Does GOD mean what HE says?

The heavens declare the glory of GOD and we as believers in JESUS are to do the same.

I love the Old Testament for it illustrates New Testament truth and we vividly saw that again yesterday in class as we discussed 2 Samuel 7:2-6. Nathan, the prophet of GOD told the king that GOD was with him, and the king should do what was in his heart to do.

Now the role of a prophet was critical in the life of GOD’s people in the Old Testament. He acted as GOD’s messenger, delivering GOD’s special instructions. After JESUS’ resurrection every believer in JESUS CHRIST receives the HOLY SPIRIT within himself to teach and guide us so that we do not need a prophet to instruct us in what GOD wants us to say and do.

2 Samuel 7 tells us that during the night after Nathan had given King David the go ahead to build the temple, GOD spoke to Nathan and in effect said “NO! You gave David bad advice. Go tell King David he should NOT (do what was in his heart to do) he should NOT build ME a house.”

Why did Nathan, truly a godly man, a prophet of GOD do wrong? The words of Joshua 9:14 say it perfectly: he had NOT asked counsel of the LORD.

Nathan’s response to David’s question was a personal opinion, based on Nathan’s observations of David’s devotion to GOD and how GOD had defeated David’s enemies. It just seemed right. We believers in JESUS often make most decisions (big and little) on personal opinions based on our general understanding of right from wrong and what seems good to us.

Does GOD mean what HE says? Let us just look at a few things the LORD says and then put them together in how they apply to you and me.

I Samuel 16:⁷ But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.

Isaiah 55:⁸ For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, says the Lord. ⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways, and MY thoughts than your thoughts.

Proverbs 3:⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. ⁶ In ALL your ways acknowledge (speak with) HIM, and HE shall direct your paths. ⁷ Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD and depart from evil.

The LORD GOD declares that since HE sees things from a different perspective and knows things we have no way of knowing that we as HIS ambassadors must ask HIM what to say and do in ALL things (Proverbs 3:6), always pray (Luke 21:36, Ephesians 6:18) and continuing instant in prayer (instantly pray when something comes up Romans 12:2).

How is it practical to in every instance to pray always or continue to instantly pray? Back in the day we called it arrow prayers. That is, we would silently cry out to GOD, “What shall I say or what shall I do?” Then count on GOD to keep HIS word and direct us if we ask (Proverbs 3:5-6) and check it with what scripture says (Isaiah 8:20).

There are also times I will pray aloud with a person asking GOD what to say or do with interesting results.

GOD gives warning:

Isaiah 30:1 Woe to the rebellious children, says the Lord, that take counsel, but not of ME. 

Don’t you find it amazing that our LORD JESUS who made heaven and earth (John 1:1-3,14, Colossians 1:13-16, Hebrews 1:1-3) while on earth, never did nor said anything without getting instructions from GOD the FATHER?

John 8:²⁸ Then said JESUS unto them, When you have lifted up the Son of man, then shall you know that I am HE, and that I do nothing by MYSEELF; but as MY FATHER has taught ME, I speak these things. ²⁹ And HE that sent ME is with ME: the FATHER has not left ME alone; for I do always those things that please HIM.

If even JESUS consulted GOD on everything, how much more should we? Do you want to do things GOD’s way and declare the glory of GOD? I am not saying that it is automatic or even easy, but it is your choice.

Hugs

Sharon

Cast them down

C.S. Lewis in his tiny but timeless book “Screwtape letters” warns us by bringing to light the fact that our enemy lurks near and whispers tempting and accusing suggestions in our ears.  He sounds so much like us we think those thoughts are our own.

Our enemy lurks ever near urging/ pushing/ prodding us to do or ponder what we should not.   But there is an answer. 

2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to cast down reasonings and every high thought that exalts itself against the knowledge of GOD (of HIS amazing character, wisdom, and goodness) and leading captive every thought into the obedience of the CHRIST. 

I personally, take those thoughts to CHRIST and HE shows me the truth.

So, when you hear those whispered suggestions from our lurking enemy, run boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and receive grace to help in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

Hugs

Sharon

Who do we ask?

When there is a need, where do we go? Who do we ask? To whom do we pray?

John 3:¹⁶ For GOD so loved the world that HE sent HIS only begotten SON (from heaven to earth) that whosoever believes in HIM (JESUS) should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 16:⁵ But now I (JESUS) go my way to HIM (GOD the FATHER of lights from whom all blessings flowJames 1:17) that sent ME.

John 16:²³ And in that day (when I go back to heaven) you shall ask ME (JESUS) NOTHING (not one thing). Verily, verily, I (JESUS) say to you, Whatsoever you shall ask the FATHER in MY name, HE will give it to you.

If the LORD JESUS CHRIST tells us NOT to pray to HIM asking anything but only go and ask of GOD the FATHER from whom all blessings flow, how much more should we NOT pray to anyone else. We have a direct line to the FATHER and HE wants us to come directly to HIM with our requests.

GOD the FATHER is the source of EVERY good and perfect gift (James 1:17), it is through the LORD JESUS CHRIST we have access to the throne of grace so we can ask (in MY name John 16:23) and it is the HOLY SPIRIT who leads is to pray (Galatians 3:18, Romans 8:14) helps us pray according to what is best, that is the will of GOD Romans 8:26-27).

Again, we see the Trinity at work- co laboring on our behalf. But we also see we are to go directly to our FATHER which is in heaven with our requests, just as JESUS taught HIS earthly disciples to do (Matthew 6:9).

Hugs

Sharon

How salty are you?

How salty are you?

The Dead Sea is a salt-lake bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and the West Bank to the west. The lake’s surface is 1,412 ft below sea level, making its shores the lowest land-based elevation on Earth. It is 34.2% (in 2011) salt- 9.6 times as salty as the ocean –making it the saltiest body of water in the world and which makes swimming like floating.

It went from a fresh-water lake to a salt-lake when GOD sent fire down upon it in judgment (Genesis 19:24).

When GOD says,  “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6), the salt HE is talking about is the truth of the Word of GOD which is living and powerful, showing us our thoughts and the intents of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12) which teaches, corrects, and instruct us.

Too much salt is not good, nor is it good for us. Have you ever put too much salt on your food?

In an open wound salt can really burn, so we must always seek GOD’s wisdom before speaking. I find that it is helpful to send silent arrow prayers for direction (Proverbs 3:5-7) as Nehemiah did before he answered the king (Nehemiah 2:4-5). 

As salt purifies and preserves and enhances the flavor of foods, so the truth of GOD’s word can preserve and enhance lives.  We are seeing more Bible prophesies written centuries ago are being fulfilled one after another than at any time in history since the time of CHRIST JESUS. 

Therefore, even if it stings a bit, speaking the truth is a very good thing. It helps us know what is going on.  We live in a day of so much sickness, increasing natural disasters, and disasters. It is a time when all around the world people are going crazy with riots and looting because of food, gas and electric shortages and building coming down after earthquakes.  We hear of wars in the Mideast and threats of a war and ultimatums from Russia and North Korea, and even spy balloons invading our air space from China.

It is a time when we who know what GOD has said, need to be salty.  We must care enough about others to tell them GOD’s truth, the plan laid out clearly in HIS Word the Bible. Whether they listen or mock we must offer the Gospel to them. 

GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten Son JESUS to die for us to pay for our sin and reconcile us to GOD that we might have eternal life (John 3:16).  They need to know of HIS love and HIS plan to purify this world when HIS wrath against sin will be poured out.   

People need to know that all they must do to be saved from what is coming is to call upon the LORD.  (Romans 10:9-10, 13). “The one who believes on the SON (JESUS) has everlasting life: but the one that does not believe the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides on him (John 3:36).

Are you ready? Are you salty?

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

Are you ever surprised?

Do things ever surprise you? They do me, but GOD is never surprised for HE knows all things before they even occur, from the before time began.

GOD’s ways are not our ways, HE doesn’t think like we do (Isaiah 55:8-9). I know that, yet I still find the evidence of it amazing.  GOD truth never changes (Psalm 100:5) and a recent event most are aware of reveals that fact.

“GOD that made the world and all things therein, seeing that HE is LORD of heaven and earth… (Acts 17:24)… HE gives to all life, and breath, and all things…(Acts 17:25)… HE made of one blood (Adam) all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has PRESET the EXACT TIMES and PLACES…” (Acts 17:26)

WHY?

“That they should seek the LORD (their choice), that they might feel after HIM, and find HIM, though HE be not far from every one of us:  For in HIM we live, and move, and have our being…” (Acts 17:27-28).

The world we live in is facing many problems and because of them many are seeking GOD and finding HIM.  But as a whole people are trying to find answers on their own and ignore and even deny GOD’s existence.

Most of us are aware that one man (a football player) had a heart attack after a play on the football field. Millions upon millions who previously mocked GOD began to pray, even over the media which is strictly taboo in our secular world.

GOD knows what HE is doing.  HE set the time and the place according to HIS love and burning desire to save people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).  GOD gives opportunities so that people can turn from their own ways to HIM and be saved (Ezekiel 18:23, 32 33:11).  Sometimes it takes a lot for us to see our need of HIM. 

I praise the LORD the prayers for that football player are being answered.  I pray that many will find the ONE to whom they reached out to on behalf of that football player! (Romans 6:23, 3:23, 10:9-10, 13).

Hugs

Sharon

Don’t leave GOD out!

A friend contacted me in a panic.  She had heard something on the media that freaked her out.  What she heard may very well be true, I don’t really know but I do know that she left GOD out of the picture. She forgot JESUS promises.  We can really get into a lot of trouble when we leave the LORD out of the equation.

“Let not your heart be troubled (don’t allow an outside source to stir you up).  You believe in GOD, believe also in ME” (John 14:1).

“…for HE (JESUS) said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you. So that we may boldly say, The LORD is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

At times life can seem overwhelming.  Perhaps, like I have done in the past, you are trying to take on, by yourself, something you were never meant to handle on your own.

But we don’t have to do that.  GOD encourages us, “come boldly unto the throne of grace (pray), that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to HELP in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

  
Look unto JESUS the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

PRAYER: LORD, thank YOU that YOU are always with me and are willing to help but want me to ask. YOU have not let me go. I am still in the palm of YOUR mighty hand and YOU will fulfill YOUR purpose for me just like YOU promised YOU will do. I pray in JESUS name (character and purposes) Amen.

I really do believe, yet…

I really do trust in the LORD with all my heart and really believe HIS Word the Holy Bible. Yet there are times fear invades my heart. Recently innuendos from the enemy causing fear hit when an especially bad flareup of ongoing severe problems of a loved one manifested. There was no human help available.

So, you know what I did? I ran to the throne of grace, by calling out to the LORD of heaven and earth, to receive mercy and grace to help in my time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Yes, I take those thoughts helpless fear to JESUS and tell HIM how I feel (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Usually then a verse or a phrase from a Bible verse will come to mind and as I speak it out aloud, peace will settle over me.

You know why? Because the Word of GOD is alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). It is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) and it cuts through those lies of Satan and the spirit of fear flees when I speak out loud the word placed in my heart (Philippians 2:13).

Looking to JESUS the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

Hugs

Sharon

Ask, then listen

As we read the Old Testament accounts it is crystal clear that people went to the house of GOD to pray.  It is written: “for MINE house shall be called a house of prayer for all people (Isaiah 56:7).  That truth that is echoed several times in the New Testament.

So when Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 says, “when you go to the house of GOD (it is saying when you go to pray) … Be more ready to hear than give the sacrifice of fools…be not rash with your mouth and don’t let your heart by hasty to utter anything before GOD: for GOD is in heaven, and you are on the earth: therefore let your words be few.”

James picks up the thought in James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak..”.  James goes on to say in James 1:21 “…  receive with meekness (humble submission) the engrafted (implanted) word.”

“For it is GOD which works (places) in you both to will and to do of HIS good pleasure”. (Philippians 2:13).  “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD, I will put MY laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them” (Hebrews 10:16). 

To me that sure sounds like that engrafted or implanted word James is talking about.

Our instructions seem perfectly distinct that when we go to GOD in prayer our words are to be few.  We are not to be like the unbeliever who thinks they will be heard because of many words (Matthew 6:7). After we relate to our all-knowing GOD our concerns (not telling HIM what to do) we are to stop and listen.  Then go with what we hear.  If we hear nothing, then we are to wait until we do hear something.  In those cases our orders are wait.

The other night I felt nudged to go stand behind a woman I did not know who had come forward in church.  All I knew was I was to put my arms around her and hold her and she began to sob, and I sobbed with her.  I was not given direction to say anything.  I was just to hold her. After a time, she calmed and thank me and went back to her seat.

Other times with other people I am given specific things to pray, or words to say to the person. Often if it is a word, that one will say GOD had been telling her that.  In those cases, GOD is just confirming to that one what HE already told her.  And make no mistake GOD wants us to know what HE wants so is open to confirm HIS words that we might have confidence to step out in faith.

We can rush ahead and tell GOD what we think HE should do, or we can go to HIM trusting HIM and acknowledging HIS wisdom and hand the situation to HIM then stop and listen.  HE promises that if we acknowledge HIM (talk to HIM about something) that HE will direct our path but warns us not to lean on our own understanding or be wise in our own eyes (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Therefore, go to the throne of grace and receive grace to help and your marching orders (Hebrews 4:14-16).  For on our own we know not how to pray as we ought (Romans 8:26-27).

Hugs

Sharon

What should I do?

GOD sent a messenger to remind me.

As the New Year began another emergency exploded and was added upon the many crisis situations already facing our family.

Lately it seems as if every day or two brings on a new one. Some are small like a leaky faucet and other huge like a potential heart attack or Covid (which several of us have had). As a new one 1st hits, if I focus on it instead of running immediately to the LORD, I become discouraged and downcast.   

But praise the LORD in HIS tender mercy HE knows and understands when I get distracted by the awful, and I mean awful circumstances hitting us from several directions (Hebrews 4:14-15).

One day I felt helpless, for troubles faced me and my family I could do absolutely nothing about. My focus blurred, slid off my LORD and GOD’s sovereign control and onto the troubles all around me. 

GOD in HIS great pity and boundless mercy sent me a messenger that day to redirect and encourage me.  As I sat on my porch swing, focusing on the newest crisis, a praying mantis landed on my shoulder, and just stayed there in a praying pose but with his head cocked looking directly at me. As if to say, “Shouldn’t you pray too?” 

I couldn’t help but laugh and I thanked the LORD for HIS faithfulness and began to unload on HIM all my concerns. 

Here we are in a new year, not sure what to do next? 

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge (talk it over with) HIM and HE will direct you steps.  Be not wise in your own eyes (in other words don’t tell GOD HIS directions won’t work for you)” Proverbs 3:5-7a. 

Often the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY directs us one step at a time and doesn’t tell us what we need to do tomorrow. Which is so frustrating to us who want long term vision.

GOD says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.  I will counsel you and watch over you.  Do not be like the horse or mule which have no understanding but must be controlled by a bridle or they will not come to you.” Psalm 32:8-9 

Some only go to GOD when there is trouble, but GOD wants us to discuss everything with HIM.  If we will, the LORD promises a peace (Philippians 4:6-7) and a deep inner awareness of what HE wants us to do (Philippians 2:13).  Don’t turn from that awareness of what HE wants/ HIS directions, for HIS ways always work even if they seem crazy to us (Isaiah 55:8-11).  HE always knows better than we do. 

Have you talked with the LORD about today?  Do you listen to the messages that GOD sends your way? 

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

GOD’s plan

Many times I have direction in what to ask GOD for but then there are times when I simply don’t know how to pray. This is happening more and more in the past few years.  I can reason what might be good but not knowing what GOD is doing behind the scenes there is a hesitation to ask what I think might work.  

Sometimes I pray and ask what HE is doing and am impressed to pray a certain way.  But when I am still not sure, when the hesitation remains I”ll simply pray for GOD’s perfect best in the situation.  For what is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23).

Many see that as a copout and although it may sound awful, I was greatly encouraged as I read the apostle Paul’s struggle to know how to pray or even ask others to pray for him in his situation as he wrote to the Philippians (Philippians 1:19-24).

He knew and stated pros and cons of what to ask for, yet ended in stating that one way was far better, but the other more needful. He realized that since he didn’t know what GOD was doing in that situation he didn’t know what to ask for.  Apparently, that later, being acquitted during the trial, was not more needful, for Paul was found guilty and went to be with the LORD which was far better.

Perhaps some were looking to Paul instead of personally seeking GOD.  We saw that with the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1).  For it wasn’t until the year that good King Uzziah died that Isaiah looked up and saw the LORD sitting on HIS throne, high and lifted up.

As well as an encouragement to me in the midst of censure, this account in Philippians reminds us again that the LORD’s ways are not our ways, nor HIS thought our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Looking unto JESUS the Author and Finisher of my faith (Hebrews 7:25, 12:2).

Hugs

Sharon