Rejoice in hope

Moments ago, I came across an old, old picture of my 1^st son and I smiled as I saw his laughing face and remembered what the LORD showed me concerning Little Mac.  Then I stopped to thank the LORD.  That day GOD became more real to me, and HE continues to show me more and more of HIS excellence and wisdom.  It began with deep, deep sorrow but GOD meant it and used the momentary affliction for eternal good.

As we began the book of James in class today we were confronted with the words, “COUNT it all joy when you fall into all kinds of struggles.” 

Knowing that the word COUNT is an accounting term helps us understand what is really being said.  It does not say FEEL all joy when hard things happen, what it says is COUNT it all joy. 

Imagine a ledger one column is for the bad (money owed) and one side is good (assets held). The verse is saying, when hard things or troubles happen put it on the assets held side marked as good.

A well know biblical example of what GOD is doing behind the scenes when HE allows troubles to afflict us is when Joseph was sold as a slave by his brothers no one knew what GOD was doing.  It looked bad but it was the 1^st step in getting Joseph ready for a high and glorious position that saved many alive. During the years in prison after being falsely accused it written that GOD’s word to Joseph (through the dreams HE had given Joseph) tried and tested and matured Joseph until the promise was fulfilled (Psalms 105:19). Many years later Joseph as 2^nd in command over the world power of Egypt, told his brothers, “You meant it for evil, but GOD intended it for good to save many alive as is today” (Genesis 50:20).

In class we also looked at 2 Corinthians 2:17-18 “For (in comparison) our affliction is light and lasts but a moment, but it ACHIEVES for us a far more excellent eternal weight of glory (reward).  So don’t look at what is seen (the situation) but look at what is unseen (what GOD is achieving for us through the situation) for what we see is temporary but what is unseen (what is being achieved for us) will last forever.”

It is said of JESUS, “For the joy set before HIM (expectation of what HE was accomplishing) HE endured the cross though HE despised the shame and is (now) set down at the right hand of the throne of GOD.” Hebrews 12:2.  For JESUS the joy of gaining forgiveness for us enabled HIM to endure.

One of the main takeaways of the Woman’s conference last weekend was the challenge to live out Romans 12:12 “Rejoice in hope (expectation of receiving what is promised), be patient in affliction, continuing instant in (ready to jump into) prayer”

Will you accept the challenge?

Hugs

Sharon

HE knows

Have you ever been surprised?  GOD has never been surprised.  HE never has to rethink anything since the LORD has always known everything that would ever happen HE never learns anything new.

“Now are we sure that YOU (JESUS) know all things…” (John 16:30)

“JESUS said to him… Simon, son of Jonas, do you love ME? Peter replied LORD, YOU know all things; YOU know that I love thee…” (John 21:17)

“… GOD is greater than our heart, and HE knows everything.” (1 John 3:20)

“… Does HE who teaches mankind lack knowledge?” (Psalm 94:10).

If we think about it most believers in JESUS who read and believe their Bibles will agree that the LORD knows all things.  But have you considered that GOD never had to learn anything because before anything happened HE knew all that would happen. Not because HE forces it to happen but because of HIS AWESOME quality called FOREKNOWLEDGE (Acts 2:23, 1 Peter 1:2) along with HIS pre-creation choice to preset the times and places setting the stage for people to choose from (Acts 17:26-27).

But we must not think that by setting the stage GOD is forcing the characters act a certain way.  Each person has been given the gift of choice>>>that is each one determines what he/she will do in any given situation and thereby is responsible for the action taken.

GOD is LORD of all, but HE is not a puppeteer.

“JESUS therefore, knowing all things that should come upon HIM (before they happened), went forth,…” (John 18:4).

“Known unto GOD are all HIS works FROM the beginning of the world” (Acts 15:18 KJ). Through HIS amazingFOREKNOWLEDGE GOD knew how HE would answer every prayer before HE created the world.

“… the LAMB (JESUS) slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8 KJ).  JESUS was crucified in the eternal plan of GOD before HE (JESUS Hebrews 1:1-3) created the world.  Therefore, HE had to know people would sin and would need a Savior and volunteered for the job.

In Psalm 139 it says GOD (the FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT) knows what we will say before we form the words in our minds.  The LORD knows what we will say before we do.  Amazing isn’t it? 

In this way, our eternal Creator knew what choices individual people would make before HE even made them.  Yet the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY chose to make people in HIS image and give them the ability to choose.  They could choose right or wrong.  They could choose to believe and follow GOD or suppress the truth and turn away from GOD to the things of the world (Romans 1:18-21).

GOD’s amazing FOREKNOWLEDGE (definition = to know/to see before it happens) is the basis on which GOD could give mankind the ability to choose and yet remain completely Sovereign= in control.

“HIM (JESUS), being delivered by the determinate will and FOREKNOWLEDGE of GOD, you have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.” Acts 2:23  

There we see GOD’s purposes and Sovereignty played out by man’s choice.  Remember GOD sets the stage with purpose in FOREKNOWLEDGE of man’s heart and what he will do, but it is man who decides what to do. (Acts 17:26-27).  I can’t say I understand how it all works but know from GOD’s word that it does.

“Remember the former things of old for I AM GOD and there is none else.  I AM GOD and there is none like ME declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying MY counsel shall stand and I will do all MY pleasure.  …I have spoken it, and I will do it.” (Isaiah 46:9-11)

“Elect (chosen/ called) according to the FOREKNOWLEDGE of GOD the FATHER” (1 Peter 1:4 KJ).   We see that FORKNOWLEDGE comes 1^st and is foundational.

What did GOD FOREKNOW for some to be elected (called and chosen)?  I would say HE knew who would believe and who would refuse to believe even though given light to believe (Romans 1:18-21).

“…In CHRIST JESUS called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of JESUS CHRIST our LORD, both theirs and ours.” (1 Corinthians 1:2 KJ).   So those who call on the name of the LORD are the called.  And what happens when one chooses to call upon the name of the LORD?  “For whoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:13 KJ).

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them that are the called according to HIS purpose.  For whom HE did FOREKNOW, HE did predestinate to be conformed to the image of HIS SON, that HE (JESUS) might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:28-29).

Yes, those GOD foreknew would call upon the name of the LORD HE planned for/ predestinated that they would be conformed to the image of CHRIST JESUS.  Each believer is GOD’s workmanship in CHRIST JESUS for GOD preset times and places for everything that occurs in their lives to work together to conform them to their LORD and Savior JESUS.

“For you are GOD’s workmanship created in CHRIST JESUS unto good works that GOD prepared in advance that you should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

The infinity/ limitlessness of the ALMIGHTY’s wisdom, power and love blows my mind! Yet at the same time makes me feel so secure for HE has promised me eternal life (John 3:16).

Hugs

Sharon

Why doesn’t GOD answer?

Have you ever prayed and prayed, but nothing happens? Have you ever wondered why?

Of course, our prayer might not be GOD’s best for the situation so is not HIS will, or it could be not GOD’s timing for HE is lining other factors up before HE answers. But another issue has come apparent several times lately that I want to talk about.

Now there are famines from time to time but when there was a famine for 3 years running King David inquired of the LORD asking, “WHY?”

The LORD replied it was because of certain actions of King Saul the previous king toward a group of people. David sought out those people and asked them what he should do for them. Since their request was according to the practices of that day and GOD’s written word (Exodus 21:34), David agreed. When David made things right with those people, the LORD answered David’s prayers and the famine ended (see 2 Samuel 21).

This Old Testament incident illustrates a GOD principle about prayer. GOD will not answer prayer until sin is dealt with.

Psalm 66:18 If I REGARD iniquity in my heart the LORD will not hear me.

The Hebrew word for REGARD here is to look at/ focus on and resultant holding on to something. It doesn’t have to be something we consider big like stealing, lying or adultery.  The iniquity spoken of can be anything GOD has said not to do.

John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled (do not allow something to stir you up) believe in GOD and believe also in ME. John 14:27…Let not your heart be troubled, neither be afraid.

For when we allow ourselves to be troubled it is because we do not TRUST GOD to be in control and able to do what HE said HE would do. HE promises to work all things for the benefit of those who love HIM (Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 4:15-18). And GOD has given us HIS Word to illustrate for us how HE does what HE says HE will do.

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

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.

By reading the Word of GOD we learn GOD’s ways are not our ways but always work for good (Isaiah 55:9-11). And we see that what initially appears as something horrible can actually be something of great value. Like when Joseph was sold as a slave and then unjustly put in prison. We see GOD was always in control. GOD allowed the wicked thoughts of sinful men to play out and GOD used their actions to prepare Joseph for a great work to save many alive and to give Joseph great honor (Genesis 50:20).

The iniquity (sin) we REGARD (focus on) can be anything from worry, fretting, demanding things be done my way (as I lean on my own understanding of what is needed (Proverbs 3:5-7), when I refuse to forgive, hold on to anger or anything I know is wrong I am regarding it more that I regard GOD.

Sometimes I must ask, “Is there something in me hindering the answer to my prayer?”  When I ask, HE shows me by giving me an inner awareness of what is hindering the answer to my prayers. If I am not hindering the answer GOD gives me peace that HE is at work behind the scenes, and I must wait to see what HE is doing.

1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that, if we ask any thing according to HIS will, HE hears us:

Hugs

Sharon

Ever wondered why?

Since GOD so loved the world (John 3:16) this image shows why GOD the SON came to earth and then died on the cross for mankind’s sin.

hugs

Sharon L Manning

Choices

My son got 2 very young kittens a few weeks back. Knowing that after they ate they would have to do their business somewhere, we got two litter boxes.  We did not know what we know now. The kittens did not know what litter boxes were and became frightened when we would place them in one.  To cut down on the mess, I asked the LORD what to do. Then thought to put down cardboard with liter on it in the spots the kittens favored going (which is in my bedroom, under my bed). They are getting better on doing their business on the litter, but I still don’t know how to graduate them to the litter boxes.   

One of so many things I love about the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is that HE knows all things (John 16:30), not just things past and present but also future. That simple mind-boggling fact helps me accept so much I cannot grasp.

GOD in three persons makes up the GODHEAD (Matthew 28:19) and in the counsels of heaven HE chose to make mankind to fellowship with HIM.  HE chose to make them in HIS image (Genesis 1:26).  Part of that image is the ability to make choices. Yet GOD did not make man to be in control.

Many scripture texts show that GOD allows men to do wrong to show us what is in us and why we need a Savior. Each person is always responsible for their own choices and choices have consequences. Often the MOST HIGH allows wicked men to do wrong.  But as Genesis 50:20 (and many other texts) show when GOD allows men to do wrong with evil intent, GOD has pre-planned to use their actions for an end result of good to those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).  There is always a plan in place (see 2 Corinthians 4:15-18) and GOD is always in control (Ephesians 1:11).

In making man with the ability to choose that meant they could either accept and love HIM or reject HIM.  HE knew before creation which would do what.  Yet for GOD to give the ability to choose meant HE had to 1st choose to allow HIMSELF to selectively suffer certain things because of mankind’s choices while GOD HIMSELF maintained complete Sovereign control. GOD is never at man’s mercy.

GOD the HOLY SPIRIT is said to grieve at times because of our actions (Ephesians 4:30). HE is holy and anything unholy grieves HIM. GOD the SON, our LORD JESUS, consented and chose to suffer much on earth from humiliation to carrying all the punishment for the sins of mankind in torture on the cross of Calvary.  GOD the FATHER suffered as HE laid HIS wrath for sin on HIS beloved SON.  HE did it out of HIS love for mankind.  But our triune GOD chose to do that because HE wanted us. 

“GOD devised means, that HIS banished be not expelled from HIM” (2 Samuel 14:14).

Interestingly, we find that GOD preset (past tense) the times and places (Acts 17:26) thereby set the stage where we make our choices.  In HIS astounding foreknowledge HE knew what choices would be made and synchronized it all.  It’s beyond amazing, just blows my mind thinking of it.

Hugs

Sharon

The Wheelbarrow

This beautiful sunshine makes me want to get the flower beds cleaned up and ready for spring flowers.  It reminds me of Dad and how he would get things ready.  Though quite small when we moved to June Lake, I remember Dad building a rock border so he could level the yard.  He used a wheelbarrow to haul the rocks and also to mix up the cement to fix them into place.  Other times when the wheelbarrow was empty and clean he’d give my sister and me wild rides tipping the wheelbarrow to the right and left as he’d move it forward.

That old wheelbarrow and how Dad used it reminds me of what the LORD has emphasized to me lately about JESUS the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Let me lay the foundation of what I am seeing in hopes that you can see it too.

JESUS-then called the WORD- totally equal with GOD the FATHER both in form and nature (John 1:1-4), laid aside HIS visible glory and rights and riches and took on the form of man and became obedient unto death because the GODHEAD (all THREE) desired a relationship with mankind whom they had made (Philippians 2:4-8)

Leaving the glory of heaven the Light of the World came down into the darkness of this world of sin saying, “I come to do THY will, O GOD” (Hebrews 10:9).  In doing so HE determined to not speak HIS own words (John 3:34-35, 12:49) nor use HIS own powers (Luke 4:14, Acts 1:2). 

Totally aware of what HIS choice would mean (John 21:17, Acts 15:18 KJ) JESUS humbly chose to suffer for HE knew it was necessary for HIM to be made like unto HIS brethren (humans) in all ways, that HE might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to GOD, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people (Hebrews 2:17). That was the only way people could be saved and live eternally with HIM.

Now how does this connect with Dad’s old wheelbarrow?  He could not mix the cement in the wheelbarrow when it was full of rocks, it had to be empty, nor could Dad give his 3 girls rides while the wet cement was in the wheelbarrow.  Dad had to empty and wash it out before we got our rides.

In order for JESUS to be made like us (Humans) HE emptied HIMSELF out.  That only means HE chose not to go HIS own way, nor find HIS own pleasure, nor speak HIS own words but only do GOD’s will.  Did you know that Isaiah 58:13b states that doing those very things enables you and me to delight in the LORD?

When the Creator, JESUS took on a human body inside of Mary and became a baby, dependent on ones HE had made and even submitting to them was beyond huge.  But what the LORD has been impressing on me was the beginning of HIS ministry up to HIS ascension back into heaven as how I am to daily follow HIS lead (Hebrews 2:10). “Looking unto JESUS the Author and finisher of our faith” Hebrews 12:2.

Hebrews 10:9 “I come to do YOUR will O GOD” John 3:34 For HE (JESUS) whom GOD has sent speaks the words of GOD: for GOD gives not the SPIRIT by measure unto HIM (JESUS).

Luke 4:1 And JESUS being full of the HOLY SPIRIT returned from Jordan, and was led by the SPIRIT into the wilderness, Luke 4:14  And JESUS returned in the power of the SPIRIT into Galilee… 15  And HE taught in their synagogues… Acts 1:2 Until the day in which HE (JESUS) was taken up, after that HE (JESUS) through the HOLY SPIRIT had given commandments unto the apostles whom HE had chosen. 

I see JESUS does only what GOD wants HIM to do.  HE does not speak HIS own words but speaks only what HE hears the FATHER say.  HE goes not in HIS own power and ideas but is filled by the HOLY SPIRIT.  Being FILLED HE is led and goes by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.  Notice, the HOLY SPIRIT teaches through HIM, so JESUS doesn’t convict people JESUS just speaks the words the FATHER give HIM, and the HOLY SPIRIT gives the people understanding (1 Corinthians 2:10-13).

Hebrews 8:14 blows me away, “… CHRIST, who through the eternal SPIRIT offered HIMSELF without spot to GOD…” 

On earth while in a human body, JESUS depended on GOD the FATHER and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT and did nothing on HIS own.

We received and were sealed with the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT when we were saved (John 7:38-39, Ephesians 1:13). But now we are commanded to be filled by the HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 5:18).  But what does that mean since we cannot not fill ourselves? I think Luke 11:13 holds the key when it say that GOD the FATHER will give the HOLY SPIRIT to those who ask.  We see in Acts 4:31 that the very disciples who on the Day of Pentecost were filled (Acts 2:4) with the HOLY SPIRIT with power yet on another day they prayed to GOD for boldness after being threatened and they are filled anew with the HOLY SPIRIT and speak with power. We are saved one time.  We get the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT one time and are sealed to GOD one time.  But the filling with power comes and goes.  I think we need to ask daily for the HOLY SPIRIT to fill us for whatever GOD has prepared for us to do.  Scripture says, “You have not because you ask not” (James 4:2).

Therefore, to follow JESUS how much more do I need to lay aside my personal opinions and ideas and seek to know and follow GOD’s leading (Proverbs 3:5-7) and be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT.  Only when we are filled by the HOLY SPIRIT can we be led by and walk with the HOLY SPIRIT. Daily I need to prepare my heart (Proverbs 16:1) by being in GOD’s word (Matthew 4:4), talking to GOD our FATHER and being willing to obey regardless so I can hear and understand the HOLY SPIRIT (1 Corinthians 2:10-13).  I need to listen carefully and do what I know I should do and say what I know I should say whether I agree with it or not.  For if I am willing to hear and obey, the HOLY SPIRIT will make my instructions clear to me and enable me to obey (John 7:17, Philippians 2:13) . 

But like that wheelbarrow full of dirt, if I am full of my own ideas I won’t be able to hear the HOLY SPIRIT.

Hebrews 8:14 How much more shall the blood of CHRIST, who through the eternal SPIRIT offered HIMSELF without spot to GOD, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living GOD?

Hugs

Sharon   PS-See the TRINITY in the crucifixion?

Crop the picture

Crop the picture:

It had been a very long time since I’d seen my friend and was excited about getting together with her. She came down from Denver and I went up from Pueblo to meet for a meal in Colorado Springs.  Seemed like we couldn’t quit talking and as we waited for our food we got caught up on each other’s lives.

Needing a picture to capture our moment together for the FRIENDS frame I was giving her, and wanting a copy for my own album, I asked a server at the restaurant if he would take our picture with my phone. He graciously agreed. Thinking I needed a landscape view, since the outer writing on the frame I had bought my friend was for a landscape shot, I ask the server to hold my phone sideways in taking the picture.  Bless his independent heart, he took the picture his way, ignoring my specifications. It was a portrait shaped snapshot. O well, I got a picture, and I sent it to my email.

The picture came to me looking like it was on its side. It just needed to be turned 90 degrees and cropped and sized to fit the frame. But with the computer that really wasn’t a problem.

In the same manner, GOD takes what the devil throws at us- things meant for evil- and turns them around 90 degrees and crops them to use for our good to accomplish what HE wants done (Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28).  Let me give you a personal example from when I was in my 30’s.

After a crazy, fun, non-stop weekend as a counselor with a cabin full of whacky, giggling middle school girls at a Christian snowball camp I was exhausted as I headed home down the mountain in a snowstorm.  My weariness along with the blackness of night as I rounded the curves on icy roads with very little visibility made driving slow and strenuous.  

To top it off I was none too excited about confronting what I would find once I was off the mountain. Arrows of negative thoughts bombarded me shoving the fun thoughts of the weekend with campers away and focusing me only on negative aspects of the situation I knew I was about to face.

I didn’t turn to the LORD with a cry for help (Hebrews 4:16), nor was I focusing on JESUS and what HE did (Hebrews 12:2), nor on GOD’s promise that all things were for my benefit (2 Corinthians 4:15), let alone calculating that HE was actively at work achieving wonderful things through that very situation I so dreaded (2 Corinthians 4:15-18, Romans 8:28).

Instead, feeling sorry for myself, I cried out for GOD to release me from the nightmare and take me home to heaven.

I know GOD heard me, for suddenly I lost all control of my car on the snowy icy roads. My car spun round, and around, and around in circles then stopped with a thud, heading in the right direction on the right-hand side of the road. Miraculously, there had not been any traffic. GOD had held me in HIS hands protecting me, and protecting others from me, during the whole episode.

Then within I heard HIS soft whisper, “Sharon, Do you really want to die?”

I realized that I didn’t.   GOD had shown me truth by putting me in a wild tailspin.  In those crazy moments I knew there was a reason to live. Our LORD had taken the twisted view I’d gotten from listening to the evil one’s sneering lying accusations and turned it around 90 degrees then cropped it so I could see things clearly.  HE had done with my thinking, just as I had done to that picture of my friend and me.

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY had renewed my mind, showing me HIS glorious perspective. Only HE can do that!  That is why we are told to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5).

That experience sure taught me a lesson.  Now I know to arrest all my thoughts and examine them by talking them over with the LORD (Proverbs 3:5-7).  Aware of the deceptive power of the enemy’s taunting lies, I’ll often pray, standing the gap, for ones being mentally harassed by that liar, Satan. Regardless of their situation I pray that GOD bring them clarity in whatever way HE knows will work.  I ask that HE show them the purpose HE has for them for GOD does nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23) and HE has made each of us for a reason.  HE is Sovereign and will only allow struggles that HE can use for our good and HIS purposes.

GOD alone knows what battles each of us are fighting, and the lies we are being fed. HE alone has the wisdom, power and ability to deliver us from the ones stronger than we are (Psalm 18:17) and show us the way we should choose. But HE never takes away our GOD given ability to choose.

So, if you are struggling, recognize the truth that we are not sufficient by ourselves to think we can handle things, but our sufficiency comes from the LORD (2 Corinthians 3:5).

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfecter of my faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Hugs

Sharon

Check it out

One summer in the early 70’s was a terrible time of difficulties and confusion for me. Although I lived 50 miles away I decided to go to the Quincy fair to see if I could see any of my friends from high school.  Walking around at the fair, a stranger at the Gospel trailer introduced herself to me and said, “You look troubled. If you ever want to talk here is my address, write me.” And with that she handed me a slip of paper with her name and address. While doing laundry the following week I found that slip of paper and wanting to vent I wrote her.  She challenged me to take 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and give thanks to GOD every time I felt hurt or got mad at my situation, even if it meant doing it dozens of times each day. She told me to disregard my feelings and do just want it said- to give thanks.

I took her challenge and being I had to change my focus off the problem and on to GOD each time I thanked HIM for something negative, things began changing in me. For being with GOD changes us. After a few letters back and forth (we lived over 100 miles apart) she invited me to go with their little church up a mountain for a few days of camping with preaching,  She dismissed my excuses by saying just to bring my 2 young daughters and everything from a tent to food would be provided. I accepted.  During a break in the preaching we were told to go alone and read the Bible. GOD met with me as I sat under a tall Ponderosa Pine reading in Isaiah 50.  Through HIS word the LORD told me what HE was calling me to do (Isaiah 50:4-5) and gave me a strong warning to wait for HIS instructions for if I plotted my own way I would only get myself into trouble (Isaiah 50:10-11).  I believed HIM as HE spoke through HIS Word and the HOLY SPIRIT made it clear in my heart.

As you probably have noticed, GOD called me to share with others that which HE speaks to me through HIS word. Check out what I say by GOD’s Holy Word.

Never in scripture do you find the words, “figure it out yourself.” But repeatedly GOD’s Word urges us to “ask GOD” (James 1:5-7), or “acknowledge GOD” (talk to GOD about it-Proverbs 3:5-7). That is because the LORD has already figured out and knows what I need to do. HE declares that HE has even prepared the way ahead for me and you (Ephesians 2:10).  When GOD nudges me or tugs at me to do something, I know that I need to do it.

Still there are times I must force myself to not to be like a stubborn mule and just trust HIM when I don’t understand. The HOLY SPIRIT reminds me (John 14:26) that HE warned me not to scheme my way ahead but wait for HIS to leading (Isaiah 50:10-11).

There were times that even the 12 disciples questioned our LORD’s leading. “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing, nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” The disciples chose to obey JESUS’ nudge when it made no human sense to them. Because they did, they caught so many fish they had to call for another boat to help them pull them in the catch (Luke 5:5-7).

We need to be open minded and eager to hear GOD’s instructions, willing to do whatever HE wants. JESUS said if we are willing to do what GOD wants we will know if something is really from GOD or not (John 7:17).

A good way to learn to discern GOD’s voice is to be like the Bereans and daily search the scriptures (Acts 17:11). That way we will recognize the LORD’s voice when we hear it and know if the nudge or tug we are feeling is really from GOD.

hugs

Sharon

Come on

Do you ever wonder why the answer to one of your prayers is so slow in coming though GOD said HE would do it?

One day when teaching HIS disciples JESUS said to them, “the SPIRIT of truth, the world cannot accept HIM, because it neither sees HIM nor knows HIM. But you know HIM, for HE lives with you, and will be in you” (John 14:17).  Then in John 7:38-39 we are told that the HOLY SPIRIT would indwell (come in) believers but that would happen after JESUS was glorified.

On the day JESUS rose from the dead HE appeared to the disciples in a locked room when they saw HIM they believed in the resurrection of JESUS which proved that HE was GOD.

“And (JESUS was) declared to be the SON of GOD with power, according to the SPIRIT of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4).  

Now that JESUS was glorified through the resurrection, and the disciples believed “And with that HE (JESUS) breathed on them and said, “Receive the HOLY SPIRIT” (John 20:22).  At that time the HOLY SPIRIT entered in them, sealing them until the day of redemption (of their bodies=rapture Ephesians 4:30).

Around 40 days later JESUS told the disciples (Luke 24:49 NIV) “I am going to send you what MY FATHER promised but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Acts 1:8 NIV (JESUS said) “But you will receive power when the HOLY SPIRIT comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The HOLY SPIRIT had been with them for HE filled and led JESUS (Luke 4:1) and it is through the HOLY SPIRIT that JESUS taught (Acts1:2) and did miracles. After they believed and JESUS was glorified (John 7:38-39) JESUS imparted the HOLY SPIRIT to the disciples on the day HE rose from the grave, the HOLY SPIRIT took up residence in them to teach and lead and so much more. So, what is this coming on them all about and why did they have to wait for it?

The 1st question is what is this all about?  With the HOLY SPIRIT in them why did HE have to come on them?  Acts 1:8 says that it was to empower them (or give them power) when they witnessed.

We can proclaim the truth, but only the HOLY SPIRIT can interpret GOD’s message to an individual’s heart to convict or teach them (1 Corinthians 2:10-13, John 16:8).  HIS work empowers GOD’s message to do what needs to be done.  GOD has chosen the foolishness of preaching to bring salvation (1 Corinthians 1:21) so both our words and the HOLY SPIRIT’s interpretation are needed.

The 2^nd question is why did they have to wait? GOD has preset the times and places that men (and women) would reach out to HIM (Acts 17:26-27).

JESUS spoke the promise of being clothed with power 40 days after HIS resurrection and moments before HE ascended into heaven to sit on the right hand of GOD the FATHER.  It was now 10 days later.  The disciples were gathered together and praying. They didn’t know why there were having to wait. The disciples needed special power for the day of Pentecost (a Jewish feast day where Jews from all of the world would be in Jerusalem.) At the appointed time the HOLY SPIRIT came upon them enduing them with power and they spoke of the wonders of GOD and preached JESUS.  3,000 believed in JESUS and were added to the church that day.

Another day the disciples had been threatened and beaten and had prayed to GOD the FATHER for boldness to witness.  GOD was faithful to HIS word (Luke 11:13) “how much more shall your heavenly FATHER give the HOLY SPIRIT to them that ask him?”  The HOLY SPIRIT came upon the disciples filling them with boldness to witness (Acts 4:29-31). 

Some like to call it an anointing with power and that really does a good job describing it.  The clothing of power from on high is from the FATHER, through the HOLY SPIRIT to a person.  The anointing comes so a person may do what GOD has assigned for him/her to do. 

The wait part is walking in the SPIRIT, letting HIM lead us ahead (nudge us to speak or go here or there).  Only GOD knows what needs to be said and when, we really don’t. Throughout scripture you will read over and over at the appointed time, or the time had not yet come.  Timing is set and is important, but it is not for us to know (Acts 1:7).  We are called to walk in faith (2 Corinthians 5:7), to walk in the SPIRIT letting HIM lead us (Galatians 5:16, 18).

2 Corinthians 3:5 ESV “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from GOD.”

Hugs

Sharon

It’s not fair!

Life just isn’t fair. JESUS warned us it would be this way when HE said, “in this life you will have tribulation but cheer up I have overcome the world ” (John 16:33). 

GOD tells us in HIS word that our temporary troubles are achieving eternal things for us that far surpass the unfairness and pain of today (2 Corinthians 4:17).  In fact, the LORD promises that HE is using all the good and bad, working them together for an end result of good for us who love HIM.  HE is developing Christlikeness in us through what we encounter (Romans 8:28-29).

JESUS said, If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am (John 14:3).

JESUS went up in a cloud 40 days after HE rose from the grave (Acts 1:3, 9-11).  HE went to prepare a place for us, and HE is coming again to get us and take us to where HE has been.

Since the beginning of the world men have not heard…neither eye seen…what GOD has prepared for those who wait for Him (Isaiah 64:4, 1 Corinthians 2:9).

Are you expectantly waiting for JESUS to return and take us to be with HIM?

I urge you in JESUS’s stead to consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) and reveal to you whatever you need to see (Philippians 3:15) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.”(Romans 15:13) Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs

Sharon