a lesson relearned

After a day away and a short nap upon getting home, I turned on my computer to check my email. One email held this line: When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better

I knew it was a nudge from GOD to share the testimony HE gave me today of HIS goodness.

It is crazy that in the big things we look to GOD and HE gives us grace to trust. Then something small comes along and it seems so discouraging.

Most of you know there has been one hard problem after another in our lives lately and GOD has held us. I ran up to the Springs very early this morning so I could watch Shirley’s four kids while she went to see if she could straighten out the mess concerning Zachary’s insurance. Then I had an appointment with another daughter midmorning. She is going to beauty school and wanted me to come in for a haircut. I seldom get time with her so it is a double treat for me.

I took the kids to MacDonald’s for breakfast and let them pray while I read the Word. Every thing was going fine but it was getting later and later and I actually began worrying that I would have to cancel my appointment. It was eating away at me.

I gave it to the LORD and continued to read the Word…. I was in Matthew and the words, “Thy will be done” jumped out at me.

My mind flew back 40 years when those words hit home. I was awakened to the words, “Moma, the baby is dead.” As my husband handed me the lifeless body of our little baby boy. I tried to breathe the breath of life back into him and began praying…. Something I hadn’t done much of in years.

But my mind seemed to freeze . All I could think to pray was JESUS model prayer…Our FATHER… when I got to Thy will be done. I stopped for I knew Little Mac’s death was HIS will.

The weeks that followed are a haze but at one point I caught myself thinking irrationally and knew I must go back to the GOD I knew to retain my sanity to raise the little girls 6yrs and 3yrs I still had. So after my husband got home from work, I ran down to the little church down the street. But no one was there. Then it started to sprinkle.

I looked up into the sky and saw a cloud formed like lion and on its back was a laughing baby and words thundered… weep not for him, for he is having the time of his life. Weep for yourselves and your daughters”

Seeing that and hearing those words changed my concept of death entirely and encouraged me incredibly. As horrible as losing my baby was, it was his death that brought me back to walk with the GOD. And relating this testimony of GOD comforting me has encouraged many.

Back to this morning… after remembering how GOD had taught me to say, Thy will be done and comparing it to my present discouragement of missing time with my daughter and a haircut I laughed and wrote a note to GOD in my journal.

YOUR will be done… the 1st time YOU taught that to me was with Little Mac and that was life shattering and shaking but has changed me completely. A good change. This time YOU are speaking it to me over a mere disappointment or (LOL) rather a missed appointment. It doesn’t matter that I miss the appointment. I trust YOUR scheduling of my life.

Just then Shirley arrived (she had gotten the mess straightened out) and I didn’t have to miss my appointment after all… GOD was just reminding me and testing me. No good thing will HE withhold from us… If it is withheld there must be a good reason.

hugs
Sharon

blackade

Today's world is quickly changing from one full of paperwork to one that is electronic and paperless. From paying bills to applying for jobs, buying a porch swing or even writing a friend, it is just a click away to submit your payment, your resume, your purchase order or your email.

That word submit has two basic meanings: to offer or to surrender and leaves a bad taste in the mouth of many. The average American heart and mind sees these two words in an unsavory manner. They carry the implication of weakness, inability or lack of where with all. The worlds version of surrender is rather unappealing; after all who wants to give up, forfeit, give in and pipe down? Not me, not you, we all think of this as some sort of defeat. It carries the connotation of weakness, inability or lack of where with all. And we, especially us Americans, are not going to give up our say or our rights to anyone!

God wants us to know HIM well enough that we can eagerly offer ourselves, submitting and surrendering to HIM because we trust HIM. ".

Surrender and submission to GOD and HIS Word are a vital part of our relationship with GOD. Without it we block the supply HE is so eager to give us.

Since the earthquake in Haiti, food supplies have been sent to Haiti from many nations and peoples for the people of Haiti. But the government of Haiti is not freely turning them over to the people but is blocking their release. Praise the LORD, recently the government has begun to allowing some food supply to trickle through the blockade to the people. But I have been told that it is no where near what is needed.

The supply is there but the people are not getting it.

The same is true for us Christians. GOD is ready and so eager to supply our every need but often we block the free flow of the supply by doing things our own way. When we refuse or ignore HIS instructions either placed in our hearts or found in HIS word (intended to help us not hurt us) we block the supply.

For example, GOD says, “Judge nothing before the time.” (1)

That word nothing means no thing. Now that includes even our own situations but for the sake of what I want to point out, I am looking at others.

And how easy it is for us to judge another’s actions. We say, “They are wrong." "They should have done this." "They should have done that?” or “Well, look at what they did?”

If it is not our situation and we are not in a place where we can do something, nor have been asked by those in the situation for advice we are to not judge the situation. (period)

If we do judge, our supply of peace and joy is blocked and on top of that we cannot hear the LORD for our own situation because we have turned our back on HIM by refusing HIS instructions.

The Bible says something more. It says the things I judge in others, I do myself. (2)

Ouch!

Losing my peace and joy by meddling in another’s affairs is not worth it!

So now when I find myself judging another, I turn to GOD ask HIM to show me where I am doing that thing I am criticizing and then in submission to HIM I turn the situation over to HIM lifting the people and the situation up to HIM (3) then go my own way.

It is totally freeing, yet I have helped the situation through my prayers. (4)

So don't block the supply you need, submit to GOD's instructions in all things.

(1) I Corinthians 4:3I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
(2) 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.
(3)Ephesians 6:18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion (for every situation) with all kinds of prayer. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
(4)2 Corinthians 1:11as 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.

Won't anyone even consider?

Just got this email:
Oh Sharon, I have sent you tons of info on cancer treatments, won't anyone even consider them? The latest I have is baking soda!!!! I know, but cancer is acid, soda is alkaline, and cancer cannot live in an alkaline environment. go to: http://publications.imva.info or www.healthtruthrevealed.com I took these addresses off of the documentation I have before me here. I am praying for your family I know about cancer, mom, dad, 2 of mom's 4 sisters, Valerie, a first cousin, devastating. / Jacky

Jacky is a dear sister in Christ that I met over 40 years ago (oops that dates us, doesn’t it?) I am enclosing the cancer info she sent in case some one out there can use it, but I have left out the part of the email dealing with info and suggestions for Zachary for I want to zero in on a phrase of her 1st sentence.

…won't anyone even consider them? Can’t you just feel her frustration?

Have you been there trying to help someone and they refuse even to listen to you? Frustrating isn’t it?

As I prayed over how to answer and encourage Jacky, the LORD reminded me of 2 Corinthians 1:8We 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. 9Indeed, 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. 10HE 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, 11as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks (to GOD) on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many..

Notice,
1- the hard things happened to teach them to rely on GOD and not themselves.
2-others helped them by their prayers
3-GOD is glorified and thanked through our struggles as HE grants favor and answers the prayers of many.

Remember, scripture tells us that things happened to them for examples and are written down for our instruction...(1Corinthians 10:11).

So let's apply these truths that were written down for our instruction.... hard things happen to us so we learn we cannot rely on ourselves but on GOD. Therefore let us help others through our prayers for them for our prayers will do two things. 1-give others gracious favor with GOD and 2-bring GOD glory

If I might be so bold. These things apply to the saved and unsaved alike. Whether it is sharing information about cancer or sharing the life giving gospel, don't let the enemy sidetrack you with frustration when someone refuses to listen to the truth you are presenting. Just Pray, pray, pray! Yes, go tell GOD about it . The power is HIS. We can rely on HIM, we cannot rely on ourselves.

knife or screwdriver?

I was just checking prayer requests when one's suggestions in how to pray reminded of something I would like to share with you. Please scroll down to the end for verses used in this.

Have you even used the heel of a shoe for a hammer or a kitchen knife for a screwdriver? I have, more times than I can remember. There were times when the objected needed to be turned hard and knife end twisted. I had ruined that knife. Why? I was using something for which it was never designed or intended to be used. We often do this same thing with prayer. Prayer is a tool GOD has given us for HIS work. It is the 7th piece of armor for spiritual warfare. (1)

GOD has designed us for HIS work. HE has designed each of us in a specific way(2) for HE has a specific plan for each of us.(3) A purpose for each of our lives. And the Bible says something crazy. GOD even has plans for every problem we encounter (4) every situation, and even every place that we are at.(5)

Yes, we are GOD workmanship. (2) That word workmanship in the Greek is "poema". When someone writes a poem he has something he wants to say through that poem and it is the same with us. We are unique creations, our DNA knit together by GOD in our mother's womb (6). HE chose the colors, the design and the size of the needles for specific reason. But HE didn't stop there but uses each our struggles to equip us for things HE has for us to do (4,7) and to mature us. (8)

Think about that for just a moment. If that is true, when we go storming into the throne room to intercede for others or cry out for ourselves (which by the way GOD invites us to do(9) ), do we go to assist HIM in the fulfillment of HIS plans (10) or to fight against GOD plans (11)?

Peter loved JESUS and yet he unknowingly fought against GOD's plans when he prayed that JESUS not die. If JESUS had not died we would still be in our sins and forever separated from GOD. GOD's plan was that JESUS would die for our sins.

I imagine if Joseph's mom knew her son was sold to a caravan or was put in jail she would have stormed the throne room crying out for the release of her son. But if Joseph had been released even a day earlier, he would have missed the call on his life. He would have missed being 2nd highest in the land but more importantly millions would have starved to death for he would not have been there to advise the king. It was GOD plan to train Joseph through his problems and then use Joseph to reveal HIMSELF to Pharaoh and save many alive.

Once years ago I got another prayer request for SA. There had been one hard thing after another for this woman and so I went for a walk to talk to GOD undisturbed. "FATHER, hasn't she had enough?" I asked.

I will never, ever forget HIS response. "Sharon, would you steal from her that which I want to achieve for her?" and then a text came to mind. It tells how GOD achieves for us eternal things through our temporary problems. It says that the pain of today is light and easy compared to what HE is achieving for us through that pain.(12)

Does that mean we are not suppose to pray? Of course not! We are commanded to pray in the SPIRIT at all times for all people.(1) The key is that we are to pray in the SPIRIT.

The HOLY SPIRIT prays according to GOD's plans cause HE knows them (13) we do not know how to pray as we should (14) but the HOLY SPIRIT will guide us in how to pray if we acknowledge our need and ask HIM.(15) That is how you can pray in the SPIRIT. (yes, I know about tongues but that is another topic for another time)

What will it be? Are you going to fight against GOD's plans or assist HIM?

hugs
Sharon

(1) Ephesians 6:18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

(2)Ephesians 2:10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

(3)Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Ephesians 1:11...according to the plan of HIM who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of HIS will

(4)2 Corinthians 1:3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

(5)Acts 17:26From one man HE made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and HE determined the times set for each of them and the exact places where they should live. 27God did this so that men would seek HIM and perhaps reach out for him and find HIM, though he is not far from each one of us.

(6)Psalms 139:13 For YOU created my inmost being; YOU knit me together in my mother's womb.

(7)Romans 8:28And we know that in all things God is actively conspiring to work all things together for the end result of good of those who love HIM, to them who have been called according to HIS purpose.

(8)Romans 8:29For those God foreknew HE also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of HIS Son JESUS, that HE (JESUS) might be the firstborn among many brothers.

(9)Hebrews 4:16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

(10)Romans 15:30I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.

(11)Matthew 16:21From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.22Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" 23Jesus 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."

(12)2 Corinthians 4:17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

(13)Romans 8:27And HE who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

(14)Romans 8:26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for...

(15)Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: 6 in all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;...
John 14:26But 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.
John 16:13But when HE, the Spirit of truth, comes, HE will guide you into all truth. HE will not speak on HIS own; HE will speak only what HE hears, and HE will tell you what is yet to come.

Last week I went on a hike to the top of a nearly 10,000 foot peak with the kids during the Servant Leader Training camp at Camp Elim. It was breathtaking (in more ways than one) and the whispering pines and a little but fast flowing babbling brook along the path for much of the climb just called to me to stop and enjoy its beauty. From the mountain top overlooking an awesome view of a wilderness valley with lakes was the perfect backdrop as Jess taught on faith and later we each had a JAM (JESUS and me) session before we came down the mountain.

So I am not complaining about the severe chest pains I had through last half of the climb up. Actually I am thanking GOD for it because HE tells me to(1). I know HE was achieving for me through it... because the WORD says so(2). Just don't have a clue as to what GOD is achieving for me.

And already I see a glimpse of good coming from it. For merely mentioning my physical pain during the climb up opened the door for one to tell me of an ongoing fear she has of death by heart attack because it runs in the family. And I was granted the privilege to pray with her.

GOD loves us and did not give us the spirit of fear(3) Fear is not something GOD will allow us continue in for it demonstrates a lack of trust in HIM and our Sovereign GOD's love and wisdom. Throughout scripture we see GOD bringing men's fear upon them- not to be mean but to teach them to trust HIM more completely.

Even though Job was tagged by GOD a perfect man(4) still GOD brought Job's fears upon him (5) to teach him. And I stand and marvel at Job's humble awestruck words after GOD revealed HIMSELF to Job by bringing his fears upon him (6) "My ears had heard of YOU but now my eyes have seen YOU."

So according to GOD's invitation will you join with me as I stand the gap and confess that we have at times believed the enemies lies and doubted GOD's good plan for us? Let's confess that we have feared what lies ahead and then confess the same for my friend. Let us claim our inheritance that no weapon formed against us who belong to JESUS shall prevail. Then let us build up the wall (7) of truth against the lies of the evil one by coming boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and get the grace my friend needs to enable her to release that fear to JESUS.(8)

hugs
Sharon

(1)1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(2)2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen (our situation), but on what is unseen (what GOD is achieving through our situation). For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen (what GOD is achieving) is eternal.
(3)2 Timothy 1:7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
(4)Job 1:8And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that fears God, and turns from evil?
(5)Job 3: 25For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me,& that which I was afraid of is come to me.
(6)Job 42:1 Then Job replied to the LORD : 2 "I know that YOU can do all things; no plan of YOURs can be thwarted. 3 YOU asked, 'Who is this that obscures MY counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. 4 "YOU said, 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer ME.' 5 My ears had heard of YOU but now my eyes have seen YOU.
(7)Ezekiel 22:30 "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap...
(8)Hebrews 4:15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.