part of the process

My grandson Zack was at the family gathering today. He arrived with his prosthetics on but soon had them off so he could go play with 4 of my great grandchildren around his age that were there. Then when it was time to leave, we got his new feet back on him and he held 2 hands and slowly walked out to the car. But in the middle of the street Zachary stopped and released both hands and just stood there. I reached out for him (as I did to all my little ones taking their 1st steps) and told him to come to me. He started to come and then uncertain he stopped.

Zachary’s relearning to walk with his new feet is a process… one of learning balance and gaining confidence. But it will come and has begun! Praise the LORD!

This process is also something GOD is showing me about prayer.

Have you ever prayed for something, but instead of getting what you asked for all hell seemed to break loose?

Yes, I know there is spiritual warfare going on but I also know GOD is Sovereign, and the enemy can only go as far as the LORD allows him to.

As I was praying this morning for many of the same ones I have been praying for over and over and over again (ones that GOD has given me definate words of promise for) I was directed back to Daniel 11:35 and then to my question a week and 1/2 ago. And GOD put it together with my praying for those this morning.

GOD spoke so plainly. It is not really anything new but all of a sudden it was so clear. HE showed me that when I pray, I am praying for an end result. But frequently there is a process to get there. Often that process includes struggles and falls...

Just as Zachary’s learning to walk. Zachary’s fears have held him back but slowly he is progressing to the goal… one step at a time.

For instance, before peace can come to Jerusalem certain things must take place.
In the same way, GOD told me years ago that before I see the fulfillment of HIS promise concerning specific individuals detailed things must take place.

Yet in the process of bringing us to the fulfillment of HIS promise, behind the scene GOD must work.

2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen (in the situation), but on what is unseen (what GOD is achieving in the situation), since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen (what GOD is achieving for us through it) is eternal (will go on forever).

Therefore, the slips and struggles I or one I am praying for experience actually are the beginnings of receiving the answer I so desire to have.

Keeping that in mind, I can truly obey GOD’s command in I Thessalonians 5:18 “to give thanks for all things”.

Even when it seems all hell is breaking loose.

For I believe what GOD tells me, that the situation (perhaps full of troubling things) really is achieving (behind the scenes) eternal things far greater than struggles of today.

GOD is teaching me to pray. “Knowing that YOU are at work doing something only YOU are aware of, I bow to YOUR wisdom.. I cling to the promise YOU have given me and will not give YOU any rest until it is fulfilled but I will not fear or fume but I will stand back to see what YOU will do.”

all stirred up

Our Gang, also known as The Little Rascals was a series of American comedy short films about a group of poor neighborhood and the adventures they had together. When those kids got together they stirred each other up to do and say things they would never have said or done alone, often that was dangerous.

When my kids were little, I found when they got with certain others the same thing happened.

But that isn't just true of kids, often in times of difficulty and hard situations people gather and to relieve the stress and emotions they are feeling and they talk and talk and talk. They tell and retell the same things over and over and over, hoping for some small clue of an answer. But what often happens, that instead of gaining helpful insight they end up stirring up one another: inciting angry or fearful emotions that trouble them increasing their stress even more.

That I think is why GOD tells us to go to JESUS 1st with all our thoughts(1) to go 1st to HIM not other people for counsel (2) and to acknowledge HIM in everything (3) HE promises peace if we will do just that (4)

Jesus addressed this in John 14:1. "Don't let (allow) your heart to be troubled (stirred up by another), neither let it be afraid. You believe in GOD, trust also in ME. "

The words that follow are really a comfort right now since Pat has chosen to withdraw from medical help. John 14:2-6 "There are many mansions in MY FATHERS house.. and I am going there to prepare a place for you... when everything is ready I will come and get you so that you will always be with ME where I am. You know where I am going and how to get there... Jesus said, I am the way the truth and the life. No one can come to the FATHER except through ME."

This morning memories flooded in as I read those words. I can still picture Pat sitting in his and Janet's living room zestfully singing, " I've got a mansion right over the hilltop in that grand land where we never grow old... and someday yonder, I will never more wander but walk the streets of the purest gold. "

Right now Pat can't walk but:

Isaiah 26:19 "We have this confidence, those who belong to GOD will live and their bodies will raise again. Those who sleep in the earth will rise up and (dance and) sing for joy!"

(1) 2 Corinthians 10:5 take all your thoughts to JESUS...
(2) Isaiah 30: Woe to the rebellious children who take counsel but not of ME and carry out a plan that is not MINE.
(3) Proverbs 3"5-7a Trust in the LORD with all your heart and don't lean on your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your path. Be not wise in your own eyes...
(4) Philippians 4:6,7 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell GOD (how you feel &) what you need, and thank HIM for all HE has done. If you do this, you will experience GOD's peace, which will throw you beyond having to understand. HIS peace will guard your hearts and minds ...

the light came on

Sitting wrapped in a blanket this morning, I talked with the LORD about the 3 ring circus we have been in that would put the soap opera to shame. All of a sudden a light clicked on in my head and I realized (duh!) how the devil loves to bombard GOD’s children with one thing after another (as seen in Job 1,2) but how GOD uses them each for an end result of good for those who love HIM and are the called according to HIS purposes (Job 42, Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28)

I looked down at my open Bible lying on the chair in front of me and for the life of me I do not know why it was turned to James. I am reading elsewhere. But I looked down and read, James 5:11 NLT We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. Job is an example of a man who endured patiently. From this experience we see how the LORD’s plan finally ended in good for GOD is full of tenderness and mercy.

Hugs
Sharon

split personality

I don’t like someone controlling me. Do you?

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things... Romans 8:5

So as I was reading in Romans, that word dominated struck me almost as a slap in the face. It made me think of the study in Daniel and satraps= petty tyrants. A dictionary description of a tyrant is a cruel, oppressive ruler who has seized sovereignty illegally.

And that is what this verse is talking about.

Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson wrote The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. The work is known for its vivid portrayal of a split personality, split in the sense that within the same person there is both an apparently good and an evil personality each being quite distinct from the other.

There is also the cartoon notion of a demon whispering in one ear while an angel whispers in the other ear.

Both fiction concepts have an element of truth in reality. For those who have come to JESUS actually do have two very different natures residing within themselves.

Two natures:
When we reach out to JESUS and accept HIS gift of forgiveness and eternal life by believing that HIS death on the cross paid for our sins and are born into GOD’s family, our spirit becomes alive.

From that time on we have 2 natures living within us: the old nature fomerly controlled by the god of this world (1) and the new nature=our spirit= that part of us that communicates with GOD.

When we believe in JESUS we also get a down payment of all that JESUS promises. That down payment is the Holy Spirit: (2) the third person of the GODHEAD; who is co-equal, with GOD the FATHER and JESUS, GOD the SON and is exactly like them in HIS power and nature. One of HIS Biblical names is the mind of Christ.(3)

Can you imagine? GOD lives in us? He has come to be our teacher, comforter, our interpreter, explaining the things of GOD to us. (4)

As long as we walk in tune with the SPIRIT= listening to and following the HOLY SPIRIT, our old sin nature is dormant=inoperative, inactive.(5)

But when we listen to the subtle lies of the evil one, like Eve did in the Garden of Eden, he catches us in a trap (6), by tricking us (7) he illegally overstepping his boundaries and becomes a petty tyrant in our lives since we have given him a foothold=place to operate in our lives.(8).

I have found keys to know who is in who is in control of me. Normally, they are negative things. If I catch myself not loving, if I am not kind, if my thoughts are not those that please GOD, I know without a doubt that I am walking in the flesh and dominated by the evil one.

If you ever find yourself there, cry out to GOD, HE will deliver you. But remember the one you listen to is the one who controls you!

PS the longer you willingly stay in the enemy’s camp the stronger the hold he has on you.

(1) 2Timothy 2: 24And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

(2) Ephesians 1: 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory

(3) II Corinthians 210but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.14The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: 16"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?"[But we have the mind of Christ.

(4) Above verse and John 14: 15"If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17the Spirit of truth…. 26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

(5) Galatians 5: 16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law…

(6) 2 Timothy 2: , 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

(7) 2 Corinthians 2:11in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

(8) Ephesians 4: 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. 25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

stubbed toe

Stumbling and falling happens and can really be very dangerous. You and I can even cause another to stumble if our actions encourage another to do something he personally feels is wrong.

Romans 14:13,14 Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean.

The Greek word for “stumble” here gives the sense of stubbing one’s toe.

Have you ever stubbed your toe? duh! Painful huh? A sharp blow to a sensitive part of your body can bring tears, but the dangerous thing is that it catches us off balance and may cause us to fall.

I love to walk but some of the sidewalks around here are uneven and I have stubbed my toe several times and nearly fallen...in fact I did fall last time I walked to church and ended skinning my knee. It all happened because my mind was elsewhere and I was not watching where I was going.


The whole situation with Pat losing 1st two of his toes and then part of his leg all started with a simple stubbed toe... look at where it led. (Update follows devotion)

A spiritual stubbed toe can be just as serious, leading to falls that damage or weaken our faith. Therefore we are forbidden to do anything that may cause our brothers and sisters in Christ to stub their toe, spiritually speaking.

So let us be alert, watching out for those around us as well as ourselves.

hugs
Sharon

Updates:
The city lift bus is something we are considering if we get to bring Pat home so Mac (70yrs) wouldn't have to lift a wheelchair all the time for Pat needs to go to dialysis 3 times a week. Well tomorrow is the trial run.. pray for strength and peace for Pat and all concerned. It will determine if he gets to come home.

Zachary had another emergency trip to the Children's hospital in Denver today then the one cutting off his bright red casts accidentally knocked out the pin in one of his legs. The doctor took the other pin out and now his legs are merely wrapped in ace bandages. They said, try to keep him from walking (LOL) but if he walks despite the pain, oh well. They are faxing a script to the Colorado Springs Prosthetics place and he should be fitted for his prosthetics within the next few days. It is still up in the air if Zachary will need to get more casts in a few days. I will let you know. Please pray for him and for my Shirley.

And watch where you are going!

Thanks again, hugs
Sharon Manning

causes

Causality is the relationship between an event (the cause) and a second event (the effect), where the second event is a consequence of the first.Life is not always what it seems. You must know the context- the cause.

Look at the pictures and the three true statements below. Then search the next few paragraphs to find the cause and fill in the blanks.

Cause:
Effect: I held Zack

Cause:
Effect: Zack could walk even before his wounds healed.

Cause:
Effect: a black eye

Sometimes we see an effect and conjure up all kinds of scenarios, mere speculations and make judgments without any real basis in reality.

Was I holding Zack still?
No! Zack was terrified and screaming uncontrollably and I held him as close as I could to comfort him while they sawed off his casts
… We will know more tomorrow how things are going for him when he goes up for x-rays. We are hoping the pins (to hold the bones together for fusing after the amputations and bone surgery) will get to come out. But hope the removal of his casts for x-rays is not as traumatic for him as the sawing off his casts Friday... it petrified him plus the casts had become like friends for him cause they enabled him to walk and climb while the wounds were healing.

What about the black eye? Did someone hit her… well in a way, there was a car wreck and the other car hit her car. But some actually thought domestic violence lol!

We all know the term cause and effect but often we see an effect and come to conclusions that have no basis in reality. Like the one who wondered about domestic violence.

I would like to share something that the LORD highlighted to me as I read HIS word today seeing the word because several times. Since the word because is a connecting word used to link the cause with the effect, whenever you see the word because check the context closely to determine what is the cause and what is the effect.

fill in the blanks
Daniel 4:37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

Cause:
1-
2-
3-
Effect: Nebuchadnezzar praised, exalted and glorified the King of heaven (note the name the earthly king Nebuchadnezzar called GOD)


Notice the 3 reasons why Nebuchadnezzar praised and exalted and glorified the King of heaven.
1-everything HE does is right
2-all HIS ways are fair
3-HE is able to humble those who walk in pride.
***(notice the great earthly King Nebuchadnezzar’s name for GOD was King of heaven)
***

Ezra 7:6 this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, because the hand of the LORD his God was on him.

Cause:
Effect: the king granted Ezra everything he asked for.

Ezra 7:9 He had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, because the gracious hand of his God was on him. 10Because Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

Cause: because
Effect: Ezra arrived safely in Jerusalem

Cause: Ezra had devoted himself to study, obey and teach the word of GOD
Effect: therefore


GOD’s gracious hand was on Ezra and because of it the king granted him what he asked for and because GOD's gracious hand was on Ezra. he was protected from dangers and delays on his trip to Jerusalem. Why was GOD’s gracious hand on him?

Does GOD play favorites? Vs 6 and 10 show us the reason. Because Ezra turned to GOD and devoted himself to learn (study) and obey GOD’s word and then teach it GOD in turn put HIS gracious hand on Ezra.

When we turn to GOD, we will find HIS good hand upon us.

Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek ME and find ME because when you seek ME with all your heart. 14 I will let you find ME," declares the LORD,

you do the same things

Romans 2:1You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.

When I 1st began to see that truth I was horrified at it's implications. But now this verse is a tool. When I see something wrong in another I stop and ask how do I do this (not necessarily the same exact thing but the same kind of thing)

I remember when the LORD was began speaking to me about my stubbornness...
HE used Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you. 9 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.

GOD was telling me that HE wanted to instruct and teach me, HE wanted to counsel and protect me, but I needed to learn to listen carefully and obey HIS instruction regardless if I agreed or understood why.

What came across were the words I have made bold. I saw that GOD was speaking of stubbornness. But I refused to acknowledge, even to myself, that I could be stubborn. Rather I reasoned, "I am not stubborn so this must apply to Mac cause he really is stubborn. GOD must want me to pray for his stubbornness"

Don't get me wrong, Mac was stubborn but GOD show me his stubborness so I would see how hateful stubbornness is. By neglecting/ refusing to check myself for stubborness and rejecting the entire idea that I could even be stubborn I delayed/ blocked my own growth in that area and also opened the door/ caused myself much hardship and many trials for GOD had to do things (control me with a bit and bridle) to get me to go the way I needed to go.

Praise the LORD for HIS gentle longsuffering, HE didn't leave me but stayed right by my stubborn side. Yet HE had to put restraints on me that would not have been necessary if I had listened to what HE was saying more clearly and examined myself.

So now when I see a fault in another, I obey GOD's command in Galations 6: 1Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch(consider, check) yourself, or you also may be tempted.

1st I stop and ask GOD if that fault lies in me and where then and only then after I deal with the log in my own eye, I am able to help my sister remove the splinter in her eye.

hugs
Sharon

The devil made me do it?

I have this neat friend who is kind and giving. She is a fun person… maybe even a clown and gets people laughing and since laughter is a great medicine you know that is a good thing. My friend loves the LORD but has not studied the Bible much until the past year or so. She now loves Bible study. There is just this one thing I have noticed…. She can study and study and study the Bible and then the only thing she talks about from all her study is some obscure concept that has absolutely nothing to do with knowing JESUS or GOD the Father better or how to live right. Her bunny trails are like the proverbial controversy: how many angels can fit on the head of a pen.

Recently my friend confronted a loved one who used bad language but this time she used my name, saying that I say that the devil can give us thoughts…

Well, she was right on there… for our battle is in the mind (II Cor.10:3-5) and just like that serpent Satan whispered to Eve in the garden that GOD was trying to keep something good from her, so he whispers lies and puts words and thoughts in our minds. And I tell you, he can sound more like me than me.

But although he can put thoughts in my mind, I alone choose what I do with those thoughts or words.

Just like JESUS chose what to do with his suggestions in the wilderness.

I can remember clearly a situation many years ago when tempting thoughts hit so hard and it sounded so like me and you know what is the use of fighting yourself? … but from within another voice whispered, “It’s the battle, Sharon” I had to choose who I was going to listen to… GOD or the liar. If you can’t tell by content whose voice is speaking simply ask. For GOD promises that if we acknowledge HIM that HE will direct us.

Our teacher, the Holy Spirit will show us who is doing the talking if we will stop and ask.

Bill Crosby’s famous, “The devil made me do it” is a lie. The devil can’t make us do a thing. His power is simply in deception. He only has as much power as we give him.

My friend’s love one misunderstood what my friend meant and thought my friend had said she was full of the devil…(Boy how the devil can twist our words to cause division) and her loved one really got mad and won’t even talk to her now.

Of course my dear friend is heartbroken and I told her I would pray about it. After I prayed and went on to the task at hand. An answer began to surface. The answer was not to her problem with her loved one (but as it came into focus I could see they were directly related.) The answer was to a question I had been asking about my friend and the bunny trails she got on.

I had asked the LORD, why (when there was so much to see in a passage that showed us so much of the nature and dealings of GOD and showed us how it all related to us) all she seemed aware of was insignificant controversies like those we are told by Peter to avoid?

The answer to my question, was her answer to her loved one. Rather than to allow my friend to be drawn deeply into the nature of GOD, our enemy quickened her curiosity about insignificant statements to distract her from what GOD had for her in that passage and thus steal it from her.

For you see the devil comes not but to steal, kill and destroy. John 10:10 and he will use anything he can to accomplish that purpose.

What a reminder for me to avoid that pitfall of being turned aside to bunny trails.
.
Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.(what is the goal? In my friend’s case; what is the purpose of her Bible study? Is it to learn of GOD and HIS ways or use human reasoning to satisfy her curiosity?)
Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe.
Don't get sidetracked; Prov4:25-27

What is your focus for today? Are you willing to focus your thoughts and energies on God's blessings and upon His will for your life? Or will you let the enemy distract you, stealing your attention from what GOD would show you?

The choice is yours.

Hugs
Sharon

look ahead

Like in the saying, blood, sweat and tears... have you ever worked so hard you wondered if you could go on? But then when all was done there was that feeling of great satisfaction at what was accomplished and it was worth it all. Wasn’t it?

This summer before Camp Elim’s 50th celebration was Servant’s Leader’s Training. And we worked a couple hours in an area (Kitchen/ dining room, Maintenance, Housekeeping, Office Program-{which included things like canoeing, ropes course, archery and making props and learning the games we would have the kids play},). By the end of the week we had some training in each area plus sessions of training in counseling and many awesome worship and praise times with good chapels.

Since Camp’s anniversary was coming up and we would have hundreds of visitors, Shawn wanted to get certain things done and in place before the big day. Well, the day I worked with the kids in maintenance, Shawn had us shovel dirt from piles into wheelbarrows and move it to an area that needed filling in. It was work. When I was done I felt like I could collapse and the next day my muscles ached in areas I didn’t ever experience before.

But it was so satisfying to level that pile of dirt and to see the results made me feel good at what we had accomplished.

This morning I was amazed as I pondered a verse in Isaiah 53 and I saw how it applied to us and all the struggles we have been through lately. But 1st things 1st.

Fixing our eyes on JESUS, the Author and Profecter of our faith , WHO for the joy HE set before HIMSELF endured the cross, despising the shame (see it is OK not to like it)… Hebrews 12:2

It was fitting (apropos) that GOD, for WHOM and by WHOM all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory should make the Author of their salvation (JESUS) perfect through suffering. Hebrews 2:10

When HE (JESUS) sees all that is accomplished by HIS anguish, HE will be satisfied. And because of what HE has experienced, MY righteous Servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for HE will bear all their sins. Isaiah 53:11,12

AMAZING isn’t it… looking ahead at what would be accomplished by HIS anguish JESUS endured suffering, even though HE hated the shame. HE was earning the way and leading and teaching us all at once. So that by one offering HE could perfect forever those who are being made holy Hebrews . Since we have to suffer to made perfect, so HE (the Creator/Sustainer of all) suffered to complete (another meaning of the word perfect in the Greek) HIS work for us.

But as I read those words in Isaiah 53:11, “when HE shall see what was accomplished by HIS suffering HE was satisfied..” what I thought of was how I feel when others write and tell me Little Zachary’s story and the struggles Shirley and Richard are having help them, encourage them with the hard things they are facing.

All Praise to the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. HE is the source of every mercy and the GOD who comforts us. HE comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort GOD has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3,4

Hugs
Sharon

Once again we see that our present troubles are achieving eternal things that far outweigh the pain of today and know that we, like JESUS are to look ahead at what the troubles are achieving. 2 Corinthians 4:17.18

celebrating

Just got the news and am celebrating that 2 week old baby Ben is out of heart surgery at 7:00PM - all went well - thanks for your prayers - God is faithful -

hugs

Sharon

O LORD, YOU are an Awesome GOD, we celebrate YOUR love and goodness. Thank YOU LORD, thank YOU

Ben and Jillian

It is amazing how GOD uses our pain and through it enables us to co labor with HIM and encourage others in a time of struggle and pain. As I have written updates on Zachary and how GOD is using his struggles and adventures to reminds us of HIS promises and teach us, many have responded. Two women who are very special friends shared how they have been encouraged and shared their immediate sturggle. One for a 2 week old baby cousin and another for an unborn granddaughter... both with very serious heart conditions. Please pray with me for them.

Elaine, wrote about her unborn granddaughter: After the appointment at Children's Friday, it was confirmed Jillian only has 3 chambers of her heart. The options are a heart transplant immediately after birth, a 3 stage surgery immediately after birth, 4-6 mo later, and about 3 years after. The 3rd is to do nothing. The kids have opted for the 3rd part surgery unless a heart is available when she is born. Special attention will be given to Nikki as she finishes her pregnancy. It's good to know this up front so plans can be in place but difficult to know their baby is not perfectly healthy.

Mid, shared about her cousin, Rachael and Thomas Kauffman who have a 2 week old son who has 4 defects in his heart. He is Benjamin Thomas Kauffman. Doctors deem Ben is stable enough that they are going to do the 1st of 2 open heart surgeries on Tuesday (Sept. 14th), LORD willing, with an expected 2-4 weeks recovery time. The 2nd surgery will be when he is 6 months old- the end of February or early March. Nurses keep talking about how much attitude he has. His dad, Thomas, is not saved and they don't have any insurance and Thomas's job doesn't bring in a lot and they bumped Rachael down on her job because of missed time during her pregnancy, in fact she may no longer have a job. Please pray for Thomas's salvation, for Ben's healing and for Rachael's strength and peace of mind and provision.

Thank you all for your prayers...
Sharon Manning

Stop! YOU are doing it all wrong!

I love the colors of the sunrises and sunsets when there are clouds to reflect the glory of the rising or lowering sun.

I love to look at the stars at night. And when I think of the scripture that tells us GOD leads them like a shepherd.. I marvel at the synchronization of the heavenly bodies and how it says our GOD flung them out into space.


But sometimes I don't love the things that seem to be flung into my life.

This morning reading in Isaiah I was reminded not to argue with GOD but to acknowledge that HE is in charge and give thanks in all things. (I Thess 5:18)

Isaiah 45: 9
“What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, YOU're doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’

Won't you join me in singing GOD's Praise?
Praise be to the name of GOD for ever and ever; wisdom and power are HIS. HE changes times and seasons; HE set up kings and deposes them. HE gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. HE reveals deep and hidden things; HE knows what lies in darkness and light dwells with HIM. Daniel 2:20-22

hugs
Sharon

red-winged fruit bat

sucker-footed bat

Often we wonder why things are as they are but the Bible tells us in Ezekiel 14 GOD does nothing without a cause.

The newsletter from, "The Texas Gardener Seeds" said: Put up a bat house to encourage the presence of these shy animals.

Did you know: Bats consume 3,000 or more mosquitoes and other insects nightly, and bats are less likely to be rabid than dogs are.

Need another reason?

Bats are responsible for up to 95 percent of the seed dispersal essential to the regeneration of forests.

Our planet is populated with plenty of bizarre and astonishing creatures and yet the facts above show that the LORD had a reason for making the crazy characters shown above.

Laugh with the LORD at the characters HE has created and

rejoice in the AWESOME wisdom HE showed in making HIS creation.

Remember when things seem crazy in your life,

that GOD does absolutely nothing without a good cause..

blessings and hugs
Sharon

challenges

Challenges of various types have hit us from every direction (it seems) and yet are proving to be opportunities to see GOD and share HIS love. The main thing about our challenges is that we are helpless to do anything but call out to GOD and wait for HIM to work.

One of the hardest challenges was my grandson-Zachary 2yrs. taking off his casts. Here is set 4 of casts for Zachary since his feet were amputated August 25th 2010 (yep 10 days ago) as you can see they are bright green. Yes we are tired and at times challenged but praising the LORD for little evidences of HIS care and provision.

Yesterday AM my son in law had a flat when he arrived to work... Praise the LORD, what if that had happened when they were speeding down the highway trying to get Zack to Denver or when Shirley was driving alone with the kids? We don't even try to figure out why the challenges have hit but just look to the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY and are seeing HIM everywhere.

Nothing so far keeps Zack down for long. He may get a bit grouchy and say ouchie or pout for a few but soon he is smiling and off. Richard put snug pjs with feet on him and he cant get them off. Of course someone is with him constantly after his houdini tricks. Therefore I plan to stay up there all next week, his daddy and sisters are home til Tuesday so I will go up then.

Yesterday afternoon after a long day, when I told him goodby, he crawled military style (like when they go under a fence) to his wheelchair. Pulled himself to a standing position then reached higher and pulled himself onto the chair on to his belly, then he grabbed hold of the chairs arms lifted himself up and turned and was sitting in his chair. He is undaunted... like usual, GOD knew how to design this little one according to HIS purposes for the boy. Shirley is talking about putting him in gymnastics.

We thank each of you for your prayers and ask that you not stop praying yet.... with Zack we need all the special coverage we can get ...

hugs
Sharon

just so much and no more

One of the children’s books I read my little ones was about a tiny gold fish in a fish bowl and a young child. The child was allowed to feed the fish but told to feed it just so much and no more. Well, the child felt sorry for the fish and keep feeding it more and more and more. That fish grew and grew and grew until it didn’t even fit even in the bathtub. Although the child thought he was being kind and good, he hurt the fish and himself plus in the process made a mess of everything.

You know we can do that… all the while think we are kind and helpful but make a mess of everything.

Now, I am far from perfect. I do things wrong, though I do not want to or intend to. But I do. I bore 5 children, they gave me 11 grandchildren who have so far given me 6 great-grandchildren. If any of them asked me for a fish I would not give them a snake or if they asked for an egg I definitely would not give them a scorpion. Would you?

But I don’t always give them what they want either.

I had three of my grandchildren for most of last week. The youngest of the three loves to eat and she always wants more… sometimes I think she would eat til she popped if I would let her. Sometimes I misjudge and let her have a bit too much and she is miserable… her tummy hurts. It is because I really love her, that I will give her just so much and no more, even when she thinks she wants or needs more.

GOD is good.. In fact JESUS said that there is no one good but GOD. Sometimes we go to our Heavenly FATHER, the Sovereign wise Creator of heaven and earth and all that is in them and ask something we want or think we need but HE gives us something else.

A guy I know loves the LORD and a hard thing happened so he went to the LORD and asked for something special. He expected it to happen for he knows GOD loves to answer the prayers of HIS people. This man waited and waited patiently for the LORD to answer until one day something happened that showed him GOD was not giving him what he so desperately wanted and had asked for. In reality, he felt he had asked for a fish but GOD gave him a snake.

When that happened the guy felt GOD had cheated him and let him down. If I am honest I must admit that when I asked for a fish, I thought HE gave me a snake. Later I learned differently and realized GOD knew what HE was doing but at that moment I thought HE had given me a scorpion,

Luke 11:10-13 says that if we who are far from perfect know how to give good things to our children, how much more will GOD give what is best for us.

No good thing will HE withhold from them who walk uprightly… So if you are walking with HIM and HE withholds something from you, you can be certain that is it not the best thing for you right now. Trust HIM!

hugs
Sharon

getting down to the line

It is getting down to the line, they amputate my grandson's feet day after tomorrow. So I just looked at this video again and was so encouraged I had to share. It is by Josh Wilson and called,
Before the Morning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZDQzR8LK-c

hugs
Sharon

stumbled

Just like road signs warn us about dangers ahead, so the LORD in HIS word warns us.

When my youngest son Johnny was a little guy we lived in a small place and to keep him happy yet out of thing I would put him in his walker. He loved being off the floor and scooting around. One day I was baking and he got near the oven so I warned him, “Hot, don’t touch!” A little while later I heard him scream… he had got his walker going and went directly to the stove. His poor little hand. But from then on he stayed away from the stove.

We who know JESUS as our Savior and LORD, want to please HIM. But I sometimes I get focused on me and somehow slip and think or do something I know is wrong.

A friend of mine recently slipped and participated in a sin from his old life. He confessed and turned back to the LORD and HIS ways but oh how conscious he now is of his own weakness in that area.

Walking yesterday, I thought of my friend and a verse came to mind.
Daniel 11:35 Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless …

Neat verse huh? shows the purpose behind GOD permitting the stumble...

What a marvelous GOD we have who actively conspires on our behalf and “uses all things (good and bad) together for an end result of good to us who love HIM and are the called according to HIS purpose… (that being) to conform us to the image of JESUS CHRIST…” Romans 8:28,29


JESUS warns us, just like I warned Johnny. HE said, “watch and pray lest you enter into temptation.” But if you fall don’t stay there. Get up and confess and GOD will use that to make you even stronger than before.

the one who schedules

Ever been to the doctor and been told we will schedule that test and let you know. So you are on hold. Well even when we make the plans ourselves things can come up.

James teaches us to say, "If the LORD will, I will do this or that"

Yesterday, I was driving down the highway with the windows down and the wind in my hair, when I got a text from my middle daughter Kari so pulled over to text back. I’d planned to meet her on her lunch break before the afternoon appointment with her at her beauty school and she was calling to tell me they had made her a runner so she couldn’t have clients that day.

Oh no! I really was disappointed! Disappointed, because I was looking forward to seeing her. Not only does she pamper me doing my nails and hair when I go to her school but more importantly it is just us and we talk and she shares her heart with me.

A nudge came reminding me that it is the LORD who schedules our lives (Ps 139:16 ) So I said, “LORD, I know YOU have a reason for this, so have YOUR own way.”

Got back on the road and drove to my 1st appointment for the day… the gal was having a stressful day one problem after another and facing so serious stuff in the next week. So I watched her boys as she went to get ‘care n share’ cause they had run out of $ and food. Among the things she received at ‘care n share’ was a cake and she remarked how wonderful that was because it was her son’s birthday and she had no $ for a cake or a present… The cake was awesome and had toys on it so she got both a cake and a present for her son.

My friend came home beaming… The gal at ‘care n share’ got to bless her not me, yet she was blessed by GOD.

If GOD had not scheduled Kari as a runner, my schedule would not have allowed me to stayed to watch the boys and my friend wouldn’t have been able to go to care n share for the food or gotten the surprise decorated birthday cake and present for her son.

GOD’s faithfulness to provide for my friend also encouraged her about the serious stuff she must soon face. For when we see HIM working in the little things we know HE will take care of the big one.

hugs

Sharon

Out of my comfort zone

Mental associations are funny things. The 1st thing I think about when I hear the word abomination is the cartoon adaptation of the Abominable snowman. The encyclopedia says the abominable snowman or yeti, refers to humanlike creature so named because it is associated with the perpetual snow region of the Himalayas. A figure unknown except through tracks ascribed to it and through alleged encounters. There are many myths and hoaxes and even cartoons of this creature.

But the word abomination in the phrase abomination of desolation spoken of in the Bible is something quite different and not funny in the least. This word in the verb form means feel nausea or loathing for food; hense it is used of utter disgust.

When speaking of it JESUS issues a warning and special instructions to the Jews.
Mark 13:14"When you see 'the abomination that causes desolation standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. (for more details, search it out yourself in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Daniel 9:27, 11:21 through 12:11 and Revelation 13:14,15)

A couple of seemingly random things you need to know before what I will share makes any sence.:
1-JESUS, in several places, said that the 1st would be last and the last would be first. That refers to several things and is seen both in promises and prophesy. Note, the Jews were 1st and the Church was last. JESUS comes for HIS church 1st and then GOD delivers the Jews from the Antichrist. The last big nation is the USA... we are a very young nation compared to the nations of the world.

2-In the Bible there is a rule of multiple fulfillment . That means often prophesy of one event, actually has many small fulfillments leading up to the one big fulfillment.

The term abomination that causes desolation is understood to refer to several instances. In each of the case 1st the offerings and sacrifices to YHWH the LORD of heaven and earth is stopped, after that the placing of the abomination that causes desolation 3rd then begins severe persecution of the LORD GOD’s children.

One such instance of the abomination that causes desolation is when Antiochus Epophane's- king of Syria sacrificed a pig in the holy place in the 160s B.C. Now a pig was an unclean animal that the Jews were forbidden to eat so to sacrifice it in the holy place... a place set apart for only the high priest to meet with GOD once a year to offer sacrifices for the forgiveness of sin (doing what is forbidden) was the height of mockery of GOD and things holy. It was more than an affront to the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY... it desecrated / defiled the place.

Another, is the occupation of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem by the idolatrous Romans under Titus, with their standards and ensigns. After the burning of the temple the Romans brought their ensigns and set them over against the eastern gate (where GOD is suppose to enter) and there offered sacrifices to them and declaring Titus to be emperor (a god).

The big fulfillment of the abomination that causes desolation will be during the tribulation when the satan empowered ruler will desecrate the temple site in Jerusalem by erecting an idolatrous statue of himself (the Antichrist).

The term abomination that causes desolation speaks of someone in authority who places something that mocks the LORD GOD and HIS ways in a special place that desecrates (defiles) it. Each time it marks a beginning of great troubles.

I have asked GOD what I should do about something and I have struggled with and put off sharing this with you but several verses came to mind telling me I was to say what I heard and a fleece came back positive so here goes:

Shaking in my boots cause I am out of my comfort zone, let me tell you a crazy thought I had. Over and over and over again last week I would get online and see the AOL headline telling of President Obama endorsing the building of a mosque at Ground Zero. Each time the phrase... abomination that causes desolation came to mind.

Will the setting up of a mosque at Ground Zero be the USA's abomination that causes desolation? Will it mark a beginning of trouble for believers here in the USA? Does GOD have any instructions concerning this?

Please I beg of you go to our LORD, the LORD of hosts, and ask if there is anything to this and if there is, what are the specific instructions we need for this time.

We need not fear. Remember my precious friends, GOD promises that HE is with us and will never leave us nor forsake us. Neither will HE give us anything that we cannot handle with HIM by our side. But please seek HIS face on this for me and share whatever you get....

We can be greatly encouraged if this is about to take place for it is during the period of persecution after the placing of the abomination that causes desolation that Daniel tells us:

Daniel 11:31 will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. 32 With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him. 33 "Those who are wise will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered. 34 When they fall, they will receive a little help, and many who are not sincere will join them. 35 Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.

It is all on the LORD( YHWH's) of hosts' time schedule and the persecution will give opportunity to witness and even the falls will achieve (refine, purify and make spotless) for us believers.

hugs
Sharon

temper tantrum

Here is the scenario: You walking down the aisle of the grocery store gathering the things on your list, all of sudden you hear an ear shattering scream, startled you turn to see a young child fighting with all his might to keep something that he has grabbed off a shelf from his mom. He ignores the calming words of his mom for all he knows is he wants what is in his hands and his mom is trying to take it away. He screams and kicks go on and on as he refuses to let go more heads turn and people gawk. Some onlookers are clearly irritated and their eyes unmistakably aim the unspoken words, “Shut that kid up!” at the young embarrassed mom. But others, mainly women and you of course, cast sympathetic glances toward her, clearly showing they understand for they have been there, done that.

How about you? Have you been there and done that? Did you know GOD has?

This week I saw GOD in the mom’s position trying to calm down HIS childish pouting prophet Jonah. But as I thought on these things, (lest I get to high and mighty) the LORD reminded me of times I acted like just like Jonah. But looking back, the crazy thing I see is that at those times I had no clue of my own childish behavior. I self righteously thought that I was right.

One time was when Mac felt we needed a new car. I didn’t think we needed the bill and loved my little green Neon with the sun roof. Since I was at work when he went car hunting and couldn’t tag along and clearly wasn’t encouraging him a bit on this venture, he asked me what color I wanted. My response was, “I don’t care, anything but red.”

So what did he come home with? … a red car. It was pretty, but I refused to accept it graciously. All I could see was Mac got that stupid car and if that wasn’t bad enough after asking me my preferences, he got the color I said I did not want. I pouted and grumbled until finally Mac traded the car off. That trade cost us plenty. So you see, I have been in Jonah’s shoes so I am not bad mouthing him.

But lets look at GOD’s chosen prophet, who chose to be a vessel of dishonor, by demanding his own way.

Notice, as I did, that Jonah was GOD’s much loved child and he did do GOD’s work with amazing results.

Lets look at GOD and how the Sovereign LORD, Creator of heaven and earth gently deals with HIS child throwing a temper tantrum.

GOD had chosen HIS prophet Jonah to go to the wicked people of Nineveh and pronounce judgment. But because Jonah knew GOD was merciful and would quickly forgive if they repented, he ran the other way. For he hated the people of Nineveh because of what they had done to the Jews. Well after a wild storm, getting thrown in the sea, swallowed by a fish and sitting in the acid of the fish’s stomach for 3 days, Jonah, had had enough. HE repented and submitted to GOD. Then GOD had the fish vomit him out on the shore and reassigned Jonah to go to Nineveh and pronounce judgment would hit in 40 days.

Notice: ALMIGHTY GOD gave Jonah a 2nd chance. GOD will always give us another chance if we turn to HIM.

Well, Jonah preached, the people repented, GOD forgave and stopped the judgment, and Jonah got mad and told GOD “I knew this would happen and that was the reason I ran away in the 1st place. I knew YOU are a gracious and compassionate GOD, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. I knew how easily YOU would forgive and cancel YOUR plans to send calamity, Kill me,” cried Jonah, “I don’t want to live!”

GOD gently responded to his dramatics with, “Have you any reason to be angry?”

Ignoring the question, pouting Jonah went and sat down east of the city so he could watch what happened to Nineveh. GOD told him to go and he had done what GOD wanted now GOD had better come through. But the sun was hot, Jonah was miserable, so GOD prepared a vine and had it grow quickly over Jonah to shade him and ease his discomfort. And Jonah was very grateful for the vine. GOD also sent a worm and that night the worm ate through the stem of the vine, so that it soon died and withered away. And as the sun grew hot, GOD sent a scorching east wind to blow on Jonah. The sun beat down on his head until he grew faint and wished to die. “Death is better than this.” he moaned.

And GOD answered and said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?”

“Yes,” Jonah retorted, “even angry enough to die.”

Then the LORD said, “ You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there, and a plant at best is only short lived. But Nineveh has more than 120,000 who don’t even know their right hand from their left (that is a Hebrew figure of speech speaking of extreme youth.. in other words little children), not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such …


Lets look back as GOD flung the storm on the ship, and prepared the fish to swallow Jonah, and prepared the vine, and HE sent a worm to kill the vine and then sent a scorching east wind all to lovingly teach his childish servant what Jonah needed to learn {how to have compassion, forgive and love}

That same GOD is tenderly concerned with the little details of your life. So if there are storms or worms or scorching east winds you might want to stop and ask HIM “What’s up?”

Hugs
Sharon


A bunny trail:
Even with his temper tantrum, there are 2 very special things about Jonah,
1- He knew his GOD well and was able to hear HIS voice clearly
“I knew YOU were a gracious and compassionate GOD, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. I knew how easily YOU would forgive and cancel YOUR plans to send calamity…” Jonah 4:2

Today GOD is the same, gracious and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love, quick forgive and easily turned from bringing calamity if one will just humble himself and turn to HIM.

2- Jonah was painfully honest and received correction when the conviction of the Holy Spirit hit-for it is Jonah, himself, who wrote this about himself.

If you don’t believe me just take a few minutes and read the short book of Jonah.

Is it enough?

This morning a headline on AOL news caught my eye as I got online. The headline read: Why are flamingos pink? My curiosity got the best of me so I clicked on the link and I read the article about the most searched out questions on the internet. The question - Why are flamingos pink? ranked #10 Really life shattering pondering, huh?

Being who I am, my searches concern different things. Just this past week two issues came up. I had searched both of them out before and have firm conclusions yet I didn't vocalize them. There were Biblical reasons I did not do it in the setting where I was. But they are on my mind now so here goes.

GOD is honest and GOD is truthful. HE cannot offer something HE is not prepared to give. GOD offers eternal life to whosoever will (any and every one) who will believe. John 3:15,16 By saying whosoever HE intentionally includes all, whether they choose to believe or not.

Throughout the Bible we see people in great struggles and as in the judgments of Revelations and throughout the Bible we hear the phase but they refused (a choice) to turn to GOD. This clearly shows that the judgments were at least in part falling with the intent of turning people away from their evil and to GOD.

We saw how the fierce winds against the ship caused great fear in the crew of the ship taking Jonah away from GOD. We saw how these men chose to believe Jonah’s witness and turned to GOD during this time.

We saw when Jonah, bleached white from being in the acidity of the belly of the fish for 3 days, declared GOD’s judgment to that great and wicked city of Ninevah that all the people, great and small chose to believe his report and humbled themselves and turned to GOD from their evil ways.

Judas could not have believed in JESUS being the Son of GOD for he did not look to HIM for salvation. He was looking to money. But JESUS still reached out to him in love. Even after Judas made a deal with the Jewish leaders to betray JESUS, JESUS offered him a chance to turn to HIM and away from the evil he intended to do. When JESUS declared HE was being betrayed by one of them (the disciples) and that it would be better for that one who to betray him never to have been born at all, JESUS was anonymously but directly warning Judas and offering him another chance to repent. Judas heard the words but refused (a choice) to believe them.

We see GOD over and over offering life to any who would believe and turned to HIM. GOD who is faithful and true cannot offer what HE cannot give. Therefore, I cannot believe in limited atonement… (that is a technical term meaning that JESUS’ blood paid the price only enough to cover the people who will believe.)

JESUS blood on the cross paid for all sin, past, present and future. But it does you no good unless you turn to JESUS.

Have you gone to JESUS?

hugs
Sharon
ps... fyi... flamingos are pink because of what they eat. Pigments in food like crustaceans break down and are deposited into the feathers and beak.

She did what she could

A woman came quietly into the room with a jar of precious/ expensive oil. The kind a woman kept for her wedding day. She came to where JESUS and his disciples were reclined eating and broke the bottle and anointed JESUS’ head with the oil. Then she anointed JESUS’ feet and wiped them with her hair.

Some of the disciples, Judas Iscariot in particular, began to scold her rebuking her harshly for the “waste” saying that the oil could have been sold for much and given to the poor.

But JESUS told them to stop harassing her for she had done a beautiful and necessary thing for HIM. She had anointed HIS body for HIS funeral.

Did she understand what she was doing? Is she the only one who took HIS words of HIS pending death seriously? Or did she simply obey the nudging of the Holy SPIRIT not understanding why she felt the need to do it? We are not told and I don’t think it matters for GOD can lead us whether we understand or not. What matters is she took what she had and did what she knew she should do.

She was right but severely criticized. Have you ever done right and then been criticized?

JESUS words for her cry out to me, “She did what she could.” Mark 14:8 Literally in the Greek it reads, “She had, she did”

HIS words are a challenge to me. “Do I do what I can? Do I willing use what I have for HIM?”

In Jonah 1 we see how GOD stopped HIS servant who was running away from HIS plan and brought Jonah to the place where he openly confessed GOD before the pagan crew members which along with the ensuing results brought the entire crew to fear GOD greatly and to make vows to HIM.

We saw in Jonah 2 how GOD brought Jonah to where he needed to be to see how wrong he was in running away and Jonah cried out for deliverance from inside the belly of the big fish and made vows to obey GOD. Why? because Jonah knew GOD would listen to his cries.

We saw how GOD had the fish vomit Jonah out within walking distance of where he needed to be to accomplish GOD’s purposes.

And when Jonah did what GOD had told him to do: to cry out that GOD was going to destroy their city in 40 days all the people from the least to the greatest… even the king, humbled themselves and fasted and wore sackcloth and cried mightily unto GOD and turned from their wicked ways. GOD saw what they did and how they had turned away from their wicked ways and therefore GOD turned from destroying that city.

So far we see 100% success rate in Jonah’s witnessing: A boat full of pagans and a huge city full of wicked and cruel pagans and how does Jonah react?

He got mad and pouted and declared: “Was this not what I said when I was in my own country… for I knew that YOU are a gracious and compassionate GOD slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and ONE who relents concerning sending calamity” Jonah 4:2

I will talk more about what Jonah said at another time. Right now I want to focus on one thing. Why Jonah had such a wonderful success rate in his witnessing both in the boat and in Ninevah. I am convinced the reason is that Jonah had taken the time to get to know his GOD. Jonah knew GOD’s character, HIS nature, the way HE does things. Jonah knew GOD's voice because he had often listened to it. Jonah was GOD’s witness to the lost around him.

Have you taken time to get to know your GOD? Are you HIS witness those around you?

Just wondering,

Sharon

There is a way that seems right to man…Proverbs 14:12

Just as my husband sees clouds differently than I do, so people see things from different angles. We really see this in connection with our little one Zachary. And may I say here your concern and love and prayers for our almost two year old Zachary-regardless of how you see this situation- means so much to us and encourages us. Up front, let me thank each and every one of you for your love and continuing prayers.

Now back to different perspectives…

One will write to us, “If only you had enough faith, GOD would heal Zachary and GOD would be glorified.”

Another, tells of a documentary of a young boy in a triolathon (huge difficult race) who for years suffered operation after operation on his legs and then the doctors asked him what he wanted and his lower legs were amputated. Now that boy excels in all he does and GOD is glorified.

Back and forth, back and forth the comments come.

Walking to my therapy session yesterday, I was talking to the LORD about this and asked, “what will bring YOU more glory here? Is it healing Zachary and causing his bones to grow? YOU can surely do that with no problem. Or will YOUR enabling us to trust YOU and strengthening and developing Zachary bring YOU the most glory? What is YOUR plan here? What will bring YOU the most glory?

Then later as I read the Word, the question rose again. "What will give YOU more glory?"
Ephesians 3:7 the effectual working of HIS power 3:20,21 Now unto HIM who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above, beyond, all we can ask or even imagine according to the power that is at work within us. To HIM be the glory in the church by Christ JESUS throughout all ages, world without end. AMEN

But this time the LORD countered with: “That is the wrong question, Sharon. The secret things belong to ME. The question is what is MY purpose?”

Romans 8:28,29 And we know that GOD causes all things to work together for good to those who love GOD, to those who are called according to HIS purpose. For those GOD foreknew, HE also predestinated to become conformed to the image of HIS SON (JESUS), so that JESUS would be the firstborn among many brethren.
Ephesians 1:11, 12 …predestined according to the purpose of HIM who works all things after the counsel of HIS own will: that we should be to the praise of HIS glory, who first trusted in CHRIST.

What is that purpose? Those that trust JESUS CHRIST are to be conformed to the image of JESUS to the glory of GOD. Now that is incredible.. to look like JESUS, to have HIS love, and joy and peace and goodness and wisdom…. Ooooooh

But how does GOD do this?
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart… For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen (our situation) but what is unseen (what GOD is achieving for us through our situation.) For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.
1 Peter 1:6,7 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater value than gold though refined by fire- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when JESUS CHRIST is revealed.

JESUS HIMSELF went through all kinds of suffering:
Hebrews 5:7,8 During the days of JESUS’ life on earth, HE offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the ONE who could save HIM from death, and HE was heard because of HIS reverent submission. Although HE was a Son, HE learned obedience through the things that HE suffered

There is a way that seems right to man…Proverbs 14:12

Do not be like Peter: Matthew 16:23 JESUS turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to ME; you do not have in mind the things of GOD, but the things of men.”

What is the conclusion of the matter? Be obedient to the Word. Don’t focus on which way GOD will work this all out, (the secret things belong to GOD) but focus on the documented fact that HE- the ALMIGHTY CREATOR/ SUSTAINER HIMSELF is at work behind the scenes and in HIS great love and wisdom is actively conspiring and achieving for Zachary and all concerned for the very best end result of good. Your obedience and trust will glorify GOD right here and now.

Please keep praying for we need your prayers and I am confident that your prayers are accomplishing much for we can feel your prayers!

hugs
Sharon

2Corinthians 1:8-11 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 HE has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and HE will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many

This morning I woke to a heaviness in the air and looking outside I saw layer upon layer of clouds, much gray and just a dab of blue here and there. Now I love to watch clouds. To me they are beautiful and I have at times laughed at the crazy shapes they take. My kids also were cloud watchers and would point up and say, “there is a rabbit,” “look at the bear lying down.” "wow! and elephant!"

Many years ago when I was in a time of grief and great distress I am confident that GOD deliberately formed the clouds in a specific shape to get my attention, to speak to me, to encourage and comfort me.

A comment not long ago took me back. I was actually shocked by it. For belatedly I learned that my husband has never shared my delight in clouds. He related that he doesn't see them as beautiful but that clouds make him think of storms. Just as in songs and literature you often find clouds used metaphorically referring to troubles.

But this morning as we walked, Mac spoke a little differently, for now even he is looking longingly to the clouds hoping for them to bring a drop of rain to cool us off and perhaps lift some of this oppressive pressure.

So a little while later, I smiled as certain phrases stuck out as I read in Jonah this morning.

Jonah was running from GOD and the assignment HE had given Jonah. Therefore GOD caused a bad storm (big trouble) to come against the ship Jonah was traveling to Tarshish on. Through that storm and Jonah’s confession, the whole pagan/ unbelieving crew learned to fear the LORD and each man made vow to Jonah’s GOD - Yahwey, the GOD of heaven who made the sea and dry land. (see Jonah 1)

Wow! Each pagan man on that boat feared GOD ( the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom) and made a vow to HIM. Now the Hebrew word for vow used in Jonah means to promise voluntarily to give or do something; the primary idea is that of setting apart, consecrating oneself.

1-So we see that GOD uses troubles to reveal HIMSELF to unbelievers. The purpose of that is so that man might reach out to HIM and be saved. Acts 17:26,27 This those pagans did.

2-We also see a little more what GOD is talking about (2Timothy 2:20,21) when HE says that HIS children choose if they are vessels of honor or dishonor.

Once we become HIS, HE uses us for HIS glory. But we can choose to be vessels of honor- like Joseph, or vessels of dishonor- like Jonah. Either way GOD will do HIS work and get the glory. But if our choices are wrong we ourselves will be humiliated.

Going on into chapter 2 we see that the storm GOD brought on the ship which caused the men under duress to throw Jonah into the sea put Jonah in a place (the fishes belly) where only GOD could help him. It took all of this to wake Jonah up to turn him back to GOD.

I am not bad mouthing Jonah here for I know where he was coming from. It took the death of one of my children to turn me back to GOD.

There in the belly of the fish, Jonah chose to call out to the LORD, and made a vow to HIM. Then the LORD GOD of hosts (even animals) caused the big fish to vomit Jonah onto the shore not far from where GOD had originally told Jonah to go. And so Jonah did what GOD had told him to do.

Wow! The storm brought Jonah to a place where he too feared the LORD greatly and he also made a vow to the LORD GOD. GOD uses troubles for believers as well as unbelievers. For believers we see HIM doing three things through troubles:
1-turning us back to HIMSELF
2-getting us to do the work HE has assigned to us.
3-revealing HIMSELF and thus getting glory.

When I consider how GOD uses troubles: to reveal HIMSELF, to do HIS work, to save unbelievers and correct and teach HIS children, I can really obey HIS word

I Thessalonians 5:18 to give thanks in all things for this is the will of GOD concerning you in Christ JESUS.

Let the clouds that come into your life remind you that GOD is working on your behalf in all things for an end result of good and that HE does nothing without a cause.

Love and hugs
Sharon

mosquitoes

I get up very early, before others are stirring and at camp I would steal away from the campsite for time alone with GOD before the sun came up. On our last morning there, I walked on up to the Silver Lake a quarter mile or so from our campsite. There was a stillness and I saw two geese moving out toward the center of the lake and more joined them with soft honking back and forth between them.

Then all of a sudden things became very clear and I realized all around me were hords of mosquitoes. I was set to run when one of GOD’s names, the LORD of Hosts came to mind.

Now that name: YHWH Sabaoth or Jehovah Saboath means LORD of armies. HE is LORD over all armies whether human or angelic and it is even said HE sends forth an army of scorpions. So when that name came to mind, I knew what GOD was saying to me.

HE was saying, “They are MY army, Sharon.” And I answered HIM quickly, “Tell them not to bite me.”

Calm came over me and I watched the thousands of teeny newly hatched mosquitoes which looked like minute helicopters diving, rushing ahead but never colliding. I was amazed at the seeming confusion yet perfect order in their zooming this way and that.

I was there sometime and yet they never did bite me.

As I stood watching them and later on the walk back down to camp I thought of the end times, days of great troubles. Yet, I was reminded that as the mosquitoes were under the control of GOD so each of the foretold events are under HIS control. Just as HE kept the mosquitoes from biting me so HE is able to protect any who will seek HIS protection.

In Amos 4 this morning I was reminded of HIS armies. This portion says that if people refuse to hear GOD and obey HIM HE is forced to bring hard things their way in an attempt to get their attention so they will turn back to HIM and obtain life. GOD relates 5 such attempts in HIS dealing with Israel and ends each with the words, “The LORD GOD of hosts says, “Yet you have not returned to ME.”

Can’t you hear the anguish in HIS words?

GOD does not delight in the death of the wicked but that they turn and live. Ezekiel 18:23

Earlier HE had said, “Surely the LORD does nothing (what? does NOTHING=not one thing) unless HE reveals HIS secret counsel to HIS prophets. Amos 3:2

That is us, people of the light, we who choose to listen to the voice of GOD in HIS word and go with the nudging of the Holy SPIRIT. Like the young boy Samuel, if we want to hear what GOD is saying, we are told to listen and promised that we will understand. Then we must warn others.

Mark 4:23-24-- If anyone wants to hear, let him be listening and he will perceive and comprehend… Be careful of what you are hearing. The measure of thought and study you give to the truth you hear will be measured back to you in virtue and knowledge and more besides will be given to you who listen and hear.

Then be bold to warn others

Amos 5:4 for thus says the LORD, seek ME that you may live…

If you use the NIV you will not find the name LORD of Hosts… for the translators translate it LORD GOD ALMIGHTY leaving the concept of armies out of the picture. We miss out on a rich illustration that way.

hugs

me

Put up with it cause HE puts up with you.

Put up with each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13

As I read the verse above, I was transported back decades to a scene that seemed like yesterday. I even remember where I stood.

That day I was furious with someone and popped off at GOD, "YOU told me that I would walk away from YOUR plans for me if I walked away from this situation and now he has blocked them so I might as well walk."

Then all of a sudden I began rememberinging things. Situation after situation came to mind showing me stuff GOD had forgiven me for. All of a sudden I realized that I was no longer mad for the anger had seeped right out of me.

It was amazing that as I saw HIS forgiveness (was reminded of how HE had forgiven me through JESUS) HIS forgiveness seemed to flow from me.

Guess that is what it means when the Bible says "we are being changed little by little by the HOLY SPIRIT into JESUS' likeness" (2Cor 3:18) and "we shall be like HIM(JESUS) when we see HIM(JESUS) for we shall see HIM as HE is."(I John 3:2)

hugs