The JOY of the LORD

What did GOD delight in? What brought the LORD joy day after day while HE created the heavens and earth and everything in them?

HE saw what HE had made and said, “It is good!” (see Genesis 1).

That wasn’t all that brought GOD joy, for other texts tell us that within the GODHEAD the THREE each loved and delighted in ONE ANOTHER. HE also delights in those who seek HIM. Just like my greatest joy is knowing GOD and spending time with HIM in HIS word and prayer.

But I also find great joy in what HE delights in, HIS creation and those who love HIM.  Seeing the beauty of a sunrise, the flowers on my plants and even clouds in the sky will lift my spirit and bring me joy, giving me strength by refocusing me on the awesome characteristics of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.

Who would have thought that my strength is determined on what I choose to think about?  But I find that it does.

“The JOY of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

Whether it is simple irritations like the cat knocking things off my desk, concerns over countless struggles my children and grandchildren are facing, or disturbing reports of the global disasters, wars, or even just the cost of eggs, it is too easy to get my eyes onto distractions and off my great ALMIGHTY GOD and HIS promises.

AW Tozer said, “Sometimes when we get overwhelmed, we forget how big GOD is.”

But GOD’s word says, “All this is for your BENEFIT, so that the GRACE that is Reaching More and More People may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of GOD. Therefore, we do not lose heart… For our light and momentary TROUBLES (in comparison) are ACHIEVING for us an eternal glory that FAR OUTWEIGHS the pain and struggles of today. (2 Corinthians 4:15-17).

That says that the things we and others encounter in life are meant for our good, to cause us to reach out to GOD and find HIM (Acts 17:26-27) so that we may live forever with HIM in a sinless and wonderful new world (John 3:16).

So, if we FIX our EYES not on what is seen (the situation), but on what is unseen (choosing to trust what GOD has said, that HE is ACHIEVING through the situation) we can find joy and peace in the midst of the storm.

For what is seen (the situation) is temporary, but what is unseen (what GOD is ACHIEVING) is eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:18).

It is written, “The joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). So choose joy.

GOD is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8), HE changes not (Malachi 3:6). GOD so loved the world HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM will not perish but have ever lasting life (John 3:16).  Find joy in the LORD and grab ahold of HIS promises by simply believing HIM.

“For the LORD GOD, the HOLY ONE of Israel says in returning and rest (in ME) shall you be saved; in quietness and in confidence (in ME) shall be your strength..” (Isaiah 30:15).

No matter what you are facing, let the joy of the LORD be your strength by simply trusting HIM.

Hugs

Sharon

Peace is fruit of the SPIRIT

To calm one of my girls after our hearing devastating news, I shared why I have peace in the midst of this new critical crisis even though it is on top of several hard, even life-threatening situations within our family right now.

She rebuffed me by saying, “Not everybody has as much faith as you, Mom.”

Let the truth be known, is it’s not me.  It is the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. 

It is only that I have learned truths about our ALMIGHTY wise GOD and some of HIS baffling but amazing ways through reading and study of HIS Word, the Bible. By knowing who GOD is and some of what HE is like that brings me confidence in HIM (2 Peter 1:1-4). Which is the overflowing fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT, who was placed in me (and everyone when they believe in JESUS John 7:38-39, Ephesians 1:13), that springs up within me flooding me with quiet peace and confidence that my loving LORD is at work even in this for an end result of good to us who love HIM (Romans 8:28-29).

The sword of the SPIRIT which is the Word of GOD (Ephesians 6:17) and the filling of the SPIRIT are tied inevitably together.  That is why Colossians 3:16 urges us to let GOD’s word dwell in us richly which will lead to such joy (a fruit of the SPIRIT) that we sing. 

When we prayerfully read the Word of GOD it is the HOLY SPIRIT who works in us explaining the Word of GOD to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-12, 1 John 2:27), convicting us of wrong (John 16:8), changing us to be more like JESUS as HE show us more of JESUS (2 Corinthians 3:18) and both showing us and enabling us to do what GOD is assigning us to do (Philippians 2:13, John 14:26, 16:13) in any and all situations.

To allow the HOLY SPIRIT to control our actions by obeying the insights, nudges and checks HE puts in our spirit, is to allow the Word of GOD to show us what to do (Psalm 25:12).  It brings to us self-control from being out of control and ruled by our passions.

“No one acquires a quiet heart without a determined yielding to the SPIRIT.  A quieted soul is neither resigned nor apathetic.  It is a self-controlled one who has learned his LORD can be trusted when human logic fails.” Jack Hibbs.

Therefore, peace can be had in difficulty for it is a given when obeying GOD’s instructions.  Peace is found in turning your eyes from the temporary situation to the unseen but eternal wonderful things that our loving, wise and all powerful GOD says HE is achieving for us through our troubles (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

So, I urge you my friends to “Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In ALL your ways acknowledge (talk to) HIM and HE will direct your path.  Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

“Be careful about (worry over) nothing; but in everything by prayer (talking to GOD) and supplication (asking for help) with THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known unto GOD.  And the peace of GOD, which passeth all understanding (surpasses/ literally-throws you beyond having to understand), shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds (from fear) through CHRIST JESUS” (Philippians 4:6-7).

 As you do that peace and gentle joy will reign in your heart as you look at what you cannot see, what GOD has promised and will bring to pass.  Does not the Word of GOD tell us that we are to live by faith and not sight? (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Hugs

Sharon

Strengthen

Under the New covenant (1 Corinthians 11:25) GOD has given the believer a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26) but we must renew our minds every day in the Word (Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:23). 

Concerned about some of my extended family who are struggling, I cast my cares on the LORD and started to do my homework. For I always do a fresh copy of the lesson I am about to teach. As I looked up verses GOD reminded me of HIS amazing promise. “But the LORD is faithful, and HE will strengthen and protect you from the evil one” 2 Thessalonians 3:3.

Yes, the LORD is faithful and HE will strengthen and protect them from the evil one. Joy hit for it is so freeing to rest on the promises of GOD!

Continuing to do my homework, I came to the word sanctify. That word sanctify is used in many ways throughout scripture and can at times seem daunting, just too much to attain to. But GOD promises that HE is the ONE calling us, and HE will do it 1 Thessalonians 5:24.

“And the very GOD of peace sanctify (set apart for special use) you wholly; and I pray GOD your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. Faithful is HE who calls you Who will also do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the GOD of all grace (GOD’s riches at CHRIST’s expense), who has called us unto his eternal glory (GOD’s divine nature 2 Peter 1:4, Exodus 33:18-19, 19:5-7) by CHRIST JESUS, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” 1 Peter 5:8-10.

Look what GOD promises: HE will:

1)Make you perfect: restore, adjust thoroughly, to qualify and fully equip, complete

How is one perfected? James 1:2-4 Ouch, through trials and temptations.

2)Confirm: set you firm like clotheslines set in cement so they will stand straight under weight.

3)Strengthen: Acts 3 tells a story of a cripple from birth who sat begging by the temple. When Peter and John saw him he put out his hand asking for money. But they said to the man, Silver and gold we have none, but rise up and walk. Acts 3:7 says his ankles were strengthened and he jumped up and walk and leaped and praised the LORD.

4)Settle: establish or give a firm foundation. JESUS tells that the house built on the sand (no foundation/ one who has heard the truth but does not live it out) collapses when storms come. But the house built on the Rock (one who hears and does what JESUS says) will stand firm when storms come (see Matthew 7:24-27).

1 Peter 5:8-10 tells us that GOD HIMSELF promises to sanctify- set us apart to HIMSELF and after a while of suffering like boot camp training GOD HIMSELF will make us ready to cope and completely equip us for any work HE assigns to us. We will not totter but have strength to do what needs to be done and will be established in the faith even during the storms of life. And storms will come.

Meanwhile we have a job. We are warned that we have an enemy who wants to topple us. So, we are to be on watch against him and resist him- 1 Peter 5:8-9. James tells us that if we submit ourselves 1st to GOD, then and only then can we successfully resist the devil and he will flee from us -James 4:7.

We have an amazing GOD, don’t we?

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

What’s the difference?

What is the difference between happiness and joy?

Me and a friend looked up into the sky.  I was filled with joy at the beauty of the clouds, while my friend scowled in dread of a potential storm.  I believe this shows the difference between joy and happiness. 

Happiness depends on what happens.  But joy comes as a result of focus on GOD and HIS faithful promises. 

Notice in Romans 15:13 Joy and peace is given to us by GOD as we believe HIM (GOD is in control and knows what HE is doing) and as we focus on GOD the HOLY SPIRIT  makes us overflow with hope so that is spills over onto others.

Now the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may overflow in hope, through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT Romans 15:13.

We cannot control what happens to us so we cannot control our happiness.  But, our focus determines whether we are filled with joy therefore, it is a choice.

What are you choosing today?

Hugs

Sharon

Happy New Year

No matter where you are or what you face, turn and look to JESUS the author and finisher of our faith Hebrews 12:2

Now the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing (JESUS loves you and GOD is in control) so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT. Romans 15:13  

hugs

Sharon

Joy to the world

Ever feel stressed or down? What can you do about it?

So many things are happening in the world that causes stress and fear because we are not in control.  But we don’t have to stay there. The night that JESUS was born the shepherds went from fear to joy and so can we if we do what they did.

The night JESUS was born, GOD the FATHER sent an angel to the lowest working class (the shepherds) to announce JOY to the world.  “And the angel said unto them, FEAR not: (no longer do we have to fear) for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great JOY, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOR, which is CHRIST the LORD.  And this shall be a sign unto you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising GOD, and saying, Glory to GOD in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:10-14). 

They believed the word of GOD that the angel brought to them and showed their faith by going to see JESUS in the manger.

JOY and PEACE go together and produce assurance (meaning of the word hope in the Bible).

Now the GOD of hope fill you with all JOY and PEACE in believing, that you may abound (overflow) in hope, through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 15:13).

Joy and peace come from GOD and we can pray for them.  Did you notice there is CONDITION that you must believe?  That is saying we must be trusting GOD’s Word/ promises HIS love and good will toward us, HIS wisdom and HIS Presence and control in any given situation before we will have joy and peace.

If we focus on a difficult situation, or one not of our liking, we can really get down. But if we REFOCUS when we are troubled by running to the throne of grace, GOD’s word declares HE cares and understands our situation and how we are feeling and HE will give us help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Joy and peace are fruit (outworking produced) by the HOLY SPIRIT when we choose to turn from focusing on what bothers us (the world/ our situation) or on how we feel (the flesh) and deliberately choose to focus on GOD and obey the nudges of the HOLY SPIRIT within us (Romans 8:1, Galatians 5:22).

JESUS said “PEACE I leave with you, MY PEACE I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled (Greek text don’t let your heart be stirred up by an outside source), neither let it be afraid (John 14:27).

If we look at problems and sickness and even the world events, especially in the Mideast we know that things in this world are getting worse fast. In some respects, it seems people have lost their minds. Everyday rumors of wars are increasing. The world’s peace is definitely not here. 

But JESUS spoke of HIS PEACE.  It is defined in Philippians 4:6-7 “Be careful (stress out, anxious/ worry) about nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto GOD. And the PEACE of GOD, which surpasses all (throws you beyond having to have) understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through CHRIST JESUS.”

Did you note the two conditions to getting peace?  Talk EVERYTHING over with GOD and give GOD THANKS for what HE is doing through them.  Remember, not one thing will touch us without HIS permission (see Job 1 and 2) and GOD will use ALL things (the bad as well as the good) for our good if we belong to HIM (Romans 8:28).

In Matthew 1:21 it says, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for HE shall save HIS people from their sins.”

Who will be saved?  ^“If you declare with your mouth, ‘JESUS (Savior) is LORD (Ruler)’, and believe in your heart that GOD raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified (just as if I’d never sinned), and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in HIM will never be put to shame. ”For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same LORD (Ruler) is LORD (Ruler) of ALL and richly blesses ALL who call on HIM,for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD (JESUS) will be saved (from the wrath of GOD John 3:36).”

Then in Matthew 1:23 ^“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call HIS name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, GOD with us.”

From the moment JESUS came into the world as a baby GOD has been with us.  JESUS remains in each and everyone who calls on HIS name (Hebrews 13:5) to be saved through GOD the HOLY SPIRIT/ the SPIRIT of JESUS (Philippians 1:19). HE is the same SPIRIT who indwelt the LORD HIMSELF when JESUS lived on the earth (Luke 4:14). Another name for that SPIRIT is the SPIRIT of GOD (Matthew 3:16).

We really can have PEACE and JOY in every situation but only if we meet the conditions? IF we will FOCUS on our loving GOD who knows what HE is doing and thank HIM that HE is LORD/ the ONE in control and HE is WITH us (Hebrews 13:5) we will have deep PEACE and JOY regardless of what is going on around us. 

Choose to believe GOD’s Word and trust, for “the JOY of the LORD is your strength Nehemiah 8:10

Hugs Sharon

Are you flowing?

Are you experiencing joy and peace from day to day?  That is something GOD promises if we will meet the conditions.

Peace I leave with you, MY peace I give to you: not as the world give, give I unto you. Let not (don’t allow) your heart be troubled, neither let (allow) it be afraid (John 14:27).

For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace…” (Isaiah 55:12)

This speaks of being led forth by GOD.  The Hebrew word there for “led forth” is Yabal. Yabal also means to flow.

Listen to how JESUS likened the HOLY SPIRIT.

He that believes on ME (JESUS), as the scripture says, out of his belly shall FLOW rivers of living water. (But this HE (JESUS) spoke of the SPIRIT, which they that believe on HIM (JESUS) should receive: for the HOLY SPIRIT was not yet given; because that JESUS was not yet glorified.)” (John 7:38-39).

When we do what we inwardly know we should do (Philippians 2:13) we are being led forth by the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, and it is going to FLOW and we will have an inner peace.  For love flows, faith flows, mercy flows, kindness flows, joy flows.

That doesn’t mean there will not be problems, but the peace of GOD will FLOW directing you (Colossians 3:15) and throwing you beyond having to understand (Philippians 4:6-7). 

Are you feeling pressured, driven, angry, frustrated, jealous, fearful or depressed?  Those are  clear signals that you have taken the controls away from the HOLY SPIRIT and are leaning on your own understanding.  In other words, you have stopped letting the HOLY SPIRIT lead you. 

When that happens confess and ask for direction.  You may feel nudged to do this or that, a Bible verse may come to mind but by some means you will be told what you need to do.

When you’re led by the SPIRIT you shall go out with joy and be led forth (FLOW) with peace.

Hugs

Sharon

Wouldn’t you rather have peace and joy than fear?

As we enter this new year there are some unsettling things occurring. Most are totally out of our hands. During these times we must look to JESUS.  If we focus on what is going on in our nation and around the world, things beyond our control we will be frustrated and fearful.  It is a given.  That is why we are instructed to “look unto JESUS” (Hebrews 12:2) and not the world.

Don’t fear what the world fears, nor be afraid.  Look to the LORD of hosts HIMSELF and let HIM be your fear, and let HIM be your dread.  And HE shall be for you a sanctuary-(a place of safety);(Isaiah 8:12b-14a personalized)

The storms didn’t affect JESUS.  If we follow HIS example of resting in the arms and will of GOD, we too can face whatever comes our way.

“Be anxious for nothing (don’t worry), but in everything by prayer and supplication, with THANKSGIVING, let your requests be made known to GOD; and the peace of GOD, which surpasses (throws you beyond having to have) all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through CHRIST JESUS” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Our peace, that calm we experience through the storms of life, comes because we are resting in the powerful arms and love of GOD, Not because our problems are solved.

JESUS, the LORD of heaven and earth, is with us and HE promises that in this life we will have troubles but in the storms of life we can be full of peace (John 16:33).

JESUS said,

1-“I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

2-“Peace I leave with you, MY peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

3-“These things I have spoken to you, that in ME you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

When fears and frustrations attack, speak aloud a verse, just as JESUS did when the devil tempted HIM (Matthew 4:3-11). The Word of GOD is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12) and is the sword of the SPIRIT (Ephesians 6:17) and drives back the enemy.

King David spoke, “At times I am afraid, I will trust in THEE (GOD)” (Psalm 56:3).

The Word of GOD also declares the glory of GOD’s power.  “For GOD has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, of love and of a sound mind (self-control)” (2 Peter 1:7).

So be strong in the LORD and the power of HIS might by looking to HIM and speaking HIS words.  And the joy of the LORD will be your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

Hugs

Sharon

Joy

With the challenges of the recent days I have found myself looking at struggles instead of promises of the LORD.  But praise the LORD HE reminds me to give thanks and claim HIS promises.  I especially enjoy the promise about JOY.

“If ye keep MY commandments, ye shall abide (walk) in MY love; even as I have kept MY FATHER’s commandments and abide (walk) in HIS love. These things have I spoken unto you, that MY JOY might remain in you, and that your JOY might be full. This is MY commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:10-12)

“who for the JOY that was set before HIM endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2).

The JOY of JESUS was HIS absolute self-surrender and self-sacrifice to HIS FATHER— the JOY of doing that which the FATHER sent HIM to do—  “I delight to do YOUR will, O my GOD…” (Psalm 40:8).

And JESUS found JOY in HIS love for mankind “…MY delights were with the sons of men” (Proverbs 8:31). “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Don’t let the cares of this world distract you from that which will bring you real JOY. Look to the LORD and do what GOD places in your heart to do and HIS JOY will fill you! (Philippians 2:13).

Hugs

Sharon

Trade in your fears for peace and joy

In these days of masks, social distancing and no school for the kids, do you feel a bit stressed or worried about what is coming?  GOD has a word for you.

‘I pray that GOD of all hope fill you with joy and peace as you believe in HIM so that you will overflow with hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT’ (Romans 15:13).

Worrying about what may happen, distress about your circumstances, and dread of what may come are the rewards for entertaining fear.

While joy and peace overflowing to into hope are the rewards of trusting in the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.

Joy, peace and hope can be our reality, even during this pandemic with so many unknowns, as we believe in GOD’s Sovereign power, wisdom and love.

When we accepted JESUS as our Savior, we were given the ability to choose and we can choose to fear or choose to rest in GOD who knows the beginning from the end.  Resting in GOD is believing HE really is in control and working all things together for an end result of good for those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).  When we choose to trust GOD’s love and power, we will enjoy the rewards of peace, inner joy and hope.

PRAYER: LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, with YOUR help I will not live by fear, for YOU have NOT given me the spirit of fear but the spirit of power and love and a sound (controlled) mind (2 Timothy 1:7).  Therefore, I am able choose and I do choose to live believing YOU are in control and trusting YOUR wisdom, power and love. Fill me with YOUR peace and joy as I rest in YOUR Word, so that my life will overflow with hope (Romans 15:13) for the encouragement and strengthening of others just as YOU promise.  In JESUS name I pray, Amen.

hugs

Sharon