YOU keep YOUR Promises

There is no GOD like the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, either in heaven above or on the earth beneath.

“YOU (LORD GOD) have kept what YOU promised to YOUR servant … YOU have spoken with YOUR mouth and have fulfilled YOUR Word with YOUR hand.. (1 Kings 8:24).

Are you or someone you know struggling with something?  Family members, several of the girls in my classes, and even I have physical issues right now and that is not even counting the other troubles we face.  As one pastor recently said, you just come out of one crisis to face a problem.

This morning as I was speaking with the LORD and laying several people’s concerns before HIM, I thanked HIM that HE was a GOD who keeps HIS promises and does or allows nothing without a purpose (Ezekiel 14:23).

I began rejoicing as I lay one concern after another before our Mighty LORD.  I smiled as I thought of Ezekiel 36:36 last clause through the 1^st clause of verse 37 “…I the LORD have spoken it and I will do it says the LORD GOD, Yet I will have them ask ME for it…”  

Yes GOD keeps HIS promises, but we must ASK!

This morning like usual I prayed according to promises found in specific verses. Beginning with, “LORD GOD, YOU say that when YOU have spoken something that YOU will do it.  I know that we must ask for that fulfillment and we must also fulfill any conditions that are attached, so I ask…”

Romans 8: ²⁸ And we know that ALL things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called (because they called on the name of the LORD -1 Corinthians 1:2) according to HIS purposeà ²⁹ For whom HE did foreknow (would call on the name of the LORD), HE also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of HIS SON (JESUS), that HE (JESUS) might be the firstborn among many brethren.

2 Corinthians 4: ¹⁵ For all things are for your benefit, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of GOD. ¹⁶ For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light affliction, which lasts but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and (unending) weight of glory; ¹⁸ While we look not at the things which are seen (our situation/problem), but at the things which are not seen (that which YOU are achieving for us through our situation): for the things which are seen are temporary; but the things which are not seen are eternal (will last forever).

LORD, I don’t have to know what YOU are doing or how YOU will achieve what YOU promised.  Just knowing YOU will do what YOU said is enough and gives me peace as I bring each concern to YOU.

Hugs,

Sharon

Worried?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs

Sharon

I looked up into the sky

One day in my past I became very upset and ran from my home.  Further circumstances of perceived danger caused me to climb through barbed wire fencing and run through an open field full of cactus.  Darkness descended and the stars became visible.  My tears had worn me out, so after a while I plopped down onto the ground careful to avoid the cactus and looked up into the sky.  

As I looked into the sky with its vastness and beauty I recognized some of GOD’s essence/ the glory of HIS immensity and wisdom and so I called out to GOD and GOD HIMSELF met with me as I sat on the ground.  A calm enveloped me, and I was impressed with words without an audible sound. “Sharon, I am with you. It’s time to go home.” 

My anger, frustration and fear drained out of me, for I knew the ALMIGHTY was right.  So, I got up and walk dodging the cactus straight across the field to my home.

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY who was and is and is to come desires a relationship with each person.  The MOST HIGH chose to make people in HIS own image so we could relate to each other and to HIM.  HE also placed evidence before us in the heavens to cause us to reach out to HIM.

The heavens declare the glory (essence/ character) of GOD; and the firmament shows HIS handiwork. Psalm 19:1

The heavens declare YOUR righteousness (that YOU do all things right), and the people will see YOUR glory (essence/ nature/ character) Psalm 97:6.

We look up in the sky on a dark night and see the heavenly lights all with circuits of their own, synchronized so that they don’t interfere with each other and know there must be a Creator who designed all of it.  This Creator must be immense since the heavens are vast beyond our comprehension and to make all of it shows fantastic power.  Then when the sun comes up or goes down we see beautiful colors in the sunrises and sunsets and clouds that not only add beauty but also speak of the water cycle designed by our skillful Creator.

These are just mere fringes of the wonders of our Creator GOD seen in HIS Creation.  No wonder we are told that the heavens declare HE does everything right and that the heavens show us our invisible GOD.

Because that which may be know of GOD is manifest in them; for GOD has showed it to them.  For the invisible things of HIM from the creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made, even HIS eternal power and GODHEAD; so that they are without excuse.  Because when they knew GOD they glorified HIM not as GOD, neither were thankful but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened (Romans 1:19-21).

Yet, to this day, if we seek HIM, HE will let us find HIM if we seek HIM with all our heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

Hugs

Sharon

Former things

Here it is snowing, was it just days ago I wore a short-sleeved blouse?

As I think about earth’s seasons, the water cycle, amazing variety and beauty, the sometimes-funny qualities and hidden secrets (like the star in center of each apple and rose) in GOD’s creation of this earth, I can’t help but wonder what hidden surprises await me in the eternal realm where the FORMER THINGS will be no more.

The things of this earth, it’s joys, relationships, achievements, and delights are the very things that bring us sorrow and pain and tears.  GOD promises that in the new world these FORMER THINGS will be no more.

Revelation 21:⁴ And GOD shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the FORMER THINGS are passed away.”

I have heard people adding words in JESUS mouth when HE simply said that in heaven we would be like the angels in heaven.  The bible tells us that the angels in heaven are FOCUSED on the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, full of joy in the Presence of the LORD and with jobs to do.  They are fully satisfied.

It was the angels who left heaven and their assigned place and came to earth who broke boundaries and then married human women.  Mankind followed suit in crossing boundaries GOD made and became more and more wicked in that it is written that the thoughts of their hearts were only evil continually (Genesis 6).  GOD grieved and had to destroy the increasing wickedness and did so with the worldwide flood.

JESUS said the world would become as in the days of Noah and today the wickedness is definitely beyond imagination.  GOD’s wrath must again be poured out and we read about it in Revelation 6 and following.

But we await JESUS who delivers us from the wrath to come (I Thessalonians 1:10) and we rejoice greatly in the further promise of Nahum 1:9 What do ye imagine against the Lord? HE will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

As Revelation 21:4 says .. there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the FORMER THINGS are passed away.”  JESUS declares after the resurrection we will be as the angels of GOD in heaven (Matthew 22:30). The angels who always behold the face of GOD, worship the ALMIGHTY, have work to do and are totally satisfied.

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which GOD has prepared for them that love HIM” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

But we do know things will be different, our focus for one and we know it will be FAR BETTER (Philippians 1:23).

Hugs

Sharon

Go together

A line in the 1955 Frank Sinatra song ‘Love and marriage’ was Love and marriage, Love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage, another line stated: this I tell you brother, you can’t have one without the other.

Psalm 37:5 shows two other things that must go together for a good result.

(1) Commit your way unto the LORD, (2) trust also in HIM and (then)HE will bring it to pass Psalm 37:5

Psalm 37 continues to say, “And HE shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Psalm 37:6

Committing or rolling a problem, a goal, a situation to GOD without trusting that the LORD knows what HE is doing, and HE will oversee it to the best end, nullifies and cancels out your commitment. 

As in James 1:5-7, the only way you are going to get GOD to bring something to pass is to trust HIM and let HIM do it HIS way. We need to trust HIS wisdom in what to do, trust HIS knowledge of when to do it, and to trust HIS ability and faithfulness to do what HE says HE will do.

When you are willing to depend on GOD and roll the ball to GOD in trust HE promises not just to work what needs to be done but also HE promises that HE will bring forth your righteousness (by giving you the light to see how to do right) and your judgment will be clear (for there are no shadows at noon) Psalm 37:6.

What is holding us back? I think for me it happens when I feel it is all up to me so don’t claim what GOD is promises.  Therefore, I have memorized Psalm 37:5-6 to remind me to claim GOD’s promise.

Hugs

Sharon

Everything is against me

“Whatever things were written before (the Bible) were written for our learning..” (Romans 15:4).

 Jacob cried out, “Everything is against me!” Genesis 42:36.

Years ago when my older children were in their teens, there were several hard situations going on at the same time and I felt hopelessly that everything was against me.  Have you ever felt that way?

Stay with me as I encourage you with how our LORD encouraged me. 1^st I need to show you a glimpse of that truth illustrated in a Bible story so you can know my experience rings true to Scripture.

Before Jacob was even born the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY GOD had a plan in place to save Jacob’s entire family of 70 people during an extended famine as well as fulfill HIS promise to Abraham to make a great nation out of his descendants through his grandson Jacob.  That moment when Jacob cried out in despair “Everything has been against me,” all Jacob could see was that present situation which only was a piece of the big picture.  What he saw was his favorite son’s robe shredded and covered with blood.  He assumed Joseph was dead, mauled by wild animals. While the truth was Joseph had just begun a wild journey beginning by being sold by his brothers to be a slave that would lead eventually through many struggles to his becoming 2nd in command over Egypt. Joseph many years later would say to his brothers, “You meant it for evil, but GOD meant it for good to save many alive…” (Genesis 50:20).

Much of what we perceive as fact can be totally wrong because we do not have all the facts.  We cannot see what GOD sees, intends, and is doing behind the scenes.  Like Jacob, we are prone to draw erroneous conclusions by making judgments on what we can see rather than checking with and trusting GOD. This leads us too often to speculate with our vivid imaginations.

But GOD says–“… judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the LORD comes. HE will bring to light what is hidden in darkness…” (1 Corinthians 4:5).

That day I felt like everything was against me, found me waiting for one of my daughters in a dentist’s office. I saw a Bible laying on the end table and reached over and picked it up.  Aimlessly I opened it and began reading.

“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. (things we don’t understand GOD is using for an end result of good for you who love HIM [Romans 8:28] and they will reach other people and cause them to reach out to GOD and it will all overflow to HIS glory [Acts 17:26-27]) Therefore we do not lose heart (don’t become discouraged). Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our (comparative) light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that FAR OUTWEIGHS them all.  So we fix our eyes (focus our attention) not on what is seen (our circumstances), but on what is unseen (what GOD is achieving through our circumstances), since what is seen(our situation) is temporary, but what is unseen (what GOD is accomplishing through it all) is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

As I read those words my despair turned to joy for faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of GOD (Romans 10:17). 

GOD ways are not our ways, and HIS thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).  GOD works all things after the counsel of HIS own will…Ephesians1:11.

Believe HIM for without faith it is impossible to please GOD, because anyone who comes to HIM must believe that (1) HE exists and that (2) HE rewards those who earnestly seek HIM Hebrews 11:6.

When problems hit, instead of saying, “everything is against me!” say “I believe YOU are in control and I choose to trust YOU LORD.  Just show me what I need to see!”

Hugs

Sharon

The heavens declare why we can trust GOD

Tomorrow Tuesday 11/8/22, in the predawn sky between 1 AM and 3AM here in Colorado we will be able to watch a total eclipse often called a blood moon.  Being scientists can chart precisely when this will occur shouts out GOD’s magnificent wisdom in design and synchronization.  They are not shots in the dark but detailed precision that can and are measured.

“The heavens declare the glory of GOD; and the firmament shows HIS handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). Yes, the heavens declare why we can trust GOD.

As we pray, we must be careful not to limit GOD, not just by unbelief, but also by thinking we know what He can do or how HE should do something. Expect the unexpected, things far above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

Each time you intercede, first be quiet, worship the LORD GOD in HIS awesome holiness.  Think of HIM sitting majestically on HIS throne high and lifted up above all things.

Recalling things we know are true about our Creator – HIS infinity (unlimitedness in all qualities HE possess), powerful, gentle, knowledge of everything past present and future… and thinking of some of the great things HE has done, things HE has promised, and how HE urges us to come talk with HIM (Hebrews 4:16) builds our faith.  It will flow out in rejoicing and thanksgiving that the MOST HIGH GOD actually delights in us who are in CHRIST through believing in JESUS.

I have found that by taking time to 1^st see GOD high and lifted up in HIS glory builds my faith and opens me up to hear HIM. The HOLY SPIRIT will help us pray by directing our thoughts (Philippians 2:13) according to GOD’s will for the concerns on our hearts. Sometimes I am left wordless but full of HIS peace, and assurance that HE is at work doing what is best in the situation.

That target above shows how off base we can be when we pray with our limited understanding.

Think of our need as a target.  Often the things we think need to be done are like missing the bullseye.  But GOD’s answer to prayer is right on for HE knows the real need- the bullseye of the target. GOD knows the solution and how to bring it to pass.  The target GOD aims at is the need, HE always hits the bullseye.

Hugs

Sharon

The helpful bat

Often, we wonder why things are the way they are.  At times our world seems topsy-turvy and just plain crazy. Yet the bible tells us that GOD is in control and does/ allows nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23).

GOD made the earth by HIS power, HE established the world by HIS wisdom, and stretched out the heaven by HIS understanding (Jeremiah 51:15).

As we chuckle with the LORD at the characters HE created and rejoice in our Awesome GOD’s incredible wisdom that HE shows us over and over in HIS amazing creation, remember HE is the Sovereign Creator of heaven and earth and when things seem crazy in your life and in our world, that GOD does absolutely nothing without a good reason.  That brings peace to my soul, and I hope to yours as well.

I read that I should put up a bat house to encourage the presence of these shy animals because bats consume 3,000 or more mosquitoes and other insects nightly. Now if that was all it is a pretty good reason cause mosquitoes love to chew on me!

If that weren’t enough the article went on to say that bats are responsible for 95% of seed dispersal essential to the regeneration of forests and are less likely to be rabid than dogs. 

Our planet is populated with plenty of bizarre and astonishing creatures and yet the facts above show that the LORD had a reason for making the crazy creature in the picture.  In the same way, much we see as wrong and crazy in our world today we need to remember that GOD does/ allows nothing without a good reason.  Right now, if you know your bibles you can see GOD lining up things/ setting the stage for what HE prophesied will occur when HE eliminates sin as HE has declared HE would do.

“What do you imagine against the LORD? HE will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time” (Nahum 1:9).

Hugs

Sharon

MY army

Sitting out on my porch swing after sunset is pleasant, until the mosquitoes attack thinking of me as their dinner!  Their attack reminds me of a trip out to northern California several years ago to see family and friends.  While there, we camped at Silver Lake, midst the tall evergreens, nestled in, and surrounded by majestic mountains with friends we have known for decades/ since childhood.  During our week by the lake, I had a disturbing encounter by that peaceful lake in northern California.

One morning I quietly snuck out of camp very early before the sun was up or others were stirring. I wanted time alone with GOD. Softly singing praises, I walked up to the lake- a quarter mile, or so, from our campsite. There was a stillness everywhere, and just enough light to see two geese slowly moving out toward the center of the lake. Then more geese joined them, and a soft honking began volleying back and forth between the geese as they greeted each other.

Slowly more light began to reflect off the mountains surrounding me, all of a sudden things became crystal clear.  I became aware that all around me were hordes of tiny mosquitoes. I was all set to run in a mad dash, when one of GOD’s names, the LORD of Hosts came to mind. Now that name: YHWH Sabaoth means LORD of armies /troops/ organized bodies.  The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is LORD over all and that includes over all armies (British, Russian, Iranian, American, Chinese, whatever) whether human, angelic, animal, and it is even said GOD sends forth an army of scorpion like locust (see Revelation 9) and once sent an army of locusts.

“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, … MY great army which I sent among you” Joel 2:25

So, when GOD’s name/ the LORD of hosts came to mind, I knew what GOD was saying to me.  “They are MY army, Sharon.” And I answered HIM quickly, “Tell them not to bite me!”

A gentle calm settled over me and I stood transfixed, fascinated by the thousands of teeny newly hatched snow mosquitoes which looked like minute helicopters diving, rushing ahead but never colliding. I was amazed at the seeming confusion, yet perfect order in their zooming this way and that. (though I was there for some time, they never did bite me.- AH  Thank YOU LORD!)

As I stood watching them, and later on the walk back down to camp, I was reminded that as the mosquitoes were under the control of GOD, so the armies of this world, and each of the foretold coming events are under the control of the Commander and chief of all armies, the LORD of hosts. We see that very thing in play over and over, as we read the Old Testament.

Just as GOD kept the mosquitoes from biting me that morning, so HE is able to protect any who will seek HIS protection.  There are unsettling real world events: changes in NATO, changes the European Union, food and gas shortages, upcoming elections, wars and rumors of wars, and nuclear threats.  It’s only by claiming the name LORD of hosts for our Sovereign GOD that enables me to obey HIS command to “fear not” (Luke 12:7), “don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:1) and “be anxious for nothing but in everything to make my requests known to HIM with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7). As I claim HIS word, trusting it and HIM, I experience HIS peace guarding my heart and mind just like HE says it would.

Just for a heads up:  If you use the NIV you will not find the name LORD of Hosts… the translators of the NIV chose to translate it LORD GOD ALMIGHTY leaving the concept of armies (seen in the original language) out of the picture. Thereby, missing out on this comforting and gloriously motivating facet of our amazing GOD.

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

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

Problems?

I awoke this morning to another serious crisis… I see no way..  No light, not even the end of the tunnel.  But the LORD GOD makes a way were there seems no way.

Are there problems in your world, like there is in mine?

Malachi 3:6  For I am the LORD, I change not, therefore you… are not consumed.

GOD knows all things past, present and future (HE even knows what we are going to say before we do- Psalm 139:2) GOD has eternal power (Romans 1:20), GOD is creative and made all things (John 1:3) GOD is infinite (has no limits although HE sets limits on all things), HE is love and proved it by sending JESUS to die for us (John 3:16), GOD is just and the justifier of all who believe in JESUS (Romans 3:26), GOD is true (Romans 3:4), GOD is faithful (Lamentations 3:23) GOD is merciful and compassionate (Lamentations 3:22) and has given believers in JESUS great and precious promises (2 Peter 1:4).

“Behold, these (all the above) are just the fringes (mere edges) of HIS ways; And how faint a word we hear of HIM…?” (Job 26:14).  There is much about GOD that is hinted at that we cannot comprehend and even more that we cannot see at all as long as we are mortals with a fallen sin nature in our human bodies.

Everything true about GOD is true about everything else HE is. GOD is unchangeable.  HIS faithfulness is unchangeable (we see it in the rising of the sun and going down of the same day after day, after day). HIS love is infinite (unlimited), HIS knowledge unfathomable, HIS mercy is just and fair in every way, and it is with compassionate love that HE disciplines and judges.

Although different in kind and scope, we all face decisions, struggles and problems.  Many of us can see little or no hope in the circumstances… the things we see.

But GOD’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9) and GOD declares, 1 Corinthians 4:15-18 “For all things are for your benefit, that the abundant grace (GOD supplies to you) might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of GOD. Because of that we don’t faint; but though our outward man perish (is wasting away), yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our (comparative) light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (that far surpasses the pain of today; … look not at the things which are seen (your circumstances), but at the things which are not seen (that which GOD is achieving for you through your circumstances): for the things which are seen (your circumstances) are temporal (they will pass); but the things which are not seen (that which GOD is achieving through the problems) are eternal (and will benefit you forever). (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

How will focusing on GOD’s unchanging nature instead of your circumstances give you greater hope?

I have found that my focus determines my perspective.

Almighty GOD, I worship YOU for only YOU are worthy. Maker of heaven and earth I look to YOU.  Please renew my vision of YOU so I can focus on YOU and trust YOUR constant presence and control although things in my world are so out of control.  Thank YOU LORD, for YOUR promise that YOU are with me and will enable me to get through this valley.  I trust YOU and just knowing YOU have a plan, are at work and in control brings me such peace and joy and just writing this out builds my confidence for I am persuaded that YOU are able to do all that YOU promise.  I praise YOU my heavenly FATHER and pray in the name of YOUR SON, my Savior JESUS.  AMEN.

Hugs

Sharon

Psalm 116:12-13 What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.