No one reads my blog anyway!

John Piper When GOD intervenes is YOUR life so plainly that no one else wants to take credit, you are obligated to make it known!   July 09, 2007 I suffered a HEMORRHAGIC STROKE!  In other words, my brain sprung a leak. Now 80% of the people who experience this type of stroke DIE!  Without getting too deep into my story, after 52 days in the hospital (20 days in a coma) I walked out of the hospital!  My doctors records literally say "However, he has had a remarkable recovery that could only be described as a miracle from GOD"!   Today, there are "NO DEFICITS" (stroke language for disabilities) from my stroke.  I have NO idea why GOD chose me to do such a work in my life.   But I have to let everyone that I  come in contact with that JESUS still works miracles today!  Luke 17:15-16 say  "Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a LOUD voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan."

Repeat!!!

Could the Supreme Court ruling that The Affordable Care Act is constitutional be a precursor to the return of The Christ?   And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. -Luke 2:1.  When HE came the first time there was a MANDATE that everyone had to be taxed, or a different translation calls it "registered"!   No matter your feelings on government involvement in health insurance, it is interesting that the FIRST physical appearance of CHRIST was preceded by a Government mandate.   Could history be repeating itself?   He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. -Revelation 22:20

PURE HEART

Mark 11:15-19  And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons.  And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple.  And he was teaching them and saying to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers."  And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching.  And when evening came they went out of the city. JESUS had a way of hacking off the status quo of the JEWISH ELITE.  The "chief priests and the scribes" were offended that the way THEY had approved for everyone to worship was being challenged.   I need to be careful NOT to allow myself to fall into a "tradition" that is not scripture ordained.  I can allow myself to say or do things simply because "we have always done it like that" and it not because it comes from my heart.   GOD deserves and requires me to have a clean heart to come to HIM!  The only way my heart can be cleansed is through the sacrifice that JESUS made for me on Calvary.   Thank You JESUS!

Is "IT" wrong?

If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer ALL things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. -1 Corinthians 9:12 I have been asked by many about a number of issues and whether it is my belief that the issue in question (drinking alcohol, lottery, etc ...) is a sin.   All I can say is I believe that JESUS wrapped HIMSELF (Mark Lowry calls HIM GOD in the flesh!)  in flesh for the purpose of redeeming my unworthy soul. (Philippians 2). If HE did that for me, I can give up a few insignificant "luxuries" to not tarnish my witness for HIM!   Romans 6:8-9 (NASB) says "Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him.  I want everyone to know where I stand!  My desire is to leave no doubt where I stand.  I know I am not perfect, but I thank GOD I am forgiven!  

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY!

Before this great King are seraphim--bright, burning angelic creatures, creatures without sin or shame or guilt.   Yet even these radiant beings cover their eyes and feet with their wings, overawed by the sight of God, crying out again and again, saying.... "Loving, loving, loving is the Lord of hosts"? "Gracious, gracious, gracious is the Lord of hosts"? "Merciful, merciful, merciful"? "Forgiving, forgiving, forgiving"? No, though all of these things are true, those are not the traits that overwhelm these luminous entities. "Holy, Holy, Holy!"  they cry out "Holy!"- but once is not enough, so they say a second time "Holy!"  Yet even twice does not catch it, so they shout for a third time---befitting the triunity of this God--"holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory!"  (Isa. 6:3).  In all the bible, HOLINESS is the only attribute of God that is marked by a threefold repetition.   Holiness is an overwhelming and all-encompassing trait of God.   We cannot understand the first thing about God unless we have some glimmer of His holiness.    Dan Phillips    THE WORLD-TILTING GOSPEL.

GIVING OUR BEST!

Proverbs 16:2
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. -Proverbs 16:2

I am constantly amazed at how I think people are doing right , or wrong, in their own lives. A person has their own thoughts and view on happenings. However, we cannot allow ourselves to believe that we are correct in our thoughts. GOD has said that we are corrupt and evil in our thoughts. Even our best is but "filthy rags" to HIM! (Isaiah 64:6).

The BEST we can do is to allow our praise to GOD be directed by GOD!

Hide and seek!

Luke 10:21 In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. JESUS tells us in Luke that sometimes even the ones. with  little education, can be spoken to by the Father.  GOD can "HIDE" things from "THE WISE" and "REVEAL" things to HIS "Little Children".  I pray I am always  searching for HIS truths !

FATHER'S DAY!!!

You never cease to be a father. Although you children continue to "GROW UP", they never cease being "your children". Being there to "help" our kids when they have needed it has been a wonderful feeling.   High school Graduation, college graduation, marriage, grandchildren, the time for parental influence is NEVER over. Although the tasks of daily providing for the needs of your offspring eases, the wisdom and knowledge you have gained will always need to be shared.   Even after death our influence on our kids continues.  They will obviously (and regrettably) carry some traits of ours with them. You can wish you had been more ______ or less ________, but they are what THE LORD made them to be and I trust HIS abilities to form them into what HE desires However, we need to make sure the your "legacy" is one that you can stand before the LORD proudly one day!

"LITTLE CHILDREN"

Luke 10:21 In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. JESUS tells us in Luke that sometimes even the ones. with  little education, can be spoken to by the Father.  GOD can "HIDE" things from them and "REVEAL" things to HIS "Little Children".  I pray I am always  searching for HIS truths !

WORDS!!

Words are an expression of a point we are trying to convey.  Sometimes I do not express myself as well as I would like,  so I have to use a dictionary.   Below I have used a dictionary from http://av1611.com/kjbp/kjv-dictionary/kjv-dictionary-index.html.  I wanted to get a biblical look into words that I use.  The initial description is from me, MY DESCRIPTION!  The follow up is copied/pasted from the KJV Dictionary.   Convict - to prove someone's guilt 1. To determine the truth of a charge against one; to prove or find guilty of a crime charged; to determine or decide to be guilty, as by the verdict of a jury, by confession, or other legal decision. The jury convicted the prisoner of felony. Sin-violation of GOD's law.   1. The voluntary departure of a moral agent from a known rule of rectitude or duty, prescribed by God; any voluntary transgression of the divine law, or violation of a divine command; a wicked act; iniquity. Mercy-receiving that which we DON'T deserve.  1. MER'CIFUL, a. from mercy. Having or exercising mercy; compassionate; tender; disposed to pity offenders and to forgive their offenses; unwilling to punish for injuries; applied appropriately to the Supreme being. Grace-GOD's Riches At Christ's Expense-Unmerited Favor 1. Favor; good will; kindness; disposition to oblige another; as a grant made as an act of grace. Forgiveness. - to let someone go free even though they are guilty.  1. FORGIV'EN, pp. Pardoned remitted. Restoration-to make like it was 1. The act of replacing in a former state. Redemption-The act of forgiveness 1. Repurchase of captured goods or prisoners; the act of procuring the deliverance of persons or things from the possession and power of captors by the payment of an equivalent; ransom; release; as the redemption of  LOVE--GOD 1.God is love. 1 John 4:16-19 WORDS....cannot describe the love of GOD!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKHoCR33ZHc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Missed one!

Today as I was driving to the office I drove by a woman walking in the side of the road.   I ALMOST stopped and offered her a ride.  Her appearance was that of someone who was less fortunate than most.  But I was in a hurry to get to my work and thought I didn't have time! Then, about a mile down the road, it was as if GOD was speaking to me.  "That was me!  Why did you pass me by!". I wanted to turn around but again let time constraints determine my schedule.   I sit here at lunch thinking about how many times I have let "GOD" pass me by with time, money, or indifference being my excuse?   GOD help me to be more sensitive to your Holy Spirit and HIS guidance in my life.  I missed a blessing this morning because of time worries.  How better could I have spent my time than to be with YOU?  

Perception!!

Romans 12:16  (ESV) "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight." This verse is one of those I really try to skim over as it requires too much personal "Comfort Zone" invasion.   My decision to delve into this verse was with a great deal of humility and "total depravity".   To "Live in harmony with one another" can be a difficult thing.  To "never be wrong" is not a good way to live in harmony.  Dictionary.com defines harmony as "agreement; accord; harmonious relations".   Does this mean that I should yield to others when there is a disagreement?  Without getting into a full debate on the subject......YES.   As long as points of orthodoxy are not infringed upon, why should I have to always be right?  I have never seen anyone led to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ with a sledge hammer!   "Do not be haughty".  Just because I am right (my perception) does not mean everyone is going to agree with me!  Everyone has their own mind and if we all thought the same way it would be a bland society!   "But associate with the lowly".   Should I go to the homeless shelter and carry some poor soul to lunch everyday?  I believe the point that the Apostle Paul was trying to convey is to not "look down" on someone who may not be as blessed as I am.  When you get down to it, I am poor compared to a Millionaire!  But, I live in lavish luxury compared to some people in Haiti or Sudan.    "Never be wise in your own sight."  Again, perception is key to this statement.   One person can be seen as incredibly wise by some, and seen by others as an imbecile.  A neurosurgeon probably would not be a lot of assistance if you were repairing a water well.  But, If you are dying of thirst, who would you pick to help you?  Bottom line, but for the grace of GOD we could have been born in a cardboard hut in Haiti or Sudan.  GOD placed you where HE did for HIS glory.  Don't wait until you get somewhere else to glorify The CREATOR!  

JUST A CHILD!!

Matthew 18:3-4 "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Why does JESUS command us to "turn and become like children"?  Why would a child, so unlearned, unwise, and with a basic lack of understanding as to how the world operates be acceptable to GOD?   Compared to a Holy, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient GOD, the wisest, strongest man alive is no more capable of "assisting" in his salvation than a new born baby!  A new born baby is totally dependent on someone else to do everything else for it.  Eating, transportation, hygiene, everything a person needs has to be provided for them when they are small!   GOD desires for us to rely on HIM literally for our next breath.   For us to trust in our job, bank accounts, or earthly possessions is to have other gods before HIM!   Perhaps that is why JESUS said that we must "turn and become like children"!   GOD does not need my wisdom and knowledge explaining to others why they need to live "right"!  GOD is honored when I live for HIM and abide in HIM.  Only HE can "draw" only "HE" can save.  My prayer is that I will always be reminded that all I am is because of HIM.  HE is my Heavenly FATHER and I am just HIS child!  

What the FUtURE holds?

Ecclesiastes 7:14  NIV   "When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future." The BIBLE is very clear!  In EVERY life there are going to be good times as well as bad times......regardless of some television preachers who espouse otherwise.  The good times are a blessing from HIM!  My wedding day and the birth of my children are THE two biggest earthly blessings I can think of!   But bad times come too!!   Are the bad times a curse from GOD?  Are we paying for some sin or shortcoming?  I used to believe that when "BAD" times occurred that I must have done something "wrong" or against GOD's word.   But, what if GOD is using the "BAD" or lean times to grow us into what HE desires?  What if our potential is not being met?  Jeremiah 29:11 ESV says "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."   HIS plans for us may not correspond with "our plans".  Therefore, my plans for my future are probably inferior to HIS.  My heart's desire is to "daily" live for HIM and trust the future and what it holds to HIM!  

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?"

"I read your posts everyday and enjoy doing so."   Friend's statement a few days ago.  I am humbled by statements such as these.  A kind word of encouragement can be so uplifting at times.   You never know when you words you say (or write) will be used to edify or tear down.   The Holy BIBLE was written by men who were "inspired" by the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD.  HE can use words we say (or write) to change lives for HIS glory.   Do you think when Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, or Peter (along with all of the other authors of the New Testament) were contemplating what to put on paper, they considered their writings would be read by literally MILLIONS in the future?   How did some other letters written by the Apostle Paul, and others, get left out of scripture?  Other authors might have written "worthy" material that could have been used to instruct or give guidance.   2 Timothy 3:16 says "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." GOD can use what HE directs us to say to be used to change the world.  LORD I pray that the words I use will be edifying and used to glorify YOU!!

TRADITION !!!!!!!

Mark 7:8-9 "You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men."   And he said to them, "You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!" JESUS  was answering the "scribes and Pharisees" about eating with unwashed hands.  The "S&P" were wanting to make a big deal over the disciples not washing their hands "according to tradition".   Scripture did not set this as a guideline!  Man set them up!  TRADITION DID!   The response from JESUS located in Mark 7:6B-7 says  "'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.".  GOD is not interested in our vain attempts to show our best "Sunday" suit, or how grand our choir at church is, or our One Hour fifteen minutes of choreographed rituals that we go through each Sunday morning!  HE desires a ONE on one relationship with each of us.  For the most part, Modern Day Christians are so caught up in "we've never done things that way" that if GOD HIMSELF directed a person to raise their hands in church, a committee would have to vote their approval!!!! I need to be careful NOT to try and put my GOD in a box!  HE is too BIG for what we can even imagine.  In Matthew 19:26 JESUS says "But JESUS beheld them, and said unto them, "With men this is impossible; but with GOD all things are possible". 

GOD IS!!!

Acts 12:20-24 "Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food.  On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, "The voice of a god, and not of a man!" Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.  But the word of God increased and multiplied." GOD is.  There is NO other!  Herod was a ruler.  Yet, rulers tend to be impressed with THEMSELVES!  Herod was overly impressed (to put it mildly) with himself and his accomplishments.   GOD alone is worthy of praise.  Political leaders and even modern day "Religious" leaders are not ones to be glorified!  GOD is not impressed with Television shows, so-called Mega Churches, or how many cruises our church members go on. For not giving glory to HIM, GOD had an angel strike Herod down!  HE has not lost HIS power.  HE is!  

RUDE DRIVERS!'

"I hate when people speed up to get in front of me then drop down BELOW the speed limit!"  Post from a Facebook Friend.  Nothing irritates me any quicker or more profoundly than someone to be so inconsiderate as my friend experienced.  My time is just as valuable as theirs!  Why should they make me even more late just so they can be ON TIME? Hebrews 13:2 says "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.".  I never know when GOD, who is sovereign, slows me down to avoid a drunk driver, or a flat tire, or any number of happenings that would be harmful to me.   At the same time, HE may cause me to have a flat tire, car to overheat, car not start,  etc. .. to teach and grow me!  If GOD loves me enough to give HIS only SON to redeem me, wouldn't it serve to reason that HE would protect/guide me to where/what HE thought is best for me?   Now, if I can not get so angry at someone driving the way "I" think they should!!!

MASTER OF THE WIND

MASTER OF THE WIND

Mark 4:35-41 

"On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side."
And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?"
And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"

The disciples MUST have not realized that "This Man" was The Creator in the flesh!  JESUS asked them "Have you STILL no faith?". I have been here with you, yet you STILL doubt me! 

I am the same way!  Whenever the "waves" start breaking into my boat I start crying out to JESUS about how HE needs to save me!  I want to jump in the "Easy Believe-ism" boat that some TV preachers preach about.  

GOD does not promise a life of luxury when we serve HIM.  HE promises to always be with us.  

LORD, help make me into someone who does not look at the "storm" around me, but the "Master of the Wind"!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRYwE6HzsKk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

AND WILL HEAL THEIR LAND

IF MY PEOPLE, WHICH ARE CALLED BY MY NAME, SHALL HUMBLE THEMSELVES , AND PRAY, ANS SEEK MY FACE, AND TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS; THEN WILL I HEAR FROM HEAVEN, AND WILL FORGIVE THEIR SIN, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14 "AND WILL HEAL THEIR LAND" Once again, GOD is not "considering" healing the land.  "WILL" is a promise.  HE promises to heal their land, but where I mess up is I want the land healed on my time schedule!  GOD wants to bless us, but HE is far too wise to let our timing interfere with HIS plan!   In Genesis 1:26 scripture states GOD's plan is to make man in "HIS" own image.    Dictionary.com defines an image as "an optical counterpart or appearance of an object, as is produced by reflection from a MIRROR, refraction by a lens, or the passage of luminous rays through a small aperture and their reception on a surface." Mankind is created in a likeness of GOD, but HE is far, FAR wiser and inclusive than we are.  HE knows the number of hairs on over 7 Billion people on earth and yet HE knows when a sparrow falls to the earth!   My "timing" is not that important when ALL is considered.  I am blessed to be called on of HIS chosen and am thankful HE loves me!

AND WILL FORGIVE THEIR SIN

IF MY PEOPLE, WHICH ARE CALLED BY MY NAME, SHALL HUMBLE THEMSELVES , AND PRAY, ANS SEEK MY FACE, AND TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS; THEN WILL I HEAR FROM HEAVEN, AND WILL FORGIVE THEIR SIN, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14 " AND WILL FORGIVE THEIR SIN" As was previously pointed out, GOD has a strong desire to commune with us!  Once our sin is forgiven, our ability to fellowship with The Creator is restored.   GOD's forgiveness is COMPLETE!!  Scripture declares in Psalms 103:12 that " As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.".  That does not mean we will never sin again.  But, forgiveness is ALWAYS there for us.   GOD does not tell us HE "may" forgive our sin.  HE says HE "WILL" forgive.   HE wants to forgive!   No matter how vile and repugnant I am, HE IS FAITHFUL!!!     #blessed!

THEN WILL I HEAR FROM HEAVEN

IF MY PEOPLE, WHICH ARE CALLED BY MY NAME, SHALL HUMBLE THEMSELVES , AND PRAY, ANS SEEK MY FACE, AND TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS; THEN WILL I HEAR FROM HEAVEN, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

"THEN WILL I HEAR FROM HEAVEN"

The statement above could be expounded on awhile.  I will try to be as brief as possible while making sure to address critical points. 

THEN-means that a conditional response should be expected. AFTER people have humbled themselves, and prayed, and sought HIS face, and turned from their wicked ways, THEN GOD says HE will do something.   Unless we complete the prerequisites, the resulting promises are no guarantee. All requirements are mandated.   Prayer without turning from wicked ways is futile!

WILL I HEAR FROM HEAVEN-GOD has a strong desire to commune with us. But HE cannot tolerate sin.  The chasm that results from our sin is not something that GOD is pleased with.  HIS preference is for us to rely on HIM for our everything.  When you think about it, why would you want take control of your life when you can rely on HIM for everything?  If it were so simple?