HIS Purpose

Immutable is a big word we seldom use that means unchanging. Sometimes the word immutable is used by preachers to speak of GOD.   In connection with GOD, immutable does NOT mean that GOD is rigid for HE is far from that. GOD’s unchangeableness speaks of HIS faithfulness to HIS own nature/character and purposes.  For instance, the LORD cannot get better for HE is already the best.  HE cannot lie for HE is the truth.  HE cannot learn anything for HE knows all things.

When the bible speaks about GOD never changing it tells us that we can rely on HIM to do what HE says HE will do. HIS promises speak of HIS eternal purposes.  All of GOD’s ways spring from HIS character and purposes. 

One of GOD’s ways is to hate sin and to punish it, while HE loves it when people do right, and HE will reward that.

“With the pure, YOU (GOD) show YOURSELF pure. With the sinful YOU show YOURSELF to be against them” (Psalm 18:26 NLV).

Christians face discipline when they do wrong (1 Corinthians 11:31-32, Hebrews 12:4-7, 10-11) just as the Jews have and do to this day.

Malachi 3:6 “For I am the LORD, I do not change.  Therefore, you are not consumed O sons of Jacob.”

The context is the Jews have sinned, but since GOD made a promise HE does not wipe them out. For HE always keeps HIS word.  Instead, the LORD in HIS longsuffering disciplines them until they change their attitude and actions, just like HE does with a Christian. 

A few Jews are accepting JESUS now and are saved. But for the most part the Jews are blinded and will not come to believe in JESUS until the end of the 7-year Tribulation (Zechariah 13:8-9, 12:10, Daniel 9:24, and Hebrews 8:7-12).  Daniel 9:25-26 shows that the Messiah (JESUS CHRIST) must be cut off/ die and other things happen before the Jews come to believe in HIM.  The text in Hebrews 8:7-12 was written in future tense (something yet to occur) several years AFTER JESUS died, was resurrected and went to heaven. Both are yet future and Romans 11:25-27 states clearly that the Jews have been blinded but every one of those Jews (the 1/3 which are purified Zechariah 13:8-9) who are still alive at the end of the Tribulation will come to believe when they see JESUS at HIS return at the end of the 7-year tribulation.

But you may wonder at the few times the Bible says, GOD repented/ was sorry that HE did something (Genesis 6:5-6).  What is that talking about?  It means that for GOD to be faithful to HIS nature and purposes/ for HIM to act in character which is to punish sin and reward doing right, certain things had to be done. (see Ezekiel 33:17-20).

When GOD made mankind in HIS image HE gave us the ability to choose.  GOD does not change that and even though HE does not like many of our choices, HE does not make us robots that must obey HIM. 

GOD does not take back our ability to choose.  Yet the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is Sovereign for HE always sets the stage (determines the times and places with specific intent -Acts 17:26-27) and has complete foreknowledge of what we will do ( Acts 2:23, 1 Peter 1:2).  We in turn determine how to act in those times and places.

Now it is written that GOD is love (1 John 4:7) and that GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only SON (JESUS) that whoever would believe in JESUS would have eternal life (John 3:16).  Then John 3:36 says, He who believes in the SON has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the SON shall not see life, but the wrath of GOD (continues) to abide on him.

You see GOD is love (1 John 4:7) and in HIS love HE sent HIS SON JESUS to offer forgiveness and life (John 3:16).  But GOD’s love is in HIS SON (JESUS) (Romans 8:39).  If you receive the SON you receive GOD’s love and the forgiveness JESUS earned for us on the cross.  But if you reject the SON you reject GOD’s love, and your sins remain on you and must be punished for the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).

Sinclair Lewis said that GOD’s throwing those who reject JESUS into the lake of fire was GOD’s last act of respect/ for HE ratifies their rejection of HIM. 

In other words, GOD honors the unbelievers right to choose.  GOD acts at that time according to HIS nature to rejects those who already have rejected HIM. 

As it is written: “For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:2).

Eternal life means being with GOD (John 17:3) and they want no part of GOD. Therefore, GOD turns them over and gives them what they have chosen (Revelation 20:10, 15).

Hugs

Sharon

What’s my purpose?

Getting stung by a bee is no fun and that is why bees really scare Mac.  One got in his Pepsi. When he went to take a drink it stung him and Mac’s mouth and tongue began to swell to the degree that he could barely breathe until he was given some Benadryl.

But GOD made bees for a reason. Their honey brings healing to people from allergies and many other afflictions as well as gives people sweetness and strength. The bee also cross pollinates fruit and vegetable flowers so plants can produce fruit. Without bees there is no productivity, there might be pretty flowers on the plants but no pumpkins, no peaches.

This morning when I read Mark 1:3 (JESUS said) “… that is why I came…”  

I wondered so asked my GOD, “Why am I here? LORD? YOU do nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23) but have made everything according to YOUR a plan with definite purpose in mind (Ephesians 1:11, 2:10) and YOU have equipped and assigned work to each of your creatures for the good of others (I Corinthians 12:7) . Even the bees have a calling. They do not know what they are doing but their making honey brings healing and gives sweetness and also has the side effect of cross pollination so we get watermelons. YOU made the bee for a reason and have given the bee purpose and meaning. What about me LORD? What is my purpose and meaning today?

Please use me today. As YOU use the little bee to bring healing, or strength, or sweetness, or build up another so that he can produce the fruit YOU made for him to produce, flow through me today to touch others I ask that in the name of JESUS.

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

Hugs,

Sharon

Eyes to see

Wanting to get to California to see my mom, we were driving along the highway at night.  Being very tired we were startled when, seemingly out of nowhere, there was a deer in the middle of the mountain road.  He just stood there like a statue, frozen in place, looking directly at us.  By breaking, swerving, and praying, we were barely able to miss him.

Have you ever been baffled when trying to explain something, that seems simple and crystal clear to you, but the other person looked like a deer staring into headlights (seems confused, and clearly without a clue as to what you are talking about)? 

That happened in a class I was teaching, when someone visited for the 1st time.  Without the background information from studying the 1st 12 chapters, I totally understood how the lesson could seem confusing, perhaps even baffling.  I was so glad for the warm coffee, and yummy treats, so the gal at least could enjoy them.

Why is there confusion?  Why can’t people always understand what is being said?  Well, it all began way back when people thought they knew what was best for them and wanted to do their own thing.  (sounds a bit like what is happening today, doesn’t it?)  Wanting to stay put and make a name for themselves, they flatly refused to obey the Almighty Creator’s instructions to fill the earth. Therefore, in order to get the people to scatter, according to HIS specific plan and purposes, GOD confused their languages (Genesis 11:1-9).  No longer could they understand one another,

It is so important to listen and act when GOD tells us something.  For when we turn away from what GOD has shown us, we have literally turned our back to GOD.  We are facing the dark and walking in the dark, but don’t know it.  In this state, we can easily stumble and fall.

When we come to JESUS, we are given light (understanding).  As we consistently seek HIM, our understanding grows by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT (2 Corinthians 3:18).  But even then, we only know in part (1 Corinthians 13:12).  So need to ask HIM to show us more.

“Then JESUS opened their understanding that they might understand the Scriptures.” Luke 24:45

“The secret (or hidden) things belong to our GOD; but the things that are revealed (made clear to us) belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all ( GOD has for us to do)…” Deuteronomy 29:29

The ability to see, to hear, to understand things as they really are, is a pure gift from GOD.  Like the Apostle Paul, we need to ask GOD to open the eyes of our understanding (Ephesians 1:18) day after day. GOD always will show us all we need to know to do what HE wants us to do.

At times as I open my Bible I will ask through singing.

Open the eyes of my heart LORD.  Open the eyes of my heart, I want to see You, I want to see You.

Open the eyes of my heart LORD.  Open the eyes of my heart, I want to see You, I want to see You.

To see You high and lifted up, Shining in the light of Your glory. 

Pour out Your Power and Love as we sing Holy, Holy, Holy.

Holy, Holy, Holy.  Holy, Holy, Holy.  Holy, Holy, Holy I want to see You

If others are baffled by what seems so clear to you, you can help them understand by praying that their eyes be opened too.

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

Why?

Has tragedy struck and is it about to reach culmination in your life? It might not be the end but a beginning.

Hard things are not always a curse. They are meant to benefit us and are merely a means GOD is using to achieve what needs to be done (2 Corinthians 4:15-17). From the human perspective it can look like the end of the world; but through GOD’s eyes there are forces at work, plans aligning, and miracles taking place. (I have found this out through much personal experience).

Stop and think of Jonah GOD’s man who hated the assignment GOD gave him so he ran the other way got on a boat, was thrown into the sea, was swallowed by a huge fish and after 3 days Jonah cried out to GOD from the bellow of the fish and promised to do whatever GOD told him. GOD had the fish spit out Jonah on dry ground and told Jonah to go do what HE had told him to do (go preach to the Ninivites. So, Jonah went and did as he was told to do.

2 Corinthians 7:9-11 LB says: I am glad…not because it hurt you but because the pain turned you to GOD. It was a good kind of sorrow you felt, the kind of sorrow GOD wants HIS people to have… For sometimes GOD uses pain in our lives to help us turn away from sin (as HE did for Jonah). We should never regret HIM sending it. See how much good grief from the LORD did for you? You no longer shrug your shoulders at sin but have become earnest and sincere and very intent on getting rid of sin.

We need to remember GOD’s ways are not our ways, but they always work (Isaiah 55:8-11).

Let’s look at a few of the great and precious promises GOD has given that we might be partakers of HIS holiness (2 Peter 1:3-4)

GOD promises to lead us and help us mourn for our sins and confess them so HE can bless us (Isaiah 57:18).

(Acts 17:26-27) … HE has preset the exact times and places (that includes red lights and traffic jams) for the purpose that men should reach out to HIM…

Our Heavenly FATHER disciplines us for our profit… and although it may be painful for a while, it will produce the peaceable fruit of righteousness in our lives (Hebrews 12:9-11).

(Lamentations 3:33) GOD does not enjoy causing grief (HE brings/allows it only when it is necessary to achieve an end result of good to those who love HIM and are the called according to HIS purposes (Romans 8:28-29)

(Lamentations 3:32) although HE causes grief, HE will show compassion (Lamentations 3:22- 23) for the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases. HIS mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.

Sometimes we struggle or see another struggling and wonder why. It helps me to remember that GOD is loving and kind and in control and does nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23)

Regardless of how bad things look, know that GOD is in control working behind the scenes for an end result of good.

Holding on to these promises enables me to look to HIM and follow HIS leading one step at a time.

hugs
Sharon L Manning

What is GOD’s purpose?

GOD’s Purpose or Mine?

HE made HIS disciples get into the boat and go before HIM to the other side…  MARK 6:45

We tend to think that if JESUS CHRIST compels us to do something and we are obedient to HIM, HE will lead us to great success. Our dreams of success are not necessarily GOD’s purpose for us. In fact, HIS purpose may be exactly the opposite.

We have an idea that GOD is leading us toward a particular assignment but that may or may not be. The question of whether or not we succeed is of little importance.  What matters is what we learn of HIM along the way.  For the clearer we see HIM the more we reflect HIM to others (2 Corinthians 3:18) and open their hearts to listen to the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT (2 Timothy 2:24-26).

The disciples thought it was their responsibility to get to the other side but JESUS purpose in sending them was to reveal HIMSELF as able to walk on water and calm the storm (Mark 6:51).

What do I think GOD’s purpose is for me? Whatever it may be, HIS purpose is for me to depend on HIM and on HIS power right now. To stay calm, faithful, and unconfused while in the middle of the turmoil of life by knowing that HE is with me the goal of the purpose of GOD is being accomplished in me.  What HE desires for me is that I see “HIM walking on the sea” having the absolute certainty that everything is all right because HE is there with me (Hebrew 13:5-6).

GOD’s training is for now, not later. HIS purpose is for this very minute, not for sometime in the future. We have nothing to do with what will follow our obedience to the demands of the moment, and we are wrong to concern ourselves with it. What people call problems, GOD sees as that which is achieving (2 Corinthians 4:15-16) awesome results.

GOD’s purpose is to enable me to see HIM in everything.  See that HE can walk on the storms of my life right now. If we realize that moment-by-moment obedience is the goal, then each moment becomes precious.

There is no condition of life in which we cannot abide (walk with) JESUS.  We have to learn to see and depend on HIM wherever we are placed, whatever is going on around us and to leave the outcome to HIM.

LORD, what a joy it is to know that YOU know everything about me. YOU know the issues and hopes that are deep within my heart. YOU are close to me when I am at my lowest and YOU step in and rescue me. It is such peace to know that YOUR great desire for me is to know YOU more (2 Peter 1:1-4).  LORD I love YOU and want to do YOUR will. Amen

hugs

Sharon

A little black dot

We are GOD’s workmanship created in CHRIST JESUS unto good works that GOD has prepared in advance for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10) but we are not just puppets, with GOD pulling the strings. When we accept JESUS to save us from our sins, we are given the HOLY SPIRIT who explains GOD’s ways and Words to us. We can know what GOD wants us to do because HE plants within us a desire to do what HE wants us to do (Philippians 2:13). Yet the LORD grants us the freedom to choose whether to act on what HE is urging us to do, or to resist HIS nudging and refuse to act (2 Timothy 2:19-21).

 

After hearing a message of how each of us are important in GOD’s overall plan and encouraged to express our part in GOD’s plan, I felt a nudge to draw but simply put a black dot on the paper. Then I reached for a yellow pencil and encircled the dot with a wavy line. Then I got another color and encircled the yellow line, then another and another and another each encircling the one before with a wavy line. The result resembled a flower so I took a green pencil and made a stem with a leaf. It was then GOD spoke and explained my purpose in HIS big plan.

 

“You are the dot, Sharon. Give out the word I give you. Those who hear MY word at your lips and receive them become the yellow wavy circle; they in turn will speak what they have learned; those who receive their words, are the next wavy line. On, and on, it goes. The stem speaks ME for I am the stem, the source of nourishment and life and you are to be rooted in the Word of GOD. As it is written I am the Word made flesh (John 1:14). If you speak what I say, you the little black dot, are the beginning of a fragrant flower that will honor ME.

 

“The things that you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable men, who will be qualified to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:1).

 

Acknowledge ME in all your ways, and I will direct your path (fingers to draw) (Proverbs 3:5-7a).

 

My little black dot doesn’t look like much, but it starts something that GOD will make beautiful. What GOD asks of you, may not seem like much either, but it has a purpose and if you will learn and obey you will glorify GOD.

 

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

Hugs

Sharon