The Wheelbarrow

This beautiful sunshine makes me want to get the flower beds cleaned up and ready for spring flowers.  It reminds me of Dad and how he would get things ready.  Though quite small when we moved to June Lake, I remember Dad building a rock border so he could level the yard.  He used a wheelbarrow to haul the rocks and also to mix up the cement to fix them into place.  Other times when the wheelbarrow was empty and clean he’d give my sister and me wild rides tipping the wheelbarrow to the right and left as he’d move it forward.

That old wheelbarrow and how Dad used it reminds me of what the LORD has emphasized to me lately about JESUS the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Let me lay the foundation of what I am seeing in hopes that you can see it too.

JESUS-then called the WORD- totally equal with GOD the FATHER both in form and nature (John 1:1-4), laid aside HIS visible glory and rights and riches and took on the form of man and became obedient unto death because the GODHEAD (all THREE) desired a relationship with mankind whom they had made (Philippians 2:4-8)

Leaving the glory of heaven the Light of the World came down into the darkness of this world of sin saying, “I come to do THY will, O GOD” (Hebrews 10:9).  In doing so HE determined to not speak HIS own words (John 3:34-35, 12:49) nor use HIS own powers (Luke 4:14, Acts 1:2). 

Totally aware of what HIS choice would mean (John 21:17, Acts 15:18 KJ) JESUS humbly chose to suffer for HE knew it was necessary for HIM to be made like unto HIS brethren (humans) in all ways, that HE might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to GOD, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people (Hebrews 2:17). That was the only way people could be saved and live eternally with HIM.

Now how does this connect with Dad’s old wheelbarrow?  He could not mix the cement in the wheelbarrow when it was full of rocks, it had to be empty, nor could Dad give his 3 girls rides while the wet cement was in the wheelbarrow.  Dad had to empty and wash it out before we got our rides.

In order for JESUS to be made like us (Humans) HE emptied HIMSELF out.  That only means HE chose not to go HIS own way, nor find HIS own pleasure, nor speak HIS own words but only do GOD’s will.  Did you know that Isaiah 58:13b states that doing those very things enables you and me to delight in the LORD?

When the Creator, JESUS took on a human body inside of Mary and became a baby, dependent on ones HE had made and even submitting to them was beyond huge.  But what the LORD has been impressing on me was the beginning of HIS ministry up to HIS ascension back into heaven as how I am to daily follow HIS lead (Hebrews 2:10). “Looking unto JESUS the Author and finisher of our faith” Hebrews 12:2.

Hebrews 10:9 “I come to do YOUR will O GOD” John 3:34 For HE (JESUS) whom GOD has sent speaks the words of GOD: for GOD gives not the SPIRIT by measure unto HIM (JESUS).

Luke 4:1 And JESUS being full of the HOLY SPIRIT returned from Jordan, and was led by the SPIRIT into the wilderness, Luke 4:14  And JESUS returned in the power of the SPIRIT into Galilee… 15  And HE taught in their synagogues… Acts 1:2 Until the day in which HE (JESUS) was taken up, after that HE (JESUS) through the HOLY SPIRIT had given commandments unto the apostles whom HE had chosen. 

I see JESUS does only what GOD wants HIM to do.  HE does not speak HIS own words but speaks only what HE hears the FATHER say.  HE goes not in HIS own power and ideas but is filled by the HOLY SPIRIT.  Being FILLED HE is led and goes by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.  Notice, the HOLY SPIRIT teaches through HIM, so JESUS doesn’t convict people JESUS just speaks the words the FATHER give HIM, and the HOLY SPIRIT gives the people understanding (1 Corinthians 2:10-13).

Hebrews 8:14 blows me away, “… CHRIST, who through the eternal SPIRIT offered HIMSELF without spot to GOD…” 

On earth while in a human body, JESUS depended on GOD the FATHER and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT and did nothing on HIS own.

We received and were sealed with the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT when we were saved (John 7:38-39, Ephesians 1:13). But now we are commanded to be filled by the HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 5:18).  But what does that mean since we cannot not fill ourselves? I think Luke 11:13 holds the key when it say that GOD the FATHER will give the HOLY SPIRIT to those who ask.  We see in Acts 4:31 that the very disciples who on the Day of Pentecost were filled (Acts 2:4) with the HOLY SPIRIT with power yet on another day they prayed to GOD for boldness after being threatened and they are filled anew with the HOLY SPIRIT and speak with power. We are saved one time.  We get the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT one time and are sealed to GOD one time.  But the filling with power comes and goes.  I think we need to ask daily for the HOLY SPIRIT to fill us for whatever GOD has prepared for us to do.  Scripture says, “You have not because you ask not” (James 4:2).

Therefore, to follow JESUS how much more do I need to lay aside my personal opinions and ideas and seek to know and follow GOD’s leading (Proverbs 3:5-7) and be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT.  Only when we are filled by the HOLY SPIRIT can we be led by and walk with the HOLY SPIRIT. Daily I need to prepare my heart (Proverbs 16:1) by being in GOD’s word (Matthew 4:4), talking to GOD our FATHER and being willing to obey regardless so I can hear and understand the HOLY SPIRIT (1 Corinthians 2:10-13).  I need to listen carefully and do what I know I should do and say what I know I should say whether I agree with it or not.  For if I am willing to hear and obey, the HOLY SPIRIT will make my instructions clear to me and enable me to obey (John 7:17, Philippians 2:13) . 

But like that wheelbarrow full of dirt, if I am full of my own ideas I won’t be able to hear the HOLY SPIRIT.

Hebrews 8:14 How much more shall the blood of CHRIST, who through the eternal SPIRIT offered HIMSELF without spot to GOD, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living GOD?

Hugs

Sharon   PS-See the TRINITY in the crucifixion?

Looking for the glorious hope

When I saw this picture I thought of Simeon.  ^“Behold, there was an old man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel (the coming of the promised Messiah): and the HOLY SPIRIT was upon him’ (Luke 2:25). 

Now in the Old Testament days the HOLY SPIRIT would come upon certain people for specific reasons but did not indwell believers as HE does today.  Today the HOLY SPIRIT not only indwells believers but will also come up believers with a special anointing for specific work GOD has for them to do.  But that special anointing comes and goes, just as it did in the Old Testament, while the indwelling of believers today seals us to GOD until the day of Redemption (Ephesians 4:40).

Back to Simeon…

“The Holy SPIRIT revealed to Simeon, that he should not see death, before he had seen the LORD’s CHRIST /Messiah, anointed ONE” (Luke 2:26).

Simeon clung to that promise and one day, prompted by the Holy SPIRIT, Simeon went to the temple at the precise time Mary and Joseph came with the baby JESUS (Luke 2:27).

The moment the old man saw JESUS he recognized that the baby JESUS was the Messiah!

He took the baby JESUS into his arms and blessed HIM and his praise rose up to bless GOD in heaven saying, “Now YOU may release me in peace for according to YOUR word my eyes have seen YOUR salvation, which YOU have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for the revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to YOUR people Israel” (Luke 2:25-32).

How did Simeon recognize that JESUS was the Messiah? We are told: 1) he did right and was devoted to GOD 2) he looked for the promise of the Messiah. Simeon spent time with GOD and got to know GOD’s voice (that still small whisper). 3) the HOLY SPIRIT was on Simeon 4) Simeon’s attitude must have pleased the MOST HIGH for GOD gave him the promise that he would not die until he saw the Messiah come. 5) We also know he obeyed the nudges of the HOLY SPIRIT, evidenced by his entering the temple (by the SPIRIT) just when Mary and Joseph arrived to have JESUS presented unto the LORD according to the Law.

As we enter into this new year- I want to be like Simeon and 1) I cling to and look for the promise of the appearing of our LORD JESUS for HIS church (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)  2) spend much time with GOD in HIS word and prayer for in HIS presence there is peace and the more time I spend with HIM the better I can recognize HIS voice.  3) HIS words always direct me and motivate me to do right.  4) I have learned to obey the HOLY SPIRIT’s leading for I have seen over and over there is always a good reason that HE prods me forward or holds me back.  

Yes, I want to please the LORD, but I also know those who walk by the SPIRIT recognize what others cannot see. For GOD reveals HIS secrets to those who obey HIM and seek HIM with all their hearts for they are the ones who love HIM and are HIS friends (Psalm 25:14, Proverbs 3:32, John 15:15).

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great GOD and our Savior JESUS CHRIST (Titus 2:13).  Will you join me?

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

Wild roller coaster ride

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking up for our redemption draws near!

Hugs

Sharon

Are you walking in the SPIRIT?

Are you walking with GOD?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JESUS said, “He that believes on ME, as the scripture says, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.(But this HE spoke of the (HOLY) SPIRIT, which they that believe on HIM (JESUS) should receive: for the HOLY SPIRIT was not yet given; because that JESUS was not yet glorified)” (John 7:38-39).

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

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

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

Are you letting the HOLY SPIRIT lead you? 

Hugs Sharon

Walk together

My big sister Rosie and I were just two years apart and here 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 ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye 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.

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

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

But for HIS word to abide in us, we must know it. So, we need to take some time every day to grow in our knowledge of HIM by spending time in HIS 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 HIS word abides in us and we can ask what we will, and it will be done for us.

Isn’t the simplicity of CHRIST amazing and beautiful?

Hugs

Sharon

Rivers of water

On a hot day it really feels good to jump into a river and cool off. We can bring that refreshment to others.

Some picture heaven as boring, with little activity. They view it as floating on clouds with just some harp music; and singing.  They forget to put the glorious Presence of GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST in the equation plus all believers from every generation not to mention countless angels.  Endless conversations and activity.  Don’t know about you but when my kids come over with their families, when we gather it is anything but boring!

Besides that aspect, heaven really has to be a place of action. Why? Because a river of life flows through it (Revelation 22:1). A flowing river is filled with action. This river brings life wherever it flows.

JESUS spoke of water as a symbol of the GOD the HOLY SPIRIT and the SPIRIT is active and on the move.  We praise the LORD that when we came to believe in JESUS we were sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT of promise (Ephesians 1:13-14) and that HE would become in us like stream of living water flowing through us bringing refreshment and life to those we come in contact with.

That life giving river that flows through heaven illustrates how we, as believers in JESUS should live now.  Let the live giving SPIRIT (Ephesians 2:1) move through you in peace and joy bringing hope to others (Romans 15:13). As HE nudges you let HIS love move you and flow from you. Allow HIS mercy, forgiveness, gentleness, kindness, patience, longsuffering, self-control not just to fill you and guide you but let it flow through you to bless others.

One has stated that pride doesn’t flow, cause it’s puffed up, selfishness is stuck up, and anger is riled up. But love, now love flows, as do mercy, grace, joy and peace.  Look to JESUS (Hebrews 12:2-3) trust in the LORD with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding but in all your ways talk to HIM and GOD’s wisdom will guide you (Proverbs 3:5-7) and HIS peace will flow like a river and not just calm you but bring calm to others even in times of storms. 

Yield to the HOLY SPIRIT’s nudges (what you know you should do Philippians 2:13) and from within you will flow streams of living water to meet the thirst of those around you (John 7:38-39). And as a bonus, if we let the HOLY SPIRIT lead us, we won’t fulfill the desires of the flesh! (Galatians 5:16).

Hugs

Sharon

Having direction

Now GOD gives us good things to enjoy (Matthew 7:11)

But do find yourself day after day trudging along what with the restrictions and shortages and not knowing what lies ahead wondering how to live with peace, joy and direction?

 As I was doing other things I got a notification from youtube for this Charles Stanley message.  I stopped to listen and it so clearly and biblically explains how to live joyously to please the LORD so I just have to share it with you.

hugs

Sharon

Who do you walk with?

This morning actions of another brought to mind a thought that was not worthy and I want to tell you about that battle

“Most assuredly, I say to you. He who hears MY (JESUS) word and believers in HIM (GOD the FATHER) who sent ME has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life” John 5:24 NKJV.

It is amazing, we have been changed but… while we have the HOLY SPIRIT now living inside us (Ephesians 1:13, 4:30) we still have our old body (until the Rapture or we die) with its lusts of the flesh.  Therefore, although wondrously saved we are in a battle.

To allow the HOLY SPIRIT to call the shots is to be spiritual.  That means we need to be led/ go with the nudges of the HOLY SPIRIT and refuse the influences of the world.

“Walk in the SPIRIT and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh” Galatians 5:16  “the flesh lusts against the SPIRIT” Galatians 5:17.   It’s a battle believe you me.

The potential of our old sin nature/ the flesh being energized by suggestions from the evil one to us Christians should never be underestimated.  If we listen to suggestions we know are wrong, the flesh within us rises up and directs our choices having us do what we know we should not do.

It all begins with a subtle thought.  I became irritated by an action of another and from that thought another arose and I grumbled to the LORD. But praise the LORD a still soft voice whispered, “Will that matter in 50 years? Her salvation is what really counts and you know it!”  My irritation fled for I was directed back to what was truly important… can she see CHRIST in me and open herself up to HIM.

That is why we believers are told that when in spiritual warfare (fighting wrong thoughts… for the battle always begins with a thought) to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).  I must confess that I can not always change/ or redirect my thoughts, but I can take them captive long enough to take them to JESUS.  When I discuss my thoughts with HIM something marvelous happens. I see things from a different angle.  No longer do I see them from my selfish fleshly view but from GOD’s selfless loving purposes. 

Looking unto JESUS

Hugs

Sharon

Learning to walk

Learning to walk.

Even through intense pain my youngest grandson learned to walk.  Though bones and parts were missing, we couldn’t keep him still.  I nicknamed him ‘Taz’ after the spinning dirt devil because he would zip around so terribly fast.  Then as bones were coming through the skin, my grandson Zachary had to have his feet amputated and it wasn’t long before he took off the casts on his legs he felt kept him from moving around.  This called for many trips to Denver to recast.  Finally, we found a way to dress him to keep on the casts and he discovered he could get around in them and even fought when the time came to remove them.  Then Zachary was fitted with prosthesis and he had to learn to walk all over again.

When you believed in JESUS and chose to call on HIM to save you, lots happened in the spirit realm but like me I imagine that you have found your old sin nature still is lurking around with its pride, wanting to do things its own way and its old habits calling to you.  So, often you act like you did before you were saved.

But to teach and enable us to learn to walk as we should as HIS children, GOD in HIS great love and mercy gave us the HOLY SPIRIT when we believed in JESUS (Ephesians 1:13-14).

Although our human nature didn’t have the ability to overcome sin’s lure, the HOLY SPIRIT living inside of us, speaking to us (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:15-16), guiding us with nudges and checks in our spirit, reminding us of scripture (John 14:26), helping us to know our GOD and our Savior (1 Corinthians 2:10, 2 Corinthians 3:15, 2 Peter 1:1-4) and energizing us with HIS unlimited power (Ephesians 1:19) enables us to change and grow (but it is a process and doesn’t happen overnight but increasingly) into the likeness of JESUS (Romans 8:29) so we actually can partake of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).

That is IF we choose. 

Many times each and everyday we choose IF we will listen to the prodding of the HOLY SPIRIT within us or direct our attention to the luring lies of the evil one who influences the world’s thinking (Ephesians 2:2-3, 1 John 5:19).

It is all a matter of our focus.  IF we seek the things of GOD and allow the HOLY SPIRIT to direct our thoughts and actions, we will be empowered to do what GOD desires.  But IF we choose to listen to the snide remarks, insinuations, accusations and enticements of the evil one we again become ensnared to do the will of our enemy (2 Timothy 2:25-26).

LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, thank YOU for loving us and sending JESUS to save us.  Thank YOU for giving us the HOLY SPIRIT to seal and teach us. Thank YOU for YOUR longsuffering with us. We come now to YOUR throne of grace for mercy and grace to help us in our times of need (Hebrews 4:16).  Please redirect us from our old patterns that lead nowhere that we may walk in step with the HOLY SPIRIT of power (Galatians 5:26) I ask in the precious name of JESUS my LORD and Savior.

Hugs

Sharon