Instruction manual

Why don’t things come with instructions anymore? 

I want to follow instructions but am at a loss in areas that I have not learned.  I am not technologically savvy like my grandchildren or even great grandchildren. When I needed a new phone with enough space for my cochlear app it took my grandchildren to set it up for me.  And when I run into a problem on my computer or phone who do I run to? my grandchildren, of course.  But with my new printer I had to go on line to get the information I need.

But praise the LORD! Unlike man, GOD has given us an instruction book-HIS word, the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16 says “All scripture is given by inspiration of GOD (is GOD breathed), and is profitable for doctrine (to teach us), for reproof (show us right from wrong), for correction, for instruction in righteousness (in how to do what is right)” (2 Timothy 3:16).  But instructions are only good if you follow them.  JESUS said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD” (Matthew 4:4).

Hebrews 1:1 tells us we are in the last days, that they began with JESUS coming to earth.  1 Timothy 4:1 says that in the latter times some are tricked and depart from truth paying attention to deceiving spirits and suggestions/ teachings of devils. So especially now we must be careful to do things according to GOD’s instructions. How do you get those instructions? Read the bible and pray.

JESUS said: that the one who had HIS commands/instructions (which are available to all of us) and follows them that one loves JESUS  (John 14:21) and HE said, “If you love ME do what I say” (John 14:15) and furthermore “Why call me LORD, LORD and do not do the things I say?” (Luke 6:46)

Sometimes what the Word of GOD tells us to do does not fit with what we think needs to be done. That is because GOD’s ways are not our ways and HIS thoughts are not our thoughts but are vastly higher and better (Isaiah 55:8-9). Especially at those times we must humbly do what the bible tells us to do for GOD knows all things and HIS ways are always right.

We are told not to quench the SPIRIT’s instructions or despise prophesy (that flash of insight could have very well been a word straight from GOD for the situation) but then we are instructed to test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22).  So how do you test them?  Isaiah 8:20 tells us to check what the Bible says on the issue and if the words don’t agree with HIS word then there is no truth in it.

Following GOD’s written instructions is imperative for GOD says that to disobey HIS word is sin and if we hold on to sin in our hearts HE will not hear us (Psalm 66:18).

Words of GOD from the word of GOD will come into our mind directing  us even in how to pray.  That is the HOLY SPIRIT leading the way as HE always does (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16). 

Isn’t GOD good to us?

I am so grateful that not only has GOD given us instructions but has also given to every believer in JESUS HIS HOLY SPIRIT (John 7:38-39) to teach us how to apply and live out what the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY wants done and enable us to do it! (Philippians 2:13).              

Have you read the instruction book?  Are you following what it says?

Hugs Sharon

Pointing a finger

Pointing the finger

We often will point to an item or person to identify them to another.  The term pointing the finger is an idiom meaning to blame one and identify him.

Has the LORD ever spoken to you from HIS word, then instantly you are being tested in that very area? 

It is as clear as if it happened yesterday, but it was years and years ago when I was a young believer in JESUS. I had been reading the Word of GOD and the LORD was speaking to me about judging others.

Isaiah 58:9    take away the yoke (my demands and expectations of others)

stop pointing the finger (judging others)

stop speaking emptiness (you don’t know all the details)

feed the hungry and clothe the naked (do what you can to help)

then (if you do this) you will call to the LORD and HE will answer

Isaiah 58:11 then the LORD will guide you continually…

Then I went to where I was reading in the New Testament and

Ephesians 4:31-32 let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice. be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as GOD for CHRIST’s sake forgave you.

It was a Sunday morning and as I was leaving for church, someone did something that really upset me and I filled up with anger, Looking back I found that in that situation

I had (unmet and probably unreasonable) expectations of the person

I did point my finger at him as being wrong

I spoke as if I knew why he did what he did (when I knew only in part)

I allowed anger to control me so I

I spoke out of turn.

In other words, I totally blew it. I completely failed the test.  I knew it, the moment I got in the car and left for church.  So confessed all the way there. 

Then the sermon hit me square between the eyes.  The pastor began by saying, “When we feel angry, it is because we’ve gotten our eyes off of JESUS and tried to take control of the situation or person.  

His words described me that morning.  I had been angry and pointed a finger at someone’s actions, even though I just read how I must stop that.  And now, three fingers were pointing back at me.  I was guilty.

You therefore have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things, (Romans 2:1).

The shame I felt through that conviction was awful and what I learned that morning has stayed with me down through the years.  Now when I feel the anger rising I do what the word tells me.  I run to the throne of grace for help in my time of need.  Cause I need help to release my anger to GOD (Hebrews 4:16).  And when I find myself wanting to point my finger at other, the HOLY SPIRIT (John 14:26) reminds me of Romans 2:1 which makes me stop and ask where am I guilty, LORD?

Funny thing is that when I choose to do things GOD’s way, that which HE tells us to do in HIS word, peace comes over me and I start thinking about and praising the LORD from whom all blessings flow (James 1:17).

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfector of my faith,

Hugs

Sharon

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

Walking in the SPIRIT

Romans 8:1, 6 says that there is no condemnation if you walk in the SPIRIT and that you will fulfill the will of GOD.  Galatians 5:16 tells us that if we walk in the SPIRIT we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

Some ask, what does it mean to “walk in the SPIRIT?”  Or How can I “walk in the SPIRIT?”

John 7:37-39 and Ephesians 1:13 tell us that when one believes in JESUS he receives the HOLY SPIRIT.  The HOLY SPIRIT comes to seal us to GOD as a purchased possession, to teach and lead us in the way we should go.

It is GOD (the HOLY SPIRIT 1 Corinthians 2:10-13) who explains GOD’s word to us and places in us the knowledge of what GOD wants us to do and gives us the ability to do it (Philippians 2:13).  But its our responsibility to do it.

The HOLY SPIRIT always speaks according to the Word of GOD (the Bible) since it was HE who moved on men to write GOD’s words so man could read them (2 Peter 1:21).

When you just known deep down you need to make a phone call or do some specific thing, that is the HOLY SPIRIT nudging you. However, if what you feel you should do goes against what the Bible says, then you know it is another spirit attempting to tempt you to do wrong.  So always check what you think you should do with the Word of GOD.  It is so important to know the Word of GOD and when you are reading it you are learning to hear HIS voice.

1 Corinthians 14:14 speaks of the difference of the soul (mind/ understanding) and human spirit. We are body, soul and spirit. The body is obvious it houses our soul and spirit. The soul is our mind (intellect), emotions and will and our spirit was dead in trespasses and sin until we accepted JESUS.

When we called upon the LORD JESUS our souls were saved (from the punishment of our sin (Romans 10:9-10,13).  Our spirit came to life (Ephesians 2:1-5) so now we can communicate with GOD. When the HOLY SPIRIT explains things to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-13) then our soul understands, and we choose to accept what HE says or refuse it.

Early autumn a long time ago (early 90’s), after an amazingly wonderful summer working at the Christian Camp Elim I came home and became very depressed for no apparent reason. It blew me away for it was something I had never experienced. I did what I knew to do.

I began to pray and opened my Bible and read the Word of GOD. It didn’t help.

I called spiritual friends and had them pray for me, it didn’t help either.

This went on until one day I was reading in John and came to JESUS statement in John 14:1, “Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in GOD, believe also in ME.’  Immediately the depression lifted… I mean poof, it was gone. That was even crazier than the depression itself. But I felt nudged to check out that verse in the Greek.

Praise the LORD, it was there I found the answer and discovered an amazing truth I had not yet understood.

The Greek for “let not” was a negative imperative (it was a command “do not allow”) and it was passive (someone was stirring me up/ troubling me). It pointed out that an outside force (demonic) had overstepped his rights and taken advantage of me (2 Corinthians 2:11) causing me deep discouragement. That is one of the devil’s seditious devices.

But those words also showed me that I was allowing it to happen, and I didn’t have to. When I read John 14:1 and the depression vanished, it was because my spirit had understood what GOD the HOLY SPIRIT was saying to me and obeyed. My spirit obeyed GOD by turning my focus to JESUS and thus refusing to let the devil discourage me any longer.  Little did I know I was obeying James 4:7.

But my mind (my soul) did not understand why I had immediate release. That is why I felt baffled. The HOLY SPIRIT chose to teach me by nudging me to check out the Greek of John 14:1 and used my research to show me why I was struggling. Then I (my soul/ mind/ intellect) understood why the depression had lifted.

Hebrews 4:12 says that the Word of GOD is a discerner of thoughts and the intents of hearts and that it can divide the soul and spirit. It definitely did that very thing for me that day. Besides coming to understand the problem and fixing it, I also caught a glimpse of the difference between my soul (understanding) and my spirit.

When the HOLY SPIRIT moved (influenced) men of GOD, they spoke and wrote the Scriptures (2 Peter 1:21). In the same way whenever we feel a nudge (that inner knowing what is right and that we should do something) it is the HOLY SPIRIT moving us to act.

If and when we acknowledge GOD ask HIM for wisdom to lead us and are determined to do whatever HE moves us to do (Proverbs 3:5-7, James 1:5-9) we know HE will lead us for HE has promised to do so.  It is then we walk in the SPIRIT. And there is no safer place to be.

But we can resist the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT when we lean on our own understanding and are wise in our own eyes, wanting just what we want.

Are you walking in the Spirit?  The choice is yours.

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

Feed the birds

What girl doesn’t want to be beautiful?

1 Peter 3:4 declares, Women are to adorn (beautify) themselves with a quiet spirit, which in the sight of GOD is very valuable.

The Greek word for quiet spirit in this verse means, undisturbed.  Are you disturbed? It’s not beautiful, nor is it valuable.

We live in a time when it is easy to get disturbed.

When you’re disturbed, upset, or angry, it’s not a beautiful thing.

When you’re a bitter person, filled with fear, discontent, frustration, and never satisfied, is not something to be valued.

A person who’s in conflict with others, jealous, full of self-pity, always worrying, that’s not attractive.

All the above are different ways of being disturbed. GOD calls us to have an undisturbed spirit.

Start becoming truly beautiful by by believing in JESUS, then yield to the HOLY SPIRIT.  That means listen to those inner nudges and obey the Word of GOD then the HOLY SPIRIT will have freedom to flow through you the qualities of an undisturbed spirit.  Those qualities (HOLY SPIRIT fruit Galatians 5:22-23) of peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, contentment and blessing can flow to and through you (John 7:38-39).

Cultivate a spirit that doesn’t get upset so easily, doesn’t get anxious, or bent out of shape, full of crisis, and fearful by choosing to trust that GOD is in control and knows what HE is doing. Keep abiding in JESUS by trusting HIS constant prayers (Hebrews 7:25) and meditating (simply thinking about) the Word of GOD (John 15:7).  That is how we rest in/ believe in HIS love (Hebrews 4:1, 10). You’ll not only have peace, blessings, and contentment, but even more you’ll be beautiful in the eyes of GOD.

Hugs

Sharon

Should we not pray for Israel?

Most of our misconceptions are described by one truth that JESUS referred to: You do err not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of GOD” (Matthew 22:29).

At 1^st glance it jolted me when I found out that some are changing/ editing and deleting parts of history at will.  They do it in order to get people to think the way they want them to think.  Pondering their actions, I am not altogether surprised at unbelievers in JESUS altering truth in order to manipulate others. We are told in Romans 1:25 that they deliberately choose to exchange the truth for a lie. They have altered the younger generations’ way of thinking by changing the historic records and adding their own ideas/inventions (Ecclesiastes 7:29, Psalm 99:8, Psalm 106:29, 39).

These (like we believers before accepting JESUS as LORD (ruler and Savior) live in an ‘I am god/ it is all about me’ society ruled by the devil.

Before believing in JESUS, every one of us was: Ephesians 2:¹… dead in trespasses and sins; ² Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, (the devil) the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience: ³ Among whom also we all lived our lives in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Therefore, it is not surprising that they feel free to change history to suit their purposes.  Their present opposition to Israel is no surprise either for GOD foretold it thousands of years ago.  HE spoke openly that this would occur in Psalm 83:¹ Keep not silence, O GOD: hold not YOUR peace, and be not still, O GOD. ² For YOUR enemies make a tumult: and they that hate YOU have lifted up the head. ³ They have taken crafty counsel against YOUR people and consulted against YOUR hidden ones. ⁴ They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. ⁵ For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against YOU:

You see the hatred of Israel is demonic for Satan hates GOD and wants to destroy those GOD loves.

But what blows me away is when someone who says he knows the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY chooses to edit, delete and change the Bible/ the HOLY WORD of GOD to suit what they think instead of accepting what GOD says in HIS word.  The LORD had recorded in Isaiah 8:20 that if one speaks things against what the scriptures say, ‘they have no light in them’. In other words, they are in darkness.

JESUS said that man cannot live (eternally, abundantly) by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4).

The LORD (ruler) GOD (source) Almighty (all powerful) the triune GODHEAD cannot lie it is against HIS divine nature (Titus 1:2).  If HE could lie, HE could not be trusted to do what HE says HE will do. Christians would then have NO basis whatsoever to believe or hope on HIS promises.

Many within the church at large are saying that GOD is fed up with the Jews for their many sins and that the church (despite her many sins) has hence taken its place and is now spiritual Israel.  that is called Replacement Theology. But what does GOD’s word say?

GOD has promised, declaring by two immutable things, 1) in which it is impossible for GOD to lie, (Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18) and 2) by taking an oath (Jeremiah 32 and several other texts) certain things for the nation of Israel (the natural physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob/ Israel and David) that have not been fulfilled.

First look in one text where the LORD GOD Most High declares in an oath to bless Israel everlastingly.  Notice in this text the Sovereign LORD declares/ promises 11 times I will do something.

Jeremiah 32:³⁷ Behold, I will gather them (Israel Jeremiah 32:30) out of all countries, whither I have driven them in MINE anger, and in MY fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place (Jerusalem/ Israel- Jeremiah 32:31-32), and I will cause them to dwell safely: ³⁸ And they shall be MY people, and  I will be their GOD ³⁹ And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear ME forever, (cause up to now they haven’t) for the good of them, and of their children after them: ⁴⁰ And  I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that  I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but  I will put MY fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from ME. ⁴¹ Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and  I will plant them in this land assuredly with MY whole heart and with MY whole soul. ⁴² For thus says the LORD; Like I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so I will bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.

Jeremiah 31:³¹ Behold, the days come, says the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: ³² Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which MY covenant they broke, although I was an husband unto them, says the Lord: ³³ But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, says the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and I will be their GOD, and they shall be MY people.

Jeremiah 31:³⁵ Thus says the Lord, which gives the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divides the sea when the waves thereof roar; the LORD of hosts (armies) is HIS name: ³⁶ If those ordinances depart from before ME, says the Lord, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before ME forever.

Well, as far as I can see the sun, moon and stars are still there and will be until the new heaven and earth spoken about in the last two chapters of Revelation.  Therefore, Israel is still a nation before the LORD.

Jeremiah 31:³⁷ Thus says the Lord; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, says the Lord.

The heavens cannot be measured, nor the foundations of the earth searched out so it looks like the LORD will NOT cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done.

But through the nation of Israel, we learn of the faithfulness of GOD and that the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases nor do HIS mercies ever come to an end (Lamentations 3:22-23).

As is often the case in scripture, there is a time element for the promises to be completed: It will be completed in segments.  The nation of Israel came back into being in one day in 1948 (Isaiah 66:8) yet to this day an influx of Jews continue to come back to Israel from the nations that have turned against them.  Israel has had opposition ever since it became a nation, but we see here that GOD is working even the opposition for good to fulfill HIS purposes (Genesis 50:20).

During the 7-year tribulation/ Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7) / Daniel’s 70^th week of years (Daniel 9:24, 26-27) GOD is working with the Jews and the unbelieving wicked world.

In speaking of the Jews and the land of Israel, the prophet, a scribe for the LORD GOD said in Zechariah 13:⁸ And it shall come to pass, that in all the land (speaking of Israel), says the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die (during the 7-year-Tribulation); but the third shall be left therein. ⁹ And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on MY name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is MY people: and they shall say, The Lord is MY GOD.”  That is why this period is called Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7). As is written, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I have kept YOUR word” (Psalm 119:67).

JESUS said that the Jews will not see HIM again until they say blessed is HE who comes in the name of the LORD (Matthew 23:39).  That will happen when they see JESUS coming at the end of the 7-year-tribulation (Revelation 19). Zechariah 12:⁹ And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. ¹⁰ And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon ME whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn…

Isaiah 10:²⁰ And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him (the Antichrist) that smote them; but shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. ²¹ The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty GOD.

Romans 11:²⁶ And so all Israel (the 1/3^rd that made it through the 7-year-Tribulation) shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer (JESUS) and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: ²⁷ For this is MY covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

In the meantime, we are told to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6), should we not obey the LORD our GOD?

Hugs

Sharon

Wild roller coaster ride

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking up for our redemption draws near!

Hugs

Sharon

Follow the Instructions

When it comes to HIS children (those who believe JESUS- John 1:12), does GOD really say HE will not hear us (be willing to listen to our prayers, with the intent of answering them) if we refuse to listen to HIM and either turn from a sin HE has convicted us of, or do something HE asks of us?

“If I had cherished sin in my heart, the LORD would not have listened” (Psalm 66:18) This verse speaks of holding on to a sin that GOD has told us to let go of, by conviction that it is wrong.

“We know that GOD does not listen to sinners. HE listens to the godly man who does HIS will” (John 9:31).  That means man turns from 1) focusing and holding on to his sin, or 2) refusing to do what he knows he should.

“Show respect to your wives… that your prayers will not be hindered” (1 Peter 3:7).

When GOD has shown us something in us that is not right or has asked us to do something for another and we refuse, we are refusing to do HIS will. We have turned away from HIM. This doesn’t mean that we have to be perfect, just obedient.

Since it is the HOLY SPIRIT who explains GOD’s messages and HIS word to us, obedience to conviction from GOD’s Word and nudges to act, is what is called, walking in the SPIRIT. 

Now GOD doesn’t show us everything we do wrong or ask us to take care of all the problems of the world.  But, one by one HE reveals areas where HE wants us to act.  When HE shows an area and we refuse to listen to HIM, that means we have turned our back on HIM. 

When we do that, Almighty GOD, though HE is a loving Heavenly FATHER, generally will not answer any other questions for us, until we turn back around to face HIM, by following HIS instructions in the area HE pinpointed.

There is no reason to tell us more, when we refuse the instructions, HE has already given.

“Stop bringing meaningless offerings!” are the words that begin Isaiah 1:13-20. In other words, the LORD says coming to church and singing the songs are hateful to GOD, if your heart is not honoring HIM, by following HIS instructions. 

When you love someone, you desire to make them happy. Sin hurts us and others, so it grieves GOD. When we set out to do our own will, we grieve GOD for HE knows the outcome. 

Why would HE listen to our requests when we won’t follow HIS counsel?  Shocking as it seems, even our prayers, our gathering together in church and songs then become a burden to HIM. But, when we seek HIM with all our heart, even if there is something wrong, HE will hear. HE wants to help us, to show us the way to go, or give us the help we need and to forgive us.

The Lord is far from the wicked, but HE hears the prayers of those who (want to) do right (Proverbs 15:29).

If anyone turns a deaf ear to (refusing to hear the instructions of) the law (what is right), even his prayers are detestable (Proverbs 28:9).

So, if you want help, or directions on the way to go, turn back and do the one thing you know you should do.  When you do that, you are turning back to your GOD, and HE will honor you by showing you the next step.

Hugs

Sharon

What would you do?

What would you do if you saw a little child running into a busy street?

C.S.Lewis said, “When everyone is running toward a cliff (and certain death), anyone who runs the opposite direction appears to have lost his mind.”

The world thinks we who hold to the truth of GOD’s eternal standards are crazy.  If that isn’t enough the world is saying we, who lovingly try to stop those about to go over the cliff, are full of hate.

As I was reading in Hosea two verses jumped out at me.

1-“All their wickedness is in Gilgal, I (GOD) hate their wickedness” (Hosea 9:15).

What happened in Gilgal?

In 1 Samuel 15 King Saul was told to destroy the enemy of GOD.  Saul did partially what GOD told him to do, but actually he did what he thought best. Saul did it his own way. Look what GOD said about what King Saul did.

“Has the LORD as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken (listen and obey)…For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.  Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, HE has rejected you from being king” (1 Samuel 15:22-23).

Do you ever think, like when something bad happens, that you know better than ALMIGHTY GOD Maker of heaven and earth?

2-“They have deeply corrupted themselves as in the days of Gibeah…”. 

I wondered what happened in Gibeah.  I turned to the crossed reference and remembered the gory story in Judges  19. A man and his 2^nd wife (concubine) stopped in Gibeah on their way home.  An old man, aware of what could occur, insisted they stay at his house and while there all the men of the city (young and old) gathered around the house and demanded that the old man send the traveler out so they could have sex with him.  When the men were about to crash the door down the traveler threw his own wife out and they raped her all night.  In the morning the traveler found her dead as he opened the door to leave.

Not just our nation but the whole world seems to have gone sex and gender crazy.  That is exactly what Romans 1:18 and following says will happen when people turn away from GOD and HIS ways. 

Though the world may think we Christians crazy because we still hold to the eternal unchanging truth of GOD’s standards found in the Holy Bible, we must love enough to warn.  We cannot affirm those heading to disaster.   For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).

“But the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST” (Romans 6:23).  “For GOD (who must punish sin because it destroys) so loved the world that HE sent HIS only begotten SON (JESUS CHRIST) that whosoever believes in HIM will not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

“If you confess with your mouth the LORD JESUS, and believe that GOD raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart man believes unto righteousness (see Romans 3:10-12, 20-22), and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For whosoever calls on the name of the LORD (JESUS) shall be saved” (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

Praying

Hugs

Sharon

Are you walking in the SPIRIT?

Are you walking with GOD?

In the beginning GOD walked in the garden and talked with Adam and Eve.  But when they chose to do what HE warned them would kill them, they sinned.  GOD being holy and good cannot agree with sin for it destroys. Therefore, sin came between GOD and those HE had made. 

“For your iniquities have separated between you and your GOD, and your sins have hidden HIS face from you, that HE will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2).

Knowing all things past, present and future from before time began, the GODHEAD (GOD the FATHER, the Word (JESUS) and the HOLY SPIRIT) before they made the world determined how to reclaim mankind for HIMSELF (Revelation 13:8) since humans were going to sin and turned in allegiance from GOD their maker to Satan the fallen angel.

GOD is right (just).  Mankind’s sin had to be paid for because the justice of GOD had to be satisfied (Romans 3:26).  JESUS volunteered to lay aside HIS rights and privileges as eternal GOD the Word Who was to speak and create the universes (Colossians 1:15-16, Hebrews 1:2).  It was determined that at the appointed time (Galatians 4:4, Acts 17:26-27) JESUS would take on a human body and go to earth to reveal GOD to mankind and then carry man’s sin on the cross so man could be forgiven if he would believe in JESUS (Philippians 2:5-11, Revelation 5:9, John 3:16).

GOD lives in a perpetual now. Therefore, those in the Old Testament who believed in and sought after GOD to Worship and obey HIM GOD accepted on the basis of what JESUS was going to do (pay for their sins).  We learn of Enoch who walked with GOD for 300 years (Genesis 5:22) and GOD took him to heaven.  Then there was Noah who walked with GOD (Genesis 6:9).

“How can two walk together unless they agree” (Amos 3:3).

There are 2 basic worldviews or kinds of wisdom, and they are diametrically opposed one to another. #1-There is the earthly wisdom which is demonic (worldly thinking is under the control of the evil one Ephesians 2:2, 1 John 5:19).  You may think that sounds a bit strong but that is how GOD defines it.

#2 Then there is Godly wisdom (it is from GOD which comes down to man through the HOLY SPIRIT John 16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:10).

“the wisdom that is from above is 1^st pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).

“If you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts glory not and lie not against the truth.  That wisdom descends NOT from above (it’s NOT from GOD) but is earthly, sensual, demonic for where envying and strife (selfishness) is, there is confusion (disorder) and every evil work” (James 3:14-16, Ephesians 2:2).

Because on his own Man cannot direct his own steps rightly (Jeremiah 10:23), GOD throughout the Old Testament sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT to come upon men HE chose for special assignments and through them HE led HIS people. 

In Genesis 24:27-29 Abraham’s servant said, “GOD led me straight to my master’s niece to be his son’s wife.” (That is quite a story so check it out).

Isaiah 63 tells us how GOD sent HIS SPIRIT to Moses and thus led HIS people through the wilderness in a powerful way. It is interesting to note that Moses asked for GOD to go with him and the Jews (Exodus 33:15) Just as we are urged to ask GOD for the power and wisdom of the HOLY SPIRIT for our daily assignments although the HOLY SPIRIT already lives within us to teach and instruct us (Luke 11:13).

Yes, over and over in the Old Testament (which pictures New Testament truth) you will read how GOD would send HIS SPIRIT to an individual to empower and lead HIS people in the way they should go. 

But then once JESUS came to earth and died for mankind, things changed.  Now, not just a few but everyone who believes in JESUS is given the HOLY SPIRIT to lead and teach them individually.  Yet we are encouraged to ask (like Moses did) for the HOLY SPIRIT’s power to do our assignments (Luke 11:13).

JESUS said, “He that believes on ME, as the scripture says, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.(But this HE spoke of the (HOLY) 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).

That river of living water is speaking of the fruit of the SPIRIT: love, joy, peace, long suffering/ patience, gentleness/ kindness, goodness, faith, humility and self-control and more (Galatians 5:22-23).  They are all part of the divine nature and we get to partake of it as we use GOD’s precious promises and follow the lead of the HOLY SPIRIT (2 Peter 1:4).

Now as a believer in JESUS we have the HOLY SPIRIT within us but we also have choice. “If you are led of the SPIRIT, you are not under the law (Galatians 5:18) for the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after (led by) the flesh but after (led by) the SPIRIT.  For they that are after (led by) the flesh mind (think about) the things of the flesh but they that are after (led by) the SPIRIT (think about) the things of the SPIRIT (Romans 8:4-5).

Whenever I become aware that a fruit of the SPIRIT is lacking in my attitude or actions, I know without a doubt that I am not walking in the SPIRIT and not letting HIM lead me. That grieves (Ephesians 4:30) and quenches (1 Thessalonians 5:19) the HOLY SPIRIT so I can no longer hear HIM.  So, I must confess anything I know is wrong or ask what I did so I can confess (1 John 1:9) and then GOD the HOLY SPIRIT will again make HIMSELF and the Word known to me.

Are you letting the HOLY SPIRIT lead you? 

Hugs Sharon