we gotta put the pieces together

A jigsaw puzzle is a tiling puzzle that requires the assembly of, often oddly shaped, interlocking and similarly but not identical shaped pieces. Some pieces look like they will fit but they don't. Each piece must fit perfectly, not jammed in. Each piece usually has a small part of a picture on it; when complete, a jigsaw puzzle produces a complete picture that show many individual things.  In the one Mac got for Christmas there was a lighthouse, other houses, rocks, a rambling fence, grass, stones, water, clouds and more.

 

While talking with the LORD concerning a the son of a friend- who blames GOD for his illness and consequently has turned away from GOD, a picture of a zigsaw puzzle came to mind. And I was impressed with the realization that he (lets call him Mr. D) didn't have all the pieces and therefore couldn't see the picture clearly.

 

The Bible is like a big jigsaw puzzle and when you pour out all the pieces on the table nothing much makes sense.  But you search for pieces that have 1 straight side and use them to make the outline of the puzzle.  Then you gather similarly colored pieces together for the smaller pictures within the larger picture.  Over and over you go to the box the puzzle came in and look at what the picture is suppose to look like when completed in order to get your bearings/ perspective. The picture becomes clearer and clearer as each piece is put into place. Although at times it is work, when I see a piece that clearly fits it is exciting!   That is why I share with you. 

 

The Bible speaks on many, many issues; they are the little pictures in the big picture (GOD's eternal plan).  And as when gathering the pieces for the rambling fence  all through the pile of pieces so gathering the facts concerning a Bible truth can come from all through the Bible.  Some pieces are hard to find, but when they are joined together the picture becomes clear.

 

That man,Mr. D, hasn't found all the pieces in the puzzle concerning GOD and sickness.  Neither have I, but I must have found a few more for I see sickness and struggles from a totally different angle than he.

 

Lets look at some of the puzzle pieces about problems, I will number and make bold a few of the pieces I know about. There are a lot of pieces I have not found yet.

1-GOD made everything good Genesis 1:9,12, 18, 25,31

Now electricity is good, it is necessary but for a young child to stick a metal hairpin in an electrical outlet is BAD and a natural  consequence could mean death for the child.  So a wise parent will say, "don't touch!  If you touch it you will get hurt."

2-GOD told Adam and Eve they could eat of all the trees but one.  It was not for them to have for like something poison it would hurt them if they ate it. 

3-The serpent, the devil, lied to Eve and told her GOD was keeping something back... the devil tempted her to disregard what GOD said.

4--There are secret things.. and the secret things belong to GOD.  These are things we are not ready yet to know- they might even hurt us if we learned them too soon. Deuteronomy 29:29 

5-GOD gave mankind the ability to choose.  Joshua 24:14,15 Adam and Eve chose not to follow GOD's instructions, although HE clearly warned them something bad would happen.  And it did.  The consequences of deterioration and death began.  We cannot blame GOD for something we chose to do.

6-But our loving Eternal FATHER GOD did not leave us there in our consequences. HE killed an animal to clothe Adam and Eve and HE sent JESUS to die for us so HE could forgive our sin and clothe us with HIS righteousness and reconcile us to HIMSELF.BUT until JESUS comes back, there are consequences of  sickness and deterioration (cavities for instance) and death remain.  Miracles give us a foretaste or glimpse of what will be but until that day consequences remain.

7-Satan can bring troubles when GOD permits. Job 1 & 2

8-GOD is love. I John 4:7-10

9-GOD does nothing without a cause. Ezekiel 14:23

10-GOD brings/allows difficult things for our good, to benefit us. Hebrews 12:5-11

11-Sin gives the devil a foothold in our lives. Ephesians 4:26,27

12-But GOD turns what the devil meant for evil and uses it for good to bless both us and others. Genesis 50:20

13-Problems give GOD an opportunity to show what HE is like and prepare us to work with HIM to save the lost .John 9:1-3 

14-GOD uses our momentary troubles to achieve eternal wonderful things that far outweigh the pain of today 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

15-GOD works everything together (like stirring the sugar and cream in the coffee) for an end result of good for those who love HIM...  Romans 8:28

16- another piece of the puzzle that excites and baffles me:  GOD knows all things since before HE made the world.  HE knows everything HE will ever do.  Acts 15:18 HE knows what we will say before we say it Psalm 139:4  HE knows how we will choose before we choose it. And I believe GOD devised HIS eternal plan in the counsels of heaven by utilizing all of HIS amazing wisdom and total knowledge (like how we will act in certain situations). I believe that because GOD is ONE... that is HE is unity.  HE is not made up of parts but each and every thing true of HIM compliments (works together with) every other things that is true of HIM.  HIS love and wrath work together.  HE loves us and wants what is best for us therefore HE hates sin and must eradicate it for it will harm us.  

    Because GOD knows all things past present and future HE can allow us free choice without

endangering  HIS plan. HE can genuinely offer something to us, desiring to give it because it is the best for us, even when HE knows it will be turned down. HIS knowledge of us is factored in HIS plans so when we choose to refuse something HE really offers us, HIS plan is still in effect and unchanging. By the way, just knowing whether we will choose an apple or a pear does not mean HE made us choose it.

 

When you put these puzzles pieces together with others (such as I Peter 1:6-7, James 1:2-4, Romans 8:18 , 2 Corinthians 1:4,7) we get a glimpse of why there is suffering and what it accomplishes.  But we don't have the full picture yet.. for we know in part... when JESUS comes we will see the full picture!

 

Finding a puzzle piece that fits is, fun but more wonderful is having the scriptures speak to us and be what we need to hear and see that ry moment.  So get in the word, my friends, and gather the pieces.. little by little the picture gets clearer.

 

Will you pray with me for Mr. D to find more of the pieces and be drawn back to GOD 2 Timothy 2:25,26?

 

hugs

Sharon

struggles

Today I read an email from a gal listing trouble upon trouble.  Will you pray with me for her?

LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, nothing is too hard for YOU, please encourage YOUR daughter.  LORD, I confess that it is too easy for us humans to look at our troubles instead of YOUR promises. Forgive us. GOD of all comfort, Comfort this one as YOU have comforted me when I believed I must have been a bad mom and blamed myself for what my kids were doing;  I remember how clearly YOU said, "look at MY kids.  Does that make ME a bad DAD?"

GOD  all hope fill this one with all joy and peace in believing in YOU, that she may overflow in hope by the power of the Holy SPIRIT according to YOUR word in Romans 15:13   If we focus on her situation and her temporary problems it is more than any can endure but YOU say, don't focus on your problems but 

1: focus on JESUS the author and perfecter of our faith and consider what HE endured and how HE overcame Hebrews 12:2-4 

2: focus on the reality that I (the Sovereign, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY am achieving for you through them.  2 Corinthians 4:15-18

YOUR ways are not ours for YOU tell us 

1:to rejoice when we face trials of many kinds for they are developing endurance in us James 1:2-4

2:YOU say that we are to greatly rejoice, though now for a little while we may have  to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come so that our faith, which is of greater value than gold. may be proved genuine and may result in praise,glory and honor when JESUS CHRIST is revealed.  Though we have not seen HIM, we love HIM; and even though we do not see HIM now, we believe in HIM  I Peter 1:6-8

But that is so hard LORD, help!  Hebrews 4:14-16  LORD GOD we come before YOU wanting to do YOUR will as stated in YOUR word so we claim YOUR promise. Help us to give thanks in all things according to YOUR command in I Thessalonians 5:18 for YOU promise in I Thessalonians 5:24 that YOU will do it for us if we ask.We come in the name of JESUS, asking YOU to help this lady as YOU helped me.

How well I remember how black the world seemed to be and how YOUR promises seemed to mock me and declare that YOU lied. I had to quote aloud many times that YOU were not a man that YOU would lie or change YOUR mind. Numbers 23:19  But through it all YOU taught me that YOU are there and will work all things together for an end result of good for us who love YOU.  Romans 8:28 

How I rejoiced when some of that comfort YOU gave me during awful periods of pain and struggles, things far beyond my ability to endure overflowed by enabling me to comfort and lead another to YOU.  I still feel that incredible joy when I think of it or when my pain bring understanding that helps another.  Thank YOU for the promise that if I suffer I will be given opportunities to comfort others that are suffering.  I Praise YOUR holy name.  2 Corinthians 1:4,7

Thank YOU LORD for loving us and listening to us and for all that YOU are and will do for this hurting lady. 

praying, 

Sharon

plans fall apart

I know the plans I have for you says the LORD, plans to help you not to hurt you to give you  a future and a hope.  Jeremiah 29:11

 

When those struggles and crisis come at us from every direction; one right after another and we are just trying to catch our breath... GOD is there with us.  It has been like that for us Mannings many, many times these last couple of years.  But GOD says that those very momentary struggles HE is using to achieve for us everlasting wonders.  Therefore we can and should Give thanks for all things..."  2 Corinthians 4:17,18/ I Thessalonians 5:18

 

Almighty GOD, our FATHER, thank YOU for sending JESUS.  Just because I believe that HE died for my sins on the cross and trust the effectiveness of that, YOU have made me righteous in YOUR sight.  Romans 3:21-23  That blows me away!  Such love fills me with wonder and has taught me to love YOU.  Because I love YOU I want to please YOU by doing what you want, what YOU tell me to do in YOUR word. YOU knew that would happen, didn't YOU.

 

Thank YOU JESUS for living and suffering being tempted and bearing our sins on the cross so that we could be forgiven and reconciled to GOD. I can't imagine YOUR pain and am in awe at YOUR faithfulness and love.

 

Thank YOU our Heavenly FATHER for YOUR plans for each one who believes in JESUS CHRIST YOUR SON.  It is so amazing how YOU use all things in our lives, the good, the bad and the ugly and stir them all together like one mixing up a cake for dinner. Romans 8:28 I can see it in all that has happened this week.

 

Thank YOU for giving every believer the HOLY SPIRIT. YOU knew how much we need HIM.

 

Thank YOU HOLY SPIRIT for the gifts YOU give each of us who believe and trust in JESUS.  Enable us  to be instruments, bringing YOUR love and provision to those in need that you put in our path... everywhere, even at the memorial service or greeting that friend at church.  It is fun to see YOUR leading me when those opportunities to reach out pop up.

 

Thank YOU HOLY SPIRIT for being so patient with me, and for teaching and leading me  with those Bible verses as I sat and read.  I need YOU to lead me for I just don't know which way to go for I don't know YOUR plans.  But I do know YOU know the way. Thank YOU for encouraging me through YOUR Word when I messed up.  I am resting in YOU and waiting for YOUR direction.  Have YOUR way LORD

oops, I was wrong

Have you ever gone to make a turn and all of a sudden you see a car you hadn't seen a moment before?  That happened to me recently and I wondered, why didn't I see it?

 

The same thing happened to me in the Word of GOD.  I checked Genesis 1 for something someone said and I didn't see it.  I really did look and I missed it completely.  Then I made the statement in a devotion that  GOD delegated authority to man over the birds of the air, the fish of the sea and beast and creeping things but not over the earth ....

 

I was wrong... in Genesis 1:26 when the GODHEAD is conversing over man... GOD did say that.  I am so thankful to my friend who confronted me about it and sent me back to look.  May GOD richly reward her faithfulness both to HIM and to me!  Thanks, Sandra Higley.

 

I am not sure what it means or implies that GOD gave man rule over the earth but I do know I was wrong so I had to tell you and to correct what I said.

 

hugs

Sharon

the water is great, come on in

I love the washing of the water of the Word. Ephesians 5:25,26

There has been a wonderful loving outpouring of encouragement sent to me from you my readers, concerning my last message: Pray before you eat.  Thank you!  But to GOD be the glory.  GOD is good!  I am rejoicing in GOD being ALMIGHTY and praising GOD for giving the Holy SPIRIT to teach, correct and guide me.       

As one dear brother pointed out: You experienced first hand what is written: In the last days the deception will be so great, that if possible, even the elect would be deceived.  Matthew 24:24

What was presented by that dazzling speaker was the concept that GOD not ALMIGHTY in that HE could not act unless we pray.  That gives us power equal to GOD's since we limit and enable GOD through our actions.  Typical devil mentality. 

However, I can not take the credit for catching the err or choosing truth over err.  It was the Holy SPIRIT's faithfulness in making me uneasy and continually pointing the ALMIGHTY power and intimacy of GOD through the word of GOD that showed me the truth.  How I love the washing of the water of the word!  Please pray, some leaders the LORD has me interacting with have been totally taken in with the concept this man presented (although they got it from another "prophet" actually out of a book about prayer)  they are teaching  it to some young in the faith.  Let us pray that the Holy SPIRIT will do for them what HE did for me... bring me to my senses so that I would see and acknowledge the truth and escape the snare of the evil one.  2 Timothy 2:25,26  and I John 5:16

The washing of the water of the word, cleanses us so be not conformed to this world but be transformed (metamorphosis -- you know from a caterpillar to a butterfly) by the renewing of your mind.  Romans 12:2    

So jump in, the water is great! 

hugs

Sharon

pray before you eat

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of GOD.  Matthew 4:4   A few times in the Bible men were told to eat scrolls and then speak out those words to others.  It is a picture of taking truth in for ourselves and then sharing it out with others.  GOD has taken me through this with this message.   Make sure when you listen to men preach the Word of GOD, that it really is the Word of GOD.  One way to protects yourself is to pray that GOD show you the truth and protect you from lies.

Let us think about delegated authority for a moment.  Let’s say the President chose you as ambassador to Timbuktu.  You have the authority to act for your country.  But if you do something wrong, the President can recall you and override your authority.  It is a simple principle: The top authority delegates authority to someone he chooses but he maintains authority over that one.

I heard a remarkable speaker and he bedazzled me.  His message was excellent and contained some great scriptural points that I had never seen from that angle before, but were definitely in scripture.  But something wasn’t right. I was jolted  with the statement that GOD tied HIS own hands when HE gave man authority to rule over earth.  The reasoning went, since GOD delegated authority over the earth to man  that HE, the MOST HIGH, cannot interfere into the affairs of man without man asking HIM to and thus the reason for prayer.  The speaker said when GOD says something it become a decree or law that cannot be changed.  (Sort of like the law of the Medes and Persians  Daniel 6:15)  That sounded good and answered a lot of questions…. Or did it?

My  uneasiness remained and I sent the message to a couple of mature believers hoping for some input.  But both of them were as bedazzled as I.  But my uneasiness remained.  So I kept praying as to why I had no peace about it.  As I prayed, things became clearer and clearer.  Every single day and sometimes several times as I read the Word of GOD, I saw verses of GOD promising deliverance or intervening in the lives of people.  How could HIS hands be tied?

Under the old covenant, if GOD announced to uproot a city or people and they repented, HE would turn from the evil HE had intended…  Jeremiah 18:7,8 (think of Nineveh Jonah 4:2) and the opposite is true… if GOD proclaimed to do good to a people and the people turned and did bad then GOD would not do good to them. Jeremiah 18:9 This is because under the old covenant it was works that mattered.  The law of rules was a school teacher showing us that we could not measure up and so leading us to CHRIST.  Galatians 3:24 Incidentally, it also showed that GOD was free to change HIS actions if the people involved didn’t act as HE desired.  (so we see GOD does not limit HIMSELF as the law of the Medes and Persians did their leaders.)

GOD’s Word has been settled in heaven forever…Psalm 119:90  That means GOD’s  words in Jeremiah were established before the Creation of heaven and earth… before HE delegated authority to men. 

GOD delegates authority and HE can take it away.  The MOST HIGH rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomsoever HE will..  HE does according to HIS will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay HIS hand or say to HIM, What are you doing?  Daniel 4:17,35        

#1 Being the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, the Creator and source of all things, the ultimate Authority, HE had every right to delegate ruling authority without giving up HIS ultimate authority.   I Corinthians 11:3 But I want you to understand that CHRIST is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and GOD is the head of CHRIST.   GOD the FATHER maintains ultimate authority over man.

#2 GOD delegated authority to man over the birds of the air, the fish of the sea and beast and creeping things but not over the earth or even over man.  Check out Genesis 1:24,28  Man was told to subdue the earth but was not given dominion over it.

   

I do not know if that teacher that bedazzled me knew he was teaching error.  That charismatic teacher spoke well and used much truth in HIS message.  But there were lies in it also.  Lies that were uncovered as his words were compared to the Word of GOD.   The Holy SPIRIT gave me no peace and constantly reminded me of  the put down of GOD’s power.  One of the devil’s tactics is to accuse GOD, and make HIM seem less than the ALL wise, ALMIGHTY Sovereign that HE is.

         

False teaching is abounding today, increasingly so.  Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from GOD, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.  I John 4:1

Make sure when you listen to men preach the Word of GOD, that it really is the Word of GOD.  One way to protects yourself is to pray that GOD show you the truth and protect you from lies.

Hugs

Sharon

A simple way to look at it

What we mean when we say a certain word may not be what another means when they say it.  Therefore it is good to learn the speaker's definition of the word before drawing conclusions about what he is saying.  As I read this morning in the Word the phrase:  The testimony of JESUS is the spirit of prophesy  Revelation 19:10  came to mind.  I would like to show you the way the Bible uses the word testimony and prophesy.  It may be a little different perspective for some of you.

The word for testimony is in Greek- martyria and It means evidence, reputation, witness.  It is where we get the word Martyr... They become martyrs because of their witness/ testimony concerning JESUS.

The word prophesy means an inspired message.. or to speak forth a word GOD gives you.  Sometimes it is a word encouraging others to obey GOD other times it is a word proclaiming the future as a warning to preparedness and continued obedience to GOD.

The Old Testament is sometimes called the Testimony. Exodus 25:21 It testified/ witnessed to what GOD did and it testified of JESUS in its prophesies. In John 5:39 JESUS tells people to search the Scriptures for they testify of ME... 

When one is said to have the testimony of JESUS Revelations 1:9,  it means they testify/ tell what JESUS did for them and what HE can do for others. That witness should include HIS credentials (declaring HIM the SON of GOD.)  For HIS credentials are what qualified JESUS CHRIST to be savior of the world.  The testimony of JESUS is confirmed in us as we grow in grace and the knowledge of JESUS I Corinthians 1:5,6.  The changes in us testify to the fact that JESUS CHRIST is the SON of GOD and saves (delivers) us from our sins.

We are told that we overcome the evil one by the blood of the Lamb (JESUS) and the word of our testimony.  Revelation 12:11.  When we tell others about JESUS and what HE did, we are prophesying for we are proclaiming GOD eternal message.

Most of what I share with others are things GOD emphasizes to me as I read HIS word, or when the word is spoken by another.  It is HIS word so it is a message from GOD.

hugs

Sharon