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

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

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

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 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

Why doesn’t GOD answer?

Have you ever prayed and prayed, but nothing happens? Have you ever wondered why?

Of course, our prayer might not be GOD’s best for the situation so is not HIS will, or it could be not GOD’s timing for HE is lining other factors up before HE answers. But another issue has come apparent several times lately that I want to talk about.

Now there are famines from time to time but when there was a famine for 3 years running King David inquired of the LORD asking, “WHY?”

The LORD replied it was because of certain actions of King Saul the previous king toward a group of people. David sought out those people and asked them what he should do for them. Since their request was according to the practices of that day and GOD’s written word (Exodus 21:34), David agreed. When David made things right with those people, the LORD answered David’s prayers and the famine ended (see 2 Samuel 21).

This Old Testament incident illustrates a GOD principle about prayer. GOD will not answer prayer until sin is dealt with.

Psalm 66:18 If I REGARD iniquity in my heart the LORD will not hear me.

The Hebrew word for REGARD here is to look at/ focus on and resultant holding on to something. It doesn’t have to be something we consider big like stealing, lying or adultery.  The iniquity spoken of can be anything GOD has said not to do.

John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled (do not allow something to stir you up) believe in GOD and believe also in ME. John 14:27…Let not your heart be troubled, neither be afraid.

For when we allow ourselves to be troubled it is because we do not TRUST GOD to be in control and able to do what HE said HE would do. HE promises to work all things for the benefit of those who love HIM (Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 4:15-18). And GOD has given us HIS Word to illustrate for us how HE does what HE says HE will do.

Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

By reading the Word of GOD we learn GOD’s ways are not our ways but always work for good (Isaiah 55:9-11). And we see that what initially appears as something horrible can actually be something of great value. Like when Joseph was sold as a slave and then unjustly put in prison. We see GOD was always in control. GOD allowed the wicked thoughts of sinful men to play out and GOD used their actions to prepare Joseph for a great work to save many alive and to give Joseph great honor (Genesis 50:20).

The iniquity (sin) we REGARD (focus on) can be anything from worry, fretting, demanding things be done my way (as I lean on my own understanding of what is needed (Proverbs 3:5-7), when I refuse to forgive, hold on to anger or anything I know is wrong I am regarding it more that I regard GOD.

Sometimes I must ask, “Is there something in me hindering the answer to my prayer?”  When I ask, HE shows me by giving me an inner awareness of what is hindering the answer to my prayers. If I am not hindering the answer GOD gives me peace that HE is at work behind the scenes, and I must wait to see what HE is doing.

1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that, if we ask any thing according to HIS will, HE hears us:

Hugs

Sharon

Every thought

It’s not just that I am getting older, just 10 years ago things were way different.  Words have changed their meanings and even history is being erased.  Have you ever wondered how everything has gotten so crazy? I believe it is that spiritual warfare has been upped a level or two.

In today’s world with one saying this and another saying that how can we know what is true?  No matter where we look there seems to be another reason to fear or get angry.  So how can we obey JESUS who tells us not to let (allow) our hearts be troubled but to simply believe in GOD the FATHER and to believe in HIM (John 14:1).

According to the Bible, we have been in the last days for some time now (since our LORD JESUS was on the earth -Hebrews 1:1-2) and we are told the last days are days of deception.  There is a battle going on for our minds and though it may not seem that way our battle is NOT with flesh and blood people but with principalities and powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in the heavenlies (Ephesians 6:10-13) against us and influencing people.

In this spiritual war GOD has weapons powerful enough to pull down the strongholds of wrong thinking and every deceptive argument that rises up against GOD’s knowledge (2 Corinthians 10:4-5) For really GOD is still in control, does know what HE is talking about, and all of HIS ways are right and do work.  We are instructed to take every thought captive, we cannot let them run wild.

JESUS said abide in ME (stay close to ME), without ME you can do nothing (John 15:5) and HE said if we let HIS words abide in us our prayers will be answered (John 15:7). Then in 2 Corinthians 3:5 we are told that we are not sufficient as of ourselves to think anything as coming from ourselves, our sufficiency comes from CHRIST. So, we need to abide in HIM- meet with HIM in HIS word and prayer.

Hebrews 4:16 tells us to run to the throne of grace for mercy and grace to help in time of need. So, I just take troublesome thoughts in prayer to the throne.  GOD has an amazing way of taking my thoughts and through the HOLY SPIRIT showing me HIS.  For when I am in HIS presence things become clear as I am reminded of Bible verses.

When fears, frustrations, anger or rebellious thoughts come, do what I have learned to do.  I arrest them by taking them to JESUS who sits on the right hand of GOD the FATHER’s throne in heaven for HE understands (Hebrews 4:14-16).  Why should you struggle in your own strength (or lack of it) with the thoughts that the enemy is shooting at you like fiery darts?  Just take those thoughts to throne and HE will show you the truth and give you strength to cope.

Hugs

Sharon

Easier said than done

Searching in my files this past week for needed information I came across an old study with a one-month calendar having verses about trusting GOD for each day.  Then I received an old message by Charles Stanley in the mail on trusting GOD.  Plus, several verses speaking of trust came up in my daily reading.

GOD is faithful, HE knew the various situations that were to come to me and those I love, and HE was reminding me that HE was there for us all I needed to do was to trust HIM.

Isaiah 26:³ YOU will keep in perfect peace, the mind that’s stayed on thee: because he trusts in thee.

⁴ Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength. (That is one of my favorite trust text because it has been put to music and I can sing it aloud against any of the accusations the enemy might bring back to my mind).

The LORD says to come to HIM about everything (Proverbs 3:5-7).  We are commanded not to be anxious and worried.  So, to be anxious and worried is SIN.  But seriously we can’t handle it on our own.

In order to get rid of our anxiety the LORD instructs us to pour out everything that concerns us to HIM (not everybody else), thanking HIM that HE is there for us and can and will work on our behalf in the situation.  Our GOD who cannot lie (Titus 1:2) promises us that if we give our requests to HIM with thanksgiving in exchange HE will cover us with HIS peace that will throw us beyond having to understand (Philippians 4:6-7).

Have you ever obeyed those instructions and had peace for a moment but then all of a sudden all the concerns rush back into your mind making you more upset than before?

That is because we didn’t read far enough so didn’t follow the instructions fully.  For in Philippians 4:8 we are instructed that in order to walk in (keep) that peace we must redirect our thoughts to that which is positive (Philippians 4:8).

Philippians 4:⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, present your requests to GOD with thanksgiving. ⁷ And the peace of GOD, which surpasses/transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in CHRIST JESUS. ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

I know, I know our enemy will feed those fears and frustrations back to us.  He does to me, and I don’t think I am unique.  When that happens we are to use the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the word of GOD (Ephesians 6:17) and say aloud to our enemy (just as JESUS did) It is written…GOD told me to give HIM this problem and said HE would take care of it.  So, I don’t need to worry about it. In doing that I am handing the problems back to GOD.

Warning:  The HOLY SPIRIT moved James (2 Peter 1:21) to warn us in James 1 that if we come to GOD and ask HIM we must come willing to believe HE knows best in how to handle it.  If we come only to have HIM do things our way we are not to expect anything from HIM (James 1:6-7).

It is so good to hand over all these surmounting problems to HIM who loves me and sent HIS only SON to die for my sin that I might be forgiven and become HIS child (John 3:16, 1:12-13).  Knowing that HE gave the best for me (Romans 8:32) assures me that now HE is working through the struggles I’m facing to achieve an end result of good for us who love HIM because HE 1^st loved us (2 Corinthians 4:15-18, Romans 8:28-29).

It is easier to say, “Trust GOD” than to do it.  Like any skill it takes practice but trusting GOD sure pays dividends and pleases GOD!

Hugs

Sharon

Overstepping my bounds

I was reminded this morning of my old driver’s training days back at Quincy High School with the coach seated by my side.  In the driver’s training the car there was a 2^nd steering wheel and 2^nd brake so that the instructor could gain control over the car should the student lose control.

Having a cup of coffee with the LORD this morning, I asked how I should pray for those on my list and for myself, Psalm 39:4 seemed to pop up.  It began, “show me” and the last part caught my attention: “that I may know how frail I am”, Act 17:26b-27a flooded my mind…GOD has preset the exact times and places for the purpose that men should reach out to HIM.  They would reach out to HIM in need and find not just help but fulness of joy. I was confident this was to be my prayer although HE might lead me to add other things here and there as I went through my list. 

Inviting the LORD’s with singing and thanking the LORD for HIS mighty goodness and faithfulness to me, out of the blue, I remembered last night’s frustration.  I had been moved to write a little devotion and one’s response triggered frustration in me. About to respond to the comment, I felt a nudge by the HOLY SPIRIT.  HE graciously reminded me, “Sharon, let peace be your guide (umpire Colossians 3:15) MY fruit is love, joy, peace, gentleness… (Galatians 5:22-23).”  I got the point.  HIS fruits flowing from me is evidence that I am walking in the SPIRIT.  My frustration, the opposite of HIS peace, showed me I wasn’t walking in the SPIRIT but had somehow grabbed the controls out of HIS hands thinking I needed to control the situation and set the record straight.

Arguing my point, is not what it’s all about.  That is me overstepping, as Job admits it speaking of things not fully understood (Job 42:3) and going beyond the boundaries assigned to me as GOD’s servant. 

GOD’s Word is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword and it discerns the thoughts and the intents of heart (Hebrews 4:12), it, not me, will accomplish all that GOD sends it out to do (Isaiah 55:10-11).

That realization last night made me laugh at my foolishness and GOD’s gentleness with me. Opting not to respond to the comment, I turned to other matters.  I had done my assignment, like a porter I open the door to the good Shepherd by speaking (writing out) the truth gently when GOD nudged me, now it was GOD’s turn (1 Thessalonians 5:24) to explain it to that one and others for as John 10:3-4 states although the porter open the door, it is the Shepherd the sheep listen to.

This morning this flash of memory brought a smile, for I was only seconds into my prayer following HIS directions and GOD had already “shown me my frailty” and my need to reach out to HIM.  Continuing through my prayer list, I was confident that my GOD was meeting each one where they were so they would reach out to HIM to fill their need and find fulness of joy and peace in HIS presence.

Today, have you reach out to HIM in whom we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:27)?

Hugs

Sharon