HE measured the waters of the ocean

Even though a counselor, I still had to memorize scripture, just like the campers, to earn badges at Camp Elim. One time I had to memorize Isaiah 40:12-31. It describes some of the bigness of our GOD in picturesque terms that really get the points across. Memorizing line by line, I was swept away by the imagery and would stop to consider and visualize what was being said. Cupping my hands, I pondered GOD measuring the waters in the oceans in the hallow of HIS hand.

Anyone who has been to the seashore has caught a minuscule glimpse of the vastness of the ocean and their measurelessness. Yet, to give us a glimpse of the infinity of GOD it is written that GOD measured the waters of the oceans in the hollow of HIS hands.

Isaiah 40:12 WHO (GOD) hath measured the waters of the oceans in the hollow of HIS hand,  

meted out heaven with the span (the distance between the little finger and thumb),  

comprehended (held together) the dust of the earth in a measure,

weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?

Isaiah 40:13 Who has DIRECTED the SPIRIT of the LORD, or being HIS/GOD’s counselor has TAUGHT HIM?

Isaiah 40:14 With whom took HE counsel, and who INSTRUCTED HIM, and TAUGHT HIM in the path of judgment, and TAUGHT HIM knowledge, and SHOWED HIM the way of understanding?

Isaiah 40:15 Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, HE takes up the isles as a very little thing.

Isaiah 40:17 All nations before HIM are as nothing; and they are counted to HIM less than nothing, and vanity.

Isaiah 40:18 To whom then will you liken GOD? or what likeness will you compare unto HIM?

Isaiah 40:21 Have you not known? have you not heard? has it not been told you from the beginning? have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?

Isaiah 40:22 It is HE that sits upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that (GOD) stretches out the heavens as a curtain and spreads them out as a tent to dwell in:

Isaiah 40:23 (GOD) brings the princes to nothing; HE makes the judges of the earth as vanity.

Isaiah 40:24 Yea, they shall not be planted; yes, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and HE shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble.

Isaiah 40:25 To whom then will you liken ME, or shall I be equal? says the HOLY ONE.

Isaiah 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high and behold who (GOD) has created these things, (HE) brings out their host (stars) by number: HE (GOD) calls them all by names by the greatness of HIS might, for that HE is strong in power; not one fails.

Isaiah 40:28 Have you not known? Have you not heard, that the everlasting GOD, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, faints not, neither is weary? there is no searching of HIS understanding.

Isaiah 40:29 HE gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might HE increases strength.

Isaiah 40:30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.

Isaiah 40:31 but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

What a totally, unfathomably amazing GOD we serve!

hugs,

Sharon PS the little one with her back to the Atlantic Ocean is Zarai one of my granddaughters when she was young.

HE doesn’t disregard our cause

There is so many unbelievable hard things going on worldwide and in our personal lives so when I read the following verses they resounded in my ears.

Why do you complain…?  Why do you say,…“My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my GOD”?

Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The LORD is the everlasting GOD, the Creator of the ends of the earth. HE will not grow tired or weary, and HIS understanding no one can fathom. HE gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:27-29 NIV)

With everything else going on it is so easy to complain and think GOD isn’t concerned with my struggles.  If HE was these things wouldn’t be happening.

Well for sure we know that our mighty GOD loves us and cares about us for HE gave us HIS only begotten SON that whoever believes in HIM (JESUS) would not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).  And JESUS showed HIS great love for us when HE died for our sins and so we would be reconciled to GOD through HIS blood (1 Corinthians 11:24-25, Romans 5:10).

GOD has not disregarded our cause! “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If GOD is for us, who can be against us? HE who did not spare HIS own SON, but gave HIM (JESUS) up for us all—how will HE not also, along with HIM, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:31-32 NIV).

But our GOD made all things and HE is big enough to be one on one with everyone on earth at the same time and not a bit distracted. 

Nor is anything beyond HIM for HIS power and understanding is unlimited, But, our GOD who loves us and who ways and thoughts are far above ours (Isaiah 55:8-9)  and whose ways always work (Isaiah 55:10-11) has a reason for allowing whatever our cause is.

Besides that, HE promises to achieve wonderful eternal things that far exceed our pain through the temporary pain and troubles of today (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

HIS love and understanding no one can fathom (HE knows what HE is doing).

HE is amazing.

Hugs

Sharon

Whatever

I did a silly thing as I pondered what time to set for a special appointment.  I inadvertently made the appointment (that cannot be changed) for the same time as my favorite time of the week.  When I realized what I had done, I asked myself why?  But the Holy Spirit answered me by bringing scriptures to mind.

… From one man HE (GOD) made every nation of the human race to inhabit the entire earth, determining their set times and the fixed limits of their places to the intent that men should reach out to HIM…Acts 17:26-27

… according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. Ephesians 1:11

If man’s going are of the LORD; how then can you understand everything you do?  Proverbs 20:24

You may plan your way but the LORD directs your steps.  Proverb 16:9

Since GOD does nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23), GOD has a reason for me to miss that activity this week.  And you know its OK for I do know GOD knows best.

hugs

Sharon

No way…way!

Does it seem like there is no way out for you?

Do things seem hopeless?  Do you feel like the Jews did when the Egyptians were chasing them and all of a sudden, they were stuck?  They couldn’t go forward because before them was the Red Sea and behind was the Egyptian army.  There was no way out for them, or was there?  They saw no way, but GOD had a way, a path that no one could see.  But at the right time, GOD’s time, HE opened the sea and they saw the path they were to travel.

It is no different for you and me. But we must choose to cry out to GOD and then follow GOD’s nudges.  We must not turn back to the enemy.

GOD formed you in your mother’s womb and scheduled every day of your life before you began to breathe.  Psalm 139

GOD knows the plans HE has for you, plans to bless you not hurt you (Jeremiah 29:11).

HIS plans do not change… (Psalm 119:152).

HE has prepared the way ahead for you to walk (Ephesians 2:10).

As once HIS way was a path through the sea- a path no one knew was there (Psalm 77:19). So, the path GOD has for us may be hidden from our eyes. If that is the case, we need to wait and trust in HIM to show us the way at the right time and not try to find our own way (Isaiah 50:10,11).

At the right time, GOD will place within us the knowledge of what we are to do and will enable us to do it (Philippians 2:13).

JESUS will never leave you nor forsake you, HE is with you always and is your helper (Hebrews 13:5,6)

And now may the GOD of peace, who brought again from the dead our LORD JESUS, equip you with all you need for doing HIS will.  May HE who became the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting agreement between GOD and you, signed with HIS own blood, produce in you through the power of Christ all that is pleasing to HIM.  To GOD be the glory forever and ever. AMEN. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

Hugs,

Sharon

Which way?

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own WAY; and the LORD has laid on HIM the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6).

Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and HE will have mercy on them, and to our GOD, for HE will freely pardon (Isaiah 55:7).

Why?   There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death (Proverbs 14:12, 16:25).

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY WAYS,” declares the LORD. “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).

And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.  This man was instructed in the WAY of the LORD; and being fervent in the spirit, he spoke and taught diligently the things of the LORD, knowing only the baptism of John.  And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the WAY of GOD more perfectly (Acts 18:24-26).

The word perfect in the Greek means complete, so Apollos didn’t have the complete knowledge he needed.  There were some facts that he needed to learn.  So here we see a man of GOD who was instructed in the WAY of the LORD, knowing only the baptism (teaching) of John.  What was that teaching?

Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on HIM which should come after him (John), that is, on CHRIST JESUS (Acts 19:4).

Therefore, we know that Apollos, who knew scriptures well, believed that the Messiah was coming.  That belief is the Old Testament gospel- that is what saved all the Old Testament believers.  They believed in GOD’s promise of a messiah… looking ahead to the time the Messiah would come.

The WAY of the LORD is that HE would send a Messiah.  But, Apollos didn’t know that the Messiah had already come.  When he was instructed in that truth, the complete gospel that the Messiah, JESUS had come and died for our sins, Apollos believed.

JESUS said to him,” I AM the WAY, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by ME” (John 14:6).

In the Old Testament days, they came to GOD and were saved through JESUS by believing JESUS (the Messiah) would come.  Today we come to the FATHER and are saved through believing JESUS the Messiah has come and did die for our sins and was raised up to glory and is coming again (Hebrews 7:25).

The WAY of the LORD is that HE our Mighty GOD provided a WAY for whosoever will to be forgiven and live eternally with HIM (John 3:16).  We don’t have to earn it we simply must believe it. 

The wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD (Romans 6:23)

That is why the early church, before they were called Christians, were called the WAY (Acts 9:2, 16:17, 19:23, 22:4, 24:14).

Looking unto JESUS who is the WAY.

Hugs

Sharon

To say or not to say that is the question

JESUS said that the world would believe that GOD the FATHER sent JESUS when HIS believers were one (John 17:20-21).  Yet a very sad thing has occurred. There has been ugly fights, divisions and broken relationships (defriending on Facebook and other social media) this past year as controversial opinions were expressed by believers in JESUS, some in ugly ways over social media while unbelievers watched and often were stirred up with anger or smugly smirked.

We believers in JESUS are the body of CHRIST (1 Corinthians 12:13,27) and when each part is working properly, it makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:16).  Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify (build up) another (Romans 14:19).

We are warned: charging them before the LORD that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers (2 Timothy 2:14).  But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the LORD must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, (2 Timothy 2:23-24).

That explains why the LORD recently answered my query if I should write a post on HIS response to my question in how I should pray on a certain issue. (There was a little niggling of hesitation that caused me ask that question- thank YOU HOLY SPIRIT). Instantly GOD spoke the answer by bringing a verse to my mind.

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you” (Matthew 7:6). 

What GOD conveyed to me with that verse is explained best in how JESUS answered Peter.  “But HE turned and said to Peter, “Get behind ME, Satan! You are a stumbling block to ME; for you are not setting your mind on GOD’s purposes, but men’s” (Matthew 16:23 NASB).

Many believers still have their minds set on the purposes and thought patterns of man and are not open to hear GOD’s side even though it is outlined in the Word of GOD.

Although we must never shy away from witnessing of our LORD and HIS saving power (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10, 13). We are commanded by the LORD JESUS HIMSELF to witness of JESUS (Acts 1:8). But just as a kindergarten student is not ready to do algebraic equations, not everyone has grown to the point that they are willing to hear GOD’s take on HARD ISSUES.  

For GOD’s ways are not our ways and HIS thoughts are not our thoughts they are higher than the heavens than ours but HIS ways always produce what needs to be done (Isaiah 55:8-11), of that we can be sure.  Praise the name of JESUS!

Hugs

Sharon

Illustrations help!

Does seeing how GOD dealt with situations in the Bible help you trust HIM today?

Some of the stories in the Bible, although actual historic accounts (that can be documented), seem pretty wild and take great faith to believe.  We are told the HOLY SPIRIT moved men to write those events down for our learning and our comfort (Romans 15:4). 

It’s like the account of King Nebuchadnezzar who seemed to be a fair and good pagan king.  He had learned about the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY from a young Jewish teen who interpreted accurately a dream for him.  Because of the power and wealth he possessed the king became very proud.  GOD sent Daniel to him to interpret another dream for the king which was a warning of what would happen because of his pride.  Although he listened to Daniel, within a year the king was in his palace and looked around and said, “is this not great Babylon that I have built by the might of my power and for the honor of my glory…” no sooner were the words out of his mouth than a voice came from heaven and that which he’d been warned concerning hit.

King Nebuchadnezzar’s mind was turned into the mind of an animal and for seven years he lived among the wild animals and ate grass.  But then one day he looked up into heaven and his understanding returned to  him and he blessed the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY and praised and honored HIM who lives forever and rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomsoever HE wills. And believe it or not the officials sought after him and placed him back as king and he became greater than before. (Read all about this amazing true account in Daniel 4).

GOD gave us this history lesson not to entertain us but to teach us about GOD’s baffling ways. For GOD’s ways are not our ways and HIS thoughts are not our thoughts.  But they work (Isaiah 55:8-11). 

When we read such things in scripture we are wowed but when we see GOD act in a similar way as HE deals with the sins of a loved one it can be so overwhelming.  Yet, as HE brings the applicable scriptures to mind, we must choose either to believe that GOD works all things after the counsel of HIS own will (Ephesians 1:11) or fear man and demons. I must look not at what is seen but at what GOD promises to achieve through the trouble of today (2 Corinthians 4:15-18) or believe it is all happenstance.

Last night I had to make that choice and all I can say is I praise the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY creator of heaven and earth who has given us HIS word and HIS word says that HE disciplines those HE loves and corrects those HE has ACCEPTED as a son (Hebrews 12:6). GOD’s discipline will produce righteousness in the one exercised by it (Hebrews 12:11).

GOD’s word brings me great comfort.  Does it encourage you?

Hugs

Sharon

Confront

YOU keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on YOU, because he trusts in YOU. —Isaiah 26:3

In the face of the Coronavirus and its consequences both big and small, we need to look to GOD, for niggling fears sneak in and bombard our thoughts. They will grow unless we confront those fears by claiming GOD’s promises from HIS Word out loud!

Some verses to claim are listed below.

“Peace I leave with you; MY peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. —John 14:27

“I have said these things to you, that in ME you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”—John 16:33

“Do not be anxious (worried) about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to GOD. And the peace of GOD, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in CHRIST JESUS.”—Philippians 4:6–7

“GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”—Psalm 46:1

“It is the LORD who goes before you. HE will be with you; HE will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”—Deuteronomy 31:8

“For GOD gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. —2 Timothy 1:7

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your GOD; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with MY righteous right hand.”—Isaiah 41:10

Prayer:  LORD, YOU ask us to walk by faith not sight and so I guess that is why we seldom see the whole picture.  But YOU promise to always show us the next step to take. We trust YOUR love and wisdom so lead us on and give us YOUR peace and the courage to go with YOUR nudges.  LORD according to YOUR Word what YOU do and what YOU allow both the times and the places of all things are so men and women, boys and girls would reach out to YOU.  Use this time in all places to cause people to reach out to YOU and be saved I ask in JESUS precious name. May YOUR will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Hugs

Sharon

GOD is my helper

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)  For the LORD is my helper (Hebrews 13:6)

In the Bible I saw GOD was with Joseph throughout his struggles and gave him authority in every place GOD put him. Joseph understood that things did not just fall into place for him wherever he went because he was something special; he never took credit but rather said, “It is not in me: GOD…” (Genesis 41:16)

In Judges we see the LORD was with Judah- HE gave Judah an assignment and authority and the job was done. (Judges 1:2,19).  The LORD with a group of people, GOD gave them a specific job and HE enabled them to achieve it by sending out a man to show them the way (Judges 1:22-24).

We are told that GOD is always with us so that “we may boldly say the LORD is my helper” (Hebrews 13:6).

In each of these cases GOD gave out assignments to specific people and placed them in their own territory (2 Corinthians 10:13 NIV) and HE was with them to get the job HE had assigned to them done (1 Thessalonians 5:24). It is one of GOD’s ways, and GOD is faithful and unchanging.

Note: GOD was with the one HE placed there to do a job GOD chose for him to do. Describing this in the Old Testament GOD spoke of HIS servants an ax. Just as one picks up an ax to chop wood, HE used the one HE chose to do that which HE wanted done.

“Should an ax boast itself against him who chops with it? Or can the saw exalt itself against him who saws with it? As if a rod could wield itself against those who lift it up, Or, as if a staff could lift up itself, as if it were not mere wood!” (Isaiah 10:15).

Do we try to pick out our own jobs? Or wait for GOD’s direction?  Do we go our own way and when we tackle a job and complete it successfully, do we take the credit as if we did it on our own? We need to remember that everything we have we have received therefore there is no reason to boast (I Corinthians 4:7).

See why we should be like Paul and ask, “LORD what would YOU have me do?” (Acts 9:6). GOD gives us a task according to HIS plan and purposes and HE is with us to swing the ax till all the wood is chopped.

Hugs

Sharon

Why?

Has tragedy struck and is it about to reach culmination in your life? It might not be the end but a beginning.

Hard things are not always a curse. They are meant to benefit us and are merely a means GOD is using to achieve what needs to be done (2 Corinthians 4:15-17). From the human perspective it can look like the end of the world; but through GOD’s eyes there are forces at work, plans aligning, and miracles taking place. (I have found this out through much personal experience).

Stop and think of Jonah GOD’s man who hated the assignment GOD gave him so he ran the other way got on a boat, was thrown into the sea, was swallowed by a huge fish and after 3 days Jonah cried out to GOD from the bellow of the fish and promised to do whatever GOD told him. GOD had the fish spit out Jonah on dry ground and told Jonah to go do what HE had told him to do (go preach to the Ninivites. So, Jonah went and did as he was told to do.

2 Corinthians 7:9-11 LB says: I am glad…not because it hurt you but because the pain turned you to GOD. It was a good kind of sorrow you felt, the kind of sorrow GOD wants HIS people to have… For sometimes GOD uses pain in our lives to help us turn away from sin (as HE did for Jonah). We should never regret HIM sending it. See how much good grief from the LORD did for you? You no longer shrug your shoulders at sin but have become earnest and sincere and very intent on getting rid of sin.

We need to remember GOD’s ways are not our ways, but they always work (Isaiah 55:8-11).

Let’s look at a few of the great and precious promises GOD has given that we might be partakers of HIS holiness (2 Peter 1:3-4)

GOD promises to lead us and help us mourn for our sins and confess them so HE can bless us (Isaiah 57:18).

(Acts 17:26-27) … HE has preset the exact times and places (that includes red lights and traffic jams) for the purpose that men should reach out to HIM…

Our Heavenly FATHER disciplines us for our profit… and although it may be painful for a while, it will produce the peaceable fruit of righteousness in our lives (Hebrews 12:9-11).

(Lamentations 3:33) GOD does not enjoy causing grief (HE brings/allows it only when it is necessary to achieve an end result of good to those who love HIM and are the called according to HIS purposes (Romans 8:28-29)

(Lamentations 3:32) although HE causes grief, HE will show compassion (Lamentations 3:22- 23) for the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases. HIS mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.

Sometimes we struggle or see another struggling and wonder why. It helps me to remember that GOD is loving and kind and in control and does nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23)

Regardless of how bad things look, know that GOD is in control working behind the scenes for an end result of good.

Holding on to these promises enables me to look to HIM and follow HIS leading one step at a time.

hugs
Sharon L Manning