For or against

There are so many issues in our world today and we must know where we stand.  Are we for or against.

In the New Testament a word meaning ‘to meet with and converse’ can be translated to mean opposite things depending on which preposition is used with it.

1-INTERCEDE has the preposition (note the position) meaning ABOVE with the word meaning to meet with and converse: the resultant meaning: meeting with another for/ on the behalf of a 3rd party, to plead for them.

ABOVE/ uper is the proposition always used when the GODHEAD meets together and talks about us.  They meet and talk with regard to our needs.  Their purpose is always to lift us up whether for growth, or provision, or discipline or protection but always for our good according to GOD’s purposes.

GOD the FATHER not only provides for us (James 1:17) but also pleads for us. I don’t understand all that it means but know that since I belong to HIM by accepting JESUS as my LORD and Savior, GOD is on my side and (nothing) can separate me from the love of GOD that is in CHRIST JESUS (Romans 8:39).

GOD the FATHER: For the LORD will plead their cause and spoil the one that spoil them Proverbs 22:23

 …HE (GOD) who pleads the cause of HIS people Isaiah 51:22 Truth fails and the one that departs from evil (and does good) opens himself up to attack.  The LORD saw it and it displeased HIM that there was no judgment and HE saw there was no one and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore, HIS arm brought salvation unto him and HIS righteousness sustained him (Isaiah 59:16).

JESUS, GOD the SON:  Who is he that condemns? It is CHRIST that died … that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of GOD (the FATHER), who also makes intercession for us (Romans 8:34) …Wherefore HE (JESUS CHRIST) is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto GOD by HIM, seeing HE ever lives to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:25).

GOD the HOLY SPIRIT not only edits our prayers to agree with the plans and purposes of GOD for us but: The HOLY SPIRIT makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  And HEEHE that searches the hearts (GOD the FATHER) knows what is the mind of the SPIRIT, because HE make intercession for the saints according to the will of GOD.

Even though the TRINITY prays for us, GOD want us to ask HIM for our needs ourselves: …you have not because you ask not (James 4:2)… (The LORD says)…I will do it for them, but I want them to ask ME…Ezekiel 36:36b-37 Come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and get grace to help in time of need.

GOD also wants us to pray for others: And I (GOD) sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me …(Ezekiel 22:30) 

2-the same stem word to meet with or converse with is used with another preposition meaning DOWN/ kata (again note position) the resultant meaning is to accuse, complain or bring charges against another.

…he makes intercession to GOD against Israel (Romans 11:2)

When the devil, who is a legalist, meets with GOD as in Job 1:2-7 it is always to bring us down, to accuse us to GOD and bring charges against us: For the accuser of the brethren (the devil) is cast down who accused them before our GOD day and night. Revelation 12:10

When we speak of others is it to benefit them or do you and I spend time criticizing and accusing others?

hugs

Sharon

Reach out

It sure has been hot! So, I just stay inside. But a dear sister in Christ told me the pump of her swamp cooler went out and she feels like she is baking in the heat.  So of course we prayed.

GOD… preset the exact times and places so that men would seek HIM and perhaps reach out for HIM and find HIM Acts 17:26-27 (that includes things in our daily life not just initially for salvation).

I wish I could fix it for her and even my husband wanted to fix it but if it’s on the roof he cannot help because he is 84 years old and heights now make him dizzy.

Just like we go from the heat of summer–> to the beauty of autumn –> to the bitter, bitter cold of winter and then –>to soft rains and the promise of spring so my life and yours has seasons.

One of the seasons in my life, much like a severe winter snow storm when everything seemed wrong, I felt alone/ had no close friend near me to whom I could talk, and it was back in the days before cell phones and computers so I couldn’t even contact my mom or dad. My infant son had died. My husband, in deep grief chose to be in a bar and I worked in garlic field while my 2 little girls played at a neighbor’s. Then one additional thing occurred that hurt so badly it broke my spirit and I felt like giving up. I stuffed Bible away in the back of a drawer under some clothes and turned away.

Not long after that a complete stranger came up to me and said, “You are hurting, here is my address if you want to talk write me.” She was in town just for the day but lived 100 miles away from me. I stuck that paper in my pocket and went my way. 

Isn’t it amazing how GOD, who has scheduled all the days of our lives before we began to breathe (Psalm 139:16 AMP) has preset the exact times and places that we should reach out to HIM and perhaps choose to find HIM so we can get the direction we need (Acts 17:26-27)? I had turned from HIM. Knowing I would do that GOD prepared one to turn me back around.

Doing laundry later that week the slip paper with her address turned up as I checked the pockets. Wanting to vent/ voice my pain, I wrote to her detailing my situation and feelings. She answered quickly telling of enduring a similar season of pain. Then she challenged me to commit for 1 month to give (not feel) but give GOD thanks for whatever upset me each and every time I felt upset, angry or hopeless (Ephesians 5:20 1 Thessalonians 5:18). Note: GOD never tells us to feel anything, only to obey,

It seemed to offer a glimmer of hope, so I accepted the challenge. At first it seemed like I would turn to GOD and audibly thank HIM for what upset me every time I turned around, maybe 30 times a day. The very moment negative thoughts sprung up in my head and anger, self-pity, or hopelessness arose I would spit out, sometimes through grit teeth, unfelt thanksà I was giving the costly sacrifice of thanksgiving. It cost because I felt anything but thankful.

Through the years, during such harsh seasons scriptures opened up to me that have become life verses as they taught me some of GOD’s ways.

2 Corinthians 4:15-18 came alive to me. My troubles are momentary, and light compared to the eternal wonders GOD is achieving for me through them. My job was to focus on GOD’s promise for HE was working the troubles for my good

Romans 8:28 GOD is working the hard times along with the good times to benefit me since I loved HIM.  The good and that good HE works together to develop my character to be like my LORD JESUS CHRIST (Romans 8:29).

Slowly I began to see James 1:2-4 coming to be. That is by giving thanks during troubles was the means of my growing in endurance and preparing me for next assignment GOD had prepared for me to walk in (Ephesians 2:10).

Gradually I changed because each time I went to GOD and thanked HIM I was going to HIS throne with a sweet-smelling sacrifice of thanksgiving. The LORD would meet me there with HIS promises and give me peace to throw me beyond having to understand (Philippians 4:6-7) until the next time. 

But unless I refocused off the problem to what I knew was true about HIM and what HE has done or placed in my life and then do what I knew to do all the negative thoughts and feeling would return. (Philippians 4:8-9)

Sometimes as I obey HE gives me tiny glimpses in what HE is doing.  But that is a special and rare treat.

Someone asked, “Do you really believe what you think you believe?”  “Does GOD really rule in the kingdom of men” (Daniel 4:17)? That got me thinking.

So, when reoccurring long standing (but momentary in light of eternity) hard impossible situations occur for me or my loved ones I have learned to give thanks and refocus on what I know is true.

GOD reigns in the kingdom of men (Daniel 4:17),

HE knows what HE is doing for HE knows the end from the beginning, since from before HE created the world (Isaiah 46:9-10).

All things have a purpose and GOD is working all things together for good to those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).

I rest in the truth that GOD is good, and nothing can separate me from HIS love (Romans 8:39).

FOCUS is so important. Yes, I really believe what I say I believe, but I must choose over and over to act on what I know is true. For believing/faith does not always include feeling. But true believing/faith means trust and produces action.

Remember it is GOD who preset the exact times and places in your life and mine for the very reason of having us reach out to HIM (Acts 17:26 last clause and 27) in every situation (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Hugs

Sharon

Are you a fixer?

We women are by nature generally fixers and become frustrated when we can’t fix something.  That can get us into trouble unless we learn that GOD rules in the Kingdom of men (Daniel 4:17). Then we learn to trust HIM, HIS wisdom and power so that we look to HIM to get our marching orders.

You know our GOD–> the LORD of heaven and earth is our Provider not man (1 Corinthians 4:7).  HE will often use men to Provide for the needs of others, but it is still HE that Provides (James 1:17). HE is more than able to fund what HE wants done. HE can lay on the heart of people to give or do yet it is HE who is the source and determines what is to be done (Ephesians 1:11).

The Bible is so clear that GOD withholds things if HE has other plans or if the timing is off.  We are not to try to take GOD’s place to figure out how to fix things for others.  We are just to obey the voice of GOD to us.  We can pray for others but unless the LORD leads us further that is all we should do.

We are to talk to GOD and thank HIM for whatever problem comes to our attention and GOD promises that HE will give us a peace that throws us beyond having to understand and will guard our hearts and minds from fear and anxiety (Philippians 4:6-7).

If we thus acknowledge and trust GOD in all things HE promises to direct us in any action we should take (Proverbs 3:5-7).  But anger, anxiety and fear must be refused as from the enemy.  We do that by taking them to the throne of Grace to get the help we need to bring those thoughts and feelings captive (Hebrews 4:16, 2 Corinthians 10:5).

It is like that amazingly good king Uzziah. He wanted to burn incense to the LORD. Burning incense is like prayer. Was burning incense prescribed by GOD?  yes.  Was burning incense, which was a type of prayer, good?  Of course.

Did GOD applaud him?  NO!  GOD gave him leprosy and being a leper, he lost his kingship and his son reigned in his stead.

Why would GOD do that when King Uzziah just wanted to offer a type of prayer to GOD?

King Uzziah had entered into a job that was assigned and belonged to others not him.  Then he got furious when he was warned not to offer incense.  (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).

Believe it or not, we do that very thing when we judge others or situations.  According to James 4:11-12, 1 Corinthians 4:5 the reason we are commanded not to criticize or judge others or situations before the time is that by doing so we enter into a job that belongs only to GOD and thus declare GOD doesn’t know what HE is doing and needs our help.

While the truth is, we don’t have all the facts and we don’t know what GOD is doing.

Do you believe what you say you believe?

Do you believe that GOD is good?

Do you believe GOD knows all things?

Do you trust GOD’s love for HIS people? 

Do you believe GOD will keep HIS promises (Numbers 23:19)?

Do you believe nothing is impossible to GOD?

And as Isaiah 55:8-11 says and demonstrates, do you believe GOD’s ways are not your ways but that they are higher and better and that they work?

Then you need to trust HIM to do what is needed.

Psalm 37:1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. ³ Trust in the LORD and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily you shalt be fed. ⁴ Delight thyself also in the Lord (and HIS ways): and HE shall give you the desires of your heart. ⁵ Commit your way (submit) to the Lord; trust also in HIM; and HE shall bring it to pass. ⁶ And HE shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your judgment (understanding) as the noonday. ⁷ Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for HIM: fret not yourself …⁸ Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not yourself in any wise… 

But rejoice in the LORD always and again I say rejoice! (Philippians 4:4).

hugs

Sharon

Eternity and Holiness

I felt guilty.  You see my folks had recently divorced and their arguments were always about us kids. I felt very guilty and responsible for the break-up of our family.  My oldest sister went with Mom, Dad had my younger sister, and I went 600 miles away to live with my semi-invalid grandma to wash the cups and saucers (LOL) and basically help her. 

She always had on Christian radio and insisted that I go to church (the only protestant church in our Jewish neighborhood).  It was there one Sunday morning when I was 12 sitting up in the tiny balcony of the little West Hollywood Baptist church, passing notes to a girlfriend and not paying a bit of attention to the sermon when all of a sudden I heard with clarity the pastor’s voice say, “JESUS died for your guilt.”

Without question I believed the offer of JESUS to forgive my sin, cleanse me and change me was real.  Since I wanted to get rid of that nagging feeling of guilt, I rushed down the stairs and to the front of the church to call on the name of the LORD JESUS and be saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13). 

Two years later at a Christian summer camp I sang with the others, “How great THOU art.”  As we sang I experiencing GOD’s presence as never before.  I felt a specific call from GOD and my awareness and AWE of GOD the HOLY ONE raised up several levels. 

All this came back to me as I thought to share with you concerning the HOLINESS, the FOREKNOWLEDGE and UNCHANGEABILITY of our eternal GOD.  The High and lofty ONE who inhabits ETERNITY, whose name is HOLY (Isaiah 57:1)

The Hebrew word holy has two basic meanings.  1) being separate and 2) being morally pure.  We are being changed into the image of our LORD JESUS CHRIST who is GOD the SON to be morally pure.  We were separated to GOD for HIS purposes when we believed in JESUS.  But the HOLINESS of GOD is at a much higher level.

You see GOD is different in HIS HOLINESS than you or I.  HE is separate from all.  One preacher explained the difference in GOD’s HOLINESS and ours because GOD has absolute OTHERNESS.  HE (GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT) is the beginning so HE never began to be.  All things were made by HIM, and nothing was made without HIM (John 1:1-3, 14 Genesis 1:1-2).

Since nothing can come from nothing the eternity of the great I AM’ (GOD who was and is and is to come) is necessary.  For without HIM nothing, not you, not me, not the universe or any other thing could have come into being.

Since GOD is IMMUTABLE, HIS attributes and nature do not change, You might wonder, “But what about JESUS.  HE changed.” 

Isaiah 48:16 From the BEGINNING I (the WORD made flesh) have told you plainly what would happen.” And now the Sovereign Lord and HIS SPIRIT have sent me this message.

JESUS took on a body and became GOD/man Philippians 2:5-8).  GOD the WORD called GOD the SON never changed in HIS GODHOOD that is HIS attributes and nature. But when HE took on flesh / human/ the only (uniquely) begotten JESUS met changes and suffering.  HE was made like us (humans) in all ways so that HE could be our perfect HIGH PRIEST and lead us home to GOD the FATHER (Hebrews 2:9, 14-18).

Yet, ALL that GOD is HE always was. HE never learned anything because HE has always known all things. HE even knows every choice we will ever make. That is called FOREKNOWLEDGE.  

Nearly 1/3 of the bible/ GOD’s word was prophesy (a telling beforehand what would take place in the future) when it was written.  All prophesy is due to FOREKNOWLEDGE.  There have been hundreds upon hundreds of those prophesies fulfilled as foretold.  There are still many prophesies yet to be fulfilled.

GOD tells us in HIS word that the evidence of being GOD is FOREKNOWLEDGE.

Isaiah 41:23 “Declare the things that are going to come afterward, That we may know that you are gods…”

Isaiah 46:^9 “Remember the former things of old: for I am GOD, and there is none else; I am GOD, and there is none like ME, ¹⁰ Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, MY counsel shall stand, and I will do all MY pleasure: ¹¹ … I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.”

John 6:64 “… for JESUS knew that from the beginning who they were that believed not and who should betray HIM”

Have you received a promise?  That is when the HOLY SPIRIT assures you that something will occur. HE is telling you things to come (John 16:13), Every promise you have from GOD is prophesy yet to be fulfilled.  Those promises encourage you to endure when things get tough.

GOD’s plans are all based on HIS absolute FOREKNOWLEDGE (Acts 2:23, 1 Peter 1:2) and every one of them will come to be.  For HE is not a man that HE should lie or change HIS mind, if HE has said it HE will do it! (Numbers 23:19)

PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!

Hugs

Sharon

Inspiration of the ALMIGHTY

I’ve heard many, some even preachers say that GOD does not speak to people today.  But that is a lie. GOD speaks to us individually according to HIS purposes and plans for us individually.  I love the way GOD clearly affirmed again that truth I experience often to motivate me to share it with you.

I love beginning my day with GOD in HIS word early in the morning sitting in the shade outside overlooking my backyard with the squirrels and birds gathering the food I have tossed out for them.

Reading GOD’s word is me gathering the food HE has set out for me.  The word is a joy as it teaches, corrects and often instructs me to do specific things (today I was motivated to text a couple of people). This is what I view as GOD speaking to me.

As I read sometimes a truth hits me so hard it is like the verses, “I am full of the matter and the (HOLY) SPIRIT within me constrains (presses me, urging me to speak). My belly is like unvented wine; Like new wineskins it is about to burst” (Job 32:18-19).  When that happens, I quickly sketch an outline of it then find time write it out so I can share it with you.

Besides the special assignments, this morning the verse “there is a spirit in man and the Inspiration of the Almighty gives them understanding” (Job 32:8) sent me toà

Matthew 4:4 JESUS “said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of GOD.” à

We need that word, that Inspiration from the Almighty

So, we know what specifically HE wants us to do.

Deuteronomy 30:11 “For the command (word) which I command (speak) to you today is not hidden from you or far off (14), but this word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart that you might do it.” à

Romans 10:8 “…The word is near you, even in your mouth, and in your heart, that is the word of faith which we preach” à

Philippians 2:13 “For GOD is working (placing) in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases HIM.” à

Hebrews 10:16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the LORD, I will put my laws (words) into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them” à

I love the example of GOD gave by speaking to a woman, giving her an assignment although she was not a Jew, (the context shows she believed in GOD and thus was a GOD fearer).

1 Kings 17:9 (GOD speaking to the prophet Elijah after the stream dried up), “Arise, go to Zarephath…, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain (provide for) you.”

So regardless of who tells you otherwise, by the word of GOD you have seen GOD still speaks to us today!  Aren’t you glad?  I sure am!

Hugs

Sharon

Bookmark

When I turned to where my bookmark was in Ezekiel, my eyes fastened not on the page but on the folded, taped, ear-worn prayer calendar for Praying through the Window 7/ Political and Spiritual leaders of the 10/40 Window I use as a bookmark.  The portion open to view has the faces of several of the political and spiritual leaders in the 10/40 of that day. 

Early in 1990s began a worldwide cross-cultural prayer incentive for evangelical Christians called Praying through the Window. Organizations such as AD 2000 with George Bush, Every home for Christ with Dick Eastman, YWAM with leaders such as Fred Markert and my church began the incentive and encouraged teams from local churches across the USA and elsewhere to go to the 10/40 window countries and pray on site with insight for the people there.

The 10/40 Window represents a rectangular area of the world, extending from 10 degrees to 40 degrees north of the Equator from west Africa to eastern Asia.  That area was studied and mapped as Gospel resistant by missionaries. Those countries were often closed to receiving Gospel presentations.  Every major non-Christian religion began and is based in that area. Within that area most Christian persecution takes place.  And it is the birthplace of mankind.

Because of odd circumstances, I found the LORD had placed me Job 14:1, 5/ Acts 17:26-27 in the very church from which the incentive proceeded.  Ones I met there during a prayer meeting were used of GOD to get me on several prayer trips across the oceans and into the 10/40 Window.  What amazing adventures we had as we walked around in those countries and prayed for the people to find CHRIST!  Reports came in telling of great results.

Today when I saw my bookmark, I thought, “Ah, would I ever like a bookmark with pictures of the political and spiritual leaders of the 10/60 + north… those characters described in Ezekiel 38-39 that are in the news so much today.”  What a reminder that would be to pray for them and the people of those countries as we look up awaiting our LORD’s soon call to come up (Luke 21:28, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). 

Our prayers are needed, for all on the earth who do not know our LORD JESUS CHRIST and who have not become GOD’s children by believing in HIM (John 1:12) will literally be left behind when we go up to heaven.  They will have to face the terrible 7-year Tribulation told about in Revelation 6 through 20.

We are instructed to pray for all men everywhere, especial those who are in authority For GOD would  have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.(1 Timothy 2:1-4).  Do you, do I obey that command of our Maker to co-labor with our GOD and thus hasten the day of HIS return? (2 Peter 3:12).

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

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

Crop the picture

Crop the picture:

It had been a very long time since I’d seen my friend and was excited about getting together with her. She came down from Denver and I went up from Pueblo to meet for a meal in Colorado Springs.  Seemed like we couldn’t quit talking and as we waited for our food we got caught up on each other’s lives.

Needing a picture to capture our moment together for the FRIENDS frame I was giving her, and wanting a copy for my own album, I asked a server at the restaurant if he would take our picture with my phone. He graciously agreed. Thinking I needed a landscape view, since the outer writing on the frame I had bought my friend was for a landscape shot, I ask the server to hold my phone sideways in taking the picture.  Bless his independent heart, he took the picture his way, ignoring my specifications. It was a portrait shaped snapshot. O well, I got a picture, and I sent it to my email.

The picture came to me looking like it was on its side. It just needed to be turned 90 degrees and cropped and sized to fit the frame. But with the computer that really wasn’t a problem.

In the same manner, GOD takes what the devil throws at us- things meant for evil- and turns them around 90 degrees and crops them to use for our good to accomplish what HE wants done (Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28).  Let me give you a personal example from when I was in my 30’s.

After a crazy, fun, non-stop weekend as a counselor with a cabin full of whacky, giggling middle school girls at a Christian snowball camp I was exhausted as I headed home down the mountain in a snowstorm.  My weariness along with the blackness of night as I rounded the curves on icy roads with very little visibility made driving slow and strenuous.  

To top it off I was none too excited about confronting what I would find once I was off the mountain. Arrows of negative thoughts bombarded me shoving the fun thoughts of the weekend with campers away and focusing me only on negative aspects of the situation I knew I was about to face.

I didn’t turn to the LORD with a cry for help (Hebrews 4:16), nor was I focusing on JESUS and what HE did (Hebrews 12:2), nor on GOD’s promise that all things were for my benefit (2 Corinthians 4:15), let alone calculating that HE was actively at work achieving wonderful things through that very situation I so dreaded (2 Corinthians 4:15-18, Romans 8:28).

Instead, feeling sorry for myself, I cried out for GOD to release me from the nightmare and take me home to heaven.

I know GOD heard me, for suddenly I lost all control of my car on the snowy icy roads. My car spun round, and around, and around in circles then stopped with a thud, heading in the right direction on the right-hand side of the road. Miraculously, there had not been any traffic. GOD had held me in HIS hands protecting me, and protecting others from me, during the whole episode.

Then within I heard HIS soft whisper, “Sharon, Do you really want to die?”

I realized that I didn’t.   GOD had shown me truth by putting me in a wild tailspin.  In those crazy moments I knew there was a reason to live. Our LORD had taken the twisted view I’d gotten from listening to the evil one’s sneering lying accusations and turned it around 90 degrees then cropped it so I could see things clearly.  HE had done with my thinking, just as I had done to that picture of my friend and me.

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY had renewed my mind, showing me HIS glorious perspective. Only HE can do that!  That is why we are told to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5).

That experience sure taught me a lesson.  Now I know to arrest all my thoughts and examine them by talking them over with the LORD (Proverbs 3:5-7).  Aware of the deceptive power of the enemy’s taunting lies, I’ll often pray, standing the gap, for ones being mentally harassed by that liar, Satan. Regardless of their situation I pray that GOD bring them clarity in whatever way HE knows will work.  I ask that HE show them the purpose HE has for them for GOD does nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23) and HE has made each of us for a reason.  HE is Sovereign and will only allow struggles that HE can use for our good and HIS purposes.

GOD alone knows what battles each of us are fighting, and the lies we are being fed. HE alone has the wisdom, power and ability to deliver us from the ones stronger than we are (Psalm 18:17) and show us the way we should choose. But HE never takes away our GOD given ability to choose.

So, if you are struggling, recognize the truth that we are not sufficient by ourselves to think we can handle things, but our sufficiency comes from the LORD (2 Corinthians 3:5).

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfecter of my faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Hugs

Sharon