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

Do you ever crave salt?

Craving salt

I have been told that the two most addictive things are salt and sugar.  I must confess I, like these goats from Italy crave salt. With my heart condition, although I am supposed to restrict my salt intake, salty items are a real temptation that is hard for me to resist.  I sometimes I give in to that craving.

At Cingino Dam in Italy – you will find some Alpine ibex wild goats climbing its wall. The Cingino Dam is just about vertical. It is 160 feet high, and these wild goats climb almost to the top of it. This species of goat lives in the European Alps, it has split hooves with rubber-like soles. They are exceptional climbers… but to see them climb this vertical wall is absolutely mind-blowing.

Why do they do it? Their diet, which consists mostly of grass, gives them a major salt craving.  Coincidentally, the wall of Italy’s Cingino Dam is built with salt encrusted stones – with the really good, salty stone blocks near the top of the dam. Therefore, in order to get to these mineral rich salts, these goats do what looks to be impossible…they climb a vertical wall. 

Of all the addictions in this wicked world there is one that GOD says is good.

1 Corinthians 16:15… the first believers in Greece, have addicted themselves to spending their lives in service to GOD’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, ¹⁶ to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion.

Why did these 1^st believers in Greece addict themselves to fellow believers?  It looks like they were looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2-3) following their Savior the LORD JESUS CHRIST who though equal with GOD emptied HIMSELF of HIS rights and privileges, took on the form of a man so that HE could serve mankind by being tempted, suffering and dying for their sin to become their Savior and High Priest (Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 2:14-18).

Perhaps one reason GOD (the author of the Bible/ 2 Peter 1:21) commends them is because of

John 17:²¹ That they (those that believe in JESUS) all may be one; as YOU, FATHER (GOD) are in ME (JESUS), and I in YOU, that they also may be one in US: that the world may believe that YOU have sent ME.

John 3:16 For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only SON that whosoever believes in HIM (JESUS) shall not perish but have eternal life.

GOD does not delight in the death of the wicked but that they turn (to JESUS and be cleansed by HIS blood) and live (Ezekiel 33:11).

Have you believed in the LORD JESUS and called on HIM to save you? (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

I have.

Hugs

Sharon

Do you listen?

Do you pay attention when another is talking?

Yes I agree the way truth is presented makes a difference if the concept is understandable.  But I want to speak about GOD’s teaching us HIMSELF.  Since the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY knows all things no one can explain anything better than HE. For HE alone knows precisely what is necessary for each one to hear to comprehend what HE is telling them.

The key to hearing comes from listening.  Only when we listen can we learn.

In a classroom there are students who pay attention to what is being said and they learn.  Then there are students who do not pay attention to what is being said and they are clueless.

Luke 8:18 Take care then how you hear (listen), for to the one who has (heard), more (understanding) will be given, and from the one who has not (listened), even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.” (words in parentheses added).

So, each morning I prayerfully pay close attention to the words as I read the Word of GOD for it is there I meet with my LORD.  This morning these following verses (2 sets of verses taken in context) struck me as giving clarity to a touchy issue by showing both sides of the issue and how they fit together.  

Spurgeon said, “You don’t have to reconcile friends.”

John 6:⁴⁴ No man can come to ME (JESUS), except (GOD) the FATHER which has sent ME draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. ⁴⁵ It is written in the prophets, And they shall be ALL taught of GOD. Every man therefore that has heard (listened), and has learned of the FATHER, comes to ME.

So, what do we have?  Without the teaching of GOD through the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT (John 16:8/ 1 Corinthians 2:11) no one can come to JESUS. Yet it is said that GOD the FATHER draws by teaching ALL people about JESUS and everyone who has heard (chosen to listen) and learned comes to JESUS.  Those who don’t listen to the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT, don’t learn.   Simple as that.  It’s man’s choice.

Philippians 2:¹² Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³ for it is GOD who works in you, both to will and to work for HIS good pleasure.

The context here speaks of obeying GOD not gaining salvation.  For we are clearly told that salvation/ eternal life is the gift of GOD not by (our) works lest any person could boast.  But faith in JESUS motives us to want to please GOD and shows others what salvation does.

Note it is GOD placing a desire in us (to make a phone call or witness anyway HE wants to use us) that we are supposed to be working out.  Doing what HE asks.  GOD promises that if HE asks/ calls us to do something HE will enable/ do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24 and Philippians 2:13).

In both of these sets of verses we see GOD desires for us to co-labor with HIM.  HE speaks and HE wants us to act.  To me that is so amazing that the Creator of the universes wants to use me to do HIS will.

What do you think?

Hugs

Sharon

How can we know?

Although all scripture is equally inspired (2 Peter 1:21), not all scripture is as easily understood. Some passages are downright troublesome.  So, I find myself often asking GOD what HE means in certain texts. For although we are promised that the HOLY SPIRIT will teach us (1 Corinthians 2:10-14), HE will only teach us what GOD the FATHER tells HIM to (John 16:13). JESUS also said HE spoke and did only what GOD the FATHER told HIM to (John 5:30, 14:10).

I found myself going to the FATHER for help to understand a passage as I was finishing up writing the Bible study on James.  I claimed 1 Thessalonians 5:24 “Faithful is HE who calls you who will also do it.” For since I teach GOD’s Word to women in a life group it is essential that as much as is possible that I rightly divide the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

I was at James 5:^14 “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the LORD: ¹⁵ And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the LORD shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him”.

LORD, I know if we come to you our sins will be forgiven (1 John 1:9, 5:16) but what do these verses mean about raising him up? I can see by the wording that the elders need to go to the sick person, so this seems like life threatening situations. I know YOU heal in many ways, physically, through agency and even by taking someone home to heaven but as far as I can see there are many times people are anointed with oil as a symbol of YOUR presence and yet are not healed in any visible way.  Why is that?

A thought came, “What is supposed to heal them, Sharon?”

The text says the prayer of faith.

“Faith in what and how does one get faith?”

Proverbs 3:⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. ⁶ In ALL your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct your paths. ⁷ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD and depart from evil.

Romans 10:^17 “So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the (spoken/ rhema) word of GOD.”

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

Philippians 2:¹³ For it is GOD which works/ places in you both to will and to do of HIS good pleasure.

“Sharon remember that there was a great multitude at the pool (Olympic size) of Bethesda.  How many were healed?” (John 5:2-9)

Just one.

“Why just one?”

I don’t know.  I guess that is who YOU wanted healed.

“Faith for healing comes in the same way that one gets faith for salvation or direction in your life.  You hear MY word, believe it and act on it.  For MY plan is not always to heal.  The only way you will know how to pray is to know MY will and that only comes by asking ME and trusting MY response.”

Then when I went to write questions on the verses of Elijah’s praying what I had been impressed with concerning the healing section was confirmed.  GOD told Elijah to pray that it not rain and later told Elijah that HE would send rain and that is what Elijah prayed for (1 Kings 17, 18).

It’s as Proverbs 3:5-7 states we are to consult GOD about ALL things instead of going on our own ideas about what is best.

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

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

HE edits my prayers

I PRAISE the LORD that the HOLY SPIRIT edits my prayers.

When I was 12 I came to JESUS and HE saved me.  A couple of years later at a summer camp I felt compelled to ask HIM to do whatever was necessary to make me all HE wanted me to be.  Just months later, though I was an A student, I began having trouble understanding in my classes.  It was discovered that I had a severe hearing loss and that is was getting worse. So, from age 15 on I was considered profoundly hearing impaired. Mockery and put downs that naturally resulted from my misunderstanding led me to isolate to a great degree other than church and women’s Bible study. 

I spent much time with GOD in HIS word through those years when my kids were at school. Meanwhile at 35 I got my 1^st hearing aids but I still missed a lot while conversing.  Yet, the LORD who loves to use foolish things (1 Corinthians 1:27) enabled me participate in women’s Bible studies and even teach hearing children and work as a counselor of kids at a Christian camp and go on prayer journeys to three countries overseas.

I praise the LORD for my hearing loss for I really believe my relationship with the LORD and understanding of HIS word that has taught me to trust HIM came from HIS taking away my hearing.  A couple years back I got a Cochlear implant so I hear so much more today.  But I would never trade those years alone with GOD.

After seeing GOD work in many situations in my life, in the lives of many in my family and friends, and throughout one Bible episode after another where what I would consider terrible situations the LORD used to do something REMARKABLY good. Just one example is the Crucifixion of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, without which we could not be saved.

Therefore, I have come to realize that the LORD with HIS great wisdom and foreknowledge of all things sees things vastly different than I do.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

MY thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. And MY ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so MY ways are higher than your ways and MY thoughts higher than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Therefore, I have learned how limited I am in knowing what is best so consult the LORD even in how I should pray rather than go with my own ideas.  In this I obey HIS word.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek HIS will in (talk over with HIM) ALL you do (even prayer), and HE will show you which path to take.Do not be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. (Proverbs 3:5-7 NLT)

After talking with the LORD, sometimes I am given a go ahead, a word, direction or a verse that shows me how to pray. Other times there is a definite DO NOT pray that way, and still other times I get nothing, nothing at all even though I have asked.

It is at those times I most rejoice in the ONE who edits my prayers.

…the SPIRIT helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the SPIRIT HIMSELF intercedes for us with groanings that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).

We can make our own plans (according to what we think is right), but the Lord gives the right answer (Proverbs 16:1 NLT).

So

Commit your actions (including prayers) to the Lord, and your plans (prayers) will succeed (Proverbs 16:3 NLT).

And this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that, if we ask any thing according to HIS will, HE hears us: And IF we know that HE hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of HIM (1 John 5:14-15) 

Hugs

Sharon