Any problems?

Is anyone among you troubled?  Is anyone struggling, hurting, or grieving?

Many of us are suffering in problems and sickness even though we pray. It helps me to know that when I don’t get the answer I want there is a reason intended for our good.  GOD declares that our struggles are producing things in us (James 1:2-4) and that our temporary troubles benefit us and are achieving things for us that will last forever (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

We who believe in and have called on the name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, the eternal Word (John 1:1-3, 14), the SON of GOD (John 3:16) who took on a human body, was born of a virgin, died on the cross for man’s sins and was raised again for our justification believe the written word of GOD referenced as the Bible.  The Bible speaks to us today.  Do we pay attention to GOD’s word?

If we believe in JESUS we are born again and become children of GOD (John 1:12-13, John 3:5-7).

 JESUS in bringing many sons (believers) to glory -HE the ONE through whom GOD the FATHER created all things (Hebrews 1:1-3) that JESUS had to suffer in all ways that men suffer (Hebrews 2:10-11,18, 4:15), JESUS suffered not just to save us from punishment but also to prepare HIMSELF as our high priest. (Hebrews 2:17).

Therefore HE (JESUS CHRIST) had to be made like HIS brothers in every respect, so that HE might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of GOD, to make propitiation (atonement) for the sins of the people (Hebrews 2:17).

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love GOD, to those who are the called according to HIS purpose.  For whom HE foreknew (would believe in JESUS), HE also predestined to be conformed to the image of HIS SON, that HE (JESUS) might be the firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:28-29).

The LORD JESUS CHRIST was prepared to be our Savior and High Priest through the things that HE suffered, and we also are prepared to be what GOD has called us individually to be through the things that we suffer.

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of CHRIST’s sufferings, that when HIS glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy (1 Peter 4:12-13).

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of JESUS CHRIST (1 Peter 1:6-7),

Therefore, since CHRIST suffered in HIS body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin (1 Peter 4:1).

Whatever you are suffering, or a loved one is suffering it is for your and their good and will achieve great things for both of you.

Hugs Sharon

Key of knowledge

Which of us does not want to KNOW what to do next?

Luke 11:52 “Woe to you lawyers (scholars of the law) you have taken away the key of knowledge, you didn’t enter in and those who were entering you hindered.”

The law said do this and that, but just following rules won’t get you the knowledge you need to cope with life, especially in these days of deception.  We need the key of knowledge.

#1 What does a key do?  It unlocks something that is locked.

What is the key of knowledge?

Proverbs 1:7 “The FEAR of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.”  Therefore, the key that unlocks knowledge is the FEAR the LORD.

What is the FEAR of the LORD? This Hebrew word for FEAR —the key that unlocks knowledge incorporates the idea of fearfulness/ of being afraid and of a reverential awe from KNOWING/ BELIEVING in the HOLY LORD and HIS infinite power, authority and justice. Consequentially, by seeing HIM we see our own weaknesses and smallness.  What it comes down to is BELIEVING in GOD who loves us but to Whom we must give an account.

Proverbs 9:10 “The FEAR of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the HOLY (ONE) is understanding.”   

It is in growing in knowledge of GOD our FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST (2 Peter 11-4) which comes as we learn about HIM by spending time with HIM in HIS word that we grow in FEAR of the LORD. As we see HIM at work throughout scripture we become more aware HIS ways and thoughts are not our ways and thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). We see HE is good and right and that the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY means what HE says. HE always does what HE says HE will do, and it is always for the ultimate eternal good. But at times we don’t like HIS way of doing things.

As we grow in our knowledge of GOD, the FEAR of the LORD causes us to do right because we understand GOD knows best, that HE disciplines HIS children and will judge wrong.   I for one don’t like to be disciplined.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter FEAR GOD and keep HIS commandments for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For GOD shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.

Psalm 34:11 “Come listen and I will teach you the FEAR of the LORD…13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking guile (deceit) 14 depart from evil and go seek peace and pursue it.”

Psalm 111:10 the FEAR the LORD is the beginning… a good understanding have all who do HIS command (instructions).

Proverbs 8:3 The FEAR of the LORD is to hate evil, pride, arrogancy and the evil way and lying mouth.

Proverbs 15:32 He that refuses instruction despises his own soul but he that hears reproof gets understanding 33 the FEAR of the LORD is instruction.

Proverbs 16:6 by the FEAR of the LORD men depart from evil.

Abraham used this word when he answered a king, “Because I thought surely the FEAR of GOD is not in this place, and they will slay me for my wife’s sake.”

Grow in your knowledge of GOD and you will grow in the FEAR of the LORD for you will see more of HIS holiness and the fruit of HIS divine nature will flow through you (2 Peter 1:1-4) as you are being changed (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Some might ask, isn’t that legalism? NO! Legalism is doing something to get a right standing with GOD.  The only way to GOD is through JESUS who died for our sin (John 14:6).  But as we grow in our knowledge of GOD we are changed by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT who is given to everyone who believes in JESUS as Savior and LORD (Ephesians 1:13, 4:30).  As we change inwardly our actions change outwardly to match those of our heavenly FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

I am saved eternally ( 1 Corinthians 3:15), but I FEAR meeting my GOD ashamed because I chose not to let HIM change and use me while in time and on this earth (1 John 2:28).

I also FEAR for those who do not know JESUS for the wrath of GOD is on them. That is because their sin is still on them (John 3:36).  It is only when one receives JESUS that he receives the payment for his sins, and his name is in the book of life.  The wages of sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23) in the lake of fire for all whose names are not in the book of life (Revelation 20:15).

Hugs

Sharon

Something I overlooked

This morning reading about the last hours of JESUS before and during HIS crucifixion, I noticed something I had not picked up on yet, although I have read the account in John countless times.  There are several references that I knew well stating this was to fulfill scripture.  But in John 18:32 I saw something that I had totally overlooked.

John 18:³¹ Then said Pilate unto them, Take HIM, and judge HIM according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: ³² That the saying of JESUS might be fulfilled, which HE spoke, signifying what death HE should die.

Now I knew the Jews could not crucify people, they stoned them to death. But I never saw that the crucifixion was JESUS’ (NOT Old Testament) prophesy being fulfilled.  So, I went to check where JESUS prophesied HIS manner of death.

What I found were verses I knew, could quote to you and had even taught from but I had never seen them as JESUS prophesying how HE would die.  I also saw truth in them I hadn’t been able to grasp.

John 12:³² And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto ME.³³ This HE said, signifying what death HE should die.

I thought instantly of John 3 when early in JESUS ministry HE talked with a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews who came to JESUS by night wanting to know more but not wanting others to know he was seeking.  JESUS told Nicodemus a story he knew well.

Numbers 21:⁹ And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man (because he had sinned), when that man beheld (looked up to) the serpent of brass, he lived.

JESUS said to Nicodemus:

John 3:¹⁴ And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the SON of man be lifted up: ¹⁵ That whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁶ For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM (JESUS) should not perish but have everlasting life.

JESUS explained in those few verses to the noted Jewish teacher who HE (the SON of man) was, how to be born again, the reason one needed to born again and now I know JESUS also spoke of the manner of HIS death and not just HIS death.

Only those Jews in the wilderness who choose to believe the inconceivable word of GOD spoken by Moses that just looking at a brass snake would heal them and they would live and not die chose to look and were healed.  Any who thought it was crazy and didn’t look died because they refused to believe GOD and accept HIS offer to heal them.

It is the same with JESUS.  Those who will look to HIM receive everlasting life but those who refuse the wrath of GOD remains on them (John 3:36).

Remember IF you are a believer in the LORD JESUS CHRIST and have called on HIS name to save you (Romans 10:9-10, 13) you are saved and are a KING for GOD tells us in Revelation 1:5 from JESUS CHRIST, Who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth. Unto HIM that loved us and washed us from our sins in HIS own blood, ⁶ And has made us kings and priests unto GOD and HIS FATHER; to HIM be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

As a KING you can choose to search and find the delights of truth hidden in the Word of GOD for Proverbs 25:2 “It is the glory of GOD to conceal a thing: but the honor of KINGS (you) is to search out a matter.”

Hugs

Sharon

3/ 16

Today is 3/16. the most famous 3/16 is John 3:16 For GOD so loved the world that HE sent HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM will not perish but have eternal live.

another fine 3/16 is 1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of GOD, because HE (JESUS) laid down HIS life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

So if you hear HIS voice today, do not harden your heart (don’t be stubborn) Hebrews 3:7-8. Listen and receive JESUS as your Savior.

The LORD has seemed so near throughout our 6 week study “To know and Pray GOD’s nature” and now going into the conclusion-“Being made in GOD’s image and walking in the SPIRIT”, the LORD is richly opening the Word. I think our triune GOD is pleased that we are considering HE HIMSELF.

hugs

Sharon L Manning #John316

Hold Fast

I love the way that GOD gives HIS messengers the same message. These men who don’t know each other giving the same message verifies it’s truth. For in the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses are things established. This past weekend I heard 4 pastors one on the East Coast- in the Washington DC area, one from Cleavland, one from here in Colorado, and one in Southern California on the West Coast.  From coast to coast these men of GOD each spoke on the need to HOLD FAST to our faith in GOD and the truths of the Bible.  The messages used different verses (John 8:51, John 15:7, Hebrews 10:23, 2 Timothy 1:13), but basically they all 4 said the same thing.

There are many reasons to read and think about the truths of the bible.

The 1^st and foremost is that through study of the Bible we grow in our knowledge of GOD and our LORD JESUS CHRIST.  “Eternal life is to know the only true GOD and JESUS CHRIST” (John 17:3). Plus, through our knowledge GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST we get faith, grace, peace and everything we need to live a godly life (2 Peter 1:1-3).

Within the bible are many great and precious promises that if we use GOD says will transform us so that we partake of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).  We will never will we be gods but will display aspects of GOD’s glorious nature such as love, patience and discernment (for we are being transformed into the image of JESUS by GOD HIMSELF -Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18).

As I sat talking with the LORD this morning HE took me back (directed my thoughts) to two of those promises.  Both state clearly that we must GRAB a HOLD on and HOLD on TIGHT to the Word of GOD as our compass. That is the truth I heard from the 4 pastors over the weekend.

In John 8:51 JESUS said, “IF a man would KEEP MY Words he will never see death.”  

JESUS is not speaking of physical death here but the death of trespasses and sin (Ephesian 2:1).

For when we turn from following the truth of GOD’s word to listen to the world’s ideas we fall into sin.

For it is very easy to get our focus off CHRIST and HIS word when life happens. We must beware of being like the Apostle Peter to whom JESUS said in Matthew 16:²³ JESUS turned and said to Peter, “Get behind ME, Satan! You are a stumbling block to ME; you do not have in mind the concerns of GOD, but merely human concerns.”

In John 15:7 JESUS said, IF you remain in ME and MY Words REMAIN in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

IF we are walking close to JESUS, talking everything over with HIM so HE can guide us (Proverbs 3:5-7) and we compare what others say with HIS Word (John 7:17) we will desire what GOD wants and HE will be able to give it to us for it will be HIS will.

But so easily our focus turn from the things of GOD, to the cares and things of this world.  Then our desires will be human concerns and when that is the case we have no reason to expect GOD to answer those requests.

Both John 8:51 and 15:7 are awesome promises but their condition of HOLDING on  to the teachings of the Word of GOD are a key to why some prayers are not being answered or why we slip into sin.

So, HOLD FAST the form of sound words (2 Timothy 1:13) found in the Bible and keep talking to the LORD for the days of deception are on us just as the Bible said were coming. (1 Timothy 4:1).

Hugs

Sharon

Contradiction of truth and reality

Crazy contradiction

The Lord despises those who say that bad is good and good is bad. Proverbs 17:15 TLB

In our world today we see mass adherence to plum craziness saying good is bad and bad is good and in doing so CONTRADICT truth and reality.

That craziness really fits in to the place we are studying today in class.

We are in Hebrews 12 and will cover the 1st 3 verses which tells us to CONSIDER the total CONTRADICTION of truth and reality.  We are told to CONSIDER our perfect LORD JESUS in WHOM is all the fullness of the GODHEAD in a body (Colossians 2:9), without WHOM nothing was made that was made (John 1:1-3, Hebrews 1:1-3), WHO went around doing good and healing the sick, this JESUS who never sinned YET sinners called HIM a lawbreaker, a criminal worthy of death and had HIM crucified.  On the cross HE bore and paid for all sins even those of the very sinners accusing HIM.

If that is not saying good is bad and bad is good, I don’t know what is.  Their act is a contradiction of truth and reality. 

Note the words of this old song (1917); Living for JESUS written by T.O. Chisholm that we are singing in class today.  I’m having them sing the 2nd verse 1st for a reason.

#2        Living for JESUS who died in my place, bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace Such love constrains me to answer HIS call, follow HIS leading and give HIM my all

C          O JESUS LORD and Savior I give myself to THEE for THOU in THINE atonement didst give THYSELF for me; I own no other master, my heart shall be THY throne, My life I give henseforth to live, O CHRIST for THEE alone.

#1        Living for JESUS a life that is true, striving to please HIM in all that I do.  Yeilding allegiance, gladhearted and free, This is the pathway of blessing for me.

C          O JESUS LORD and Savior I give myself to THEE for THOU in THINE atonement didst give THYSELF for me; I own no other master, my heart shall be THY throne, My life I give henseforth to live, O CHRIST for THEE alone.

When I consider this contradiction against JESUS it shows me how to endure my struggles.

hugs,

Sharon

Are you ready?

Are you ready?

John 3:16 GOD (the FATHER) so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten (unique) SON (JESUS) that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have everlasting life. 

Why was that necessary?

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned…Romans 6:23 the wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD.

1 Peter 1:¹⁸ Forasmuch as you know that you were not redeemed (bought out of the slave market of sin) with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your empty lifestyle (of selfishness and sin) received by tradition from your fathers;

We were slaves to sin and lived empty lives of selfishness and sin but when we call on the name of the LORD to save us (forgive and lead us) Romans 10:13 set free from the control of sin in our lives.

1 Peter 1:¹⁹ But with the precious blood of CHRIST (JESUS), as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

It took the blood of JESUS CHRIST when HE died for our sins to forgive and cleanse us/

1 Peter 1:²⁰ WHO (JESUS) verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest (revealed) in these last times for you,

Before GOD through JESUS (Hebrews 1:2) made all things the plan for JESUS to take on a human body (Colossians 2:9) come to earth as a baby, to live and die for us was determined.  You see, GOD the FATHER, the LORD JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT have always known all things past present and future.  The GODHEAD knew man would sin, but they wanted man to have a relationship with them.  The LORD (JESUS) GOD (the FATHER) ALMIGHTY (the HOLY SPIRIT’s) delight (Proverbs 8:31) was in man (even before GOD made man).  At the right JESUS came to earth.

1 Peter 1:^21 (We) Who by HIM (JESUS) do believe in GOD (the FATHER), that raised (JESUS) up from the dead, and gave JESUS glory; that your faith and hope might be in GOD (the FATHER).

Amazing isn’t it that it took GOD the SON to come to earth in a body to reveal GOD to us so that we might be saved and be born again into GOD’s family (John 1:12-13) and transformed into the image of GOD the SON (Romans 8:29, 1 John 2:1-2).

John 14:6 JESUS said, I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to (GOD) the FATHER but by ME.

Have you chosen the way?  Have you called on the name of the LORD confessing that JESUS is LORD and that GOD the FATHER raised HIM from the dead? (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

Are you ready?  JESUS is coming back to catch HIS believers out of this sinful world.  Do you long for and love that appearing? (2 Timothy 4:8)

Hugs

Sharon

I can!

Got any struggles?  Feeling weary of the day-to-day demands or spreading worldwide chaos and confusion?

Hebrews 12 ^:2 Looking unto JESUS the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of GOD. ³ For consider HIM that endured such contradiction of sinners against HIMSELF (GOD who took on a body for us), lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. ⁴ You have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Why would pondering/considering the unfairness of JESUS life help us in our day-to-day struggles?

For me it happened this way nearly 30 years ago now.  I was running late for work, there were issues with my two teens and Mac was working out of state, so it was up to me to figure it out. To top it off all the demands kept me too busy to read the Bible.  To put it mildly, I felt overwhelmed.  You know what I mean, for we have all had days like that.  

I didn’t feel like I could take another step, so before I headed out the door I cried out to GOD, “I need a word from YOU, just a word!”  Then I blindly opened my bible and read Hebrews 12:1-4, glanced at the clock, rushed out the door heading for work.

As I drove to the space center I thought about JESUS.  I considered some of what I knew concerning the total unfairness of JESUS life, HIS willingness in giving of HIMSELF, how HE joyously endured even the cross, though HE despised the shame of the weight of sin put on HIS back and being displayed naked before those passing by. 

JESUS, the SON of GOD, set the joy of you and me being cleansed of sin, living eternally with HIM and fulfilling GOD’s eternal plan before HIM.  As HE thought of what HE was accomplishing HE endured.  As I thought of these things, somehow the struggles I was facing faded as I began to worship and praise JESUS.  Too soon I arrived at the base and had to go through the portal.  But no longer was I weary and dragging but energized ready to step out and to do whatever needed to be done.

If you are struggling and weary, maybe even wondering how GOD could allow all this to happen I urge you to consider JESUS and what HE endured for you. Somehow it changes your perspective.

Hugs

Sharon

Lay hold on eternal life

What are you holding on to?

Life here on earth can get pretty crazy.  GOD urges us through HIS Word to lay hold on eternal life.

“lay hold on eternal life, whereunto you are also called” (1 Timothy 6:12).

That verse tells us that GOD calls us to eternal life.  Once we get eternal life we are to we grab on and hold tight to eternal life.  But what does that mean?  Is there more to eternal life than living forever?

“And this is life eternal, that they might know YOU the only true GOD, and JESUS CHRIST, whom YOU (GOD the FATHER) sent (John 17:3).

Eternal life is to know GOD and the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

But how can you tell if you are called?

“called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of JESUS CHRIST our LORD” (1 Corinthians 1:2).

1 Corinthians 1:2 explains that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST (Romans 10:13) is called.

Our calling on the name of the LORD JESUS proves that we are the called and saved from the wrath of GOD on sin since JESUS paid for our sin and we accepted that payment by calling on HIS name.

1 Thessalonians 1:⁹ (those who) “turned to GOD from idols to serve the living and true GOD; ¹⁰ And to wait for HIS SON (JESUS) from heaven, whom HE raised from the dead, even JESUS, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”

But Matthew 22:14 says not all that are called get eternal life.   How do we get eternal life for since we are told to lay hold of eternal life, we are to do something.

“whosoever believes in HIM (JESUS) should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:15) 

So, we get eternal life when we believe In JESUS, whom GOD sent (John 3:16) and call on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:13) thus proving we are the called.

We gain eternal life by believing in the LORD JESUS CHRIST.  Whoever believes that JESUS is LORD and that GOD raised HIM from the dead is saved (Romans 19:9-10,13), saved from the wrath of GOD on sin. At that moment he is born into GOD’s family (John 1:12-13) and is given the HOLY SPIRIT to live within him (John 7:38-39, Ephesians 1:13-2:1). 

HE (the HOLY SPIRIT) comforts us, teaches us, leads us and reveals GOD’s nature to us by convicting us when we do wrong and explaining GOD’s Word to us who believe in JESUS (1 Corinthians 2:10, Philippians 2:13).  As we understand and obey the words of GOD, we increasingly step by step are ready to learn more about JESUS and GOD the FATHER. 

Then as we use what the HOLY SPIRIT teaches us, through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT we are changed into the likeness of our LORD JESUS little by little and actually partake in more and more of the divine nature (2 Corinthians 3:18, 2 Peter 1:1-4). 

We believers in JESUS will never be gods, but when we see JESUS we will be like HIM (in nature) for we shall see HIM as HE is (I John 3:1-2). We who have this hope within us need to purify ourselves (with the help of GOD Hebrews 4:16) even as HE, our LORD and Savior is pure (1 John 3:3).

Since eternal life is to know GOD and JESUS CHRIST whom HE sent (John 17:3), then to hold on to eternal life (1 Timothy 6:12) is to hold on to what we know of GOD and JESUS CHRIST by living in a like manner through the power of GOD the HOLY SPIRIT.

Have you laid hold on eternal life?

If so, “Know the GOD of all grace (unmerited favor), who has called us unto HIS eternal glory by JESUS CHRIST, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you” (1 Peter 5:10).

Hugs

Sharon