"BLESSINGS AND CURSINGS"!

Joshua 8:28-30;37-38

"28 And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap for ever, even a desolation unto this day.

29 And the king of Ai he hanged on a tree until eventide: and as soon as the sun was down, Joshua commanded that they should take his carcase down from the tree, and cast it at the entering of the gate of the city, and raise thereon a great heap of stones, that remaineth unto this day.

30 Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal,

34 And afterward he read all the words of the law, THE BLESSINGS AND THE CURSINGS, according to all that is written in the book of the law.

35 There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them."

Joshua is known for being a great warrior, leading the children of Israel into the Promised Land.  But Joshua should be remembered as a great follower.......a follower of GOD!  

I find it interesting that as soon as Ai was defeated, Joshua "built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel".  He worship and praised the ONE who had given the victory.  Then "he read all the words of the law, THE BLESSINGS AND THE CURSINGS"!   My memory is directed to Joshua 1:8 where GOD instructs Joshua and the nation of Israel that "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night"!

In verse 35 it is displayed just WHO was subject to hearing the law. 

"There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read before ALL the congregation of Israel, WITH the women, AND the little ones, AND the strangers that were conversant among them."   

Today I pledge to spend more time studying and contemplating the "THE BLESSINGS AND THE CURSINGS" that GOD has promised.  HIS blessings are what we always remember but HIS cursings are just as sure!  I will study to avoid dealing with HIS wrath!  

Psalms 119:11   "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

"RED FLAG!"

Hosea 4:1-3;9  (ESV)

"Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land. There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and NO KNOWLEDGE OF GOD in the land; there is swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed.  Therefore the land mourns, and all who dwell in it languish, and also the beasts of the field and the birds of the heavens, and even the fish of the sea are taken away....---

v 9. And it shall be like people, like priest; I will punish them for their ways and repay them for their deeds." 

Although the book of Hosea was written somewhere around 755BC-720BC, it could be written about the United States TODAY!  FEAR of a HOLY GOD should be gripping the leaders of our nation.  Instead we are so power drunk that we seem to believe that NO HARM can come our way.  

September 11, 2001 should have jolted us into reality.  Instead we are more resolute than ever to do things that "man" thinks is best.  Proverbs 14:12 says "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death".  

My intentions are not to scare people into changing their lives.  My intentions are to lovingly let people know that HOPE is not found in Washington DC, rather in 1 Timothy 1:1.  "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, WHICH IS OUR HOPE"!  We must return!!!

465 Words per minute!

": I just read this article in 6 minutes, 23 seconds at 465 words per minute (via @ReadQuickApp)" 

This was on my FEED from Twitter recently.   I was taken aback by the author choosing to brag about how fast he could read.  The speed in which one can read seems to be more important than WHAT he is reading! 

Many know that Psalms 46:10 is one of my favorite Bible verses.  "Be still, and KNOW that I am GOD" does not lend itself to speed-reading.   I realize my opinion is ONLY my opinion, but over the past five years GOD has shown me that I was moving ALOT faster than what GOD intended.  

A lot of the time GOD could not work because I was in HIS way!   I would be doing good things, but I would not "Wait on The Lord" (Psalms 27:14).  

 HE does not need me to "help" HIM accomplish anything.  I am not the best student in that most times I have to be shown the correct way to do things multiple times before I learn.  But I am learning that I must SLOW DOWN and let GOD be GOD

JUDGEMENT???

Exodus 14:21-30  (ESV)

"Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the LORD drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.  And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.  The Egyptians pursued and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.  And in the morning watch the LORD in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic,  clogging their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily. And the Egyptians said, "Let us flee from before Israel, for the LORD fights for them against the Egyptians."

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.". So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal course when the morning appeared. And as the Egyptians fled into it, the LORD threw the Egyptians into the midst of the sea.  The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained.  But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.  Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore."

Why did GOD choose to massacre the Egyptian Army?  They had just said they were fighting against the LORD of Israel and stood no chance?  Could it be that when GOD goes to battle the loser really loses?!?!

GOD is HOLY!  HE can not fellowship SIN!  If one dabbles in disobedience to HIS word, they must be prepared for The Judgement!  

SHEPHERD??

Today it seems most churches have pastors and other staff members who have their doctorate or other post graduate degree.  There seems to be some sort of pre-conceived idea that you cannot shepherd a flock without some college and/or seminary saying that you are qualified.  Having a Doctorate is great as long as you have been set aside by GOD to be a shepherd.   The term "Pastor", originally the Latin word for "shepherd", is now used solely to denote the clergy of most Christian denominations. 

A shepherd was NOT a desired occupation in biblical times.  One had to be willing to spend his time and resources to assure his sheep were fed and protected.  It was not a 9 to 5 job!   Whenever a sheep wandered from the flock, it was a shepherds job a go find the sheep and return them to the flock.  In John 10:27 JESUS says "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."   King David was a shepherd in his younger days.   Psalms 23 is a wonderful example of how The LORD cares for HIS own. 

I think it is high time we realize that the MAIN qualification for being a leader (of believers) is to be "CALLED"!  I have been blessed to have known many "called" men of GOD.  I also know many great orators, communicators, and speech givers who do not have a calling from The LORD on their life.  Some are great people, but they are not called.  

One will never be a successful pastor unless he is called by GOD.  You can get all the degrees and certificates man has to offer, but without GOD's calling, your ministry will never be productive.   

What day is it?

Today is March 24, 2013.   The calendar is centered around the life of Jesus Christ (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anno_Domini).  It is an indictment on ALL mankind that seemingly the calendar is only thing left in society that IS centered on Jesus Christ.  

I  currently 52 years old.  Being born in 1960, I grew up with "Blue Laws", meaning businesses would either close on Sunday or limit what they sold on Sunday's.  Culture used to be such that Almighty GOD was feared and revered.  

It pains me to acknowledge that "Almighty GOD" is used more as a slang word today than a worshipful proclamation.   How could a society, especially the United States of America, REJECT the very basis of its founding?  

Unfortunately, scripture records instance after instance where humans really believed (as many do today) that THEY were self-sufficient and did not need any help from YAHWEH.  Many felt (as they do today) that the human race was "smart" enough to make it on their own.  

But no one can tell me how they would make enough oxygen for 7 Billion people (not counting mammals) to exist?  With all of our wisdom, how do we make more Salt Water?  How do we prevent people from Cancer, or AIDS, or any number of other diseases from premature death?  If humans are so intellectually gifted, why does hunger exist?   

Wisdom and Knowledge do not have to be related.   A man full of book knowledge may not have enough Wisdom to "get in out of the rain".   My grandfather was one of the wisest men I have had the privilege of knowing, yet he never went past the sixth grade in school.  Although my grandfather was not blessed with a great deal of "book smarts", he REMEMBERED who he was and where he came from.  

I am afraid today that there are too many of us who have forgotten where we came from.  We come from an Almighty GOD that loves us and wants a relationship with us.   HE has wanted a relationship with us since creation began. We used to recognize HIM as our CREATOR.  It is high time WE remember "who we are and where we came from"!

The way I see it!

"You have to begin to see everything that comes to you as coming from me!"

Dr. Stanley gives a candid 25 minute interview with Ms. Brown.  In the interview Dr. Stanley is reminiscing about forgiving some acquaintances of his at First Baptist in Atlanta, Georgia.   Dr. Stanley said GOD was speaking to him about dealing with his adversaries.  GOD told Dr. Stanley "You have to begin to see everything that comes to you as coming from me!"  

I have meditated that phrase for a number of months.  All through scripture there are verses of GOD hardening hearts or directing people's thoughts.  If people are saying and doing things to me contrary to GOD's plan, HE must have approved it.  HE can use good or bad to mold me into HIS purpose for my life.  On a differing note, HE can use any BAD I do for HIS glory! 

GOD has a plan.  I choose to be used for HIM and by HIM for accomplish HIS plan.  The difficulties that come my way will be used to shape and mold me into the vessel that will most benefit The Kingdom.  I pray that my life will glorify HIM in everything I do.   

GOD and HIS GLORY!

GOD doesn't need a great orator to deliver HIS message.  HE used Moses, a man "slow of speech, and of a slow tongue" (Exodus 4:10) , to deliver the children of Israel.  HE used a shepherd boy (1 Samuel 17:49)to slay Goliath.  HE used a uneducated fisherman to preach on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41) and "about 3,000 souls" were added to the Kingdom.  

GOD requires NO big name "show-stopper" to preach/sing in a meeting for souls to be saved.  HE wants to be glorified, not man!  

1 Corinthians 1:27-29  (KJV)

"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;  And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:  That no flesh should glory in HIS presence."

Remind me LORD that YOU use the "foolish things" to confound earthly wisdom.  YOU do not/will not share GLORY with any flesh!  

"God is a God of gods"

Daniel 2:47

"The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldst reveal this secret."

King Nebuchadnezzar may not have been the wisest to have ever lived, but he recognized when he got a word from The Holy GOD!  Would that people today would recognize that GOD ALMIGHTY is sovereign and things do not happen without HIM first, at least, condones it.  

Why would a HOLY GOD allow bad, such as the 9-11 attacks?   Why does GOD allow millions of abortions each year?  Why would GOD continue to allow the hungry to die of starvation?   Why, why, why?   

GOD is loving, benevolent, protective, Almighty..........HE is!  But HE does not force HIMSELF on us! Just like early creation in Noah's day, modern day beings have turned to EVIL (Genesis 6:5).  

GOD IS HOLY!  HE cannot fellowship sin.  Sin has to be removed before GOD can be a part of our lives.  JESUS provided forgiveness for us.  I pray that I will be ready to beg for, and receive, that forgiveness when I do sin. 

What we need!

This picture was recently on my Facebook Wall.  I tried to continue "scrolling" down the page, but something would not let me.   The quote from Mr. Bongino is correct, to a degree.  "This country will not be fixed by those who crave power...!"  

America WAS founded by those who were fleeing the very attitudes that our country now allows to lead us.  GOD was (as HE is now) being placed on the back-shelf and the "educated and royalty" considered themselves TOO brilliant for demise!  

But GOD......!  Explain how the thirteen colonies could possibly overthrow British rule?  Explain to me how on June 5-10, 1967 the tiny Israeli's could defeat the entire Arab regime in Six Days?  GOD does not require "MIGHT"!  HE does, however, require reverence to HIM.  

Where Mr. Bongino is correct is when he states that "We can fix tomorrow, but we are running out of todays".   The ONLY way we can fix tomorrow is to return to HIM, our CREATOR!  2 Chronicles 7:14 says "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and 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."

We have to realize where our "MIGHT" has originated and go back to it!  "We are running out of todays"!!!

Dr. Charles Stanley TODAY:

March 18

Expressions of Praise

Psalm 34:1-3

Glorifying the Lord is not limited to worshipping in church. In fact, praise ought to permeate the believer’s life. 

One obvious way that we praise the Lord is with our voice. We can either speak or sing our worship. Psalm writers put adoration into words and set their love to music. True worship also flows from the mouths of believers who are focused upon God’s attributes. They desire to honor Him because of who He is, what He has done, and what He has promised for the future.

Genuine worship allows the Lord to fill our hearts and minds with His presence. But praising the Lord with wrong motives is an empty act. For example, if we’re lifting our hands and singing loud only because doing so feels good, then what we’re after is an emotional high. That kind of selfish “praise” falls far short of heaven.

Our God is praised WHEN WE SERVE HIM. People are created for the purpose of bringing glory and honor to His name. Therefore, nothing should limit our willingness to work for the King, particularly when we have a chance to share Him with others. Christ is honored when His followers speak boldly about His grace and His work—believers’ testimonies are an amazing form of praise that magnifies God’s name.

Jesus Christ is worth more than any treasure this world offers. Loving Him and understanding what He’s done for you should be all the motivation you need to praise Him with your life. Don’t just sing; serve His kingdom and share the gospel. Help to make God’s throne room ring with worship.

ASPARTAME POISONING

I am getting over the affects of what is known as ASPARTAME POISONING.   Since Thanksgiving 2012 I have been on a very limited carbohydrate intake.  The foods I have "abused" most are a diet soft drink and diet ice cream bars.  

While losing almost 40 pounds in those 4+ months, the last month I have experienced PAIN that is indescribable.   Muscle spasms in my upper back were intense and uncontrollable.   While I was happy with the weight loss, the PAIN was ruining my life.  

I have not worked at our insurance agency for over two weeks.  The debilitation has been nearly complete.  Last night, I had a revelation that was enlightening, to say the least.  

Sin can operate real similar to the UN-natural sweetener.  My first symptom was my left arm developing what I thought was "Tennis Elbow".  

I took some acetaminophen and continued on with my life.  Then my back started giving me problems.  I was going to see my chiropractor every week versus every three weeks before. I got off of ASPARTAME at the advice of my chiropractor in mid-February.  I continued to see him for a few days.  Then he could not help me!   

 

I went to my medical doctor and got some muscle relaxers and pain medicine.  The pain medicine did not relieve the pain, only masked it.  The muscle relaxers may have kept me sane.  When the muscle relaxers ran out, I suffered!   

For the past two weeks the ONLY was I have been able to survive is to apply ice bags to my back!   To keep that affected area "frozen" means it would not spasm.  Today I was able to go to Bible Study and Worship Service and sit through those without hurting someone!   I pray I have finally "detoxified" myself of this poison. 

After I stopped using the ASPARTAME, my weight loss accelerated.  I begin to lose weight even more rapidly drinking water.  GOD displayed to me that satan wants to destroy us in whatever means he can.  1 Peter 5:8 says "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour".  

 I did not intend to harm my body.  I was only trying to lose weight.  The ASPARTAME was very subtle. Sin starts out with very little repercussions.  It started out feeling like "Tennis Elbow".  But the pain that soon followed was unbelievable! 

I do not write this to tell you not to eat/drink ASPARTAME.   There is plenty of evidence out there about the harmful effects of ASPARTAME.  (Search for ASPARTAME POISONING).  But I do caution you NOT to let satan "devour" your body, mind, or soul!  The enemy is cunning and is the father of lies (John 8:44).  2 Timothy 4:2 tells us to be ready!  Don't let the enemy sneak up on you as I allowed ASPARTAME to sneak up on me.   

Open our ears LORD!

Open our ears LORD!

"And Moses called unto all Israel, and said unto them, Ye have seen all that the LORD did before your eyes in the land of Egypt unto Pharaoh, and unto all his servants, and unto all his land; The great temptations which thine eyes have seen, the signs, and those great miracles: Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day". -Deuteronomy 29:2-4

"And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot.  Ye have not eaten bread, neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink: that ye might know that I am the LORD your God."

Deuteronomy 29:5-6

GOD reveals as much of HIMSELF unto us as we are willing (can stand) to acknowledge.  If one "thinks" a miracle cannot be done, it can't.  

My wife says that when I was in the coma, her faith was nothing to write home about, she "just knew" I would be okay.   That IS faith.  When you "just know" that GOD is going to work things out!  You don't know how, and sometimes you may not know why!   But you "just know" everything is going to because GOD is GOD!  

The children of Israel had witnessed miracles from GOD in the book of  Exodus.  Yet in Deuteronomy 29 Moses tells them that GOD was "choosing" to reveal the miracles to them "this day."   GOD chose to give 

"you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear" later in Deuteronomy.  

Why would HE wait to reveal HIMSELF?   Deuteronomy 29:16-20 tells us of the damnation and destruction that awaits those who turn their back on GOD!  Yet the USA is trusting in military might (Isaiah 31:1) when GOD is WHERE our strength comes from.   The USA must return to "The GOD of our fathers"!  

Today with Dr. Charles Stanley

March 14
The Lure of Momentary Pleasure
Genesis 25:29-34
You probably read the story of Jacob and Esau today and thought, I can't believe Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of soup. How foolish! But let's think beyond birthrights and soup. Is there anything of true value that you are trading for something of lesser worth? In other words, what is your "bowl of soup"?
Have you pursued wealth and a career at the expense of family? Maybe your busy schedule has kept you from spending time with God in His Word each day. Some people become involved in extramarital affairs, trading the well-being of their family for the satisfaction of lustful desires. Others sacrifice their health by consuming harmful or addictive substances, or even by overindulging in food. The list of ways we make foolish, shortsighted choices is endless.
Some of the decisions we make today could rob us of the blessings God wants to give us. When you yield to temptation in a moment of weakness, you're actually sacrificing your future for momentary pleasure. We can't afford to live thoughtlessly, basing our decisions on immediate desires or feelings. Since the principle of sowing and reaping cannot be reversed, we need to carefully consider what we are planting. The harvest will come, and we'll reap what we have sown--and more than we've sown.
Are you contemplating anything that could have serious long-term ramifications if you yield to the yearning? A wise person evaluates choices by looking ahead to see what negative consequences could follow a course of action. Don't let "a bowl of soup" hinder God's wonderful plans for you.

HE is in me!

We should not boast about what we have done for The LORD (futility), rather we should glory in what HE has/is doing in and through us!  

John 17:21 (KJV)

"That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me."

TODAY's word from Dr. Charles Stanley

TODAY's word from Dr. Charles Stanley

March 11

The God to Whom We Pray

Nehemiah 1:1-11

What’s your view of the Lord? Do you see Him as the One who can handle all the challenges you bring before Him? Nehemiah knew God in this way. Upon hearing about Jerusalem’s destruction, he mourned, fasted, and prayed for intervention. His supplication (Neh. 1:5-11) offers a glimpse of how he viewed the Almighty.

First, the Hebrew term Yahwehrefers to One who is absolute in faithfulness. Next, the title Elohimindicates infinite power and sovereignty over the universe. Finally, Adonaimeans “ruler over all.” Nehemiah was bringing his request before the throne with full confidence in God.

And the Lord answered his prayer in a powerful, dramatic way. As cupbearer in the palace, Nehemiah tasted food and drink first to protect King Artaxerxes from possible poisoning. For a servant in this position, to look sad was very risky (2:1), yet the terrible news disheartened him.

So the Lord worked a miracle: when the king asked what was troubling his cupbearer, Nehemiah expressed concern for the Jewish people. Instead of punishing him, Artaxerxes let him go to rebuild whathad been destroyed, and even supplied the materials! God handled what seemed like an OVERWHELMING, IMPOSSIBLE burden for Nehemiah, and He can do the same for us.

Having the right view of the Lord will allow us to approach Him with absolute confidence. And we know that He will hear and answer our prayers (Ps. 86:7). Remember that He is absolute in faithfulness and infinite in power. Our heavenly Father is the ruler over all.

Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness

Thomas Jefferson penned in the Declaration of Independence of the United States the following:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their (1) "Creator" with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, (2) "deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed", (3)That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

(1). The Declaration of Independence  spells out rather plainly that we have been "endowed by our Creator".  Who created us?  If you contend we came from "Prehistoric" mammals, who Created those? No, Thomas Jefferson had it correct when he wrote the words "Creator".  The fact that the word creator was capitalized leaves NO DOUBT that it was not brilliant minds or brave soldiers who earn our rights.  Our rights are "inalienable" meaning they cannot be taken from us by man or government. They are bestowed on us by a Holy GOD.   Turning our backs on HIM abdicates our freedom and liberty, whether we realize it or not!

(2).  The Declaration of Independence is abundantly clear that the "powers" come from "the people" who are governed.  A resounding reminder needs to be sent to Washington D.C. that the political games are "old news" and it is now time to "revoke" our "consent".

(3).  The Declaration of Independence also lets us know what to do "whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends"!  We the people are to "alter or abolish" it and " institute new Government"!  

Folks, it is our own fault if we do not realize what the problem is.  GOD took HIS protection from Israel and HE will (if HE has not already) take it off of the United States!  Matthew 6:24 JESUS says "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."  If we choose NOT to follow GOD, but to just not be bothered by all of that "religious" stuff, we choose to follow the devil.  

Joshua 24:14-15  (ESV)

"Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.  And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

PAIN IN THE BACK!

I have been battling a pinched nerve in my upper back for almost a month.  Yesterday I was able to be driven to my chiropractor's office and get my back "adjusted" and now everything is back in line.   The relief is indescribable, but the soreness from being out of alignment for so long is VERY DEEP!  

So often, we try to act like the sin in our life is not known by anyone. Numbers 32:23B says "and be sure your sin will find you out."   Again, Job 34:21-22 (KJV) informs us that "For HIS eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth ALL his goings.  There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves."  

GOD even knows the intent of my heart!!  In Hebrews 4:12 the Book reads "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and INTENTS of the heart."  GOD knows when a HEART is pure.  HE also knows when fellowship is broken.  When fellowship is broken, it will leave a mark.  

My back will be better in a few days, but the pain I felt will not soon be forgotten.   I pray that, just as my back is now in line, my life will be cleansed of anything unpleasing to The Lord!

I ain't worried!

Luke 12:25-26  (ESV)

"And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?  If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?"

GOD has a multitude of "guardian angels" protecting and shielding each one of us.   There are UNTOLD predicaments we are shielded from through HIS wisdom.  There are some things that are avoided by us that we would consider to be "good".  Of course, the bad things we pray to be shielded from, but can be made manifest so The Almighty can be glorified.  

Dr. Charles Stanley recently wrote in his daily devotional "With godly wisdom available, it’s hard to understand why anyone would prefer to trust his own hunches!"  

We are to be a "Chosen Vessel" (Acts 9:15-16) for "my (HIS) names sake".  Don't worry over what lies ahead.   Our future is all about HIM!  

"HURRY!"

I awoke this morning at 2AM.  It was one of those times when I was tired and sleepy (muscle relaxers all day Saturday) but I "KNEW" The Lord was speaking, the question was did I care to listen????

The Lord has really been working on my about "slowing" my life down.  Everybody and everything seems to be in a "Fast-Paced" mode.  We used to write a letter to communicate.  Now we type an email, or if we can't "wait" for a day, we send a Text!   

On my Facebook "Cover Photo" I simply have "Be still and know that I am God!"   That is the first half of Psalms 46:10.   That is what GOD has been getting my attention with for the last couple of years.  

"Be Still" is the part that MOST of us have a problem with.   It seems the world has decided for us what our schedules should be.  Our office opens from 8am - 5pm.  We go to church from 9am - 12pm on Sunday. We eat lunch at the 12pm - 1pm time slot.  The evening "news" comes to us between 5pm - 6pm.  We are so "busy", yet are we accomplishing anything for The Kingdom?   What if GOD were in charge of our schedules?

How refreshing it would be for a client/prospect to let me know that he will not be in the office this week because he is spending time alone....with GOD!   Is HE not more capable of running our business than we are?  "Sabbaticals" are almost never heard of anymore.  Even MORE radical, what if we missed church services for one Sunday "in seclusion" with GOD?  How many times do you reckon the pilgrims had Sunday School at 9:45am?   Or prayer "meeting" on Wednesday evening?   When do we have time to "hear from GOD"?  Could it be HE doesn't speak like HE used to because no one is listening?  

The next part of that verse is "and KNOW that I am GOD"!   I am of the belief that our "FAITH" will increase as we spend more time with HIM in prayer and scripture reading.   We can profess to know HIM, but if we do not trust HIM, we don't really KNOW HIM?  To know GOD "intimately" implies that one is trusting HIM with their all. To know GOD, as someone who you pass on the way to work with a nod of the head, is NOT at all what this verse speaks of.  

I have a LOT of friends!  GOD has blessed me to have a personality that is easy to meet people.   But, my dearest friends, are SPECIAL to me.  Even as close as some of my friends are, my relationship with JESUS is of no comparison. 

Proverbs 18:24 says "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother".   

I pray that I will value my relationship with HIM above all by not getting caught up in the "rat-race" of modern society.   "BE STILL"!