"SPEAKING BOLDLY!"

Ephesians 6:10-20 (KJV) "10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, TO STAND. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." The scriptures tells us, as Christians, we should EXPECT a continuous onslaught from the devil as we live for The LORD. The devil will scheme and plot to fill our minds with doubt and despair, but TRUTH through HIS word, instills a PEACE and COMFORT that cannot be expressed in words. Depression is a tool the devil's toolbox he uses to defeat many. Stroke survivors are extremely vulnerable to Depression. To know where depression comes from is a large part of the battle. The enemy will use ANY tool he can to prevent us from glorifying JESUS! The Apostle Paul writes that we must "prepare for battle" everyday. "Put on the WHOLE armour of GOD" tells us we should be prepared for attacks from "spiritual wickedness in high places". The enemy is always "seeking whom he may devour" in an attempt to cause us to live in defeat. JESUS defeated death, hell, and the grave, along with DEPRESSION, at Calvary. Though the devil present me with challenges and trials, the victory has already been achieved in CHRIST! I rejoice that JESUS gives me eternal life, but HE also brings "life more abundantly" (John 10:10)! It is my desire to live my life as a testament to the victory I have in JESUS, and to speak "BOLDY" as HIS ambassador, as I ought to speak!

"HUMBLE YOURSELF".

1 Peter 5:6-7 (KJV) "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of GOD, that he may exalt you in due time; Casting all your care upon HIM; for HE careth for you." Arrogance is such an unattractive trait. I see athletes, politicians, businessmen, celebrities, and people from a myriad of backgrounds, acting as though THEY are the center of the world. GOD is not impressed by an individuals actions. Honor and Praise are reserved for only ONE. Remember, the REAL world is a spiritual world, and the ONLY things that will LAST are things that are "SPIRITUAL"! James 4:6-7 says "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, GOD resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to GOD. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." GOD, I need YOUR grace! I pray that YOUR mercies shower my life as I serve YOUR KINGDOM!

"I AM ONE OF THOSE!"

Galatians 3:1 (KJV) "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" It seems rather "mean" of Paul to be labeling first century residents of Galatia as "foolish"! "Who hath bewitched you?" Is another question that would anger most. But, what we he write if he were penning a letter to modern day America? History is rather clear, regardless of some skewed accounts, that America was founded in a search for FREEDOM! Yet, today we have given up so many liberties fleeing FEAR that we now find ourselves right back in a similar position. The Holy Bible documents how mankind, since Creation, has CONTINUOUSLY strayed from GOD, then returned, only to stray again. The joy and peace from knowing GOD and having a relationship with HIM, can not exist alongside FEAR of evil! Either we have FAITH in GOD and HIS ability to protect and keep us, or we FEAR the devil and his forces. Scripture is replete with "signs" of the end times. Many of those signs are manifested in present day activities. The 24th chapter of Matthew is a great chapter of Christ revealing when he shall return. Verse 36 says "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." JESUS says that "many" will not believe. I will NOT be known as a "foolish" American! The great deceiver will not "bewitch" me. I am one of those!

"I SEE DEAD PEOPLE!"

John 4:21-26 (KJV) "Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. BUT THE HOUR COMETH, AND NOW IS, WHEN THE TRUE WORSHIPPERS SHALL WORSHIP THE FATHER IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH: FOR THE FATHER SEEKETH SUCH TO WORSHIP HIM. GOD IS A SPIRIT: AND THEY THAT WORSHIP HIM MUST WORSHIP HIM IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he." I recall watching a movie in 1999 called The Sixth Sense. There was a scene where a character named Cole Sear told his Child Psychologist "I see dead people"! It was very believable. I went to the review of the show and the PLOT SUMMARY offered the following: "Plot Summary A boy who communicates with spirits that don't know they're dead seeks the help of a disheartened child psychologist. Full Summary" (http://m.imdb.com/title/tt0167404/) The Spirit world is more REAL than the world we think is so important to us. All of the "things" we live our lives attempting to accumulate will one day be burned up and will be no more. JESUS said that GOD is a "Spirit", and if we worship HIM, it MUST be in SPIRIT and TRUTH! Worshipping in SPIRIT is more sought after today because of what we "feel" from surrendering to HIM. Worshipping in TRUTH is less desired because it requires a changing of our lives (mainly through HIS WORD, as in Hebrews 4:12) to welcome HIS SPIRIT into our presence. I pray my life will, in TRUTH, yield to HIS SPIRIT, and glorify HIM in all my actions. LORD, work within my body, mind, and soul to build a vessel to praise YOU!

"SLOW DOWN"

Colossians 3:8-17: 23 (KJV) "But now ye also "put off" all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of HIM that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but CHRIST is all, and in all. PUT ON therefore, as the elect of GOD, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity (LOVE), which is the bond of perfectness. And LET THE PEACE OF GOD RULE IN YOUR HEARTS, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of CHRIST dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the LORD. And WHATSOEVER YE DO IN WORD OR DEED, do ALL in the name of the LORD JESUS, giving thanks to GOD and the Father by him." "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the LORD, and NOT unto men" When JESUS came to earth, HE had a purpose! HE had a mission to demonstrate how a "HOLY" life should be lived. These ELEVEN verses of scripture, if allowed, could alter the course of GOD'S creation. Scripture records in Hebrews 4:12 "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 INTENT of the heart." We just have to "SLOW DOWN" and listen to HIM. GOD knows when our true "intents" are good. GOD knows even our thoughts! HE knows when our actions are driven by selfish gain, rather than being driven by HIS SPIRIT. HE disdains "anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth" and HE wants us to "Lie not one to another"! Even when we "get our own way", if it is done with lies and deceit, there is no "peace of GOD rule (ing) in your hearts". Slowing down to hear from GOD brings an indescribable PEACE. If we operate at the pace of the world, we will miss the voice of GOD. HIS frequency is not on the same decibel level as the world. Even typing this devotional, I am made to SLOW down and listen for HIM! Verse 23 of Colossians 3 says "whatsoever" I do, I am to do it "as to the LORD, and NOT unto men". So when the temptation comes for me to have "anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of my mouth" or to "lie one to another", I should "put it off"! When I "put something on", I picture myself trying on new clothes. Therefore, when "putting something off", I should treat the actions I am "putting off" as old, worn out clothes, never to be worn again. James 4:7 proclaims "SUBMIT yourselves therefore to GOD. RESIST the devil, and he will FLEE from you." We can overcome the enemy (and the traits he brings) a lot more effective when we SUBMIT ourselves to The LORD. I just need to remember to SLOW DOWN.....and listen for HIM!

"TAKING A STAND!"

I am being driven back to my home by my wife from seeing a medical professional in another town. I am listening to an "online" news talk show. There is discussion about the "speech" that Senator Ted Cruz gave last night on the US Senate floor. One well respected conservative pundit is saying that Senator Cruz accomplished nothing, that his speech was nothing more than "grandstanding"! I respectfully have to disagree! If nothing else happened, Americans heard that our voice can be heard in Washington D.C. For too long "We the People" have never felt as though our voice was being heard. I applaud Senator Cruz, Senator Lee, Senator Paul, Congressman Gohmert, and the other elected officials who placed "politics" aside and fought for my rights as a citizen. As I previously write, dictionary.com reports that Republic is defined as "a state in which the SUPREME POWER rests in the body of CITIZENS entitled to VOTE and IS EXERCISED by "representatives" chosen directly or indirectly by them." "WE THE PEOPLE" have been reminded by Senator Cruz that the people we elect are too listen to us (#MakeDClisten). I am emboldened to DEMAND my representatives not only hear me, but vote accordingly! Should that not occur, my VOTE shall go to someone else. The old party line mentality is over! If a senator or congressman EVER votes for a bill, such as ACA, he/she should be recalled immediately by his boss, the people! Senator Cruz has kindled a flame within me that I pray is contagious! I hope I am a carrier of a virus that spreads uncontrollably across this country. This is MY government, and I want it back! Politicians have done much damage over the past 65 years, but with GOD ALMIGHTY'S help, we can overcome. I pray it is not too late.

MakeDClisten???

"#MakeDClisten" Currently there is a US Senator speaking from the Senate chamber in opposition to funding the Affordable Care Act in the United States. His actions, while some may think are futile, have made my mind recall the actions of early Christians. Many people are saying he doesn't have a PRAYER in stopping this legislation. Don't you imagine the Apostle Paul was considered a heretic by the "establishment" of his time? How many times was Paul imprisoned for faith? What about Stephen being stoned to death? The Apostles Peter, Andrew, Bartholomew, Jude, Thomas, and on and on! All were considered "heretical" because they believed that GOD loved us so, that he would debase Himself by becoming a man to provide mankind "REDEMPTION" for their wicked ways. In Matthew 13:15-17 (KJV), JESUS proclaims "For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them." It is plain to see there are some people who are not capable of "seeing the truth"! I am afraid the United States has, for too long, elected people to positions that are "well educated", but have no moral or spiritual compass. They can't "see" life as it truly is. In their limited minds, they are doing what they "think" to be the right thing. These people are elected to "serve" us are not royalty! When you go to a restaurant to eat, your "server" brings you your meal. You then leave a "gratuity" for their efforts. We have allowed these "servants" to elevate themselves from servant hood to a supposed hierarchy! A repositioning of authority has been executed on the American people, and WE allowed it! The idea that I can "DEMAND" from an ALMIGHTY GOD is ridiculous. Likewise, the idea that a elected "servant" can impose their will on the people they are supposed to "serve" is unfathomable. Whenever we decide that we need to return to the GODLY ORDER that our Creator established, the results will be DIVINE! Until then, we will continue to "reap what we have sown"!!

"FLAWED PEOPLE & FAULTY LAWS!"

Today I have stayed home from work because my back and shoulder are hurting really badly. So if I sound a little "unforgiving", my apologies! To be truthful, I have, for a LONG TIME, been NAUSEATED with the old Democrat and Republican talking heads in Washington DC! There is a very good reason that our Pledge of Allegiance refers to our country as a Republic and there is a very good reason that our Declaration of Independence and our constitution do not even mentioned the word "democracy". A REPUBLIC is, according to dictionary.com, "a state in which the SUPREME power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives chosen directly or indirectly by them." The PEOPLE are the SUPREME power of the United States. What the dictionary does not say is that flawed people lead to faulty laws. To begin with, I constantly get emails from Democrats and Republicans begging for money! The money I am blessed with goes for bills I owe. I don't have enough money to send to Washington for rich people to attack OTHER rich people! And just so you know, my definition of "rich" is someone whose household makes over $120,000 per year. But, it is not wealth who rules in a Republic. I am not defined as a Democrat nor Republican. I am not a Socialist nor a Tea Partier. I am a CHRISTIAN! A Christian who was born in the United States of America! You can place whatever title you wish after that, but I am a registered Christian.....my name is in the Book! You are free to be what you choose, but I CHOOSE to believe in JESUS CHRIST! GOD ALMIGHTY needs to be the SUPREME POWER over our lives and our government will be relegated to its rightful position. All of these people who are so concerned about whether Democrats or Republicans win an election are letting the enemy win the war. Don't get me wrong, our current administration will never be mistaken for the most biblically correct in history. Just as GOD allowed Israel to have a King (Saul), HE permitted the USA to turn their backs on HIM and run this country into the MAYHEM and CHAOS we now find ourselves in. We have no one to blame but ourselves. HE blessed us with security and safety, even while being attacked by others, and we have been so blind we can't see where we are, or where we are going. On September 12, 2001, the day after the terrorists attacked our country, the then Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle said “America will emerge from this tragedy as we have emerged from all adversity – united and strong. Nothing … nothing can replace the losses of those who have suffered. I know there is only the smallest measure of inspiration that can be taken from this devastation. But there is a passage in the Bible from Isaiah that speaks to all of us at times like this.” He then quoted Isaiah 9:10 "The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars." He had no clue that he was reading the DEFIANT proclamation of the ancient and ominous vow of the leaders of Israel. In fact, he unknowingly invited even more judgement on America! America can ONLY be great again IF we honor GOD and follow HIM! The time is overdue for America to wake-up and realize where we are, and where we are going! If our eyes are not on GOD and HIS principles, our destination is a big question mark. Who decides "right from wrong", "moral from immoral", "good from bad", or "righteous from unrighteousness"? Remember, flawed people lead to faulty laws. Regardless of the propaganda secularists spew, the founders of our country were fleeing rulers who LOVED laws. Our founders loved GRACE! Our country was set up on limited laws and a LARGE amount of PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. When lack of PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY is prevalent, more laws become the norm. Today, because of our lack of responsibility, we have a society that has grown remarkably litigious, LOVERS OF LAWS! LAWS BIND PEOPLE, GRACE SETS THEM FREE! Remember, flawed people lead to faulty laws! Last Wednesday, I blogged "LOVING GOD, LOVING EACH OTHER!" (http://ifidowhyme.blogspot.com/2013/09/loving-god-loving-each-other.html) Our "eyes" have been removed from "LOVING GOD, LOVING EACH OTHER!" and, just like Israel did, now we are back to what we ran from in the 1700's. Humans will never learn, GOD's ways are not only better, they are THE ONLY WAY!

"THE WAY THINGS ARE SEEN!"

Matthew 9:27-34 (KJV) "And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country. As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. But the Pharisees said, HE CASTETH OUT DEVILS THROUGH THE PRINCE OF DEVILS." This weekend my wife and I visited one of my sons in another city. I generally do the driving when we travel, but this day I decided to let my wife drive. To say she drives more conservatively than I is a VAST understatement! While observing her, I noticed she was only reacting to what she was "seeing". I tend to drive with a "think ahead" mentality. How I drive may offend some, so let me apologize if I have offended you. But I drive to stay out of people's way and not give them a chance to "run me over"! The Pharisee's, in JESUS' time, did not "see" the King of Kings and Lord of Lord's in their presence. HE was right in front of there eyes and they could not "see" HIM. As a matter of fact, the even said JESUS was casting out devils in the name of devils! Sometimes, just because you are more educated or have more book knowledge, your perspective has been skewed. In Luke 10:21-22 states "In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that THOU HAST HID these things from the "wise and prudent", and hast REVEALED them unto BABES: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in THY SIGHT. All things are delivered to me of my Father: and NO MAN KNOWETH who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to WHOM THE SON WILL REVEAL!" There is a nationally syndicated editorial in today's newspaper stating that a politician isn't abnormal, Washington DC is! I am sure that some will disagree with the writer of this article. They "see" things from a different perspective than the author. Politicians have their vision obscured by money, power, prestige, and all sorts of other distractions. The favorability ratings of Congress , according to RCP average is 17.5%! How we "see" politicians is no different than the Pharisees were seen in JESUS' time. Just as the Pharisees could not "see" The Son of GOD in their midst, the TRUTH today cannot be seen by all. However one day, JESUS will be REVEALED to ALL.......and HIS GLORY will be made known. And on that day, no verification will be required!

"RETURN ON INVESTMENT!"

Psalms 41:1-2 (KJV) "Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies." I went to a benefit (fundraiser) this weekend for underfunded families. It was held at a Country Club and was a "Formal" attire event. There was dancing and hors dourves for all and it was crowded to the MAX! While one speaker, a known generous contributor to the charity, was telling how he had been blessed with a good business, therefore he was able to assist those less fortunate, I was left thinking about some of the conditions these "poor" people live in. Most live in mobile homes that are in disrepair. Because of their economic lack of success, a lot struggle with addictions to mask their problems. It got me reminiscing about how I grew up. My mom and dad divorced when I was four years old. My mom was a divorced, high school drop-out, with three kids to raise. My dad chose to move to Canada to avoid paying the child support the court ordered him to pay. We lived in a house that had limited plumbing, limited electricity, no air conditioning and no central heat. We only had one "space heater" to keep the house warm. Our clothes were generally bought "TOO BIG" and we grew into them in an attempt to make them last longer. I can remember our family being given a used window A/C unit when I was 10-12 years old! We thought we were "RICH"! But, my mom always made sure we were in church. She went to nursing school and graduated. When she got a job nursing, we kids were instructed to walk to church every Sunday. A few times people from church would give us a ride to church, or give us a ride home. I remember THOSE people TO THIS DAY! When you have a chance to TRULY IMPACT someone's life, it is remembered. You can give money at fundraisers all you want, but when you invest TIME and a RIDE to a child who has walked to church in 35 degree weather, IT IS REMEMBERED! Almost 50 years later I can still remember the ones who cared enough to help my sisters and I. Donations and money are needed, but CARING is something that money cannot buy. A donation for Christmas Presents is something that makes us all feel good inside, but a ride to church, or to home from church, has lasted me a lifetime. Since my sons are grown, my wife and I tend to eat lunch after church and go home and take a nap. But, after reflection on my life, I think we will find some "kids" every now and then who are at church with no parents and carry them to lunch! A little "PAYBACK" if you will (2 Cor 9)!! Time INVESTED in a child's life will return a dividend that Wall Street dares not compare itself with.

"BISCUITS AND GRAVY?"

Joshua 1:8 (KJV) "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." This morning, we are in a motel as we attended a benefit last night for the church my son and daughter-in-law attends. I went down to eat breakfast in the breakfast area. I particularly enjoy the "biscuits and gravy" they offer! That may be the reason my license plate reads "BIG RAY"! The room was crowded so the seating was limited. I had to sit directly in front of the television. The station being broadcast was a news channel. The schedule called for an "opinion" show to be broadcast on this Sunday morning. The media in this country has grown so "non-offensive" that what was once considered conservative is now labeled EXTREME "right wing". What was formerly considered "left wing" is now middle of the road! As I pondered over my breakfast, I realized something. I was eating "biscuit and gravy" instead of eating "muffins and oats". If I continue eating unhealthy, my health will decline. For me, it is unavoidable! To maintain a weight that, for me, is acceptable, and to keep my cholesterol in check, I must watch my diet. I must exercise my muscles more than my caloric intake, or suffer the consequences. Spiritually, we are no different. The book of Joshua says that we should "meditate therein day and night" that our ways should be prosperous and we shall have, not just success, but "good success"! Our enemy, the devil, has so subtly infiltrated our minds with "ERROR" (opposite of TRUTH), that what formerly was was considered "righteous" is now thought of as heretical. What before was thought of as "sinful" is now acceptable norms. It should not shock us to know we are becoming spiritually "OUT OF SHAPE"! As a people, we have eaten to much from the "biscuit and gravy" buffet, instead of "muffins and oats" menu. GOD's word is not always "DESSERT" going down. But our long-term spiritual health is what is at stake. I may have made an ill-thought decision on the " biscuits and gravy" this morning, but I pledge to be more diligent on what I allow into my mind and to "meditate therein day and night" on HIS WORD!

"WAIT ON THE LORD"!

Have you ever, or do you ever, get weary of waiting on GOD? You think you need a new vehicle, or you need a new set of clothes. The list can be endless. Psalms 27:14 tells us to "WAIT on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: WAIT, I say, on the LORD." The Children of Israel had been in captivity for 430 years to the Egyptians (Exodus 12:41). 430 YEARS!!! Only then did HE deliver them from Pharaoh and directed their paths during their exit from Egypt. Scripture indicates in Exodus 13:17 GOD sent them a longer exit route to avoid a battle with the Philistines. HE did not want to create a desire to return to Egyptian slavery. As we all know, they "wandered" in the wilderness for forty years until they decided to do things GOD's way. The "things" we often desire are usually exactly that, "things"! Do we ever ask in our prayer time for understanding, or wisdom, or maybe compassion? Or maybe a heart to help those who GOD puts in our path and directs us to help? GOD has a plan and a purpose for even the "bad" things that happen in our lives. HE shapes and molds us through the difficult times to "strengthen our hearts"! In Exodus 9:16, GOD is speaking to Pharaoh through Moses. HE says "And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth." We all know that Pharaoh did not heed the alert. First Pharaoh's son, and eventually Pharaoh himself, would pay the price of death for Pharaoh's unbelief. The Children of Israel had to do one thing, through all of the trials of the wilderness. They had to let GOD "strengthen their heart", and they had to "WAIT ON THE LORD!"

"FREEDOM!"

Proverbs 16:4 (KJV) "The LORD hath made all things for HIMSELF: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil." No one gets more frustrated than I at the corruption and ungodliness present in our world today. But I need to keep my focus on who is in control of what is going on. Moses was leading the Children of Israel from Egyptian captivity to the Promised Land. The Children of Israel were following his lead, but were griping and complaining all the while. The Egyptians had been providing basic food and water for them, but NO FREEDOM! In Exodus 14:8 scripture records "And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand." The LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart to cause a chase of the children of Israel. The LORD gained "Honour" over Pharaoh and his army that day (Exodus 14:4). No matter the circumstances presented in your life, GOD is still in control. GOD brings "FREEDOM" from captivity! You can wander in the wilderness for forty years, or you can choose to serve HIM and watch your Pharaoh drown in the Red Sea?

"LOVING GOD, LOVING EACH OTHER!"

Mark 12:29-31 (KJV) "And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." Everyone is so caught up in whose "side" they are on these days! The leaders of our country, state, county and city all make decisions that affect all of us. Periodically, we have elections to keep current leaders or replace them with different ones. The bible says King Solomon was the wisest (1 Kings 3:12) man GOD created. In Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (KJV) many believe he wrote "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." I am sure there were some who disagreed with decisions handed down by King Solomon. Yet he wrote when it all said and done to "fear GOD and keep HIS commandments". Other translations say to "love GOD" or "have reverence for GOD". The bottom line is, we are instructed by JESUS HIMSELF to "LOVE". Love GOD first, then our neighbors second. The reaction to JESUS quoting the scripture (Mark 12:34), and telling the "scribe" that he was not far from the Kingdom of Heaven is priceless! "And no man after that durst ask HIM any question". The end of the matter was exactly what King Solomon said it was over a thousand years prior! Even today, true joy and peace comes only from "Loving GOD, Loving each other"! The second verse of this song says it so plainly. "We tend to make it harder Make steeples out of stone Fill books with explanations Of the way But if we'd stop and listen And break a little bread We would hear the MASTER say" "LOVING GOD, LOVING EACH OTHER!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7LeR8Thv6I&sns=em

"VISION UNLIMITED!"

I remember growing up, one of my sisters has a Kaleidoscope. I was amazed at how you could be looking with the same eyes, into the same toy, with the same light, and by simply turning the cylinder, alter TOTALLY what was" seen"! I was almost mesmerized by what was being presented to my eyes. The colors and shapes were beautiful and intriguing. The "PRISM" we view life's challenges through works in a very similar fashion. How we choose to view certain happenings in our life can determine how we deal with them. 1 Corinthians 13:12 says "For now we "SEE" through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." No amount of cleaning on the glass can produce a picture of how things REALLY are. One day, we will see the complete picture, as it TRULY is! I have always taken a pragmatic approach in finding solutions to problems. I thought GOD had blessed me with enough "sense" to sustain me. When GOD healed the brain hemorrhage that affected me in 2007, there was no "logical explanation" for it. It made NO "sense" for the bleed to cease the way it did. I was in a drug-induced Coma, so I could take no credit or glory for my healing. If it "makes no sense", there must be something greater than "making sense"! For us to "Let Go and Let GOD" is the most difficult thing in life. But, for us to remain in charge, remain in control, is exactly what got Adam and Eve in trouble in the Garden of Eden. Hebrews 11:1 relates "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things NOT SEEN." Just because you can't show someone how something makes sense or how it will work out, does not mean you are missing GOD. As a matter of fact, if it doesn't make sense to the world, does not scare the GOD who "SPOKE" this world into existence. While the author of Hebrews is not stated in scripture, the book is widely regarded as a "masterpiece" by scholars. When we "see" through the kaleidoscope called "FAITH", we observe "evidence of things NOT SEEN", much like Creation! Like someone who is sight impaired, what is seen (our limited vision) is constrained by the lenses they look through. I pray that I will look through a lens of "FAITH" and not be swayed by what the world believes!

"THE BODY!"

Ephesians 4:14-16 (KJV) "So we are no longer to be children, tossed back and forth by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching by the trickery of people who craftily carry out their deceitful schemes. But practicing the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ, who is the head. From him the whole body grows, fitted and held together through every supporting ligament. As each one does its part, the body grows in love." Each one of us is a part of "THE BODY". CHRIST is the head and we are supporting members of "THE BODY". We all have a "calling" in our lives to utilize our talents to be the most effective tool for GOD. "THE BODY" does not work well when is has too many arms, or legs, or lungs, or any other organ. Every organ serves a purpose.....the muscles, ligaments, bones, blood vessels....we all are part to complete "THE BODY". Can you imagine someone walking around with five legs and no arms or lungs? We all have to perform the tasks we were created for in order for "THE BODY" to maximize its potential. Every hair, fingernail, eye lash, and ear lobe has to do its job, and nothing more, or "THE BODY" malfunctions. As each body part grows, "THE BODY" grows in love! Father in Heaven, help me to be the part of YOUR body I have been called to be. No more, no less...... my desire is to be "used" exactly as purposed in YOUR plan!

Sometimes, you just gotta vent!

I am FED UP with so-called journalists espousing their views of current events and being shocked that I do not believe them. You take Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, Barak Obama, Anthony Weiner, and any number of other liberals, can and do get away with any number of indiscretions. George W. Bush drinks and drives in his college years and he is castigated beyond belief! George Bush is no saint. However, he was ridiculed for minor things, while current liberals get a pass, and even have their "dirt" covered up. Can you see George Bush or Ronald Reagan getting elected had they admitted in a book they wrote BEFORE they were elected, that they had used "Pot, booze, and a little blow"! Yet, Barak Obama had the following written about him. "Obama has been less than shy about his drug use in the past, writing about the topic in Dreams from My Father. "Pot had helped, and booze; maybe a little blow when you could afford it," he writes in the memoir." (www.tokeofthetown.com May 25, 2012 Article). How did this man EVER pass the smell test for being a candidate for US Senator, much less a candidate for President? Yet, the media never reports any of the challenges faced by a liberal. It is against their "code"! 1 John 2:3-4 says "And hereby we do know that we know HIM (JESUS), if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth NOT his commandments, is a LIAR, and the TRUTH is NOT in him." Perhaps they are incapable of exposing TRUTH because the TRUTH is not in them. They wouldn't know the TRUTH if it slapped them. Regardless, one day we WILL have to give an account for things we have said and done. Romans 14;11-12 says "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." It is no big thing to mislead and deceive the masses. But, on THAT DAY, your lies and innuendos will be EXPOSED! What are you going to do when you stand before GOD ALMIGHTY?

John 4:7-26

There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink." For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. Therefore the Samaritan woman said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." She said to Him, "Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do You get that living water? You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself and his sons and his cattle?" Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw." He said to her, "Go, call your husband and come here." The woman answered and said, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You have correctly said, 'I have no husband'; for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly." The woman said to Him, "Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." The woman said to Him, "I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us." Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He. " (John 4:7-19, 21-26 NASB)

"ABIDE IN HIM!"

John 15:4 (KJV) "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me." As the world becomes increasingly anti "CHRISTIAN", it is imperative that followers of JESUS CHRIST remain "IN HIM". JESUS spoke very few words in HIS life, compared to most, but the words HE spoke changes lives even today. We (branches) cannot bear fruit apart from the VINE. I am no expert in growing grape vines, but one website offers these comments: "And please, IF YOU LOVE your grape vine, YOU WON'T FORGET TO PRUNE. If you don’t learn about pruning grapes vines your vines will become overgrown and tangled. You’ll have lots of grape bunches, but VERY FEW will actually RIPEN PROPERLY. Eventually, the grape vine CAN DIE and there go all your efforts down the proverbial toilet." Since GOD IS LOVE, HE must prune our lives. HE wants our lives to be productive in HIS service, so out of love, HE has to prune away things that prevent the growth HE desires. The process may seem painful at the time, but as we are growing in HIM, our lives must continue to be "pruned" for HIS glory. The sad thing is, some vines are not pruned, and eventually they die, due to lack of attention, or "LOVE"! Most people, myself included, do not relish in having their lives "pruned" by the Master. But, the evidence of the "GOOD FRUIT" is a reward that makes the pruning worthwhile. The only way for us to produce good fruit is to "ABIDE" in HIM. It is difficult to "ABIDE" when we are living life at the world's pace. I wrote yesterday "So everyday, when I wake up, I am to spend time with The FATHER before I get assaulted by the world." When we "ABIDE" in HIM, it has to be at HIS tempo. If we get ahead of GOD, the results will be failure. We have a tendency to start admiring what we have accomplished FOR HIM, rather than letting CHRIST do things "IN HIM. We need to develop our "BE STILL" mentality as we allow HIM to produce better fruit in our lives. GOD, I pray that I will be more accepting of YOUR pruning in my life. I trust YOU to produce grapes that are worthy to be used for YOUR service!

"RENEWING MY MIND!"

Philippians 4:8 (KJV) "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Today, a friend of mine had this verse as his post. My friend is a man who walks with GOD, so no one should take these comments as an admonishment. The statement is about society as a whole. I responded IN LOVE...... "Okay....I gotta say this! If we are to "think on these things (true,just, pure,lovely, good report), why does the world get up and read a newspaper instead of reading God's Word? And we wonder why our world is in the shape it is? I think I will blog this today!" Folks, I am not running down what everyone else does. I can only know, for certain, what is going on in my life. The bible says in Romans 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Yet, how many mornings do I awaken, turn on the coffee maker, take my meds, and sit down and let the world infiltrate my "MIND"? My "MIND" is a precious asset and I need to protect it from the filth that the world has to offer. The enemy has many avenues of "sneaking into our camp". The more we stay in GOD's Word, the more HE will reveal HIS traits and characteristics to us. The more we fill our lives with HIM, the less room there will be for the evil one. Finally, brethren.....as the Apostle Paul wrote, I am not to be "conformed to this world". That means I am NOT to "to act in accord with the prevailing standards, attitudes, practices," according to the dictionary. So everyday, when I wake up, I am to spend time with The FATHER before I get assaulted by the world. I thank YOU GOD for your watch care and protection over me.

"TAKING A STAND!"

Isaiah 9:10-14 (KJV) "The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars. Therefore the LORD shall set up the adversaries of Rezin against him, and join his enemies together; the Syrians before, and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts. Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush, in one day." In the book, The Harbinger, verse 10 of Isaiah 9 is a central point of Israel being defiant when it was attacked. The United States was attacked 12 years ago today by a group of lawless, ruthless thugs who have no decency about themselves. It is time that someone stand up and name who we stand for and who we Americans stand against. We Americans are so isolated from the forces of evil on our continent, we have become afraid of what they "could" do to us, instead of being afraid of WHO we worship. We have become so "political" (some say scared), that we are afraid to offend anyone by calling their false gods by their name. 1 John 2:21-23 says "I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also." The Bible is rather clear that there is only ONE GOD in three persons, The FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT! There is no other! I readily admit that "Not all" will receive the Truth. JESUS said their eyes have been closed (Matt 13:16) and they choose not to believe. But the time to "STAND" for what is right is overdue! I "choose" not to continue in silence in fear of offending. As Joshua made his choice clear in Joshua 24:15B, I will let the world know......"But as for me and my house, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD"!

"GREATER GOOD".

John 2:11 (KJV) "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth HIS glory; and his disciples believed on him." Remembering my sons growing up brings back so many memories. I recollect one of those times actually letting things things go SLIGHTLY awry so my son could see that Dad was only setting parameters for his good. I wanted him to see that I loved him and I had his best interest at heart. JESUS had one of those moments with HIS disciples in Cana. HE was at a wedding and they ran out of wine. JESUS miraculously turned water into wine. Was it because the wedding party was out of wine and was going to have to drink water that JESUS provided the miracle? Was it because Mary requested HIM perform this miracle? Keep in mind, as Mark Lowry says, if anyone knew JESUS was born of a virgin, it was Mary. Was she wanting JESUS to "show-off" that HE was GOD IN FLESH? I am of the belief that the reason is hidden at the end of verse 11. "AND HIS DISCIPLES BELIEVED ON HIM"! I am sure there is some symbolism of the water turning into wine that can be made, but the fact that is was GOD's plan is good enough for me. The disciples "BELIEVED" tells me that the prism through which they were "SEEING" through was divinely shaped. Later in John 6:44, scripture records JESUS saying "No man can come to ME, except the Father which hath sent ME draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day." GOD had to draw the disciples to HIM as well. HE desires for all to come to salvation (2 Peter 3:9). Just as I allowed my kids to experience difficulties in their life in order to develop trust in someone more able than them, GOD allows us to experience physical life without HIM, so that I/we can have eternal LIFE ABUNDANT IN HIM!

"FORSAKING ALL!"

Luke 5:4-8; 11 "Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord." "11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him." The soon to be disciples were exhausted from fishing all night. Scripture reports they had caught NOTHING! I am sure that frustration was not far from Peter and his friends. JESUS then comes along and instructs them to cast their nets out for a catch. I love Peter's response, "Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: NEVERTHELESS at thy word I will let down the net." Peter was saying in spite of the failures they had experienced all night, they were willing to cast their nets out again "in obedience" to the request of JESUS. The results were ASTOUNDING! The nets started breaking, causing Peter to call his friends to bring their boat to assist. Their catch was so tremendous, their vessels began to sink! Peter immediately knew he was in the presence of Divinity and proclaimed "I am a sinner, O Lord!" In his heart, he knew JESUS was no ordinary being. Never had he seen such a display of supernatural abilities. He knew he had to be around JESUS! Verse 11 tells they all got back to land, "FORSOOK ALL", and followed JESUS. I wonder if I would have had the chutzpah to "FORSAKE ALL" to follow GOD IN THE FLESH! Maybe GOD is waiting for me to go back out "and when they had this done"! Maybe I need to keep doing what I have been called to do, and leave the filling of the nets up to the ONE who can fill them. "FORSAKING ALL" is still relevant today. Would I be obedient to surrender my desires and wishes for HIM? Is serving HIM more important to me than the catch? Scripture says that, although there was great wealth in their catch, they ALL followed HIM. We are not ALL called to be a missionary to the African jungles or the Alaskan Yukon. But JESUS has called each one of us to Follow HIM! The question for each of us is will we "FORSAKE ALL" and follow HIM?

"FRIEND OF GOD!"

Exodus 33:22-23 (KJV) "And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen." Exodus 34:30 "And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him." If you were written about in The Bible, what would your legacy be? Would you be a King David, a man after GOD's own heart. Or maybe a King Solomon, with wisdom unmatched. Maybe the Apostle Paul, author of many New Testament writings. I recall reading in Exodus about Moses when GOD was getting ready to give him "The Law". Scripture relates in Exodus 33:11 "The LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend." GOD, the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe, actually spoke to Moses as friends talk to each other! What an amazing testimony. To know that GOD ALMIGHTY would "stoop" so low, to debase HIMSELF so much, to communicate with a lowly human? My lineage is not anything to brag about. My mother and father divorced when I was barely four years old. My mom raised me and my two sisters on the salary of a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). We always had to struggle financially and I dreamed of getting my mom out of the "pit of poverty" that we had grown accustomed to. For me to think that "the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe" would desire a personal relationship with me is beyond imagination. I am reminded about JESUS being discussed in John 1:46, "And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see." If JESUS (GOD in flesh) could come into this world in a cattle stall in the poorest of worldly standards, I can be used in a manner similar to Moses. After all, GOD and Moses spoke to each other "as a man speaketh unto his friend", but GOD sent HIS one and only SON to sacrifice HIMSELF for my transgressions. I would think that GOD thinks a lot of me.......and you!!!

"I AM HUNGRY?"

Job 23:12B (KJV) "I have esteemed the words of HIS mouth more than my necessary food." Briefly this morning, reading this scripture causes me to imagine that if I were as diligent in seeking GOD and HIS Word as I am feeding my physical hunger, I would be in better physical condition, and for sure, a LOT closer to HIM!!!

"CHANGE Unaware!"

Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) "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." Looking back recently over the past blogs I have written, I hardly remember all of the posts I have written. I remember them enough to know I wrote them, but the main thing is I can see the changes in my life that have occurred. GOD's word does that to a person who desires to follow HIM. Scripture can change your life without you even recognizing the change in your life happening. A couple of years ago my wife and I visited The Grand Canyon. The majesty of GOD's handy work was breathtaking. The changes in the canyon, the depth and width, must have taken more than a year or two! GOD changes our lives in similar fashion. Once we are regenerated, HE begins a process of washing away impurities and sediment, replacing those with solid rock and pure water. It is my desire to continue to let my life be "purified" (Ephesians 5:26) by HIS word.

"THE LORD IS WITH ME"

1 Samuel 26:14-23 (KJV) "But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. And Saul’s servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me. Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him. Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep. And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul. And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer. And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight. And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and WAS WELL, and the EVIL SPIRIT DEPARTED from him." EVIL is all around us. Like a Master Chef, GOD can use "evil" ingredients to complete the recipe, to accomplish HIS plan. But, you say, GOD is love! HE would never do _________, would HE? In 1 Samuel 15, GOD instructed King Saul to annihilate the Amalekites. All they WERE AND ALL THEY HAD was to be destroyed! Yet, King Saul, used his own thoughts and developed his own plan. When I abandon GOD's will for my life, the consequences are usually not good! GOD can use "evil" to bring about "good" in the end. GOD can use "good" to bring about "good" in the end. I will not attempt to elevate myself above GOD by assuming that the evil in this world is from the enemy. The enemy has been defeated on Calvary, we need to keep that in mind. When my spirit is troubled, I start looking for answers, much like King Saul did. The king's servants had observed David and KNEW "the LORD is with him". Like David, I may need to "take a harp" and play for my KING and turn the evil spirits away! I need to live my life so that others KNOW that "the LORD is with" me!

"THE MIND OF CHRIST!"

1 Corinthians 2:14-16   (KJV)

"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."

I get so frustrated, at times, with people who can't "SEE" things as they really are.   Why don't they know and understand things the same way I do?   Some people say that I am crazy, or I am a lunatic.  That used to bother me.  

But, the scripture above is saying that "spiritual" things are "foolishness" to the natural man.  The natural man sees things through a different lens than the Child of GOD.  The natural man, try as he may, is unable to "know them, because they are spiritually discerned".   So it is understandable that a "natural" man would think that a "spiritual" man is unstable.  

It would also be "crazy" of me not to point out what scripture says in verse 16.   "But we have the mind of CHRIST."  I did not write this, so don't get angry with me!  The "mind of CHRIST" will, undoubtedly, cause us to be "hated" by the world.  Having the "mind of CHRIST" got JESUS hung on a cross.  Yet, HE loved us so much, HE sacrificed HIS earthly, temporary life so we could experience the Spiritual, eternal life with HIM. 

 In my estimation, that is worth being crazy!!!

"CALL THE POOR!"

Luke 14:12-14   (KJV)

"Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.  But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:  And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just."

Does " WEALTH" indicate GOD's favor in your life?  I continually hear a lot of television preachers claiming GOD will bless you if you send money to their ministry.  Our society tends to "give ear" to a wealthy man before ever considering what the man with little cash reserves has to offer.  Why do we place emphasis on the temporal?  Why not focus more on the ETERNAL?

JESUS exhibited a life that was/is focused on service rather than status.  HIS goal was to meet a spiritual need!  But, HE met physical needs in an effort to get people to "SEE" their spiritual needs.  HE exhibited that the spirit man was the part of man that needed to be nurtured, yet few follow HIS example.  We feel we have to have the biggest house, drive the nicest cars, eat at the finest restaurants, wear the newest clothes, and on and on, displaying how much GOD has blessed us.   

We live our lives at such a fast pace, we sometimes don't see the needs that are right before our eyes.  I am not talking about the people who "choose" to live in the despair and turmoil of poverty.   People can be unlearned and uneducated, yet still be successful.  My grandfather graduated from the fifth grade and could only write his name and little else.  Yet, he remains one of the wisest people I have been privileged to know.  He amassed considerable wealth, but always lived humbly.....within the means provided him.  

The people I am talking about "NEED" a hand UP, not a hand-out.  The government may try to do good, but the government cannot change a heart!  Programs can temporarily fill a need, but programs can't "FULFILL".  Programs can't give a sense of accomplishment you feel  when you are eating a meal YOU HAVE EARNED vs. eating a meal someone gave you.  

Everyone will have to answer for how they have used what GOD has blessed them with.  I pray when I stand before JESUS HIS response is "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." Matthew 25:21

"ONE PROUD PAPA!"

Proverbs 16:18-19   (KJV)

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud."

Yesterday was my youngest sons birthday.  My oldest son and daughter-in-law fixed lunch for the family.  As a game of Monopoly followed lunch, I sat in the next room admiring what my family has become.  I am one "PROUD PAPA"!

But wait, doesn't scripture indicate that PRIDE is a bad thing?  Is  it wrong to rejoice in the successes of others?  Is the "PRIDE" you have in others and their accomplishments a bad thing?  The focus of the PRIDE may be the difference.  

Earlier in Proverbs 16 verse 5, scripture records "Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished."  If someone is gloating in what they have accomplished, a problem exists.  GOD draws glory to HIMSELF, not ourselves.  

In James 4:6 we are reminded, "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."  And in James 4:10 "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."   

When we begin to consider our humanity more significantly than our spirit, we are losing sight of what we should be.  A garden rake is a tool.  A tool can do nothing on its own.  It has to be "USED" by the Gardner to produce results.  It is hard to be prideful when you realize that you are simply a tool being used by the Master Gardner!   

LORD, cause me to glory only in the things YOU have done for and through me.  

"WHOSE PACE ARE YOU ON?"

While I am extremely saddened and disgruntled with the lack of leadership displayed by the leadership of our country, I am not shocked or surprised.  GOD was not required to send us a Western Union telegram alerting us to HIS impending judgement on our nation.  We turned our backs on HIM many years ago, and have progressively gotten more carnal.  

Revelation 3:16-17 says "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.  Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked".  America lives with the mindset that we are the most powerful, most wealthy, nation ever to exist!  Scripture says GOD will spue us out of HIS mouth!  HE is sickened by our attitude!   

To paraphrase John MacArthur, "America has passed by any chance for repentance and us now headed into JUDGEMENT".  Folks, the sad thing is,  America was once known as a Godly nation.  Now, all references to GOD have been removed from our society.  Jeremiah 17:9 is running rampant like a cancerous growth.  "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"  

And we wonder why GOD has turned HIS back on us?  When we have been so subtly slipped into living at the enemy's pace that we don't have time for bible study or a meaningful prayer time.  Like sheep being led to slaughter, we just go about our lives at the breakneck pace demanded by society, until we wake up and we are in the "corral of captivity"!  

Scripture was not given because GOD was bored and had nothing to do.  2 Timothy 3:16 tells us scripture is given for correction and changing!  It may be too late for a wide-spread revival affecting whole continents,  but individuals can still be changed. 

Psalms 46:10 instructs us to "BE STILL, AND KNOW that I AM GOD"!  The enemy has a method behind the madness of the pace set by his agenda.  If we are so busy living at the worlds pace that we "don't have time" to spend with our CREATOR, then we are rejecting the peace and comfort of living with and in HIM!  I guess that is what we want???

"HIS GLORY ALONE"!

John 7:14-18     (KJV)

"Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but HIS THAT SENT ME.  If any man will do HIS will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of GOD, or whether I speak of myself.  He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh HIS glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him."

So many times on television or in print, so-called preachers of the gospel get caught up in their education or perceived knowledge.  It seems we get so enthralled with our credentials that we forget it is "GOD" who draws people to HIM! 

In John 6:44 JESUS said "NO man can come to me, except the FATHER WHICH HAS SENT ME DRAW HIM: and I will raise him up at the last day."   Our desire to love comes from The FATHER.  There is nothing good in our flesh (Romans 7).  The saving grace is that our Spirit has been transformed by the Living CHRIST.  We glory in HIM!

In his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul wrote "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified."!  Paul was saying that, as educated as he was, the only message he was wanting to bring was about CHRIST, and HIM crucified!  Nothing else matters!  

I pray I will do ONLY what CHRIST gets Glory for with my life.