BLUEPRINTS!

From the beginning of time, man has made excuses.   Even Adam and Eve, the first of creation, BLAMED anyone else they could for their SINS!  

Genesis 3:12-13 (KJV)

"And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.  And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat."

It seems so lame for Adam to take the GIFT that God had given him and blame the GIFT for his own weakness.   But I do that all the time!  I always have an excuse or reason why I fail in GOD's plan for my life!  Why don't I just fall on my face and ADMIT that I am vile and self-centered and need forgiveness?   

GOD's mercy is unending!   HIS grace knows NO boundaries!  HIS forgiveness is indescribable!  Don't let pride or perceived self-worth prevent you from being what HE has called you to be.   

FATHER IN HEAVEN, help me be JUST what YOU desire for me to be!  Nothing MORE, nothing LESS!  

HOME ALONE!

While listening to Bill Gaither recently during the taping of the Gaither London Homecoming Video, he was commenting about Rex Nelon going to glory early that morning.  He commented "We live in a time where it is tough to find a place to be quiet"at the 01:18:04 mark in the video.   I had to stop and ponder that awhile.  

You know, JESUS spent 40 days and nights alone in the wilderness (Mark 1:13).  HE also went to the garden (Gethsemane in Matthew 26:36) alone.   Many other times HE had to "get away" from all of life's distractions to be with The FATHER.   HE had to be where HE could be ALONE with The FATHER!  

JESUS is/was my supposed example.   I am to follow HIS lead in my life.  Why then do I find it difficult to set aside time in my life to be with "The FATHER"?  If I have a relationship with the CREATOR of all, why do I not better advantage of it?   

LORD IN HEAVEN, cause me to rely on YOU for everything in life.  The air I breathe, the clothes I wear, everything I do!  I trust in YOU!  

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS!

Waking at 4:45AM is not a good thing for me!  I feel it is too early to wake up, but is too late to go back to sleep for fear of wasting half of the day!   

GOD put a scripture on my heart (Ephesians 2:8 ESV) that I could not get out of my mind!  Not having a good memory for scripture, when I got up I looked it up and it read "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the "GIFT" of God,  not a result of works, so that no one may boast."   Verse 9 is included in this.    

Our salvation is the greatest "GIFT" that GOD could have ever given.  My thoughts go to my childhood when my two sisters and I got bicycles for Christmas!   That was the MOST excited I can remember being about Christmas!

GOD wants me to know that HE provided the "GIFT" of salvation all on HIS own.   I did nothing for it, nor could I have done anything worthy of it.   HE alone provided even the desire to follow HIM.   The "GIFT" my mom gave me (bicycle) when I was a kid was great, but it will NEVER compare to the "GIFT" I have been given by The CREATOR!  

WHAT IS FAITH?

WHAT IS FAITH?

Faith is a misunderstood phenomenon.   It us not a HOPE SO or a MAYBE SO!  We say we have FAITH, but when it comes down to s serious matter, DO WE?

As many of you know, I experienced a brain hemorrhage over five years ago.   I was put into a drug induced coma for a number of days.   I have NO recall of what was going on.   It was if that period of time does not exist in my memory.  

I have asked my wife about what went on while I was in the coma?  I want to better understand what she and my family went through when I was "OUT"!  She tells me that she did not have great "FAITH" that I was going to be healed, SHE JUST KNEW everything was going to be okay!  

I have experienced what my medical records describe as a "Miracle from GOD" as far as my physical recovery.   My mental status was in question BEFORE the hemorrhage, so we won't argue that point?!?  This statement in the picture was posted by a friend yesterday and it has been on my heart since I read it at 12:25AM this morning. 

My wife "just knew" everything was going to be okay!  Nurses and Doctors familiar with my case say she was naive or uninformed.  Regardless, she refused to listen to the "Naysayers" and remained positive!  

I "choose" to remain positive!  Many times in scripture a choice has to be made.  One on my favorites in John 15:16.   It records JESUS saying "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you."  

My FAITH is continually growing in HIM!  HE NEVER FAILS!  

Sheep or Shepherd!

1 Peter 5:2-5

"Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;  not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.  And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."

A true SHEPHERD is one who is willing to lay down his life for his flock.   LOVE was the determining force behind our Shepherd giving HIS life for us.  LOVE has to be the force that motivates us to live our lives for HIM!  

LORD, let my life be an exhibit of YOUR love for mankind!  I pray that I will my love will be so REAL that it cannot be mistaken for anything else!  

SPIRITUAL CLEANSING!

A few days ago I worked outside until dark.   As I went in to take a shower, "Tired" had a new definition!

While taking the shower, I had to wash my hands two or three times because I had gotten them so dirty.  I washed and washed and FINALLY got all of the dirt and grime cleaned off.  

Sometimes, I am in so big of a hurry to get on with my life, that I don't spend the time with GOD that I need to getting myself SPIRITUALLY clean!  The "dirt and grime" has to be addressed with JESUS!  

As busy as I think I get, there is nothing more important in my life than to get my "spiritual cleansing" everyday.   LORD, help me to always put my "spiritual cleansing" first in my life.  

My Everything!

Psalms 23:1

"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want"!

Charles H. Spurgeon has an excellent commentary on this chapter.  Two points that he makes that made an impression on me were:

The Lord is "MY" shepherd.  HE would be mine if I were the only person in the world.  HE loves me THAT much!

Next, I shall "NOT" want.  I might want otherwise, but when the LORD is my shepherd, HE is able to supply me needs.   I have "No Worries" when I allow THE LORD to be the Shepherd of my life.  When I get in trouble is when I start trying to "help" The Lord! 

Lord, help me to totally depend on you for my every breath!

 

"HAPPY THANKSGIVING!"

I am befuddled by those who find things that are "Not of THIS world" hard to believe.  It seems that some have an interest in doing what is "right", but the do not want to do what GOD proclaims they must do!

Romans 8:7-8 (ESV) says:  "For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.  Those who are in the flesh cannot please God."

I believe that scripture teaches that we who are "called" into HIS Kingdom are only "called" through HIS grace.  Ephesians 2:8 (KJV) relays "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:".  

Today especially, I give "THANKS" to the ALMIGHTY GOD for calling me into HIS kingdom.  As Guilty and Unworthy as I am, HE saved me!  

HOLIDAYS!

As the Holidays approach, I have to remind myself that holidays is REALLY meant as "HOLY DAYS".   

Wikipedia's Etymology of the word "Holiday" states the following.  

The word holiday derived from the notion of "Holy Day", and gradually "evolved" to its current form.

The word holiday comes from the Old English word hāligdæg. The word originally referred only to special religious days. In modern use, it means any special day of rest or relaxation, as opposed to normal days away from work or school.

It is a disgrace that today we seem to be more interested in "Black Friday" than the Thursday preceding!   And Christmas is a time of the birth of the Saviour of the World, not a time to go so far into debt that is takes the rest of the year to climb out!

It would do us ALL some good to slow down..........and remember what we are doing and why we are here!  The words of a song-HE STILL SPEAKS- comes to my mind.  

Amidst a hustling, clambering world

Sometimes it's hard to hear

The voice of GOD speaking to my soul

But in my quiet time alone

When I approach HIS Holy throne

His tender words fall gently on my ear

HE still speaks

I know HIS voice

Sweeter sounds never heard by mortal ear

And to think that GOD by HIS own choice

Would speak to me it makes me rejoice 

HE Still speaks

I know HIS voice

There are so many who still doubt

That GOD can speak today

They laugh and mock when we say we've heard from GOD

Yet that still small voice of GOD is heard

Above the doubters of this world

HIS timeless words ring out with hope today

HE still speaks

I know HIS voice

Sweeter sounds never heard by mortal ear

And to think that GOD by HIS own choice

Would speak to me it makes me rejoice 

HE Still speaks

I know HIS voice

HE Still speaks

I know HIS voice

We all, including me, need to  remember that it's not about what we GET for Christmas, but it is about ALMIGHTY GOD providing redemptions plan for me!  

"Do OVER"!!

The photo I have attached is of some handwriting of mine when I was 47 years old! I know! Many 4 years olds today write better than that, and for sure 7 years old!

But, you see, I was learning to write AGAIN! The brain hemorrhage I experienced occurred in the LEFT hemisphere of my brain which rendered the RIGHT side of my body "Hemiplegic" or paralyzed. I had to learn to walk, talk, and

develop my motor skills (writing) again.

Sometimes we, mainly me, tend to forget the lessons previously ! Although I learned to write in elementary school, I had to re-learn when I was 47 years old because of the hemorrhage.

Life is VERY similar. I find myself being taught the same lessons I was taught when I was younger! LORD, Why do I have to be taught this lesson AGAIN! And HE gently and softly responds "Because you did not learn ALL you needed before"!!

Psalms 27:14 (ESV)
Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

GOD's Schematic!

Matthew 9:3-4

3 And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming."

4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts?"

JESUS knew what the S&P (Scribes and Pharisees) thoughts were.   HE knew HE was going to "lay down" HIS life for me!  In the S&P's mind it was okay to miraculously heal the sick, but it was NOT okay to perform a miracle of forgiving one's sin!   They wanted a Saviour who fit THEIR mold!  GOD did not figure into their plans.  

Their miscalculation took a "spotless lamb" to correct.  My "miscalculations" can cost too!  I need to make sure I am walking DAILY after HIS will and following HIS path for me!

Even JESUS, in all of HIS majesty, followed the FATHER'S will.   In Matthew 26:39 (ESV) scripture records this "And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will."  GOD's plan for JESUS during the next few days was rough.   I pray that I will be faithful and obedient to HIM in whatever circumstance I find myself!

Today's Thoughts!

I read with great interest a couple of "Letters to the Editor" in today's local newspaper.   Both letters were well written and delivered a message that needed to be heard by ALL who love this country we call The United States of America.  

The USA was founded on the principles and doctrines of GOD ALMIGHTY!  John Adams wrote after signing the Declaration of Independence, ""We have this day restored the Sovereign to Whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His kingdom come."  

How one can deny the purpose or intent of that statement confounds me!

Moving along !!!

Galatians 4:16

"Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?"

Should we get mad/angry when The WORD wants us to move out of our comfort zone?  If you travel the same path day after day, you will soon find yourself in a RUT!!

WORMS!!!

Acts 12:21-24

"And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.  And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.  And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.  But the word of God grew and multiplied."

Galatians 6:7

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap"

The BIBLE is NOT a book of fairytales and fables.  Josephus (Josephus was born Joseph ben Mattathias in 37 C.E. in Jerusalem of a priestly and royal family) confirms in his writings what scripture states regarding Herod.  

Then why do we act like it makes no difference what GOD says?   Why do we think that GOD is oblivious to or unaware of what we do?  I have heard it said MANY times that most of us "sow our wild oats and then pray for crop failure"!  

I share this with a degree of apprehension, for I am accountable too.  GOD does not play games!   We MUST turn back to HIM or we WILL face HIS JUDGEMENT!  

I am CHOSEN!

But you are  A CHOSEN RACE ,  A  royal  PRIESTHOOD ,  A    HOLY NATION ,  A PEOPLE FOR    God's    OWN POSSESSION , so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (1 Peter 2:9 NASB)

There is much discussion about "Race" these days.   Similar to President Obama, I have a nephew whose mother was white and his father black.  My nephew is as special as any other person because GOD made him the way he is.  GOD made all of us just the way HE wanted us.   

But scripture tells me that I am part of a "CHOSEN RACE"!  When HE sees us, GOD sees our "SPIRIT" person.   GOD "chose" me!   HE had others that HE could have picked, but HE selected me!  

Why me?   Why not choose someone more refined or eloquent? I am not worthy of being picked.  

The last part of the verse contains the answer to this question.  "So that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light!"  I am not special, but I am chosen!  I am part of a "RACE" that is far above my skin color!   The CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE selected me to "Proclaim HIS Excellencies"!  

I BELONG!!

Galatians 5:19-24 (ESV)

"Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And THOSE WHO BELONG to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."

I BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS!  No matter storms or circumstances, I am HIS!  My "Fleshly" passions and desires have to be crucified!  

LORD, help me to live a life that exhibits YOUR "fruit of the Spirit" in everything I do!  

Use Me!

Galatians 5:16-17

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.  For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."

I am your humble servant, LORD!  Use me!

"Cup of Water"

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.  For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."

There are many opinions on who wrote the book of Ecclesiastes.  One thing that is not for debate is WHO inspired the writings.  The HOLY SPIRIT of GOD  moves and directs in ways we do not even have words for.  Man cannot fathom HIS power nor HIS grace.  When humans cannot put into words we call it a miracle.  But actually it is just GOD being GOD. 

When I slow my life enough to realize just who GOD is, fearing HIM is easy!  HE gives us commandments to make our lives less complicated.  Not to be the BOSS!  HE loves us beyond description, but HE IS HOLY and must remain HOLY!     

HE gives us fair warning that "God shall bring every work into judgment"!  This is not something that GOD added as an addendum or an afterthought.   Even how we vote in elections will have to be answered for.  Whether we helped our brother in need will have to be answered for.  How we responded to someone going through a death in their family.  "Every Work" means "EVERY WORK"!  Mark 9:41 says even a "Cup of Water" in HIS name will be rewarded.  

GOD, continue to mold me into a vessel pleasing and acceptable to YOU!  

Just Listen!

Romans 14:10-12 (ESV)

"Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;  for it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." 

So then EACH OF US will give an account of himself to God."

Sometimes, as much as I would like to add to what CHRIST has said, I cannot improve on HIS message!