Wild roller coaster ride

In Junior high, living in West Hollywood, I loved going with my church youth group to Pacific Ocean Park. It is an amusement park overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I loved the wild roller coaster there- its speed- its ups and downs and even its jerking unexpected turns.

My life has been like that roller coaster, with many bumps and jerking turns.  But now the wild ride just seems plain hard IF I focus on the struggles.

Right now, the whole world seems in an upheaval, and I cry out to GOD, “Why do You hold back YOUR hand? (Psalm 74:11).

HE reminds me of one of HIS (GOD’s) purposes. “The GOD who made the world and everything in it is the LORD of heaven and earth. From one man HE made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and HE predetermined their exact times and places. GOD did this that they would seek HIM and perhaps reach out and find HIM” (Acts 17:24,26-27).

It was as if the LORD said to me, Sharon, “Do you despise and underestimate the wealth of MY kindness and forbearance and long-suffering patience? Are you unmindful or actually ignorant (of the fact) that MY kindness is intended to lead people to repent (to change their minds and heart and reach out to accept MY (GOD’s will)? (Romans 2:4 AMP)

Today I was in tears struggling as i heard and saw wrong too close to home.  Wrong that I could not change and it was breaking my heart.  Through my tears I cried out to GOD to work.  But GOD gave me a verse fitting what was going on and assuring my heart that HE was at work and the outcome would be right. But HE also emphasized the appointed end had an appointed time.  HE reminded me that though it linger, I was to wait for it; and that it will certainly come and not delay (Habakkuk 2:3).

Being I believe in GOD’s foreknowledge of all things (John 16:30, 1 Peter 1:2), HIS complete power (Jeremiah 32:17), HIS presence everywhere (Psalm 139:7-11, 2 Chronicles 2:5-6), HIS absolute truthfulness (Titus 1:2) and HIS unchangeableness (Malachi 3:6),  I quit begging HIM to put a stop to what I so hated and I asked GOD to strengthen me to endure having to hear and see what tore me up while HE worked.  

Immediately, HE reminded me to take off my cochlear processor and hearing aid.  I did and it helped!

I like the way Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1807-1882 put it: “And in despair I bowed my head: ‘There is no peace on earth’, I said. For hate is strong, and mocks the song of ‘peace on earth, good will to men.’ Yet pealed the bells more loud and deep. ‘GOD is not dead, nor doth HE sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men.”

Therefore, I can obey GOD instructions to give thanks in and for all things (I Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 5:20), for through our momentary troubles, GOD is at work-achieving amazing eternal things for that far outweigh the pain of today (2 Corinthians 4:15-18). But I can only do it if I follow GOD’s instructions and focus not on what is seen-the struggle of today- but focus on what is unseen-that which GOD is at work behind the scenes achieving through the pain of today. (2 Corinthians 4:15-18, Romans 8:28).

I call it walking by faith.  For me it is not always automatic but a choice to refocus as the HOLY SPIRIT speaks truth to me by bring scripture to my mind.

Looking up for our redemption draws near!

Hugs

Sharon

There is a plan

When times are hard hold on and cry out to GOD. Trust that GOD is with you and will bring you through and again bring laughter into your life. GOD cannot lie and HE says to those who believe in JESUS, “I know the plans I have for you. Plans to bless you not hurt you to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 20:11).

Hugs

Sharon

Whatever comes

Just before the 4th of July 12 years ago, we took a week and went to California to see my mom who was on a heart monitor and oxygen.  By the time we got there, she was much better and off the heart monitor, to our great relief.  The doctor found that her taking 1 low dose aspirin a day was sufficient to keep her heart valve from sticking.  That is what they claim, but we know it really was GOD answering our prayers for healing (2 Corinthians 1:9-11).  Praise HIS glorious name.  

Being Mom was so much better but still needed rest, we took the opportunity to go camping with a lifelong friend and his family.  It was really fun even though we had to cut short our trip due to a phone call advising us of a crisis situation with oldest daughter in Montana.  Our leaving early made us miss the bar-b-que chicken, homemade Ice cream and that watermelon we had kept cold in the snow.  (yep. snow in July). But what a blessing those days under the tall green pines of Northern California had been.

As soon as I unloaded the car, I hurriedly unpacked, threw the dirty clothes in the washer thinking we’d have to take off to Montana soon.  But when I took my favorite pair of pedal pushers out of the dryer, I saw a couple gaping holes.  One too many washes.  The material was too thin to warrant mending, so I just pitched them. 

Weary both physically and emotionally I sat down, picked up my Bible and opened it and began reading Psalm 102.  As I read the tension eased away and a smile came to my lips. 

Psalm 102:²⁵ In the beginning YOU made the earth, and YOUR hands made the skies. ²⁶ They will be destroyed, but YOU will remain. They will all wear out like clothes. And, like clothes, YOU will change them and throw them away.   (Just like I had just thrown away my capris). ²⁷ But YOU never change, and YOUR life will never end. ²⁸ Our children will live in YOUR presence, and their children will remain with YOU.”

As faith comes from hearing and hearing by the Word of GOD (Romans 10:17), so those words stirred up faith within me to a bright flame, they lifted my weary spirit and flooded me with peace, joy and hope (Romans 15:13).  Those words declared GOD’s unchanging nature, HIS tremendous power and spoke promise.  The fear over the potential situation of throat cancer of my daughter, discouragement of the temporary losses faded as I saw GOD in control. GOD’s word had reminded me that though the LORD’s ways are not mine, HE knows what HE is doing and does all things well.

GOD may not fix all the troubles in our lives here on earth, but HE does promise to walk with us every step of the way (Hebrews 13:5) and strengthen us for anything we must face (1 Peter 5:10-11) and then one day HE promises to make all things new (Revelation 21:1).

I hope you have come to GOD through JESUS (Hebrews 7:27, John 3:36), so you too can find peace and joy in the GOD of all hope (Romans 15:13).  And in times of trouble that you open GOD’s word for it is living and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).

Hugs

Sharon

How salty are you?

How salty are you?

The Dead Sea is a salt-lake bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and the West Bank to the west. The lake’s surface is 1,412 ft below sea level, making its shores the lowest land-based elevation on Earth. It is 34.2% (in 2011) salt- 9.6 times as salty as the ocean –making it the saltiest body of water in the world and which makes swimming like floating.

It went from a fresh-water lake to a salt-lake when GOD sent fire down upon it in judgment (Genesis 19:24).

When GOD says,  “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6), the salt HE is talking about is the truth of the Word of GOD which is living and powerful, showing us our thoughts and the intents of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12) which teaches, corrects, and instruct us.

Too much salt is not good, nor is it good for us. Have you ever put too much salt on your food?

In an open wound salt can really burn, so we must always seek GOD’s wisdom before speaking. I find that it is helpful to send silent arrow prayers for direction (Proverbs 3:5-7) as Nehemiah did before he answered the king (Nehemiah 2:4-5). 

As salt purifies and preserves and enhances the flavor of foods, so the truth of GOD’s word can preserve and enhance lives.  We are seeing more Bible prophesies written centuries ago are being fulfilled one after another than at any time in history since the time of CHRIST JESUS. 

Therefore, even if it stings a bit, speaking the truth is a very good thing. It helps us know what is going on.  We live in a day of so much sickness, increasing natural disasters, and disasters. It is a time when all around the world people are going crazy with riots and looting because of food, gas and electric shortages and building coming down after earthquakes.  We hear of wars in the Mideast and threats of a war and ultimatums from Russia and North Korea, and even spy balloons invading our air space from China.

It is a time when we who know what GOD has said, need to be salty.  We must care enough about others to tell them GOD’s truth, the plan laid out clearly in HIS Word the Bible. Whether they listen or mock we must offer the Gospel to them. 

GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten Son JESUS to die for us to pay for our sin and reconcile us to GOD that we might have eternal life (John 3:16).  They need to know of HIS love and HIS plan to purify this world when HIS wrath against sin will be poured out.   

People need to know that all they must do to be saved from what is coming is to call upon the LORD.  (Romans 10:9-10, 13). “The one who believes on the SON (JESUS) has everlasting life: but the one that does not believe the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides on him (John 3:36).

Are you ready? Are you salty?

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

What do you fear?

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs

Sharon

The end of the matter

What an awesome time in the mountains at my favorite place- Camp Elim.  I worked there for many years.  This complimentary retreat in the beautiful pine trees and aspens for my 77^th birthday was totally refreshing. The amazing teaching, awesome singing, delicious food and fun fellowship with old and new friends was quite a energizing break for me.

Now, I want to encourage you on the end of the matter for I found the teaching quite good. 

What do you do when things are hard? 

In the 1^st session Jon Glock took us to Jeremiah 1 to underscore GOD’s call and promises to the young man Jeremiah (late teens or barely 20-year-old).  In sessions 2 and 3 we see why Jeremiah is nicknamed the weeping prophet. For he not only proclaimed GOD’s message to the people, but he also shared freely of his personal struggles through persecution and mockery. Then for the last session we went to Lamentations 3, which is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible.

From Lamentation 3:17-18 Jon emphasized a concept, and 4 words.

Soul defined as being the whole self.  In these 2 verses we see 4 ways Jeremiah’s soul is affected by his reflection on his circumstances.

Peace– Jeremiah had no peace at this point.

Happiness or joy– Jeremiah had forgotten what it was like to be happy.

Strength– His strength was gone.

Hope– Jeremiah’s hope had perished. 

In Lamentations 3:19-20 Jeremiah remembered (FOCUSED on) his affliction, misery, the bitterness he felt, and he was humbled.  He felt helpless, discouraged, depressed to the point of despair, and wanting to quit.

but then, after Jeremiah cried out to the LORD, I think its scripturally accurate to say the HOLY SPIRIT brought to his mind/ turned Jeremiah’s mind to what he needed to FOCUS on (Proverbs 21:1).

Lamentations 3:21- Jeremiah recalled and chose to FOCUS on things he knew true about GOD and what GOD had promised.  Doing so brought him hope.

WHAT came to Jeremiah’s mind?

It is because of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed

GOD’s compassions don’t fail!  HIS compassions are new every morning.

Great is GOD’s faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Then Jeremiah declared, “the LORD is my portion (that which gives me –my soul strength) therefore, I will, hope in HIM.  the LORD is good to them that wait for HIM, to the soul that seeks HIM.” (Lamentations 3:24-25).

Haven’t you found that true? I sure have!

The one line take-away Jon gave was: You must THINK (FOCUS) right to be able to do (live) right.

I, Sharon, know from repeated experiences, that these truths about where you find help in trouble and how your FOCUS affects your entire being is right on. When things get dark/ heavy with hard impossible stuff, as it has over, and over, and over again these past few years, causes me to cry out to GOD. often either a characteristic of GOD or a promise from GOD’s word comes into my mind or I’m nudged to open the Word of GOD and a word there strikes me. 

I know it is the HOLY SPIRIT nudging me or reminding me because JESUS said that is what the HOLY SPIRIT would do (John 14:26, 1 Corinthians 2:10).

Whatever truth concerning GOD’s nature/ or scriptural promise that comes to mind lifts me up, giving me peace, joy and hope.  Thereby, I am strengthened incredibly in my faith, my understanding and even physically and emotionally I feel it. I am filled with thanksgiving and am enabled to go on with a real smile anticipating what GOD is at work achieving through it all (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).  

Most often the circumstances don’t automatically change, but my FOCUS and attitude sure do. GOD tells us we are to live by faith not sight (Habakkuk 2:2, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38- remember repetition in GOD’s Word brings with it emphasis).

Often, I am compelled to share the very comfort I have just received from GOD (2 Corinthians 1:4) in hopes that another needs that word and will be comforted with GOD’s message to me.  That’s why you hear from me so much.

Stop for a moment, be still and consider, which truth about GOD/ or which of HIS great and precious promises do you go to (FOCUS on) the most in times of struggle?

hugs

Sharon

Encourage yourself

I don’t remember in which confess of faith it is stated that our purpose is to know and worship GOD.  To me worship often begins with singing.  Singing plays a big role in the Bible. Over and over we are told to sing to the LORD (60 times in Psalms alone).“O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth” (Psalm 96:1)

In troubling times the LORD told the Jews to sing and amazing thing happened.  “And when they (the Jews) began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten” (2 Chronicles 20:22).

In Isaiah 30:29-31 suggests that as we sing to the LORD the punishing arm of the LORD comes against our enemies to the beat of the music.

Since I find myself encouraged and refocused as I sing to the LORD in trouble, I believe that is what David did to encourage himself in the LORD. “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his GOD” (1 Samuel 30:6).

On one occasion I needed refocusing bad but had to get to class to teach.  So as I drove I listened to and sang with a chorus I’d just heard: “YOU are worthy of it all, YOU are worthy of it all.  For from YOU are all things and to YOU are all things YOU deserve the glory”.

After singing it increasingly with gusto and volume, my windows rolled up on the truck, by the time I reached class I was renewed in SPIRIT and ready to teach.

Sometimes I sing the old classics like “trust and obey” or “Almighty GOD” and other times choruses… Whatever the SPIRIT lays on my heart.  Here are a couple choruses that lift me up.

I worship YOU, ALMIGHTY GOD there is none like YOU, I honor YOU, O Prince of Peace, that is what I long to do. I give YOU praise for YOU are my righteousness, I worship YOU, ALMIGHTY GOD there is none like YOU.

Down at YOUR feet O LORD is the most-high place,in YOUR presence LORD I seek your face, I seek YOUR face. For there’s no greater honor, no higher calling then to bow and kneel before YOUR throne I am amazed by YOUR glory, embraced by YOUR mercy,O LORD, I live to worship YOU. O LORD, I live to worship YOU.

Hugs

Sharon