What should I pray?

Alone in the stillness of the early morning in my comfy chair out in our backyard garden looking up in the vastness of the soft blue sky this morning I was consumed with amazement of the immensity and greatness of our GOD.  As I spoke to YHWH- the great I AM- Creator of the heavens and the earth I continued to gaze intently at the blueness and noticed bits of mist forming into a tiny cloud.  Couldn’t help but think of Elijah and realized that the ALMIGHTY was answering my earlier question in how I was to pray for a situation.

Let me explain. You don’t have to go online and search for a video to get instructions in how to do what GOD wants you to do.  The bible is our instruction manual. JESUS said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of GOD.” Matthew 4:4

The bible tells us (we who received the HOLY SPIRIT when we believed in JESUS John 7:38-39, Ephesians 1:13) to walk after the SPIRIT (follow the leader Romans 8:1, 4) and to be led by the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 8:14, Galatians 5:18) just as JESUS was.

Luke 4:1 “And JESUS being full of the HOLY SPIRIT returned from Jordan and was led by the SPIRIT”

To follow the leading of the SPIRIT in prayer, 1^st let’s check and see how the HOLY SPIRIT prayed.

Romans 8:27 “And HE (GOD the FATHER) that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the SPIRIT, because HE (the HOLY SPIRIT) makes intercession for the saints according to the will of GOD.”

And as JESUS told us we find that will of in GOD’s word the bible.

So how does all this have to do to me seeing bits of mist coming together to form a tiny cloud which made me think of Elijah?  GOD told Elijah that as punishment on Israel HE was sending a famine, and it would not rain but he was to pray that it not rain.  So, Elijah told King Ahab and then went and prayed that it would not rain. 

“…As the LORD GOD of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.” (1 Kings 17:1) In other words it will not rain again until I pray that it rain.

Over 3 years later GOD told Elijah to go to King Ahab for HE (GOD) was going to send rain (1 Kings 18:1). You need to do your own homework and read 1 Kings 17 and 18 to gets some exciting stories that I’ll pass by. 

After much excitement and the killing of all the hundreds of false prophets of Baal, Elijah went to the top of Mt Carmel and cast himself on the earth and put his face between his knees and told his servant to go look toward the sea and the servant saw nothing.  This happened 7 times and it came to pass that the seventh time the servant told Elijah behold, there arises a little cloud out of the sea about the size of a man’s hand.  Elijah told his servant to go to Ahab and tell him to get in his chariot and down the mountain before the rain stopped him. (summary of 1 Kings 18:42-44).

In James it says that Elijah’s prayers stopped the rain for 3 ½ years and then caused it to rain (James 5:17-18) but what it doesn’t say is Elijah’s prayed what GOD told him that HE was going to do.

Ezekiel 36:36b-37a paraphrased: GOD says, I will do it for them, but I want them to ask for me for it.

JESUS said, “THY will be done on earth as it is in heaven” Matthew 6:10.

How do we learn GOD’s will in a situation, so we know how to pray effectively and not just into the air? 1^st Ask GOD what HE wants (Proverbs 3:5-7). Then do as led.  Often when reading the Bible we are impressed to pray verses from the Bible.  Sometimes the HOLY SPIRIT will nudge us with a piece of a bible verse and sometimes we have no clue as to what GOD is doing so pray what we know is true and can pray what we want if we add “but not my will but THY will be done” (just as JESUS did Matthew 26:39).

We may not stop the rain for 3 ½ years but as we grow in our knowledge of GOD through HIS word and learn to listen to the HOLY SPIRIT our prayers can and will be effective.

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

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

Past, Present and Future

I used to love putting together jigsaw puzzles, but I don’t have the time to work on puzzles any more.  One thing for sure, before beginning to put pieces of the puzzle together I had to have an idea of what the completed puzzle would like and gather outline pieces and similar colors together or it would be pure confusion.

On the surface parts of the Bible can be like that.  As Peter tells us in 2 Peter 3:¹⁶ some scripture is hard to understand for those who have not learned by studying the Word of GOD …

It takes time to learn, to know GOD and HIS ways.  GOD teaches us when we go to HIS word. Isaiah 28:⁹ Whom shall HE teach knowledge? and whom shall HE make to understand doctrine? …¹⁰ For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little

We put together a jigsaw puzzle piece by piece and the more pieces we put together the clearer the becomes.  In the same way things become clearer as we continue to study the Bible. 

Paul in Acts 20^:27 declared ^“For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of GOD.”  He knew that believers needed teachers to help them understand the hard parts.  So we don’t get stuck/ confused at what GOD means

That is why JESUS gave pastors and teachers to the church (Ephesians 4:11-14) to help us see what GOD is saying not just to know what to believe but to know how to act. (Yet we must always check out what teachers say with the Word of GOD Isaiah 8:20)

A word in the Bible may have many meanings which one can only understand according to the context where it is used. So, when a word’s meaning is confusing sometimes it helps to do a word study to get an overview of that subject.  You can do it by looking up every reference of that word and seeing it fits in its chapter. 

One such concept that could be confusing came to light today as I was writing the study for 1 Peter 1. Feeling that I needed to explain it further so the gals in class could grasp what was being said I rewrote a poem I wrote decades ago. 

The concept is about salvation.  My son liked it so well, I thought I would share it with you.

Salvation Past Present and Future

Past:      JESUS has saved me from the punishment, the punishment of sin Dying for me HE saved me from the punishment of my sin When I called on the LORD JESUS, trusting in HIS word HE washed me and saved me from the punishment of sin.    Ephesians 2:5 Revelation 1:5

JESUS saved me from the punishment, the punishment of sin, HIS death on the cross saved me from the punishment of my sin. And now I’ll share HIS glory, with HIM forever be. For HE has saved me from the punishment of sin.   John 3:16

Present:      Though I’m saved from the punishment, the punishment of sin I found my old sin nature still lurks within But JESUS has promised victory, victory over sin.

Yes, HE helps me and keeps saving me from the power of sin.  Hebrews 7:25 1 Corinthians 1:18 HE is saving me from the power, the power of sin

Praying for me JESUS saves me from the power of sin. If I run to HIM when tempted, giving all my thoughts to HIM GOD saves me from the power of sin.   Hebrews 4:16 James 1:17 1 Peter 1:5

The SPIRIT also is saving me from the power, the power of sin As HE reveals JESUS to me, I become more like HIM    2 Corinthians 3:18 By planting truth within me, HE shows me the evilness of sin And so the SPIRIT is saving me from the power, the power of sin  John 16:8, 13 Philippians 2:13           

Future:    As I’m being saved from the power, the power of sin One day JESUS will call me up and I’ll go be with HIM.  1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 The expectant hope of redemption and adoption is growing within    Romans 8:23 For I’ll be set free from this body and saved from the very presence of sin.  1 Peter 1:5 Romans 5:9, Romans 7:24

That is why we must read the Bible from cover to cover. 

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

HE knows

Have you ever been surprised?  GOD has never been surprised.  HE never has to rethink anything since the LORD has always known everything that would ever happen HE never learns anything new.

“Now are we sure that YOU (JESUS) know all things…” (John 16:30)

“JESUS said to him… Simon, son of Jonas, do you love ME? Peter replied LORD, YOU know all things; YOU know that I love thee…” (John 21:17)

“… GOD is greater than our heart, and HE knows everything.” (1 John 3:20)

“… Does HE who teaches mankind lack knowledge?” (Psalm 94:10).

If we think about it most believers in JESUS who read and believe their Bibles will agree that the LORD knows all things.  But have you considered that GOD never had to learn anything because before anything happened HE knew all that would happen. Not because HE forces it to happen but because of HIS AWESOME quality called FOREKNOWLEDGE (Acts 2:23, 1 Peter 1:2) along with HIS pre-creation choice to preset the times and places setting the stage for people to choose from (Acts 17:26-27).

But we must not think that by setting the stage GOD is forcing the characters act a certain way.  Each person has been given the gift of choice>>>that is each one determines what he/she will do in any given situation and thereby is responsible for the action taken.

GOD is LORD of all, but HE is not a puppeteer.

“JESUS therefore, knowing all things that should come upon HIM (before they happened), went forth,…” (John 18:4).

“Known unto GOD are all HIS works FROM the beginning of the world” (Acts 15:18 KJ). Through HIS amazingFOREKNOWLEDGE GOD knew how HE would answer every prayer before HE created the world.

“… the LAMB (JESUS) slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8 KJ).  JESUS was crucified in the eternal plan of GOD before HE (JESUS Hebrews 1:1-3) created the world.  Therefore, HE had to know people would sin and would need a Savior and volunteered for the job.

In Psalm 139 it says GOD (the FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT) knows what we will say before we form the words in our minds.  The LORD knows what we will say before we do.  Amazing isn’t it? 

In this way, our eternal Creator knew what choices individual people would make before HE even made them.  Yet the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY chose to make people in HIS image and give them the ability to choose.  They could choose right or wrong.  They could choose to believe and follow GOD or suppress the truth and turn away from GOD to the things of the world (Romans 1:18-21).

GOD’s amazing FOREKNOWLEDGE (definition = to know/to see before it happens) is the basis on which GOD could give mankind the ability to choose and yet remain completely Sovereign= in control.

“HIM (JESUS), being delivered by the determinate will and FOREKNOWLEDGE of GOD, you have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.” Acts 2:23  

There we see GOD’s purposes and Sovereignty played out by man’s choice.  Remember GOD sets the stage with purpose in FOREKNOWLEDGE of man’s heart and what he will do, but it is man who decides what to do. (Acts 17:26-27).  I can’t say I understand how it all works but know from GOD’s word that it does.

“Remember the former things of old for I AM GOD and there is none else.  I AM GOD and there is none like ME 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.  …I have spoken it, and I will do it.” (Isaiah 46:9-11)

“Elect (chosen/ called) according to the FOREKNOWLEDGE of GOD the FATHER” (1 Peter 1:4 KJ).   We see that FORKNOWLEDGE comes 1^st and is foundational.

What did GOD FOREKNOW for some to be elected (called and chosen)?  I would say HE knew who would believe and who would refuse to believe even though given light to believe (Romans 1:18-21).

“…In CHRIST JESUS called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of JESUS CHRIST our LORD, both theirs and ours.” (1 Corinthians 1:2 KJ).   So those who call on the name of the LORD are the called.  And what happens when one chooses to call upon the name of the LORD?  “For whoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:13 KJ).

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them that are the called according to HIS purpose.  For whom HE did FOREKNOW, HE did predestinate to be conformed to the image of HIS SON, that HE (JESUS) might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:28-29).

Yes, those GOD foreknew would call upon the name of the LORD HE planned for/ predestinated that they would be conformed to the image of CHRIST JESUS.  Each believer is GOD’s workmanship in CHRIST JESUS for GOD preset times and places for everything that occurs in their lives to work together to conform them to their LORD and Savior JESUS.

“For you are GOD’s workmanship created in CHRIST JESUS unto good works that GOD prepared in advance that you should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

The infinity/ limitlessness of the ALMIGHTY’s wisdom, power and love blows my mind! Yet at the same time makes me feel so secure for HE has promised me eternal life (John 3:16).

Hugs

Sharon

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