Do what I say

Do you, do I really believe what we say we believe?

If we truly believe something we act on it.

I believe in the GOD of the Bible and therefore, in the Bible itself.

I believe GOD spoke to us things we need to know through HIS prophets, and they were recorded in the Bible (Hebrews 1:1-3, 2 Peter 1:21).

Romans 15:⁴ For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Matthew 4:⁴ JESUS answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of GOD.

Do you, do I go without food day after day? Do you, do I open the Word of GOD every day to get the instructions we need for that day?

Hebrews 4:¹² For the word of GOD is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Some claim the things the Bible says are obsolete/ outdated, but what does JESUS say?

Mark 13:³¹ Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY words will never pass away.

Isaiah 8:²⁰ Consult GOD’s instruction and the testimony of warning (Bible). If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.

Psalm 119:⁸⁹ Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.

JESUS asks, Luke 6:⁴⁶ Why do you call ME LORD, LORD and do not do the things I say?

The word LORD means master. A master tells his servants what to do not the other way around. So let’s look at JESUS question again.

JESUS asks, Luke 6:⁴⁶ Why do you call ME LORD, LORD and do not do the things I say?

How do you, do I answer JESUS question in Luke 6:46?

Hugs,

Sharon

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

YOU keep YOUR Promises

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

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

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

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

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

Yes GOD keeps HIS promises, but we must ASK!

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

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

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

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

Hugs,

Sharon

Wash the windows

LORD willing, I know what is on the top of my to do list when I get home from class!

I glanced up from writing and looked out my window, I was horrified.  The sunlight streaming accentuates how very dirty my windows are.  Though I wash them from time to time, somehow they keep getting dirty.

When a person calls on the name of the LORD JESUS to save him, he is forgiven and cleansed from all sin by the blood of JESUS and forever that one belongs to JESUS and is saved from the wrath of GOD (Hebrews 7:25, John 3:36). 

Even though we are saved we find ourselves turning around and sinning, for all men sin (2 Chronicles 6:36).  When that happens, we don’t need to be saved all over again for we are covered by the cleansing blood of JESUS have eternal life.  Yet to avoid GOD the FATHER taking us to the woodshed /being disciplined of the LORD (1 Corinthians 11:31-32, Hebrews 12:4-7, 10-11), we need to own up/ acknowledge we did wrong- that is confess our sin.  “If we confess our sin, GOD is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us (anew) from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

But we are like my windows, by just being in this world we completely unintentionally get some of the dirt and grime of this world system on us.  It just attaches itself to us, like smoke from a campfire or white cat hair to a black pair of slacks.  And it shows to everyone but us.

One of the pieces of furniture in the Old Testament tabernacle was the bronze laver and it was filled with water.  The priests would often stop at the laver and perform ritualistic cleansing.  Like much of the Old Testament, this laver is a picture for us Christians. 

“How can a young man (anyone) cleanse his way?  By taking heed to YOUR word” (Psalm 119:9).

“as CHRIST also loved the church and gave HIMSELF for it; That HE might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26).

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of GOD is alive, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”  

The Word of GOD shows us the things hiding in our heart that should not be there.  When we see them we can take them to GOD and HE will wash them just as I intend to wash my windows.

Hugs,

Sharon

Do you

Do you Qualify?   Anybody out there got troubles? 

Just an annual check up with my cardiologist found me in the hospital to get a stent.  Well, once in 3 doctors not only placed 2 new stents one on the left and one on the right of my heart but they found something else that called for radiation to stop disease that was beginning in another area. My doc didn’t know, I sure didn’t know but GOD knew and set us up. (as is HIS way lol).  A few complications but I’m trusting they are for a reason.  

We can trust GOD even when all goes wrong since it is GOD who has preset our times and locations (Acts 17:26-27) and always has a good reason (Ezekiel 14:23).

I’m not being super spiritual, it’s just life is so much easier when I choose (and at times it is a definite, deliberate choice) to believe GOD’s Words and see GOD’s hand in otherwise hard things (Ephesians 1:11). Just as we see GOD the FATHER’s hand in JESUS being on the cross (Acts 2:23, Isaiah 53:6) so that whosoever chooses may believe in JESUS and have everlasting life. 

GOD proclaims, and shows us in HIS word, that HE works all things together for an end (and eternal) result of good for those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).  We are told not to keep our eyes focused on our situation but on what GOD is achieving for us through our troubles, for our troubles are temporary but what GOD is achieving (things we can’t yet see) are eternal (see 2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Do you Qualify?

LORD, we are grabbing on to YOUR word that YOU are never late (2 Peter 3:9).  Thank You for reminding me of Joseph. He didn’t know what YOU were doing from the time his brothers sold him as a slave, was lied about when he did the right thing, and put in prison. YOUR promising word to him that YOU gave him through those dreams tried and tested him as he sat in prison until YOU brought him out and made him 2nd over the land of Egypt (Psalm 105:19).

LORD so many, me included, are being sorely tested but like Joseph we trust in You. Please encourage them as YOU do me I ask in JESUS name.

Trusting and applying GOD’s word is what keeps me sane is this topsy turvy world.

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

Who did it?

There is a new year beginning today.  What lies ahead, only GOD knows for sure.

But GOD’s word promises Isaiah 26:³ GOD will keep in perfect peace the mind who is stayed (focused) on HIM, because he trusts in GOD.  ⁴ trust in the LORD for ever and ever for in the LORD JEHOVAH (YHWH) is everlasting strength.

One pastor once said, “If you view everything as coming from the hand of our loving wise GOD, life will be filled with peace. HE tells us that if trust HIM and talk to HIM about everything, HE HIMSELF will direct our steps. But we must not be wise in our own eyes to demand which we think is best (Proverbs 3:5-7).

But sometimes what GOD does/allows doesn’t makes a bit of sense to us.  Which just proves GOD’s own word is true.

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.

When we don’t understand the whys(?) behind what GOD is allowing or doing in our lives or around the world we need to depend on what we do know about GOD. 

1-HE is Sovereign (in control and works all things after the counsel of HIS own will (Ephesians 1:11, Lamentations 3:37).

2-GOD is love (1 John 4:8) (That’s agape’ love which always works for the benefit of the one loved (see 1 Corinthians 13)

3-GOD is compassionate and faithful.  Because of HIS mercies endure forever we are not consumed (Lamentations 3:22-23).

4-The LORD has all power (HE is able to do whatever HE says HE will do Romans 4:20-21)

5-Everything the LORD decides to do is right and true (Psalm 19:9)

6-The ALMIGHTY does nothing without a good reason (Ezekiel 14:23).

7-HE has preset the exact times and places for the purpose that people would reach out to HIM (Acts 17:26-27)

8-GOD works all things (good and bad) together for an end result of good to them who love HIM and that changes them to be conformed to the image of JESUS (Romans 8:28-29).

9-Everything allowed or sent benefits the believer in JESUS for temporary troubles achieve for us eternal wonders that far surpass the pain of today.  Our troubles are temporary but what they achieve are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

10-Struggles develop and prepare us for the work GOD has for us to do (James 1:2-4)

Just 2 examples of these truths.

In Genesis 50:20 Joseph tells his brothers that when they sold him as a slave they meant it for evil against him but that GOD intended to use that for good. GOD used the 20 years of slavery and prison to prepare and place Joseph in a position where he could be called into leadership in Egypt and save many through 7 years of famine as well as forward GOD plan to build a nation out of Jacob/Israel from whom the Messiah JESUS would come.

In Acts 2:23 shows us that wicked men had JESUS crucified by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of GOD.  What did it achieve?  Forgiveness and eternal life for all who will believe in JESUS, and it disarmed the demons and destroyed the authority of the devil (Colossians 2:13-15).

The wicked are responsible and will be judged for their actions, yet GOD will use all things the wicked do to benefit those who love HIM and to further HIS eternal plan.  That blows my mind.  Our GOD is a mighty GOD!

See, we really can’t say what is bad for we do not know what the all wise, powerful, compassionate GOD is doing through what we see is happening.  1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the LORD come, Who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels of the heart…

Remember Psalm 3:3 “YOU O LORD are a shield about me, YOU are my glory and the lifter of my head.”

If you sing that verse or state it when you see trouble coming your head will lift up and focus on GOD and your fears will flee.

Hugs

Sharon

Do you agree?

My big sister Rosie and I were just two years apart and in this picture we are walking together back in the day. The cars in the picture give you a clue just how many years have passed by since that walk.

Jesus said, “If you abide in ME, and MY WORDS abide (live) in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7).

Wow, that is some promise!

To abide with someone, we must simply walk hand in hand in agreement with them about where we are going.  That is how it is with GOD the FATHER, the LORD JESUS CHRIST and the HOLY SPIRIT.  Although they are 3 persons they are one in nature, they hold the same values and each honors the others.  That is how JESUS could say if you have seen ME you have seen GOD the FATHER (John 14:9).

How can two walk together unless they agree? Amos 3:3

When we walk in agreement with JESUS means we walk according to HIS word.  For it is in word of GOD we get to know JESUS better and better.  We learn how HE thinks and what HE wants (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16).

For HIS word to abide in us, we must know it and to follow its instructions. So, we need to take some time every day to grow in our knowledge of the LORD JESUS by spending time in GOD’s word and prayer (2 Peter 1:1-4).  Then as we walk hand in hand with JESUS desiring HIS will, the HOLY SPIRIT will bring HIS words to our minds (John 14:26) and as we comply to those nudges to act accordingly, HIS word abides in us and we can ask what we will, and GOD the FATHER will do it for us.

Isn’t the simplicity of CHRIST amazing and beautiful?

Hugs

Sharon

Faith trusts

Just as lifting weights builds muscles little by little, so we exercise our spiritual muscles to grow in being able to distinguish what is of GOD by using the truths GOD shows us through HIS word. Our obedience builds us up spiritually so we grow in maturity.  We learn and grow in grace and virtue, a step at a time, little by little, line upon line, here a little and there a little.  That is how we grow in all of the godly attributes, even TRUST. 

A week after our move to Colorado Springs, I had a baby girl. Soon after my oldest daughter didn’t come home from school. I had no way to go hunting for her and had no clue where to look anyway. I anxiously waited and waited, still she didn’t show up.  My thoughts went crazy with questions: Where could Jeri be? Was she alright? Jeri was a beauty and had just turned 15.  There was nothing I could do, but I couldn’t just sit there for the scenarios that came to my mind had me in a stew. 

To redirect my thoughts, I drug myself down the stairs to the basement and started a load of laundry.  As I threw some of Jeri’s clothes into the washer, I dissolved in tears again.  I went back upstairs, sat at the kitchen table and after crying out to GOD, I opened my Bible and began to read.

“he shall not be afraid of bad news; his heart is fixed (set in cement) TRUSTING in the LORD” (Psalm 112:7).

As I read those words, GOD spoke/ impressing in my spirit the words, “Sharon, TRUST ME!”  As I heard those words (rhema) from GOD, FAITH blossomed (Romans 10:17) and I remembered that GOD was with her, just as HE was with me. GOD knew where Jeri was and knowing that kept me sane.

GOD didn’t say, there will be no evil tidings, HE just said TRUST ME and that was enough.  Peace flooded over me at those word and the joy of hope was renewed within me.

If you notice in Psalm 112:7 that the heart is fixed.  I liken that to being set solid and unmovable in cement.  In putting up a clothesline, we had to dig holes for the poles and then pour cement around the poles.  But we couldn’t string the lines or hang clothes yet. We had to wait until the cement was set/ hardened.  Once that happened, the poles were fixed into place and would hold the weight of clothes hung on the line. 

Learning to TRUST the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, Maker of heaven and earth is a process. we learn progressively as we step out and say, I will TRUST YOU here and now in this situation.

The Bible calls the fundamental truths of the Bible, the 1^st principles of GOD’s truth.  Such 1st principles are seen in: GOD the FATHER sent JESUS, GOD the SON to earth giving HIM a human body, to die for the sins of everyone who believed in JESUS.  By believing in JESUS a person will be forgiven of their sins, be born into GOD’s family and have eternal life. But if one rejects JESUS and HIS offer of forgiveness, the wrath of GOD remains on him.  For all have sinned and the wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD (John 3:16, 36, Romans 3:23, 6:23).

Once someone believes in JESUS and becomes a child of GOD, he is a newborn baby.  If he keeps having to be told the same truths over and over, he is said not to grow but to continue a baby and only able to drink milk (Hebrews 5:12). 

But when one takes what he hears/ reads in the Word of GOD and does what it says to do, that one is said to be exercised/ strengthened and ready to learn more (Hebrews 5:14).  Therefore, the more we choose to look to the LORD during troubles/ struggles that come our way the stronger our TRUST in GOD becomes.

I had gone through many struggles where over and over HE had proven HIMSELF to me. So, I had learned to go to the LORD when I needed help and to do what HE told me. Therefore, when HE said for me to TRUST HIM, I did.

P.S. Oh, in case you are wondering about what happened when my 15-year-old didn’t come home, I will fill you in. She had run away. The time schedule is hazy these 45 years later.  After a couple of days, we got a call. The parents of her friend called us. Jeri was safe with them.  She had somehow managed to get back out to Ellicott (the rural town we had recently moved away from). We turned their offer down to let her stay with them and go to school there. We went and brought Jeri home. It wasn’t long before she adapted to high school in a big city and made new friends.

Hugs

Sharon