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Some claim the things the Bible says are obsolete/ outdated, but what does JESUS say?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

Examine

With all the scams and contradictory news stories out there do you ever speculate on what is true? Have you ever questioned where people come up with some of the crazy ideas that are prevalent these days? Doesn’t it seem like the ideas keep getting wilder by the moment? Have you considered that you are being programmed just like a computer?

The masses, including you and I have been and are being bombarded with information by the media, advertisements, schools and through our peers. That info is programming us, whether we realize it or not just like a computer is programmed by what it takes in. We are being indoctrinated day in and day out without being aware of it.

There are so many voices out there and they often contradict each other so how can we know the truth?

Since our beliefs are the basis for making daily decisions, we might say they are our compass. A compass shows us the way we should go therefore it is radically important that our compass is accurate for us to make the right decisions.

As a man thinks (true) in his heart (places value, estimates as true, reasons), so is he (so he responds in life). Proverbs 23:7

With all diligence, keep your heart (protected), for out of it (its reasoning, values) issue (comes forth) actions. Proverbs 4:23

For truth we must look to GOD and HIS word for it is written “let GOD be true, but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4) GOD, cannot lie, (Titus 1:2).

JESUS highlighted this when while talking to GOD the FATHER HE said, “YOUR word is truth” (John 7:17).  Furthermore, JESUS told us, “Man cannot live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of GOD” (Matthew 4:4).

For that reason, it is essential that the Bible is our compass. In these days of deception, we need to prayerfully EXAMINE what we believe and everything that is being said against the light of the truth, that is, how it lines up with the WORD of GOD which is the truth.

As GOD said in Isaiah 8:20, “To the law and to the testimony (the Bible): if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Hugs

Sharon Manning

Happy New Year

Stay reading the Word of GOD for it is a light to our path (Psalm 119:105) and listen to the HOLY SPIRIT’s small voice where you know what you should do and you will always knows the next step (Philippians 2:13).

Now that next step may be wait till you know what you should do. (Isaiah 50:10-11). But know for sure GOD has a plan for you and you can trust HIM to show you what you should do and when.

hugs

Sharon

Check it out

We are in the Christmas season, and it should be a happy time as we reflect on GOD giving us the greatest gift of all. “For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believed in HIM (JESUS’ saving work on the cross for them) would not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

It is such a busy time of year with festivities, holiday food and as many, like our GOD, want to give the perfect gifts to those they love.  Some have been endowed with more material things to give than others, but most yearn to give something to a loved one and when they are not able become depressed.  We must pray for them that GOD encourage the depressed and give them ways to brighten their loved ones days or even bring a smile to a stranger for in giving those little things much joy is experienced.

Yet in what should be a joyful time, the entire world seems thrown into confusion and delusion where right is said to be wrong and wrong is said to be right, good is said to be bad and bad is said to be good.  The opposing views have contradicting yet convincing testimonies, although much not backed up by fact.  

Hitler said that if you tell a lie loud enough and often enough people will believe it.  Sadly, many well-meaning people accept anything they hear about injustice and jump on the bandwagon without checking out the facts.  Others wonder who should we believe?  One must carefully check out whether what is declared is true. Note your source.

But where do you check out the facts?  History is a good place to start but some are changing even that.

“May GOD be true and every man a liar” (Romans 3:4) in other words GOD has never lied but everyone of us has at one time or another.  Therefore, the only truly trustworthy source is GOD.  HE has given us HIS word… speaking to us through the prophets moved by the HOLY SPIRIT (2 Peter 1:21).

I urge you to get in the word of GOD, let GOD speak to you through it and the HOLY SPIRIT will lead you. If you are like me, you will still have questions, but we must remember “the secret things belong to GOD, but the things revealed belong to us and our children that we may be able to do (what we need to do) Deuteronomy 29:29.

“Therefore, judge nothing before the time, until the LORD come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: (I Corinthians 4:5).

If we just obeyed that last verse both in our personal lives and the happenings in the world obeying JESUS instructions not to be troubled (John 14:1) will become a lot easier.

Hugs Sharon

Think

If you quickly glance around as you are driving you may not see that armadillo along the side of the road or what make of car just zoomed past you.  It is the same with the Word of GOD.

GOD has spoken to us through HIS prophets (moved by GOD the HOLY SPIRIT to write and speak 2 Peter 1:21), ^“whatsoever things were written (in Scripture) were written for our learning…” (Romans 15^:4⁾.

Although JESUS said “Man cannot live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4), many Christians don’t see the need to read the Bible for themselves.  Others read the Bible because they think they are supposed to but, don’t really expect to hear from GOD personally and speed read as if by osmosis they will absorb the riches contained within the eternal word of GOD.  But they wonder why the word of GOD doesn’t really speak to them.

GOD says that HE rewards them that diligently SEEK HIM (Hebrews 11:6, Jeremiah 29:13).  To seek HIM with all of our hearts we must THINK.  Note the context of what you are reading, the principle being spoken of, how it is spoken of in other places of the Bible and zero in on what the words show us.  I sometimes call this connecting the dots.

“Then Jesus said to them, “So every ·teacher of the law [scribe] who has ·been taught about [become a disciple of] the kingdom of heaven is like the ·owner [head] of a house. He brings out both new things and old things ·he has saved [from his treasure/storeroom; knowledge of the Old Testament provides insight into JESUS’ “new” message of the kingdom of GOD]” (Matthew 13:52 EXB).

Let’s look at an example of having to simply THINK (ponder on what is said) to know what the Bible is talking about. “JESUS despising the shame” (Hebrews 12:2).  Where was HE?  JESUS was enduring as HE was crucified on the cross.  Why did JESUS feel shame? 

Two of the reasons are:

1-Matthew 27:25 Soldiers stripped off JESUS’ clothing.  THINK what does that tell us?  JESUS hung naked where all who passed by could see HIM.  I don’t want people seeing me naked, that would bring me shame. How about you?

2-Hebrews 1:9 JESUS HATED sin, Isaiah 53:6 ALL SIN from Adam and Eve in the garden to the last sin after the uprising after the 1,000 year reign, was laid on JESUS as HE hung on the cross and paid for our sin.  “For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).

When I realize I have sinned, I feel SHAME.  JESUS felt the SHAME of all mankind, “for all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD” (Romans 3:23).  The SHAME JESUS felt hanging there is beyond anything we can imagine.  The positive side of it is that HE understands how we feel after we have sinned, and HE cares. JESUS chose to suffer SHAME because HE loved us and wanted to save us and give us eternal life.

“For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM will not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16), He that believes on the SON has everlasting life, and he that believes not the SON shall not see life, but the wrath of GOD abides (stays) on him” (John 3:36).

Do you seek to know GOD and HIS ways better?   Are you taking the time to zero in on words and asking GOD for answers?  I hope so for it make us stand in AWE of our Marvelous triune GOD.

Hugs Sharon

I will do it

Psalm 119:¹⁶⁰ Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endures forever.  

Yes, GOD’s word is true (2 Samuel 7:28) and GOD’s word is magnified even above HIS holy name (Psalm 138:2).  As JESUS told us, we cannot live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4). Therefore, we know we can trust it.

Therefore, we need to go to GOD’s word, not man, to understand what GOD means (Isaiah 8:20).  The Word of GOD written and explained by the HOLY SPIRIT (2 Peter 1:20-21, 1 Corinthians 2:10-13) is its own best interpreter. So, let’s prayerfully look at a promise the Word of GOD gives us.

Hebrews 9:²⁸ So CHRIST was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto THEM that look for HIM shall HE APPEAR the second time without sin unto salvation.

JESUS will APPEAR in the clouds for believers only. That is commonly called the Rapture a word from the Latin translation which means= to catch away.

The bible also refers to the Rapture as being made perfect.

Hebrews 11:⁴⁰ GOD having provided some better thing for us (who are alive and remain until HIS coming), that they (who died believing) should not be made perfect without us (before us).

The Rapture is also called the redemption of the body.

Ephesians 1:¹² That we should be to the praise of HIS (GOD’s) glory, who first trusted in CHRIST (JESUS). ¹³ In whom (JESUS) you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom (JESUS) also after that you believed, you were sealed with that HOLY SPIRIT of promise, ¹⁴ Which is the earnest (down payment) of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of HIS (GOD’s) glory.

Ephesians 4:³⁰ And grieve not the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption.

2 Corinthians 4:¹⁴ Knowing that HE (GOD) which raised up (the body of) the LORD JESUS shall raise up (the bodies of) us also by JESUS and shall present us with you.

1 Corinthians 15:⁴² So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: ⁴³ It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: ⁴⁴ It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

1 Corinthians 15:⁵² In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed (see the two groups?). ⁵³ For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

1 Thessalonians 4:¹⁴ For if we believe that JESUS died and rose again, even so them also which sleep (have died believing) in JESUS will GOD bring with HIM (JESUS). ¹⁵ For this we say unto you by the word of the LORD, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the LORD shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep. ¹⁶ For the LORD HIMSELF shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of GOD: and the (bodies of the) dead in CHRIST shall rise first: ¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up (with new bodies) together with them in the clouds, (then together we will go) to meet the LORD in the air: and so shall we ever be with the LORD.

Therefore, when the LORD JESUS CHRIST comes back 7 years later to fight as seen in Revelation 19:11- 20:3, we will be with the LORD. 

Then, when JESUS judges those alive after Tribulation and sets up HIS 1,000-year reign (Revelation 20:4, Matthew 25:31-45) we will be with HIM.  

1,000 years later after the devil is released and gathers an army against JESUS and GOD sends fire down from heaven and the elements of heaven and earth dissolve being melted with a fervent heat and flee from the face of GOD (2 Peter 3:10-12, Revelation 20:11) leaving only a great White Throne, we will still be at JESUS’ side. 

For you see only the dead in trespasses and sins will be judged that day (Ephesians 2:1, Revelation 20:12-13).  Since none of them have believed in JESUS their names will not be written in the book of life therefore they will be cast into the eternal lake of fire with the Antichrist, the false prophet (already there 1,000 years Revelations 20:10) and the devil and his hordes (Revelation 20:15).

GOD’s word, especially prophesy, is not intended to scare you but to prepare you.

If you believe in JESUS and trust HIM to save and lead you, you will be at JESUS side (John 3:16).  If you choose you want to call the shots by yourself and refuse to look to JESUS you will be among the dead standing before that Great White Throne (John 3:36). So where will you be?

Looking to JESUS

Sharon

Darts and arrows

Darts vs Arrows 

Matthew 24:⁴ And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. ⁵ For many shall come in MY name, saying, I am CHRIST; and shall deceive many. ⁶ And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that you be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. ⁷ For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. ⁸ All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Confidence in GOD’s word is more important now than ever before as the world hurls itself into complete chaos. Just as the Word of GOD tells us we are in the last days (Hebrews 1:1-2) and in 2 timothy 3 declared it to be a time of great deception where evil men will get worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

Every word or action that isn’t good is prompted by believing a lie from the evil one.

The Bible calls those accusing lies the fiery darts of the devil (Ephesians 6:16). Those thoughts are the world’s way of thinking for ever since Adam and Eve listened to the devil in the garden and believing him ate the forbidden fruit, mankind has a fallen nature that listens to devil (Ephesians 2:2, 1 John 5:19, I John 2:15-16).

The amazing thing is that GOD declares that anyone who honestly wants to KNOW and DO things GOD’s way will be given that which he needs in order to do so (John 7:17),

We can easily recognize the enemy’s thoughts for they are ME-CENTERED thoughts-

How does this affect me?

How can I control this situation?

What do I think needs to be done here?

These thoughts do not trust GOD.  They ignore GOD and HIS wisdom and thereby lean on their own understanding. When focused on them people are wise in their own eyes (Proverbs 3:5-7).

But GOD is faithful to those who choose to trust in the LORD and acknowledge HIM in ALL things. When we acknowledge or consult with GOD, we are GOD-CENTERED. To those who look to HIM, HE sends arrows of light (Psalm 18:6, 14) HIS insight and direction (Proverbs 3:5-6).

GOD sends us arrows by placing HIS desires in our hearts and minds (Philippians 2:13).  Then when we submit to GOD by picking up an arrow- the WORD of GOD/ the Truth, it becomes both the shield of faith to protect us from the fiery darts of lies of the devil (Ephesians 6:16) and also the Sword of the SPIRIT (Ephesians 6:17) which when spoken aloud, makes the enemy flee (James 4:7).

Are you tempted to do or say something you know would not please our LORD? Then take that thought to JESUS (2 Corinthians 10:5).  Since the LORD JESUS has been tempted in every way just as we are (Hebrews 4:15), HE’s been right where we are and knows exactly what we need.  If we go to HIM, HE will send us an arrow of light to combat and extinguish that fiery dart/lies of deception of the devil (Hebrews 4:16).

Looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2)

Hugs

Sharon

GOD keeps HIS promises

Jude1:²⁵ To the ONLY wise GOD our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

GOD tells us in 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.

Deuteronomy 29:²⁹ The secret things belong unto the Lord our GOD: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law (all the HE has assigned for us to do).

The Sovereign LORD GOD ALMIGHTY Maker of heaven and earth is over all. HE has given us HIS word and sent HIS SON JESUS in order that we could know what HE is like and could have a relationship with HIM through JESUS (Hebrews 7:25).

Colossians 2:⁹ For in HIM (JESUS CHRIST) dwells all the fulness of the GODHEAD bodily.

GOD’s Word, the Bible, relates many things true about GOD. HE is eternal, unlimited, powerful, all wise and has all knowledge -in that is HE knows all things past, present and future-even our thoughts before they are formed so HE knows who will eventually believe and who will not (Psalm 139:2). The LORD is loving, compassionate, gentle and longsuffering, HE is good and never makes a mistake, but HE also is fair and punishes wrong. There is so much more about our GOD that we learn as we seek HIM and study HIS love letter to us, the Bible listening to that still small voice of the HOLY SPIRIT (our teacher within us John 7:38-39, 14:26 who interprets the Bible to us 1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

But there are also things that are secret that we cannot know.

There is one fundamental aspect of our amazing triune GOD that I want to zoom in on for it must be fully grasped for us to know and trust HIM. GOD cannot lie or promise something HE cannot or will not perform.

Isaiah 45:¹⁸ For this is what the Lord says— HE who created the heavens, HE is GOD; HE who fashioned and made the earth, HE founded it; HE did not create it to be empty but formed it to be inhabited. HE says: “I am the Lord, and there is no other. ¹⁹ I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob’s descendants, ‘Seek ME in vain.’ I, the Lord, speak the TRUTH; I declare what is right.

Titus 1:² In hope of eternal life, which GOD, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.

John 14:⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life. No one comes to the FATHER except through ME.

Can you trust someone who does not keep his promises?

Romans 3:⁴ GOD forbid: yes, let GOD be TRUE, but every man a liar.

In other words, every man has told at least one lie and with that potential man cannot be totally trusted. But GOD who always speaks the TRUTH can be trusted to do what HE says HE will do.

Numbers 23:¹⁹ GOD is not a man, that HE should lie; neither the son of man, that HE should repent: has HE said, and shall HE not do it? or has HE spoken, and shall HE not make it good?

Let us just look at something GOD has declared and, therefore, know is TRUE.

Jeremiah 31:³ The Lord appeared to us (the descendants of Jacob who today are known as the Jews) in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. ⁴ I will build you up again,

Jeremiah 31:¹⁰ Hear the word of the Lord, you nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: ‘HE who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over HIS flock like a shepherd. ¹¹ For the Lord will deliver Jacob and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they. ¹² They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord—

Jeremiah 31:³¹ “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will (future) make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. ³² It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. ³³ “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God,

Who is GOD talking to? To the offspring of those HE sent Moses to take out of Egypt and put them in the Promise land. In other words, the LORD is speaking to the Jews of today.

Jeremiah 31:³⁵ This is what the Lord says,

HE who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar- the Lord Almighty is his name: ³⁶ “Only if these decrees vanish from my sight,” declares the Lord, “will Israel ever cease being a nation before me.”

So as long as there is a sun, moon and stars the Jews are GOD’s people. Only after the Tribulation and 1,000 years reign on this earth, only after this earth is dissolved (Revelation 20:7-11, 2 Peter 3:12-13) do the sun, moon and stars disappear. So, until that time, the promises to the physical descendants of Isaac and Jacob remain in force.

Jeremiah 31:³⁷ This is what the Lord says: “Only if the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth below be searched out will I reject all the descendants of Israel because of all they have done,” declares the Lord.

GOD is saying that since the heavens above cannot be measured, and the foundations of the earth below cannot be searched therefore GOD will not reject ALL the descendants of Israel because of all they have done. There will be the remnant saved.

Isaiah 10:²⁰ And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them (the Antichrist); but shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. ²¹ The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty GOD.

Romans 11^:26 And so ALL (remaining) Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: ²⁷ Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved.

Romans 11:²⁹ For the gifts and calling of GOD are without repentance (irrevocable).

GOD will not break HIS covenant promises.

The LORD must keep HIS promise to the Jews since HE cannot lie. Yet, GOD is fair. During the 7-year Tribulation/ Daniel’s 70^th week also called Jacob’s Trouble, 2/3^rd of the Jews will die (they are the secular Jews who do not believe in GOD) and the remaining 1/3 Jews who believe in GOD but not JESUS will be refined during that time and when they see JESUS coming down out of heaven (Revelation 19:11-16, Zechariah 12:9-10) ALL the remnant (those 1/3)will believe on JESUS and be saved (Zechariah 13:7-9. Isaiah 10:20-21).

What it boils down to is: if GOD can break HIS eternal promise to the descendants of Jacob, then we have no guarantee HE will keep HIS promise to us who believe in JESUS.

Aren’t you glad GOD does do what HE says HE will do? I sure am!

Hugs

Sharon

How many?

Today many say that the bible is outdated and even some churches no longer accept the Word of GOD as applicable to our lives today, because their personal desires go in a different direction.

JESUS said that man cannot live by bread (food) alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4). That is GOD’s words are to guide us through life.

GOD cannot lie (Titus 1:2), in fact it is impossible for GOD to lie (Hebrews 6:18), therefore whatever HE says is true and GOD’s truth endures forever (Psalm 117:2).

That means it still applies. Take for example forgiveness.

How many? Talking to my LORD this morning concerning another we both love, I asked, “How many 2nd chances (new beginnings) are there, LORD?”

JESUS answered immediately and simply by reminding me of HIS word. Matthew 18:22 “70 times 7” (an idiom meaning= times without number.)

Wow! It is nothing new but what a refreshing reminder!

Back in the day, Peter asked JESUS that same question and said even added up to 7 times? Peter was really being generous for the Rabbinical rule (taken from Amos 1:6) stated that you were to forgive 3 times period.

But JESUS took the question out of the sphere of the law (what must be done) and transferred it into the realm of grace where there is always mercy and grace it help in times of need. A realm where nothing is impossible.

So, until time is no more, (and that day is fast approaching) GOD is true and what HE said in HIS word still applies. But at the same time if you go to GOD when you have gone against HIS word, you will find forgiveness through JESUS CHRIST and another chance.

Hugs

Sharon

How can we know?

Today people say all kinds of things so how in the world can we know what is right what is true?

I believe that our Creator and Savior knows the right way for the stars are perfectly synchronized and spring follows winter and then comes summer and then come fall year after year.

So seek answers from GOD in GOD’s love letter the Bible.

As JESUS said to Peter, the values and thoughts of the world come straight from the devil.

Matthew 16:23 AMP But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on things of GOD, but on things of man.”

Man can not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (the Bible) Matthew 4:4.

Who do you listen to?

hugs

Sharon L Manning