Details are important

In any undertaking there has to be vision of the full picture of what is wanted to be done.  But that is not enough.  There also must be one or more who willingly take responsibility to do all the little details necessary for the vision to become reality.

Details in the Bible are just as important.  We must study them carefully. Many misunderstandings of scripture come by speed reading when one does not consider the clear details given to us in the text.  Details are given so we can discern the truth. 

For instance, I have heard some crazy ideas about what is going to happen.  It is clear that the author of such ideas doesn’t know/ understand the clear scripture nor the power of GOD.  The bible speaks of CHRIST JESUS’ return in 2 stages.  We know that because of very different criteria for each stage.  

Stage one is when JESUS comes in the air for HIS bride the church accompanied by the souls of believers who died before this time (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17). It is written “that HE will appear for those who look for HIM” (Titus 2:13).  This will be a time of our getting immortal bodies like JESUS (1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 50-53) and a time of celebration where we meet loved one who have died before and then all of us together going to meet our LORD JESUS in the air and then going with JESUS to the place HE has prepared for us (John 14:2-3).  HIS coming will bring comfort (1 Thessalonians 4:18)

On the other hand, the 2^nd stage, when JESUS’  comes a 2^nd time to the earth is marked with “every eye will see HIM even those who pierced HIM, and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of HIM” (Revelation 1:7). The wording about those who pierced HIM and mourning show definitely that this will be the time when the 1/3^rd of the Jews who survived the Tribulation/ Jacob’s trouble come to faith in JESUS (Zechariah 12:9-10,13:8-9).  In the 2^nd stage JESUS comes riding on a white horse with the armies of heaven, all on white horses, following behind HIM (Revelation 19:11-14).

This coming begins as a time of vengeance against the rebellious wicked ones who fight GOD (Revelation 19:11-21). Then thrones are set up and after determining who will go into the 1,000-year kingdom, the kingdom promised the Jews begins (Matthew 25:31-34 Revelation 20:1-4).  After 1,000 years Satan and his demons are released from their prison and gather a vast army from unbelievers born during the 1,000 years.  They come against JESUS in Jerusalem (Revelation 20:7-10).  At that time comes a fire from heaven, a great shaking and a white throne judgment follows where all who have refused to receive JESUS are thrown into the eternal lake of fire where Satan, the demons, the beast (the Antichrist) and the false prophet already are. (Revelation 20:15). This is followed by the eternal kingdom where GOD the FATHER and JESUS will live among HIS people in a place that eye has not seen, nor ear heard or has even entered the hearts/ thoughts of man the wonders GOD has prepared for those who love HIM (Revelation 21, 22 1 Corinthians 2:9). 

Now let’s compare the details of the 2 different (times) stages of HIS coming

1st stage JESUS comes but stays in air above the earth

2nd stage JESUS comes to the earth

1st stage HE appears for those who look for HIM

2nd stage Every eye around the world will see HIM

1st stage HIS coming will be a comfort to them

2nd stage there will be mourning

1st stage Comes with souls of believers who have died

2nd stage HE comes with the armies of heaven

1st stage Time for all believers in JESUS to get new bodies

2nd stage HE comes to kill rebellious wicked

1st stage JESUS has come to get HIS bride and take her to the place HE has prepared for her.

2nd stage JESUS comes to set up a kingdom on earth

2 very different times and purposes

Just think GOD did it all for those who receive JESUS as their Savior!  Hallelujah!  Will you be there?

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

Assignment

“… some have not the knowledge of GOD: I speak this to your shame” (1 Corinthians 15:34).

Every Christian is called to witness of JESUS (Acts 1:8) who GOD the FATHER sent because HE loved the world and wanted to restore a relationship with us and give us eternal life (John 3:16, 17:3).

After all JESUS suffered for us, witnessing of HIS love and telling all HE gives to anyone who will believe seems a reasonable assignment.

“CHRIST died for our sins according to the scriptures;  And that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) to set all who will believe on HIM free from the sin that separates them from GOD (Isaiah 59:2).

JESUS said, “I said therefore unto you, that you shall die in your sins: for if you believe not that I am HE (the SON of GOD, the lamb of GOD that takes away the sins of the world), you shall die in your sins (John 8:24).

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

Now if that isn’t a motivator to keep speaking out about JESUS, I don’t know what is.  It shouts at me. 

There are times I’d rather not give out the message GOD nudges me to share with you all.  But, I need to regardless of how I feel or how you respond.

What about you? Are you ever hesitant to speak out about our Savior?  Is there someone in your sphere of influence, or even general interaction that needs to hear of our marvelous GOD and HIS plan to save?

One of my grandsons has been duped by the lies of this world to think that there is no GOD.  He is really into computers and gaming, though young, he develops games on his own.  The other day he was telling me some the challenges about creating the opposing armies of turtles in it.  After telling some of the differences, such as color, he mentioned that they will destroy their enemy by merely opening their mouths. 

It was the perfect opening, I couldn’t help myself.  I said, “that reminds me of the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19), where JESUS gallops out of heaven riding a white horse with HIS armies (us) behind HIM on white horses.  At that time JESUS simply opens HIS mouth, in which is the two-edged sword, which we know is the Word of GOD (Hebrews 4:12, Ephesians 6:17).  By merely opening HIS mouth HE slays the nations and all the multitudes that oppose HIM.  HIS armies don’t have to do a thing, they just look on in wonder at their KING, and see the glory of the LORD and the power of HIS word (Revelation 19:11-15)., the very word that created the universes” (Genesis 1).

Then I told my grandson, “Boy, I want to be in those armies behind JESUS riding down out of heaven, and not the ones facing HIS coming to earth!  What about you?” 

My grandson shook his head affirmingly up and down.

So, you see, GOD will open up windows of opportunities to witness of our marvelously Awesome GOD.  Take those opportunities and then you will not need to be ashamed of neglecting your assignment.

Looking unto and awaiting JESUS, the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

Hugs

Sharon

Are you ready?

You also must be READY, because the Son of Man (JESUS) will come at an hour when you do not expect HIM  Luke 20:40

In today’s turbulent times of increasing instability, we who are saved through believing in JESUS (Romans 10:9-10, 13), being washed from our sins though HIS death on the cross (Revelation 1:5) should know JESUS’ peace (John 16:33) and yet always be alert, READY to hear GOD’s call. 

A Christian’s greatest need is a READINESS to face JESUS CHRIST at any given moment and at every turn.  Whether it is a READINESS to hear and quickly obey 1) HIS promptings when HE works in us to will and do what HE wants done (Philippians 2:13) or, 2) READINESS for that call to catch us up to meet JESUS CHRIST in the air and go to heaven with HIM before the Tribulation starts, or promoted to heaven via death.

By daily abiding in JESUS and HIS words we can be READY to be promoted to heaven (Hebrews 9:27) or be raptured (caught up into the sky to meet JESUS and go with HIM to heaven 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18) and the subsequent Bema seat of CHRIST to see if we get rewards for our time on earth.

Although the times we live in point to our being caught away soon- no one know the preset time schedule (Acts 17:26) but GOD (Mark 13:32), we must also be on the alert and READY to hear GOD’s call to co-labor with HIM via the promptings (Philippians 4:13, Hebrews 10:16) of the HOLY SPIRIT.  As JESUS said, “Occupy until I come!” (Luke 19:13).

I know when the instructions have come from GOD because of their quiet persistence. /Oswald Chambers

“But sanctify the LORD GOD in your hearts (put GOD 1^st): and be READY always to give an answer to every man that ask you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear”(1 Peter 3:15)

Are you READY?

Hugs

Sharon

A launch

Life is a definite challenge but exciting as we see prophecy unfold.

Did you hear that for the 1st time since 9/11 terrorist attack that the US stopped all flights and grounded all planes on the West coasrfor 7 minutes following the launch yesterday of a ballistic Missile from North Korea?

It’s the 3rd North Korean launch recently.

Sure stirs me up to proclaim the Jesus , the eternal Son of God, clothed himself with flesh in Mary’s womb and was born of a virgin, life a sin free life and carried all the sins of mankind (past present and future) on the cross dying and rose the 3rd day guaranteeing life and resurrection for all who believe in Him.

He who believes in the Son has everlasting life but he who does not believe the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abides on Him John 3:36

For God has not appointed us (any who will believe in Jesus) to wrath but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ who died for us that whether we wake or asleep we should live together with HIM 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10.

Right now as we see the birth pains prior to the Great 7-year Tribulation – as we see Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7) is it so comforting to know that Jesus promises to deliver us FROM (not through) the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 1:10.

Look up believers your redemption draws near.

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

What are you looking for?

Sometimes doesn’t it seem like GOD is being slow in keeping HIS promises?

“The LORD does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what HE promises, according to some people’s conception of slowness, but HE is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all (of you) should turn to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 AMPC).

Being I do not know what GOD knows, HIS timing often does not make sense to me.  But I am beginning to see, even in little things, that GOD’s timing always has a purpose. 

Back in the day, the days when you were young did you ever SNEAK around and do something you sure would not do if Mom or Dad were there?  Why did you sneak around?  If you were like me, and I think you are, you didn’t want to get caught doing something they didn’t like!

JESUS said that HE was going away (to heaven) to make a place for us- HIS bride/ the church (in HIS FATHER’s house) and that HE would come back for us so we could be where HE is (John 14:2-3). 

The truth is JESUS can come for us at any time.  It really makes sense that GOD our FATHER in HIS amazing wisdom has chosen not to disclose the time HE will send JESUS back for HIS bride the church. For the concept of being caught unaware is why the Biblical doctrine (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8) of the imminent (can happen at any moment) pre-tribulation rapture (catching away of the church) is a truth that motivates holiness.

We sure don’t want to meet our LORD ashamed (1 John 2:28).

And everyone that has this hope in HIM (JESUS is coming and can appear in the air and call us up at any time) purifies himself even as HE (JESUS) is pure.

Even so, come LORD JESUS!

Hugs

Sharon

Come on, let’s go!

Hurry up! Come on let’s go! Ever said or heard those words?

With so many hard things going on around the whole wide world, things that trouble us and push us to do that which we do not want to do,  it is so easy to be as the puppy in the picture and in a rush to get going. We might wonder what GOD is waiting on. But the Bible tells us that GOD has preset the times and places according to HIS own purposes with great wisdom and understanding. The Word of GOD says the eternal GOD has a reason for every seeming delay (Acts 17:26-27, Ephesians 1:11).

Problems and waiting can seem so hard, but James tells us that those very problems we want over are actually developing patience in us that brings us into maturity (James 1:2-4).

“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the LORD’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.  You too, be patient and stand firm, because the LORD’s coming is near. (James 5:7-8).

Those verses speak of  3 groups:

1-Farmers patiently wait for the valuable crop of the earth;

2-GOD the SON, our LORD is patiently waiting for the last of the precious fruit of souls who will believe in JESUS before HE comes to receive us (HIS BRIDE) to HIMSELF. “Nevertheless, the foundation of GOD stands sure, having this seal. The LORD knows them that are HIS…” (2 Timothy 2:19a).  Through HIS eternal foreknowledge GOD knows everyone who will believe and who won’t so HE waits until the last one calls upon the name of the LORD before HE calls us to meet HIM in the air. (1 Peter 1:2, 2 Peter 3:9).

3-We who believe in JESUS are patiently waiting for our LORD to come and receive us to HIMSELF so that we may always be where HE is (John 14:1-3,1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).

Earlier in the chapter 3 of 2 Peter we are told of they who are willingly ignorant, they who refuse to receive the truth (2 Peter 3:3-5) then the pronouns change from 3rd person they to the 2nd person us. The 2nd person ‘us’ speaks of a different group of people. “The LORD is not slack concerning HIS promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any (of us , we who do or will believe) shall perish, but that all of (us who will receive the love of the truth) should come to repentance.”

2 Peter 3 verses 3 to 7 talk about scoffers who are willingly ignorant and calls them they in verse 5 and it tells of their end.  But beginning in verse 8 there is a drastic change and no longer does it speak of the scoffers who are willingly ignorant. The change is shown by a change the pronouns.  They are changed from them to us (speaking of believers in JESUS who are looking in faith for GOD promises to be fulfilled and JESUS to return for us.

So, if you are in a hurry for our LORD JESUS CHRIST to come, do your part, HASTEN that day.

But how can we do that? 2 Peter 3:11-12 state that the way we live and act toward others open up people to hear about JESUS so when we witness of JESUS they are willing to listen.  For that day of CHRIST coming for the church will not happen until the last one who will believe comes to JESUS for GOD is not willing that any of us (who will believe)will perish.

Looking unto JESUS the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

hugs

Sharon

On the back of a donkey

Today, was Palm Sunday when JESUS rode a donkey, usually HE walked.

“Tell the people of Israel look your King is coming to you, HE is humble, riding on a donkey even on a donkey’s colt.” Matthew 21:5

Donkeys are sturdy, surefooted and have larger ears than horses and can be ridden. Although donkeys are more laid back than a horse, they are also self-preserving in nature. They prefer to do what is good for the donkey, which is not always what the human thinks is best so are known to be stubborn. Donkeys can also make wonderful guard animals.

The Bible is replete of donkeys from beginning to end. I always love the true story of Balaams’s donkey that refused to go because he saw the angel and also was given words to speak. (Numbers 22:21-33) and then there is the story of the prophet’s donkey… a lion came and killed the prophet but did not eat him or harm the donkey. Both the donkey and the lion stood by the side of the road together being a silent witness, testifying that what had happed was from GOD (I Kings 13:23-29) But my favorite of all is how JESUS while walking toward Jerusalem from Bethany told 2 of his disciples to go in the village of Bethpage and that they would see a donkey tied with its colt beside it. “Untie it and bring it here and if anyone asks what you are doing say the LORD needs them and he will send them.” And it happened just as HE said. Then they threw garments over the colt and HE sat on it. This happened so that OT scripture would be fulfilled (Matthew 21:1-7).

You must give the disciples credit for their blind obedience to JESUS.  Can you imagine how the disciples must have felt? Literally, JESUS told them to go steal a donkey. A horse thief was hung in the early west.

….a large crowd who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover feast, when they heard that JESUS was coming to Jerusalem took branches of palm trees and went out to meet JESUS and began shouting, Hosanna, (GOD saves) blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD even the King of Israel. And JESUS finding a young donkey sat on it (John 12:12-14).

A donkey is used as a symbol of peace-times while the horse usually symbolizes times of war. This time JESUS came on a donkey which fulfilled prophecy.

Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly o daughter of Zion; shout O daughter of Jerusalem: behold your King has come unto you, HE is just and having salvation; lowly, and riding a donkey, even on a colt the foal of a donkey.

JESUS came that day to make peace between GOD and man by giving HIMSELF as a Ransom for all sin and all who would believe in HIM and call on HIS name would receive forgiveness and eternal life.

JESUS came riding a donkey on Palm Sunday for HE was coming as the Prince of Peace.

One day, maybe soon, JESUS will call to Believers in HIM from up in the sky and HE will catch us up to meet HIM in the air that we might be with HIM.  It will be to protect us from what is coming on the earth.

Then 7 years later JESUS is coming again. The next time HE comes JESUS will be riding a white horse followed by the armies of heaven on white horses for HE then will come as the KING of kings and the LORD of lords and will end the battle of Armeggedon. (Revelations 19:11-16).

Be ready, for the son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect! (Luke 12:40).

hugs

Sharon

Are you ready?

As I glance out my window I see a new day dawning. A year ago our world was quite different but since March of 2020 it is like we have been put on hold as we have been put on restrictions.  Here we are waiting. There is a new day dawning.

Have you ever had to wait and wait and just when you’ve given up all hope it SUDDENLY happens?  The Bible tells us that patience is developed as we wait and that patience develops us (James 1:2-4). But quite honestly, its hard to wait. Waiting is one of GOD’s ways.  As we wait GOD works in a strange way behind the scenes where we can’t see what HE is up to and then all of a sudden things happen to help solve our problems. Look at these bible stories that prove it.

The storm was raging and the waves of the sea came over the sides and into the boat. The disciples were in the boat without JESUS and were terrified! Then, they saw Him walking on the sea! The wondered if HE was a ghost. They were even more afraid. JESUS spoke- “Do not be afraid, it is ME.” When they willingly received HIM into the ship immediately they were on the other side! This was a SUDDENLY! (John 6:20-21).

We read of many instances in the Word where suddenlies occurred in seemingly impossible situations . . . Water turned to wine, (John 2:3-11); and fish and bread were supernaturally multiplied, (Matthew 14:14-21; Matthew 15:30-38).

The list continues . . . Money appeared in a fishes mouth (Matthew 17:25-27),  blind eyes received sight (John 9:1-41); deaf ears were opened (Mark 7:30-37),  the dead received life, (John 11:1-45); and as many as touched even the hem of Jesus garment were made perfectly whole! (Matthew 14:36; Mark 6:56; Luke 6:19).  We have no clue when but GOD works suddenly.

These are just a few examples of suddenlies recorded in the Word of GOD. God has not changed (Malachi 3:6).  HE still works behind the scenes

If a storm of any kind is raging in your life, remember that with GOD nothing is impossible! (Luke 1:37)  By faith be willing to accept the LORD’s plan for your situation!  Do not try to fix it your way or figure it out! Talk to the LORD and wait (James 1:5-7).

Suddenlies still happen today! Believe and Trust GOD and HE will lead you! (Proverbs 3:5-7).

There is one SUDDENLY that every believer in JESUS should be longing and waiting for.  That SUDDENLY will come for JESUS promised it.  It is when HE comes get us and take us with HIM.  Are you looking or even longing for that SUDDENLY?

And 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 is only coming back for those who are HIS, those who have believed HE came down from heaven from GOD and died to save us from our sins.  Only if you have called upon the name of the LORD will you get to go. Its as simple as ABC. 

A Admit you are a sinner and need forgiveness. (Romans 3:23, 6:23)

          B Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST (John 3:16, Romans 10:9,10)

          C Call upon the name of the LORD and you will be saved. (Romans 10:13)

hugs

Sharon

Do we let HIM rule?

This morning after speaking with some people of a different mindset, a parable came to mind.  More exactly the words ‘we will not have this man to rule over us.’

JESUS spoke a parable because HIS followers thought the Kingdom of GOD should immediately appear.  “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.  And he called his ten servants and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, ‘Make use of it till I come.’  But his citizens hated him and sent a message after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us’ (Luke 19:11-14).

JESUS spoke of HIMSELF= a nobleman going to a far country(heaven) to receive a kingdom (where JESUS will sit on a literal throne in the Kingdom of GOD on earth= it begins with 1,000 yr reign-Matthew 25:31).  Before HE left HE gave HIS servants money (spiritual gifts) to use til HE returned. If you read down to Luke 19:26 you will see some used what they were given more wisely than others and when HE comes back they will be rewarded for their efforts. But note one who claimed to be HIS servant didn’t know HIM (Luke 19:21-22, Matthew 25:24) so could not have been saved but just associated with believers.  This is substantiated with that person’s end (Matthew 25:30).

But that part that came alive as never before this morning was: But his citizens hated him and sent a message after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us’

Why? Because HIS standards will demand something of them.

Every country has laws, they are necessary.  But what we are seeing not just overseas but in the USA the general world view hates JESUS and HIS absolutes of right and wrong.  They call good bad and bad good and they say in their hearts…  ‘We will not have this man (JESUS the SON of the living GOD) to reign over us.’ They hate JESUS because HIS standards oppose their doing whatever they want.

We know this is true, but it especially hurts when the ones saying it you know.  Because their end (unless they repent) is determined. “But those mine enemies, who would not that I should reign over them, bring them hither and slay them before me.’” (Luke 19:27).

It is so important that while there is still time (and I think the time is getting shorter) that we follow our instructions found in GOD’s word.

“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the LORD’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that GOD will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:23-26).

People judge GOD by our actions. You and I open the door by our loving and gentle attitude and speaking the truth in love.  We open the door to the hearts of unbelievers to listen and hear GOD’s calling them (John 10:3).

Hugs

Sharon