Any problems?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs Sharon

Check it out

One summer in the early 70’s was a terrible time of difficulties and confusion for me. Although I lived 50 miles away I decided to go to the Quincy fair to see if I could see any of my friends from high school.  Walking around at the fair, a stranger at the Gospel trailer introduced herself to me and said, “You look troubled. If you ever want to talk here is my address, write me.” And with that she handed me a slip of paper with her name and address. While doing laundry the following week I found that slip of paper and wanting to vent I wrote her.  She challenged me to take 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and give thanks to GOD every time I felt hurt or got mad at my situation, even if it meant doing it dozens of times each day. She told me to disregard my feelings and do just want it said- to give thanks.

I took her challenge and being I had to change my focus off the problem and on to GOD each time I thanked HIM for something negative, things began changing in me. For being with GOD changes us. After a few letters back and forth (we lived over 100 miles apart) she invited me to go with their little church up a mountain for a few days of camping with preaching,  She dismissed my excuses by saying just to bring my 2 young daughters and everything from a tent to food would be provided. I accepted.  During a break in the preaching we were told to go alone and read the Bible. GOD met with me as I sat under a tall Ponderosa Pine reading in Isaiah 50.  Through HIS word the LORD told me what HE was calling me to do (Isaiah 50:4-5) and gave me a strong warning to wait for HIS instructions for if I plotted my own way I would only get myself into trouble (Isaiah 50:10-11).  I believed HIM as HE spoke through HIS Word and the HOLY SPIRIT made it clear in my heart.

As you probably have noticed, GOD called me to share with others that which HE speaks to me through HIS word. Check out what I say by GOD’s Holy Word.

Never in scripture do you find the words, “figure it out yourself.” But repeatedly GOD’s Word urges us to “ask GOD” (James 1:5-7), or “acknowledge GOD” (talk to GOD about it-Proverbs 3:5-7). That is because the LORD has already figured out and knows what I need to do. HE declares that HE has even prepared the way ahead for me and you (Ephesians 2:10).  When GOD nudges me or tugs at me to do something, I know that I need to do it.

Still there are times I must force myself to not to be like a stubborn mule and just trust HIM when I don’t understand. The HOLY SPIRIT reminds me (John 14:26) that HE warned me not to scheme my way ahead but wait for HIS to leading (Isaiah 50:10-11).

There were times that even the 12 disciples questioned our LORD’s leading. “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing, nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” The disciples chose to obey JESUS’ nudge when it made no human sense to them. Because they did, they caught so many fish they had to call for another boat to help them pull them in the catch (Luke 5:5-7).

We need to be open minded and eager to hear GOD’s instructions, willing to do whatever HE wants. JESUS said if we are willing to do what GOD wants we will know if something is really from GOD or not (John 7:17).

A good way to learn to discern GOD’s voice is to be like the Bereans and daily search the scriptures (Acts 17:11). That way we will recognize the LORD’s voice when we hear it and know if the nudge or tug we are feeling is really from GOD.

hugs

Sharon

I can!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs

Sharon

The JOY of the LORD

What did GOD delight in? What brought the LORD joy day after day while HE created the heavens and earth and everything in them?

HE saw what HE had made and said, “It is good!” (see Genesis 1).

That wasn’t all that brought GOD joy, for other texts tell us that within the GODHEAD the THREE each loved and delighted in ONE ANOTHER. HE also delights in those who seek HIM. Just like my greatest joy is knowing GOD and spending time with HIM in HIS word and prayer.

But I also find great joy in what HE delights in, HIS creation and those who love HIM.  Seeing the beauty of a sunrise, the flowers on my plants and even clouds in the sky will lift my spirit and bring me joy, giving me strength by refocusing me on the awesome characteristics of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.

Who would have thought that my strength is determined on what I choose to think about?  But I find that it does.

“The JOY of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

Whether it is simple irritations like the cat knocking things off my desk, concerns over countless struggles my children and grandchildren are facing, or disturbing reports of the global disasters, wars, or even just the cost of eggs, it is too easy to get my eyes onto distractions and off my great ALMIGHTY GOD and HIS promises.

AW Tozer said, “Sometimes when we get overwhelmed, we forget how big GOD is.”

But GOD’s word says, “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. Therefore, we do not lose heart… For our light and momentary TROUBLES (in comparison) are ACHIEVING for us an eternal glory that FAR OUTWEIGHS the pain and struggles of today. (2 Corinthians 4:15-17).

That says that the things we and others encounter in life are meant for our good, to cause us to reach out to GOD and find HIM (Acts 17:26-27) so that we may live forever with HIM in a sinless and wonderful new world (John 3:16).

So, if we FIX our EYES not on what is seen (the situation), but on what is unseen (choosing to trust what GOD has said, that HE is ACHIEVING through the situation) we can find joy and peace in the midst of the storm.

For what is seen (the situation) is temporary, but what is unseen (what GOD is ACHIEVING) is eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:18).

It is written, “The joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). So choose joy.

GOD is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8), HE changes not (Malachi 3:6). GOD so loved the world HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM will not perish but have ever lasting life (John 3:16).  Find joy in the LORD and grab ahold of HIS promises by simply believing HIM.

“For the LORD GOD, the HOLY ONE of Israel says in returning and rest (in ME) shall you be saved; in quietness and in confidence (in ME) shall be your strength..” (Isaiah 30:15).

No matter what you are facing, let the joy of the LORD be your strength by simply trusting HIM.

Hugs

Sharon

The Potter

A potter applies pressure in one area then another on the clay as he spins it on his wheel.  He does it to form what he has designed. In a like manner GOD’s hands are molding us through the struggles and problems we face day in and day out (Isaiah 64:8, 2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

As humans we become mature/ grown-up, by facing, and overcoming trials, adversities, temptations and difficulties. I do not know why it is this way, it just is. The truth of the matter is pride stands DIRECTLY in the way of both accepting truth and maturing.

Arrested development occurs when we refuse to go through our struggles, trying to find a way to avoid reality. There are many common options used to escape: alcohol, drugs, going to people who agree with us, blaming others, denying there is a problem, keeping busy or just turning our back and walking away.

I’ve heard it said that whatever age a person is when they started using the escape methods (could be substance abuse, could be blaming, or making excuses, whatever) that is the emotional age they stay at, until they begin to learn how to “deal” with challenges. Could be why some grown-ups behave as little children.

ALMIGHTY GOD YOU know all things and look on our hearts.  I can think of some whom seem to avoid reality.   But I must admit that at times I do too.  Although I say I believe in YOUR love and purposes and quote all those verses that YOUR plans and ways are for my good, sometimes when trouble hits, I can lose my focus. I try to find a way out or around the problem, so I don’t have to go through it. Forgive me for despising or rejecting the very means YOU have graciously granted for my development.

I thank YOU LORD that I can find peace and help to cope by coming to YOU at the throne of grace for mercy and grace to help and to get the wisdom, understanding and strength I need to deal with each situation.  Lead me LORD.

Thank YOU for meeting me when I run to YOU LORD and I thank YOU for YOUR great and precious promises to go with me each step of the way/ that YOU will never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). Thank YOU for YOUR constant faithfulness and unending love, my eyes are on YOU, LORD.  I am just waiting to see what YOU are doing.  In JESUS name I rejoice and pray.  AMEN

hugs

Sharon

In us and through us

As never before our world seems filled with the darkness of seemingly impossible problems, fears and pain. Yet, you and I as believers in the LORD JESUS CHRIST are called to be the light of the world (Philippians 2:15).

“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.  For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live sincere and blameless lives until the day of CHRIST’s return” (Philippians 1:9-10). 

The Greek word translated “sincere” here means pure or unmixed while the English word “sincere” comes from a Latin word which means “without wax.” In ancient times, fine, expensive porcelain pottery often developed tiny cracks when it was fired in the kiln. Dishonest merchants would smear pearly white wax over the cracks until they disappeared, they would then claim the pottery was unblemished. But when the pottery was held up to the sun, the light would reveal the cracks filled in with wax. So honest merchants marked their porcelain with the words “sine cera” —without wax.

So how can I live a sincere and blameless life?  I must have no hidden cracks, no ulterior motives, no hidden agendas, no twisting of the truth for my advantage.  Seems impossible but when I am yielded to GOD I can be upfront and open as I allow the HOLY SPIRIT fill me (Ephesians 5:18), lead me and use me.

^“For GOD, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, shines in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of GOD in the face of JESUS CHRIST.But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of GOD, and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7).

I am but an earthen vessel, just a little pot of clay

without contents I am worthless, unused, inane I lay

Til the tender Master Potter fills HIS vessel from above

with the living flowing water of HIS great eternal love

No longer am I worthless, nor unused, inane do lie

Now there is water for the thirsty.  Their needs HE does supply.

Are you yielding to GOD’s nudges so HE can flow HIS love through you to those around you? (John 7:38-39). They need it!

hugs

Sharon

Plans

Yesterday was a rough day, so after cooking supper I went out and sat on my porch swing. The amazing artistry and soft hues of color mixed with the clouds at sunset delighted me.  Marveling at the design and synchronization of the heavenly bodies GOD flung into space, by a merely speaking a word never fails to calm me for in them I see the power, wisdom and control of my Creator and Savior.

But sometimes, I don’t love the things that seem to be flung into my life and into the lives of those I love. With the onslaught of one dire struggle after another crisis (several this week alone on top of all that is already in play) I felt drained and thought of the old saying, ‘the straw that broke the camel’s back’.  

I wanted to scream, “No more!  Already it is all wrong!  Who of all my family down to my great grandchildren isn’t affected in some struggle, several so very hard and others life threatening?”  Isaiah 45:9 reminded me not to argue with GOD. So, I opened HIS word to allow GOD to take control of my thoughts and renew my mind. I knew I couldn’t do it on my own.

I opened to, “Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in HIM (Psalm 37:5).  Then thought of the words of my friend Jacky, ““Trusting GOD is an exercise, you learn to do it by choosing to do it. And the more you do it (trust GOD), the more you can do it (trust GOD), for your eyes become able to see GOD at work” /Jacky Manchester.

Yes, to trust GOD is a choice, in other words, “Live by faith, not sight” (Habakkuk 2:4)

Into my mind flew the truth found in 2 Corinthians 4:15-18. All things are for your benefit and will bring glory to GOD. Though outside everything seems falling apart our inward man is being renewed day by day. For our temporary troubles are achieving for us eternal wonderful things that far exceed the pain of today. So, look not at what you can see, your situation, for it is temporary.  But look at what is unseen, what GOD is achieving for you through your difficulties (summation of 2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

For GOD works all things (good and bad) together for an end result of good for those who love HIM and are the called.  GOD HIMSELF has determined to conform us to the image (divine nature) of HE SON (JESUS) that HE may be the 1^st of many brethren (Romans 8:28-29).

Then my eyes looked back to the page of the Bible, Psalm 37:7 “Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for HIM, do not fret!… Psalm 37:8 …do not fret-it only causes harm.”

Now being renewed in mind (Romans 12:2), I am again at peace and resting assured GOD has every single situation under control and will direct my steps for anything I am to do.

GOD has encouraged and strengthened me.  Hope it will encourage and strengthen you as well.

Hugs

Sharon 

It gives hope in the hard things

Some of my students and several family members have had one hard thing after another, after another.  It seems nonstop.  “For this our heart is faint; for these things our eyes are dim” (Lamentation 5:17).  Some are trusting GOD through it all but others are pulling back.  What do you do when what appears bad happens to you?

Lamentations is a book of hardship and distress.  It only has 5 chapters but right smack in the middle of it– in the middle of chapter 3 you will find a goldmine of precious truth that encourage and gives us HOPE during continual trouble.

“This I recall to my mind; therefore I have HOPE. It is of the Lord’s MERCIES that we are not consumed (HE is with us in it), because HIS COMPASSIONS fail not. They are new every morning: great is THY faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore, will I HOPE in HIM.  The Lord is good to them that WAIT for HIM, to the soul that seeks HIM.  It is good that a man should both HOPE and quietly WAIT for the salvation of the LORD “ (Lamentations 3:21-26).

^“For the Lord will not cast off for ever:  But though HE causes grief, yet will HE have COMPASSION according to the multitude of HIS MERCIES. For HE does not want to afflict nor does HE desire to grieve the children of men to crush under HIS feet… “ (Lamentations 3:31-34).

Did you notice HOPE is said 3 times in those verses, COMPASSIONS and MERCIES plus WAIT are each stated twice?  Great emphasis is implied.

But, each of us have areas where we need to learn and grow, even perfect Job (Job 1:1) had to learn more about GOD (Job 42:5).  One of GOD’s unfathomable ways to teach us, as HE did our JESUS is through suffering (Hebrews 2:10, 18).  With each struggle GOD says, “You are ready to learn more.”

^“All this is for your BENEFIT, (HUH?) so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of GOD. Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.For our light and momentary troubles are ACHIEVING for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen (our situation) is temporary, but what is unseen (what GOD is achieving for us through these situations) is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Through our struggles we are given the opportunity to cause others to give thanks and glorify GOD.  Our comparative momentary troubles are actively ACHIEVING for us awesome eternal things that far outweigh (exceeds) all our troubles.  So, we are told to look at what cannot be seen, to look at what GOD is achieving for us through our temporary struggles.  That takes FAITH and TRUST in GOD and HIS wisdom and LOVE.

“you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to children, My son, despise not the discipline (child training) of the LORD, nor faint when you are rebuked by HIM:  For whom the LORD LOVES HE disciplines, and scourges every son whom HE receives.” (Hebrews 12:5-6)  Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection to the FATHER of spirits, and live?  For they verily for a few days discipline us after their own pleasure; but HE for our PROFIT, that we might be partakers of HIS holiness.  Now no discipline for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Hebrews 12:9-11).

Yes, the LORD truly LOVES us, “O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; YOU hast redeemed my life” (Lamentation 3:58).  “Wherefore HE (JESUS CHRIST) is able also to save them to the uttermost (those of us) that come to GOD by HIM, seeing HE lives forever to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

Note the discipline and prayers are only for those who come to GOD through believing in JESUS CHRIST and they are for our benefit and earn eternal rewards for us.

Hugs

Sharon

Strengthen

Under the New covenant (1 Corinthians 11:25) GOD has given the believer a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26) but we must renew our minds every day in the Word (Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:23). 

Concerned about some of my extended family who are struggling, I cast my cares on the LORD and started to do my homework. For I always do a fresh copy of the lesson I am about to teach. As I looked up verses GOD reminded me of HIS amazing promise. “But the LORD is faithful, and HE will strengthen and protect you from the evil one” 2 Thessalonians 3:3.

Yes, the LORD is faithful and HE will strengthen and protect them from the evil one. Joy hit for it is so freeing to rest on the promises of GOD!

Continuing to do my homework, I came to the word sanctify. That word sanctify is used in many ways throughout scripture and can at times seem daunting, just too much to attain to. But GOD promises that HE is the ONE calling us, and HE will do it 1 Thessalonians 5:24.

“And the very GOD of peace sanctify (set apart for special use) you wholly; and I pray GOD your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. Faithful is HE who calls you Who will also do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the GOD of all grace (GOD’s riches at CHRIST’s expense), who has called us unto his eternal glory (GOD’s divine nature 2 Peter 1:4, Exodus 33:18-19, 19:5-7) by CHRIST JESUS, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” 1 Peter 5:8-10.

Look what GOD promises: HE will:

1)Make you perfect: restore, adjust thoroughly, to qualify and fully equip, complete

How is one perfected? James 1:2-4 Ouch, through trials and temptations.

2)Confirm: set you firm like clotheslines set in cement so they will stand straight under weight.

3)Strengthen: Acts 3 tells a story of a cripple from birth who sat begging by the temple. When Peter and John saw him he put out his hand asking for money. But they said to the man, Silver and gold we have none, but rise up and walk. Acts 3:7 says his ankles were strengthened and he jumped up and walk and leaped and praised the LORD.

4)Settle: establish or give a firm foundation. JESUS tells that the house built on the sand (no foundation/ one who has heard the truth but does not live it out) collapses when storms come. But the house built on the Rock (one who hears and does what JESUS says) will stand firm when storms come (see Matthew 7:24-27).

1 Peter 5:8-10 tells us that GOD HIMSELF promises to sanctify- set us apart to HIMSELF and after a while of suffering like boot camp training GOD HIMSELF will make us ready to cope and completely equip us for any work HE assigns to us. We will not totter but have strength to do what needs to be done and will be established in the faith even during the storms of life. And storms will come.

Meanwhile we have a job. We are warned that we have an enemy who wants to topple us. So, we are to be on watch against him and resist him- 1 Peter 5:8-9. James tells us that if we submit ourselves 1st to GOD, then and only then can we successfully resist the devil and he will flee from us -James 4:7.

We have an amazing GOD, don’t we?

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

Doing it on your own?

In these days many face struggles and temptations.  Are you facing something hard?

When struggles come where I can’t see my way out or I’m tempted to fear, act up, or think I must jump in to fix things for others, I run to the LORD 1st.

This past week I got angry when after praying for GOD to have HIS way in a serious situation, it looked like HE did nothing as if I’d not even prayed.  So, I told the LORD and just by turning my attention to GOD and telling HIM how I felt, HE calmed me by my just being in HIS presence.  Then HE impressed on my heart the truth I know so well, “Sharon, I know what I am doing.” And HE flooded me with HIS peace and joy.  Nothing had changed in the real world but my focus.

For in that HE HIMSELF (JESUS) has suffered being tempted, HE is able to succor/help them that are tempted (Hebrews 2:18).

For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities (weaknesses and struggles); but (JESUS) was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy (GOD’s favor when we are wrong), and find grace (GOD’s Riches At CHRIST’s Expense) to HELP in time of need (Hebrews 4:15-16).

Are you struggling in some area?  Are you tempted?  Run to the throne of grace (pray and tell the LORD how you feel) and HE promises to give you all the help you need for the situation.

Hugs,

Sharon