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

Worried?

Our nation and the world seems to be a swirl of confusion plus most of us have at least one thing touching our lives that we have no control over. Yes, there are major things to be concerned about. So, what do we do?  Many choose to worry, and anxiety is at an all-time high, paralyzing many.

JESUS clearly said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled, believe in GOD and believe in ME” John 14:1.

What does this one little verse say that we are doing when we are troubled?  Clearly it is saying we don’t believe GOD is going to handle it.

To worry insults GOD like a slap on the face. It is saying, “GOD, I don’t believe YOU are in control or doing things right.”

Yet because man looks on outward appearance it is easier to indulge in our emotions that cause worry and wallow in them rather than to release our concerns to GOD in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7) and choose in faith to trust the LORD even when we don’t see HIM at work and everything seems so wrong.

Most believers in JESUS that I know avoid sin with a passion.  But these same ones seem to think nothing about worrying or being anxious although its direct disobedience to GOD.  One gal recently said, “I don’t think of worry in that way.” (meaning as sin.)

Only if we see and confess worry as SIN, will we turn from it and learn to trust the eternal GOD and lean on HIM and not our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-7). 

Seeing how the LORD has worked throughout time as recorded in scripture and claiming GOD’s promises in HIS word is what enables me to trust the only wise LORD GOD ALMIGHTY when things look dark and I can’t see what’s ahead.

JESUS asked, “Why call ME LORD (Master), LORD (Master) and don’t do the things that I say?” (Luke 6:46).

Hugs

Sharon

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

It works

I lived in the small mountain town of Quincy in northern California when I was 15 and got my driver’s permit. Back then there was this twisting, bumpy stretch of narrow road amidst tall pines that went from the outskirts of town to the little Quincy hospital. Two girl friends and I would speed through that stretch as fast as we could laughing hysterically as it felt similar to a wild roller coaster ride. I love roller coasters. We hated it when they straightened out the road.

Sometimes life feels like a wild roller coaster ride, but we aren’t laughing now are we? 

Yet smiles and even peace will come when we look at life through GOD’s lense as recorded in HIS Holy Word.

“But I want you to understand, brethren, that the things which have happened unto me have turned out unto the furtherance of the Gospel” (Philippians 1:12). That last phrase for the furtherance of the Gospel means others have a chance to reach out for the LORD (Acts 17:26-27), to find eternal life through believing in JESUS (John 3:16).

But does does that principle that trouble works out for our, we who believe in JESUS, good as well? 

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose” (Romans 8:28).

The hardest things in my life, yes, even the death of my 1st son, brought about good for me and others.

“For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of GOD. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a MOMENT (compared to eternity), works for us a far more exceeding ETERNAL weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen (our situation), but at the things which are not seen (what GOD is achieving through our situation): for the things which are seen (the circumstances) are temporary; but the things which are not seen (things GOD is using the temporary situation to do) are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Hard and confusing things will hit for JESUS said: (John 16:33) “These things I have spoken unto you, that in ME you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

When problems come remember that GOD promises that HE will use whatever it is for your benefit and HIS glory.  JESUS said, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid, you believe in GOD believe in ME” (John 14:1) 

In other words, TRUST HIM.

Hugs

Sharon

Whose way?

It is written that the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is always in control (Ephesians 1:11) though HE may not engineer a struggle, one cannot happen without HIS permission (see Job chapters 1 and 2). Although the LORD may allow trouble to come from an outside source it is never without a cause (Proverbs 26:2). The MOST HIGH always has a plan and HIS intent for allowing something difficult is always to achieve a necessary good (Genesis 50:20).

GOD’s ways are not our ways, HE does not think like we do, and HIS thoughts are light years beyond our capacity to comprehend (Isaiah 55:8-9). For that reason, we are told to live by faith, that is to trust the LORD’s wisdom, power and love.

I know that, yet I still find I must remind myself of that when things look bad!  The way I remind myself is by running to GOD and pouring out my heart to HIM.  Then HE whispers (impresses on me) a verse or reminds me of a time HE delivered out of trouble. Whatever HE says stills my soul and returns my peace.

“This I recall therefore I have hope, it is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed because HIS compassions fail not. They are new every morning: Great is YOUR faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:21-23).

“The LORD is good to them that wait for HIM (to work), to the soul that seeks HIM. It is good that one should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD…For the LORD will not cast off forever, though HE cause grief, yet HE will have compassion according to the multitude of HIS mercies.  For HE does not want to afflict or grieve” (Lamentations 3:25-26, 31-33).

But as a loving FATHER HE must discipline the one HE accepts (those who have come to HIM through JESUS Hebrews 7:25, John 1:12-13).  The LORD does it for their profit that they may be partakers of HIS holiness. We are urged not to despise the discipline of the LORD. No discipline at the time it happens is fun but hard and painful nevertheless afterwards it yields (produces) the peaceable fruit of righteousness to them who are exercised by GOD through their struggles (see Hebrews 12:5-7, 10-11).

It is through our struggles that GOD pleads for us redeeming us from our own sinful nature (Lamentations 3:58).

Disciple from GOD will continue until the child learns.  We as parents do the same with our children. If a child refuses to change though disciplined, harsher discipline must follow.  In that way they cause their own troubles.

“they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way” (Judges 2:19).

“Therefore, shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices” (Proverbs 1:21).

We are told in Isaiah 58:13 that IF we stop going our own way, stop trying to find our own pleasures and stop speaking our own words it is then that we delight in the LORD. 

Delight yourself also in the Lord: and HE shall give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).

Hugs

Sharon

Put on hold

Ever made a business phone call and been put on hold? The wait gets so long you wonder if they know you are still on the line. Sometimes you have to call back a time or two. That happened to me recently as a scheduler had never called me concerning scheduling me for the procedure the doctor ordered. Finally after over 3 weeks I called again. This time I got a hold of my doctor’s nurse who was able to contact the scheduler and in a couple of hours I received a call, with an apology for the order had never gotten to the scheduler. My calls were needed.

Do you feel like you have been put on “hold” by GOD?  What I mean by that is the LORD has promised something but day after day, week follows week and even year after year goes by and you are still waiting.

Unlike my scheduling situation, delays with GOD are never that lines were crossed.  But it still feels like I’ve been put on hold.

One morning I woke up while it was yet dark, feeling greatly troubled and defeated but not sure why. Then I read, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Proverbs 13:12).

“Yes,” I agreed, “That’s it!  That is what I’m feeling, my heart feels sick.”

Circumstances looked so wrong, not a bit like my expectations concerning the Promise the LORD impressed on my heart years ago. Rather the situation seemed to mock the promise.

Then the LORD’s whisper came, “Didn’t I promise you?” and the word ‘deferred’ came to mind. 

I pondered that word. Looking it up I saw it has 2 meanings.  1st It can mean delayed, put off for a while, but not denied.

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

“Do you despise the riches of GOD’s goodness and long-suffering and forbearance (putting up with things?) Don’t you know that the goodness of GOD leads you to repentance?” (Romans 4:2).

The reminder that this time of waiting has a purpose, and its purpose will help people. This lingering delay is for me as much as the others for during the years of delay GOD has changed me and even now patience has not yet finished its perfecting work in me (James 1:3-4).

Then there is the 2nd meaning of ‘deferred’ to submit to and accept.

LORD, YOU are a faithful GOD who has synchronized the universes, so stars and planets never collide, and autumn follows summer therefore I choose to humbly submit to YOUR timing!  YOU know all things and do all things well, I defer to YOUR wisdom and understanding and completely trust that this delay will achieve things that far surpass anything I can imagine.  I bow before YOU my GOD and defer to YOU as I expectantly await the fulfillment of YOUR word to me, YOUR servant.  Thank YOU, LORD for loving me and sending JESUS to save all who will believe and reconcile us to YOURSELF.  My eyes are on YOU, and I am watching to see YOUR plan unfold.

Are facing a delay like me?  Turn your eyes to JESUS.  Look to GOD, HE has preset the exact times and places for a reason (Acts 17:26-27).  If you have asked the good LORD is neither ignoring the issue you are facing nor is HE late with the answer. HE will get there before the tardy bell rings IF you have asked and continue to remind HIM. 

Remember James 4:2 “You have not because you ask not”

Isaiah 62:⁶ “…never be silent day or night.  You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest ⁷and give HIM no rest till HE establishes”

It is not that GOD needs to be reminded but that by going to HIM continually HE continually assures your heart restores your confidence in HIM, HIS wisdom and that HE is at work behind the scenes.

Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! (Psalms 116:2 – NIV) 

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

Do you fret?

Now tell the truth, it is just between you and GOD anyway, are you worried about anything?

GOD says, “Do not fret— it only causes harm” (Psalm 37:8).

Fretting causes harm!

Fretting is just another word for worry.  It means getting ourselves “out of joint” mentally or spiritually.  It’s easy to say, “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7) until our own little world is turned upside down and we are forced to live in confusion and agony and all sorts of accusing thoughts come into our minds.

Many are experiencing that right now not only with personal struggles but also with chaos breaking loose worldwide as hatred of the Jews escalates as it did before World War II. 

Let’s face it, if we don’t obey the command “Do not fret” in the middle of a storm when we don’t know what is coming next, then we won’t obey it anywhere.

This “Do not fret” is applied by choosing to believe GOD is still in control even when it looks like HE isn’t.

All our fretting and worrying is caused by planning without considering GOD is sovereign and actively at work behind the scene on our behalf working the good, bad and ugly together for an end result of good to us who love HIM (Romans 8:28). 

Those fretful thoughts come as lying whispers from our enemy to stir us up and feed our old nature’s desire to have its own way and be in control.

Our LORD JESUS never worried and was never anxious because HIS purpose was never to accomplish HIS own plans.  All HE wanted to do was to fulfill GOD’s perfect plan (Hebrews 10:7).

Fretting accomplishes nothing good, so it is foolish and a total waste of our time and energy.  But it’s not just foolish it is wickedness for a child of GOD because it is trying to take over GOD’s job and be in control.

To rest in the LORD is not dependent on our external circumstances at all, but on our relationship with GOD HIMSELF and our confident trust in HIM. 

So, say “no!” to those accusing lying whispers that can nag at you and take all your opinions and speculations to JESUS.  As I talk them over with HIM HE has a way of letting me see things from HIS point of view (2 Corinthians 10:5). 

When the taunts to fret or worry come, run as fast as you can to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) and “abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).  It is only there we find release from our fears.

Do you fret?  It is better to tell yourself the truth, “I am not in control, but my GOD is, and HE loves me and promises that HE will fulfill HIS purpose for me” (Psalm 57:2 NIV).

When we do that GOD promises to direct our hearts and minds (Proverbs 3:5-7) and then our job is just to do what we know we should do.  It is that simple, the simplicity that is in CHRIST.

Hugs

Sharon

Must listen to learn

This old snapshot (around 1952) is of the June Lake, California’s one room schoolhouse. The schoolhouse was located on a high hill and was a mile from June Lake (note previous post) in one direction and a mile from the powerhouse in the opposite direction.  The students ranged from grade 1 through 8, and our teacher was my dad, Charles F McIntire. On the stairs in the middle (the short one) with all the curly hair is me and my older sister Rosie is directly below me sitting on a step. 

It was Dad’s 1st teaching job (1951), after the Navy in World War II and then switching careers.  It was my 1st school and Dad taught me my first 3 grades. It is where I learned to reason, to read and write and to add and subtract.

My Dad, Charles Franklin McIntire was known as Mr. McIntire by his students, Grandpa McIntire by his grandkids and Dad by his children.  Teaching just flowed from him naturally as he pointed out the colors in a sunrise or the designs on the wings of butterflies that he caught.  He developed within me an awareness of details and love of GOD’s creation with its colors, designs and sounds as well as igniting within me an eagerness to learn.

But only the ones who listen to the teacher learn what is being taught.  As one verse loosely translated goes, “If you want to learn, listen and you will understand” (Mark 4:9 NLT).  

There were field trips where we gained an appreciation for beauty and the wonder of GOD’s creation.  On one such trip down the hill and across the highway into the lush field by a tiny creek Dad caught a snake and told us that is was harmless.  I believed him so asked and was given the snake to carry back to the school.  All the way up the hill I had such fun running with the snake held out in front of me after different ones and scaring those little girls (who either had not listened to or didn’t believe Dad’s words about the snake being harmless).

It is the same today.  If we want to learn more about GOD and to know what HE wants us to do, we must get in HIS word and let the HOLY SPIRIT teach us.  If we are willing to do what GOD wants, we will know truth from error (John 7:17).

Hugs Sharon

PS again we see the TRINITY in how we who believe in JESUS learn truth and things concerning GOD and HIS ways. “The Comforter (the HOLY SPIRIT) whom GOD the FATHER will send in MY name (JESUS) HE will teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance…” (John 14:26).

Blame GOD

Ever heard someone blame GOD for evil? 

GOD made everything good, but man sought out many inventions (Ecclesiastes 7:29).

When people blame GOD for evil, they are really blaming GOD for giving man the ability to choose.  Now they expect and even demand to have the right to choose but become furious with GOD when others utilize the same privilege in a way they don’t agree with.  Especially, when the choices made hurt others.

In the meantime, GOD waits to punish evil doers.  Why?

2 Peter 3:9-10 explains it like this: The LORD is not slack (slow) concerning HIS promise as some count slackness (slowness), but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.  But the day of the LORD will come.

Romans 2:4 puts it this way: (do you) despise the riches of HIS goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of GOD leads (even) you to repentance?

Because of HIS great love GOD sent HIS only SON to earth that whosoever believed in HIM (JESUS) would not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). 

Presently, GOD is waiting to allow time for everyone who will choose to believe and turn and call on the name of the LORD JESUS and be saved and forgiven to do just that (Romans 10:13).

As GOD waits, we Christians have a job to do in this world. GOD the FATHER calls us to stand the gap for unbelievers in prayer (Ezekiel 22:30), JESUS commissioned us to witness of HIM, and sent the HOLY SPIRIT to enable us do just that (Acts 1:8).

Again, we see the Trinity at work to bless people.

Hugs

Sharon

Plead my cause

When we hear of some stranger, like one in a high position ACCUSED of wrongdoing, there is always the niggling question in the back of our minds, “Did he do it?”  Even when the accusation is nothing but lies, suspicion has been planted in minds by the accusation.

When one is falsely accused, they want vindication. That is, they want to be absolved or cleared from blame, criticism, or suspicion of wrongdoing. Just as the Psalmist cried out, “Plead my cause!” Psalm 119:154.

Have you ever been falsely accused of doing wrong?

I have. Several decades ago, there were 2 different times I was accused wrongfully. They happened around a dozen years apart. There was no truth in either accusation, yet in the minds of many there lingered questions. They assumed as the old saying goes, “where there is smoke, there must be fire.”

When I heard what was being spread about me, I was aghast. Both accusations totally baffled me for they seemed to come out of nowhere for what actually occurred, why I did what I did was reasonable and right.

Both charges crushed my spirit. Yet, as is GOD’s way, HE used them for good (Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20). The LORD taught and directed me through both of episodes (2 Corinthians 4:15-17).

Like the Psalmist I cried out, “LORD, plead my cause” Psalm 119:154.

GOD gave me strength to trust HIM and the first one was openly exposed as a lie to cover up misconduct through further wrong actions of the accuser. Through that momentary trouble, I experienced GOD’s peace and learned to trust GOD to defend me.

The other false accusation really threw me for a loop for it was against who I was. I felt alone and struggled with it for a time, but then withdrew from people. After a period of isolation, one morning as I talked with the LORD, HE impressed in me that it was time to go forward on a new path.

That accusation completely changed the direction of my service for the LORD. But since I am GOD’s workmanship created in CHRIST JESUS for good works prepared in advance for me to walk in (Ephesians 2:10), I know GOD allowed and used that upheaval to redirect me to step into a new season. GOD had other things for me to do.

GOD declared that Job was a perfect and upright man who feared GOD and avoided evil (Job 1:8). The bible tells of the awful troubles Job endured and yet he never questioned GOD (see Job chapters 1 and 2). Then we read of many false accusations thrust at this innocent man. Listen to Job’s words:

Job 16:¹⁷TLB “Yet I am innocent, and my prayer is pure.                 ¹⁹ “Yet even now the witness to my innocence is there in heaven; my Advocate is there on high. ²⁰ My friends scoff at me, but I pour out my tears to GOD,

Job knew, as I learned, that GOD will defend HIS children and bring truth to light.

But it is not always in our timing. When I cannot understand what is happening, I personally cling to what I know is true. GOD ways and thoughts are higher than mine, but they always work (Isaiah 55:8-11) GOD is good (Mark 10:18), GOD is and acts in love (1 John 4:8), GOD is sovereign (Revelation 6:10 NIV) and GOD does/allows nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23). GOD who knows all things (John 16:30) knew what HE was doing when HE preset the times and places (Acts 17:26-27) and HE did it for a specific reason. Remembering that allows me to rest in peace and confidence even in the midst of a storm.

I am who I am because GOD puts me where HE wants me, determines my background including all that happens to me. The LORD places in me HIS desires (Philippians 2:13) and interests (Ephesians 2:10) for the work HE has for me to do. My all-knowing Creator even knows when I will refuse HIS leading to do my own thing and what discipline HE must take to turn me back around for I am HIS workmanship.

You also are GOD’s workmanship if you belong to JESUS (Ephesians 2:10).

Hugs,

Sharon