-3) and love us (John 3:16) and from WHOM all blessing flow (James 1:17). 

So, turn away from your love of this world, and its momentary pleasures… abandon them and trust GOD.

Hugs

Sharon

I blew it again!

Another episode in the saga of the ongoing crisis. 

On the way to the meeting I asked GOD to direct what was to happen.  But then during the event another made a ruling I felt was totally out of line and I became angry at the person. 

But as I left, GOD spoke to me from Proverbs 3:5-7a.  HE said, “Sharon, you are leaning on your own  understanding again, you are being wise in your own eyes.”

But, he is doing it again, LORD!.  “Shush, don’t lean on your own understanding I am still in control.  I know what I am doing.”

Yes, LORD!

There I blew it again, I knew that was wrong But the urge for my way was ever so strong.

So why should YOU listen and why should YOU care I fight what YOU tell me and from YOUR way err.

From deep in my being a small voice I hear I know it’s YOUR SPIRIT with truth for YOU care.

“I never have listened because you were good, but because of MY SON who in your place stood.”

LORD I am sorry, please help me to trust YOU more fully! 

Hugs

Sharon

How and Why?

Have you ever doubted the goodness of GOD? or at least that HE really cared for you?

One gal who went to church for years and even taught children began reading the Bible and turned away from her beliefs as she read the Old Testament and saw GOD command the Jews to destroy cities and literally kill everyone in them.  She left her church and now declares she cannot believe in the GOD of the Bible.

As we are studying Joshua the same thought rises, “How could and why would a loving GOD command that all the people in a city be killed?”

There are other factors, but I would like to focus on one: sin.

The 1^st mention of sin in the Bible is when GOD is talking to Cain who is mad because GOD didn’t accept what Cain thought was good.

“If you do well, you will be accepted, but if you don’t do well, sin lies at the door. His desire is to rule you but you should rule over him” (Genesis 4:7 paraphrased).

In other words when you do wrong, sin is ruling you, but if you do right sin is pushed away.

Basically, sin begins by believing a lie.  That lie is I am in control and “my way” is better than GOD’s way. When we choose to sin or choose our own way we have fallen into a trap. That trap is ensnared our 1^st mother, Eve and it is called the snare of the devil.  Once we are in the snare the devil, he uses us to do his seditious will.  That does NOT mean we are possessed but rather that he influences us and often directs our steps.  The only way out of that trap is to admit that doing “my thing” is wrong and turning back to GOD and looking to HIM for direction (2 Timothy 2:25-26).

Many will say, “Come on is sin really that serious?”  To GOD it really is.

“For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).  GOD’s love demands the complete eradication of sin for sin destroys and grows increasingly worse and worse as time goes on.

“The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time” (Genesis 6:5). The punishment was the universal flood and everyone but Noah and his wife and his 3 sons and their wives were saved.  They were saved because they believed what GOD said about a flood (even though they had never seen one and followed the LORD’s instructions to build and furnish the arc.

Years later GOD promised Abraham land that today is called Israel. But HE told Abraham that it would be some 400 years before his descendants could take control of it.  The reason GOD gives explains something about sin.

“But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full” (Genesis 15:16)/ or as the ICB translation states it, “After your great-great-grandchildren are born, your people will come to this land again. It will take that long, because the Amorites are not yet evil enough to punish.” By this we see that sin increases in evilness.

In Abraham’s day some were already ripe for punishment.  “Then the LORD said, “The outcry against

Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they

have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.” Genesis 18:20-21.  And we all know how GOD destroyed it.  Some were offered a way of escape but scoffed at the warning and only Lot and his 2 daughters escaped. They only escaped by believing the warning they were given and following the instructions.

GOD completely destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah and all that was in it.  Does that make GOD cruel?

“Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? says the LORD GOD: and not that he should

return from his ways, and live?”/ “For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dies, says the LORD GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye”/ “Say unto them, As I live, says the LORD GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die…?” (Ezekiel 18:23, 32, 33:11).

“The LORD is not slack concerning HIS promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

“Or do you despise the riches of HIS goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of GOD leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4).

You see GOD is not cruel but merciful and longsuffering.  HIS mercy and long suffering is long but not indefinitely for sin corrupts and destroys so it must be stopped.  To be stopped it must be destroyed.

“And the LORD said, My SPIRIT shall not always strive with man,” (Genesis 6:3).

“The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23).  Every sin must be punished and even though JESUS paid the full price for all sin on the cross (Hebrews 10:12) only those who come to GOD through JESUS are forgiven and freed from their sin.

“But this man, after HE had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of GOD” (Hebrews 10:12).  JESUS had finished HIS work of paying for sin when HE hung on the cross.

“Wherefore HE is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto GOD by HIM, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

And for us who believe in JESUS and have come to GOD through HIM, JESUS now along with the HOLY SPIRIT and GOD the FATHER are working together to teach us and bring us to maturity where we will be transformed into the image Romans 8:29 (have the divine nature 2 Peter 1:4) like JESUS. For GOD’s plans for those who have become HIS children through faith in JESUS (John 1:12) no eye has seen, nor ear has heard the wonders GOD has prepared for us.  Sin cannot be a part of that.

That is why GOD had recorded in HIS Word, “What do you imagine against the LORD? HE will make an utter end (of sin): affliction shall not rise up the second time” (Nahum 1:9).

Astounding truth.  If GOD hadn’t said so, it would be absolutely unbelievable.  But HE did say so and so it will come to be.

Hugs

Sharon

Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed

I’ve had this plant in my office over a year and this is only the 2nd bloom but isn’t it amazing?

God is quite the designer

And Jesus said that Solomon in all His glory was not arrayed as one of these (Matthew 6:28-30).

Jesus was emphasizing that if God took all the trouble to design and paint a flower so carefully when it was here for a short time and then gone, how much more will He provide for his children who came to Him through Jesus.

Our God is amazing!

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

Does GOD really care?

Does GOD seem distant and unconcerned about you and what you are facing?

Then I’d like to ask you, “What do you think about? Is GOD in all your thoughts?

.. “through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after GOD: GOD is not in all his thoughts” (Psalm 10:4).

YOU (O GOD) will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed (fixed) on YOU, because he trusts in YOU (Isaiah 26:3).

Is your mind stayed (focused) on GOD or is it starved?

JESUS said man shall live on bread (food) alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4).

Starvation of the mind, caused by distractions and neglect of thinking of GOD and reading GOD’s Word, is one of the chief sources of exhaustion and weakness in a believer’s life.

You have the power to turn your mind to GOD at any given time and in any place. There is no reason to wait for GOD to come to you because HE is always with you (Hebrews 13:5). But when you are looking at problems, fears, or distractions (idols) your back is to the LORD consequently you can’t hear GOD talking. 

Therefore, you need to turn your eyes to JESUS and tell HIM about all those other thoughts.  HE has a special way of putting things that clarifies issues and shows you the way to go.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your path.  Be not wise in your own eyes…” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

“O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walks to direct his steps” Jeremiah 10:23).

When you turn your thoughts to GOD, HE will remind you of what HE has said and done.  You will see that the LORD is doing just what HE promised to do by placing HIS thoughts in your mind and heart (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16).

Living your days talking to GOD about ALL things, your mind will no longer be at the mercy of impulsive thinking that are often suggestions from the evil one who greatly influences this world we live in (Ephesians 2:2-3, 1 John 5:19).

As you think about GOD and discuss concerns over with HIM, not only do you get guidance you need but you grow in your knowledge of and affection for GOD.  No longer will HE seem distant or unconcerned about you and what you face.  Even in the very midst of great struggles you can be energized, flooded with a calm peace and deep joy and overflow with hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 15:13). It’s a given, for GOD has promised.

Looking unto JESUS the Author and Finisher of my faith.

Hugs

Sharon

Changes

Yesterday was sunny and warm I went to the park and fed the squirrels but today there was a cold biting wind and snow flurries. On the radio came CHRISTMAS music, “It’s beginning to look a lot like CHRISTMAS.”   Mac got the nativity up and I got to thinking about JESUS coming to earth.

“For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only Begotten Son that whosoever believed in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Through JESUS, GOD saved us from hell but that wasn’t enough for GOD.  HE sent HIS Son to redeem us not as an end in itself but that we might receive the adoption to sonship (Galatians 4:4-5).

GOD did not want to merely save you.  HE wants you as HIS own..  If you have believed in JESUS’ atoning death and that GOD has raised HIM from the dead and have called on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:9-10,13) you are saved from eternal damnation and GOD has adopted you into HIS family, given you HIS name (Revelation 3:12) and proudly calls you HIS child.  You are a child of GOD and your FATHER loves you.

“See what great love the FATHER has lavished on us, that we should be called children of GOD! And that is what we are! … now we are children of GOD, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when CHRIST appears, we shall be like HIM, for we shall see HIM as HE is (1 John 3:1-2).

To think the Creator of the universe wants you and me as HIS kids…doesn’t that blow your mind?

Now if you are GOD’s child and I am GOD’s child then we are related and what a diverse family it is brothers and sisters from every nation, kindred and tribe and language.

Hugs

Sharon