"The just SHALL live by faith!"

Romans 10:38      (KJV)
"Now the just SHALL live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him."

This morning a post was on my Facebook Wall from a friend.  It read "Isn't it ironic that 'In GOD we trust' is printed on the very thing (dollars) we find it most difficult to trust GOD with"?  I began pondering and meditating this statement and how a lack of funds can drive us to extreme measures.

Some people constantly live with a desire to make more money.  Some even resort to stealing from others to gain their wealth.  Some hit it BIG in the markets.  Some inherit a lot of wealth.  Yet, some people never have anything!  They live from one pay check to the next with very little hope of getting out of the "RUT" they find themselves in.

I have been to the funeral of some people who "were" wealthy.  I have been to a lot more funerals of people who "were" not so wealthy.  Whether the wealth left behind from either was great or small, it was ALL left behind!

I have heard it said "The only thing that remains when we leave this world is our legacy!"   I pray my legacy is not how much money I leave behind.  Rather how many souls were impacted for HEAVEN!

It seems we are "endowed" with certain traits we can't get away from.    The word "endowed" is defined as "to furnish, as with some talent, faculty, or quality; equip."  Some have (or are equipped) with some traits, while others are built differently. Certain people are born with an ability to make a lot of money.  I must have missed out on that dispensation.  But, I seem to have been "endowed" with a heart for the things of GOD!  I did not choose to be this way.  I was ordained to be this way.  To fulfill GOD'S purpose for your life gives an indescribable fulfillment.

When you are doing what HE calls (equips, ordains) you to do, "The just SHALL live by faith" portion becomes rather simple to perform.   It is simple if we trust in HIM.  Where we get in trouble is when we try to do things, in our minds, to impress HIM!  If HE wants you to do something for HIM, HE will equip you to do it!  

FATHER GOD, I pray that I will operate freely inside of YOUR will and plan for my existence on this earth.  I pray my legacy is a servant who pleased GOD in everything I do!

"OVERTHROWN ENEMY!"

Exodus 14:26-28        (KJV)
"26 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.
27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.
28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them."

Trials and tribulations come in our lives in many different areas.  While going through a recent ordeal, I was wondering where I was in my journey.  Was I across the Red Sea, preparing to enter the Red Sea, or was I waking down the banks of the Red Sea?

Or maybe I was in Exodus 14:29, where it is recorded "But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left."  The children of Israel were fleeing their enemy and they were undoubtably still frightened as they were being pursued by the Egyptians. I find it interesting that verse 29 is written after the prior verses telling how THE LORD had "overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea"!

GOD had always taken care of HIS children, even while they were in captivity!  HE was leading them down the Red Sea until the appointed time, and then HE parted the sea.   The Egyptians went in after them, and then "THE LORD" overthrew them to where "not do much as one of them" survived.

I have always thought the crossing of the Red Sea was the thing that was so magnificent.  But the Egyptians were still trying to overtake them, even in the Red Sea. "THE LORD" overthrowing the enemy was the biggest miracle for the Israelites.  Verse 30 proclaims that "Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore."  Their enemy had been defeated, not because they were so strong and mighty.  They were fleeing!  Maybe it was because they gave THE LORD praise for their deliverance.  Exodus 14:31 informs "And Israel saw that great work which THE LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses."

As I was saying, GOD was always with HIS children.  HE got glory when HE defeated their enemy in the Red Sea.  I feel confident the children of Israel would have chosen a different manner for GOD to be glorified had the been writing the script!   But we are/were created to glorify HIM in the good and bad.

FATHER IN HEAVEN, may I be ever mindful that YOU are always with me, even when I am crossing a Red Sea.  Though I be in the midst of waters on my left and my right, YOU are in control and YOU can overthrow my "enemies" at any time!!

"SPIRIT OF TRUTH vs.SPIRIT OF ERROR"

1 John 4:4-6      (KJV)
"4 Ye are of GOD, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in YOU, than he that is in the world.
5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
6 We are of GOD: he that knoweth GOD heareth us; he that is not of GOD heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of "error."

Recently there was a post on Facebook that read something similar to criminal's prefer unarmed victims, and a certain political party preferred uninformed voters.  This post is not in support of ANY party!  It is meant to be a "WAKE-UP ALARM" to a world that is so busy fighting each other, that we have lost sight of WHO the enemy really is!  Republicans or Democrats, it makes no difference, "WE THE PEOPLE" should be on the same team.  

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Ephesus "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." (Ephesians 6:12).

The enemy loves to hide in "DARKNESS"!  Contrary, JESUS IS LIGHT, as HE proclaimed in John 9:5.  If the enemy can keep our focus, our energies, on the evil being done by his minions rather than the positive, good things of Christ, we will live in defeat.  That is the reason why Philippians 4:8 is such a vital verse in our lives, "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."

I served on a local school board for 9 years.  Education can be a great aid to people.  But learning the difference between the Spirit of Truth and spirit of "error" is a gift that books cannot teach!  BIBLICAL KNOWLEDGE is a much greater asset.  JESUS said in Matthew 11:25 "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the WISE and PRUDENT, and hast REVEALED them unto BABES."

One can have all of the degrees that colleges and universities can offer.   But BIBLICAL KNOWLEDGE has to be revealed from above!   I humbly pray, FATHER, that I will be a BABE used by YOU to glorify YOUR KINGDOM!

"TRUST, BUT VERIFY!"

Psalms 14:1-3 (KJV) "1 The "fool" hath said in his heart, There is no GOD. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. 2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. 3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one." I am bewildered at time of the people who live as though this life is "all there is"! Last night, I was researching a Christian Author on the internet. I went to a Search Engine and typed in his name and a number of articles came up. There were some that were rather flattering. But there were some that were critical of his writings, claiming that there were "no facts" to back up his findings. Their "proof" could not be found as they could not "SEE" the truth. The world is so "abominable" that TRUTH is like a foreign language to them. It should not shock me that most people do not "SEE" the truth. Matthew 13:15-16 reports JESUS saying "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." We have to filter what we read and see with our eyes and ears with what we know in our hearts. If something is contrary to GOD'S WORD, it must be rejected by HIS people. The enemy is a master deceiver and he can paint a masterpiece to lead believers astray. A lot of people will accept actions and deeds as "normal", but Christians are to be "peculiar"(1 Peter 2:9)! 1 John chapter 4 enlightens us on how we should validate ones claims. "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." President Ronald Reagan had several quotes he used with frequency. One of those was "Trust, but verify"! FATHER IN HEAVEN, I pray that believers will "search the scriptures" and verify what they see and hear with YOUR WORD!

"FREE GIFT"

Mark 5:18-20 (KJV) "18 And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. 19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, "Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee." 20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel." I have always read this story not realizing what actually transpired during the story until recently. I have been known, mainly in my younger years, for being a "HOT HEAD"! Most thought I had to have things my way, but some knew if they showed me their way was best I would listen to them. By GOD's grace, HE changed my life. The "Healing of the Demoniac" reveals a tremendous amount of insight, if we SLOW DOWN long enough to see "TRUTH"! The "Demoniac" did not have to have a formal introduction to JESUS. He knew DIETY when he saw it. In verse seven of Mark 5, he says "What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not." The Demoniac knew that he was overmatched when he saw the Spirit of "the most high GOD" in his midst. As humans, we have "bodies" that we wear, much like a suit of clothes. We "clean" our clothes when we soil them, without being told. No one wants to wear soiled, dirty clothes. So, why do we let allow our "Spirits" to become burdened with such clutter and filth then? Just as JESUS recognized the demoniac, we need to "SEE" the enemy for what he is. And just as JESUS sent the evil spirits into the swine, we can allow JESUS to control our lives so the demons beg HIM not to "torment" them. One of my favorite secular quotes comes from C. S. Lewis. "You don't have a Soul; You ARE a Soul. You have a Body"! We will have to trade our "suit" of flesh one day for a new "suit"! My new "SUIT" has already been bought and paid for. You too can get the same "SUIT", but it has to come from someone else, you don't have the means to buy it. JESUS paid for a new wardrobe for all humanity. You just have to accept HIS free gift??

"STORM WATCH"!

Matthew 14:25-33 (KJV) "25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, BE OF GOOD CHEER; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when HE SAW the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were come into the ship, THE WIND CEASED. 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God." This morning when I awoke, my iPhone Bible app was displaying Matthew 14:31. Now I am not one of those who goes to there Bible and wherever it falls open, that is where I read, but I do believe that GOD will "direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:6). I have a concern I have been praying about that I believed to know GOD's direction on. But the enemy has been placing "doubt" in my heart lately. Through experience, I know that GOD most frequently speaks to us THROUGH SCRIPTURE. And HE did this morning. Not knowing for sure, I researched when the "FOURTH WATCH" of the night was. Wikipedia says "in the fourth watch of night" (quarta vigilia noctis) meant JUST BEFORE DAWN! The sun was just about to come up when the "storm" was peaking. Peter said to The LORD, if that is YOU, let me come walk with YOU! JESUS said "Come"! Peter got our of the boat and started to walk on water toward JESUS. As I often do, he began to focus on the "wind that was boisterous" and doubt overcame him. Scripture says he was "beginning to sink". JESUS got Peter and HIMSELF into the boat and said "Why did you doubt ME?" The enemy likes to inject fear and doubt into our lives every chance he gets. We get a word from GOD and the enemy will tells us how crazy we are to believe that GOD is even real, or if HE is real that we are too insignificant for HIM to care about us. Soon after they got in the boat, the wind ceased! I find it amazing that when JESUS is the focal point in my life, everything is "smooth sailing"! But as soon as I start focusing on the winds and waves around me, the tempest swells! (Now FAITH is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1). GOD wants to perform miracles, but our FAITH may be lacking. LORD, help me to remember that the enemy is always seeking to destroy and the battle is an ongoing one. Help me keep my focus on what JESUS CHRIST wants to perform in my life and to recognize, but not focus on, the enemy! Help me to "BE OF GOOD CHEER"! The enemy is defeated!

"HEALTH and WEALTH"

Malachi 3:8-10 (KJV) "8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." I used to have the mindset that if I came into a MILLION dollars, the LORD would get HIS $100,000 right off of the top. But then I realized, HE owns it all anyway (Haggai 2:8). All I can do is be a steward over what HE allows me to be a "watchman" over. I can do nothing to add to, nor nothing to diminish, HIS kingdom or majesty. Tithing is more than obedience, it is an acknowledgement that everything is HIS anyway. When you "give back" to the LORD, you are really telling HIM how great and glorious HE is, and that you trust HIM to supply all your needs. I wrote recently about me getting a RELEASE to go back to work in February 2008. There can be no dollar amount associated with having health that allows you to be a productive contributor to society. We all realize our health is a blessing from GOD. Our wealth comes from HIM as well. None of us "deserve" the health or wealth we have been blessed with. GOD is a gracious and merciful GOD is the only thing that allows me to continue breathing. FATHER, I pray that I give you all of who I am, and that "everyone" knows that I serve "JEHOVAH-JIREH"!

"TRUE LIFE!"

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (KJV) "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." February 05, 2008 I went to see my Family Doctor to get a release to go back to work following my brain hemorrhage. I remember sitting on the examining table as my Doctor handed me the letter. The joy of feeling "well" enough to be able to join the workforce was incredible! When my doctor finished with me he turned to my mom, who was with me in the exam room. In a quiet, seemingly "slow motion" tone, he spoke words that cut me to my core, "Miss Alice, your results came back and you have Stage 4 Breast Cancer." Only minutes before he had been saying how miraculous my recovery had been. Now, a few minutes later he was telling the woman who brought me into the world that her life would be ending. 22 days later, my mom would receive her eternal reward. The "ups and downs" of this life are foretold when reading the scripture above. Thanks to GOD ALMIGHTY, this life is not where my mom had placed her FAITH! Her FAITH was in a LIFE beyond this one! I trust that you have FAITH in the ONE who IS LIFE!! (John 14:6 )

"RANT"

This is my feelings about the current Republican Party. I "USED" to be a member of the Republican Party. I am now a member of "GOD'S PARTY"! While there is no doubt Republicans reflect more of the Biblical values than the Democrats, neither party demonstrates a reverence for the Bible or it's teachings. I have tired of people saying you can't mix politics and religion, as though politics is more important. This nation was founded on people fleeing a government that told you how to worship. The Bible will remain LONG after the United States, and others nations, have passed away. Being a part of the Republican Party is not what I desire my legacy to be. I want to be remembered as a man who followed the Bible. If then I follow the US Constitution, then I will accept that. I pray other "CHRISTIANS" will get off the Democrat and Republican carousel and get involved in the only campaign that matters'.

"IT IS I"

Luke 24:38-39 (KJV) "And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have." Last night, like most other Friday nights when our local high school team is at home, my wife and I attended the high school football game. It was the Homecoming Game, so there were people in the stands from two classes having reunions. We saw many people I knew. I saw a lady who worked at our office when she was in high school, a man who I attended church with when I was in my teen years, and even saw a Doctor who helped me in the Rehabilitation Hospital following my brain hemorrhage. There was one lady my wife and I recognized who was wearing a hot pink colored fleece top, but I cannot remember where I know her from! In the scripture passage above, the disciples knew JESUS, but they had seen HIM crucified and knew HE was dead! HE had told them HE would be killed and raised from the dead (Matthew 17:22), but they were not prepared for THE TRUTH (John 14:6). In Luke 24, JESUS tells the disciples to touch HIS body and KNOW that "IT IS I"! HIS spirit has no flesh and bones, "as ye see me have", but HIS spirit was able to occupy HIS body even after man tried to kill it. Our bodies are only "temporary housing" for the SOUL we really are. The quote from C.S. Lewis comes to my mind "You don't have a Soul; You are a Soul. You have a Body"! JESUS demonstrated that this existence is NOT the end-all. Everyone else would have never left Heaven to come to earth, let alone return to earth. But HE came back to HIS body out of LOVE for us. HE was demonstrating that HE had defeated death, hell, and the grave! One day I will see JESUS and I will know HIM immediately! Unlike the lady with the hot pink top at the football game last night, there will be no doubts about who the KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS is!

"MY WORD???"

James 5:12 (KJV) "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation." There are NUMEROUS instances in society today where people give "their word" with little thought of the impact "their word" may have on another person's life. Though the ease of giving someone "your word" may seem to be an easy thing to do, having them deal with you not being able to count on "your word" can prove to be difficult. James wrote that we should "let your yes be yes and your no be no..."! I tend to want to give a reason "why" I could not keep "my word". But, a reason for the failure is also known as an excuse. I fail everyday. If I continuously have to make excuses, then "my word" is not reliable. When I am telling someone about JESUS and what HE's done for me, I need "my word" to be believable. GOD's WORD, conversely, is a totally different thing. When I am searching for directions in life, I go to the official "ROADMAP" provided by The Creator of the Universe! It would make no sense to follow a map drawn by a person who had no idea of the path to a destination. Since GOD knew we needed a trustworthy "MAP", HE sent JESUS to earth to show us the way to Heaven. When you compare my life to the lives of others, I may be good, or I may be a failure, at keeping "my word". But when "my word" is compared to GOD'S WORD, there is NO comparison. JESUS said in John 14:6 "I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." HE IS TRUTH!

"HEART CHANGER!"

Colossians 1:1-2 "Paul, an APOSTLE of JESUS CHRIST BY THE WILL OF GOD, and Timotheus our brother,To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." The term APOSTLE can also be defined as an "advocate" or "supporter". I don't think the Apostle Paul would take offense to either. But, another word this is used synonymously with Apostle is "BELIEVER"! The life and actions of Paul leave little doubt he "BELIEVED" that JESUS was the Son of GOD! Why else would a man who was a Pharisee, a man of great esteem, give up the prestige and notoriety he had achieved, to live a life on the run from persecutors of The Faith? The Apostle Paul believed that JESUS was GOD's (who is a SPIRIT) flesh and HE came to provide a path to Heaven "to all who believe" (John 1:12). But why did Paul choose to believe in JESUS as the CHRIST? Why would he debase himself among men to supposedly follow a MAN who claimed to be GOD's SON? The only answer I need is found in verse one of Colossians. "BY THE WILL OF GOD" gives all the explanation required. Do you suppose in Exodus 14 that Pharaoh took out after the Children of Israel telling his army "Come on, let's go chase the Israelites into the Red Sea and let GOD drown us"! Scripture records in Exodus 14:3 that GOD "hardened" Pharaoh's heart! The rest, as they say, is history. If GOD can "HARDEN" a heart, GOD can surely soften a heart. Apostle Paul was a brutal persecutor of the followers of JESUS. Yet GOD changed his "HEART" and made him to be an "APOSTLE", or believer in The CHRIST. GOD is a "heart" changer. HE changed my heart from a self-centered, vile person into a servant of CHRIST! I pray that, if HE has yet to perform a "heart" procedure in your life, you will allow HIM to give you a check-up!

"GOD IS IN CONTROL!"

Mark 16:19-20 (KJV) "So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen." Everyone "sees" things through there own "eyes". There are "four gospels in the New Testament, and numerous accounts of the death, burial, and resurrection that GOD did not see fit to include in "HIS WORD". "HIS WORD" is truth, and no error is found in it, so the authors who wrote it had to be directed by the Holy Spirit. If they weren't, the may have been the most educated and eloquent, but their writings "did not make it" to be included in scripture. The last verse of the book of Mark confirms that GOD IS IN CONTROL! Scripture indicates "the Lord working with them" and HE was "confirming the word" with signs (or miracles) behind them. How would you like it if GOD followed you around doing Miracles? HE has not lost the ability, nor the inclination, to perform miracles! HE follows us today working miracles to "CONFIRM" HIS presence. Sometimes we acknowledge HIM. Most of the time we ignore HIS PROVIDENCE! I will drive to my office in a hour or so. When I do, I will drive a Suburban 55MPH down a US Highway and meet other vehicles driving in the opposite direction going 55MPH. When we pass each other, our combined rate of speed will be 110MPH! Can you imagine the destruction that would occur if ONE steering mechanism broke today? We tend to be amazed when GOD steps out of the ordinary to work in the "extraordinary" field. HE can keep me safe driving down the highway, HE can also keep me safe when a blood vessel in my brain springs a leak. Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) says "But WITHOUT FAITH it is impossible to please HIM: for he that cometh to GOD must believe that HE is, and that HE is a rewarder of them that "diligently" seek him." Sometimes we just have to recognize HIS power and might when it is being manifested. Just because we don't "SEE" HIS majesty, doesn't indicate HE is absent! We may need to clean our lense!

"HE LOVED ME FIRST!"

Philippians 1:3-7 (KJV) "3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, 5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6 Being confident of this very thing, "that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ": 7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace." To say I am PROUD of "my boys" (who are 26 & 23 years old) would be the understatement of the century. Any number of fathers have had to visit their sons/daughters in jail, or in the hospital, or in the morgue, after a lapse in judgement. Recently, my oldest had a picture of him posted by his wife with two little boys sitting on a sofa. He was giving of himself to these little men. A few weeks ago, I visited my youngest and he arrived for lunch with his hair all wet. He explained he had been at the local trailer park playing with under-privileged children IN THE RAIN! The Apostle Paul said he THANKED GOD when he thought about the church in Philippi. When I consider my offspring, it is not pride so much, but a thankfulness for GOD's love that floods my heart. I once received a Father's Day card that said "Thank you for letting me exist :-)) And for showing me how to love people And that I should love JESUS And that neither would be possible unless HE loved me first!" "I thank my GOD" for two young men that demonstrate the LOVE of CHRIST with their lives. I am also so blessed that to have two daughter-in-laws that support and love their husbands. Like my son, I am also thankful that "HE FIRST LOVED ME"!

"Ahh! NOW I SEE!"

Matthew 13:10-17 (KJV) "10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is NOT GIVEN. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing SEE NOT; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall SEE, and shall not perceive: 15 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. 16 But blessed are your EYES, for they see: and your EARS, for they hear. 17 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." Imagine, if you will, Pharaoh of Egypt chasing the children of Israel into the Red Sea with no biblical record of the facts, only Modern Day reporters. The children of Israel would have been "visiting" Egypt for 400 years and were "talked into" trying to make it to The Promised Land. They were given plenty of food and water and their ability to survive was never in question. They visited many "neighbors" on the way. The Amalekites, people of Jericho, people of Ai, the Gibeonites, the Amorites, everybody they went to visit was so nice and accommodating to them! But the Israelis turned on their "friends" and slaughtered some of them. The Israelis were so powerful and mean spirited that they took no prisoners. The Israelis were VERY "lucky" in that many "strange" happenings benefitted them, AND STILL DO TO THIS DAY!! People only report what they "SEE", or understand to be. The view of every person, whether they are a "reporter" or not, is only through the "prism" through which they observe. The Word of GOD is not a bad "PRISM" to view life through. When people try to lead with a vision skewed by a "prism" other than The Word of GOD, the results can be frightening! The day of judgement is fast approaching for my reporting. How will the story I am reporting be judged by my audience? We will all stand before a HOLY GOD soon! The "prism" we used will be judged too! I am so thankful the "prism" I choose to see through is "the Lamb of GOD who taketh away the sins of the world"! What "prism" are you viewing through???

"FOR HIS GLORY"!

Romans 12:20-21 (KJV) "20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." I get so upset with the direction our world is heading. It appears "that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually", as in Genesis 6:5. But as HE always does, GOD knew this was going to take place, and HE even ordained it. GOD has shown that HE can use "BAD" for HIS Glory! Scripture records in Exodus 14 that my GOD said "I will harden Pharaoh’s heart"! I am sure that Pharaoh didn't tell his men to "Come on, let's chase after the Israeli's and die doing it"! No, GOD was in control in those days, and HE is just as powerful today. My heart, and yours, is under HIS control also. HE has a plan for me (Jer. 29:11) and HE is in charge. I can plan and says what "I THINK" is best, but HIS plan leads me down a different path. Just as HE KNEW the children of Israel would leave Egypt, and just as HE KNEW that they would be chased by the Egyptians, and just as HE KNEW the Egyptians would chase them until in the middle of the Red Sea, and just as HE KNEW HE would collapse the Red Sea upon the Egyptians, HE KNEW that when they were taken captive by the Egyptians over 400 years prior! HE didn't have to wait until HE gained enough strength to part the Red Sea! HE uses the "captivity" to show the Israelites what "FREEDOM" truly felt like. GOD uses hardships in our lives to form us into vessels HE can use FOR HIS GLORY! Sometimes "I want" evil to be eradicated. I don't relish "good" people going through difficult times, but sometimes those people have to endure "400 Years" of captivity, or a 40 year tract through the desert, or whatever you are going though to be used of GOD, for GOD's Glory! GOD, help me to understand that YOU love me too much to leave me in captivity forever. YOU use the tough times in my life to show me YOUR power when deliverance comes. YOU are just as powerful today as when you parted the Red Sea! YOU can bury my Pharaoh, but my heart has to be molded to where YOU can use it for YOUR GLORY!

"I CAN'T HEAR YOU!"

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." We all get in to routines. Since I have been married to the most beautiful, perfect woman in the world FOR ME (30 years Feb 17!), I have gotten up every morning, ate breakfast and read the newspaper. Lately I have become more aware that the majority of the stories that are "reported" on are things that are not pleasurable. Trials in court rooms, Auto Accidents, scandals by elected officials, and the ever present Obituaries. The enemy loves for us to be looking at the "faults" of others! And it's easy to do! I can justify criticizing the President when his policies violate scripture. I can find fault with the Governor when scripture is not considered in his decisions. When local elected officials make some moves that appear to be "self serving" it is only "natural" to voice our disapproval. Lately, I have been attempting to delve into GOD's Word before I let my mind get clouded with the things of the world. The Holy Spirit directed Paul to to list things that are TRUE, HONEST, PURE, LOVELY, THINGS OF GOOD REPORT, THINGS WITH VIRTUE AND GOOD REPORT. These are ALL tools used to develop us into pleasing vessels of GOD! He did NOT include vile, destructive, hateful, demeaning and self centered for a reason. The enemy uses those tools to further his kingdom. We have to "CHOOSE" whom and what we listen to. A person can listen to the "filth" of the enemy, or a person can "CHOOSE" to listen to the things of GOD listed in Philippians 4:8. GOD, I pray that my ears become more deaf to the things of this world. I pray that I will be so "IN TUNE" with YOUR SPIRIT that the noise of the enemy will be muted!

"ONE LAWGIVER"!

James 4:11-12 (KJV) "11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. 12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?" I serve on a couple of committees at church. I tend to try to avoid committee assignments, as us humans have a propensity to think we have some innate abilities that "qualify" us to serve. For instance, if someone wants to spend money, it has to be brought before the FINANCE COMMITTEE to make sure the funds are available for the purchase and that the funds come out of the correct account. Not everyone needs a check book with the church's money in it! in his writings, James was instructing believers not to get caught up in trying to "MOB RULE" others. There is a venue for evidence to be presented, other than between friends! GOSSIP and MALICE have no place where LOVE abides. When a "jury" finds the evidence sufficient to convict a person, then the LAW has judged them, not an individual person. Too many times the press tries to make a case for what they believe to be a just outcome. Even though juries sometimes find the differently than we desire, the EVIDENCE must drive their decision. Verse 12 states "There is ONLY ONE lawgiver"! Only a HOLY GOD can judge our actions. Regrettably, all HE sees when HE considers my life is "filthy rags"! I am so grateful for GRACE and MERCY that was JESUS provided on Calvary. When my life is judged by the "ONE LAWGIVER", HE will see all of the vile, despicable things I have done, but HE can't ignore that CHRIST paid my debt! BLESSINGS ABOUND!!!

"THOUGHTS and INTENTS!"

James 4:3-4 "3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." Many times, I have heard it said, GOD does not hear my prayers because...........(fill in the blank)! I have unconfessed sin in my life, GOD is teaching me a lesson, or something along those lines. But in the book of James it is written, we may not be getting what we ask for in our prayers, because we are asking for the wrong reasons! The Bible reads 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 INTENTS of the heart." We may "pray" that we want this new house to give to The Lord, or if we had millions of dollars we would give to the poor, but what are we doing with the funds GOD is blessing us with now? Since GOD knows the "thoughts and intents" of our heart, HE may need to do some "work" on our heart before HE blesses us with prosperity. Keep in mind, we are a Spirit, so material possessions are all going to burn one day anyway! 1 John 2:15-17 tells us that the things of this world are not to be sought after. The things that are lasting are the things that "doeth the will of GOD"! Perhaps I should make certain I am in the "will of GOD" before I start asking for a lot of things???

"EYES and EARS!"

Mark 8:17-19 (KJV) "17 And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened? 18 Having EYES, SEE ye not? and having EARS, HEAR ye not? and do ye not remember? 19 When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve." Having a rib out of its proper position extremely painful. At times it seems as though you can't get situated to not be hurting! No matter what you do, the misery continuously grinds on you. You have to KNOW what you are looking for to be able to see it. But once you have experienced the relief from the pain, you remember how to "see" it. From time to time your eyes have to be "Opened" to see thing's in life as well. JESUS inquired of HIS disciples if they remembered the feeding of the five thousand? Sure they did! Well if JESUS could manage to feed 5,000 people with nothing more than a boys sack lunch, surely HE could take care of HIS disciples? Just as my "eyes" had to be opened to know that my rib was misplaced, our "eyes" and "ears" must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit in our lives. Similar to a misplaced rib, you can save yourself a lot of PAIN if you follow GOD's guidance for your life. HE can provide our needs and SO much more. We may even gather TWELVE BASKETS of leftovers when it's over!! I pray that my "eyes" and "ears" are listening for HIS direction in my life!

GOD'S WORD!"

Romans 10:1-3 (KJV) "1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God." I was asked recently by a friend "Where have we gone as a nation, that the government thinks they can control our Worship"? My response was "Some people have no HEART knowledge of GOD's Word, therefore their actions are not guided by principles that are in tune with HIS principles". Now I was half awake when I wrote the response, so the response was undoubtably directed by a higher being. This scripture passage REVEALS an important principle, that in the pace we allow ourselves to live in, tends to be ignored. Taking a view of this from "back to front", some have not ever "submitted themselves unto the righteousness of GOD", therefore they have "establish(ed) their own righteousness". When their principles are exposed to "God’s righteousness", they are revealed to be "ignorant"! I am not judging, rather allowing GOD's Word to be applied. Hebrews 4:12 tells us "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." Galatians 6:7 tells us that GOD WILL NOT BE MOCKED! The more you read the bible.......The more you'll love its AUTHOR!

"BUT WITH GOD!"

Matthew 16:25-27 (KJV) "25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." Most of the people that know me understand I sell insurance for a living. JESUS was a carpenter, I am an insurance man! Everyone has their "burden" they must carry. The current President of the United States and I apparently have differing views on a lot if things. One is that Government can oversee health care for the entire nation. While it is evident reforms in the health care system are needed, there are something's humans have no success in doing. A few years ago, an acquaintance of mine died from cancer at a relatively young age. To say he was wealthy would be a tremendous understatement. I saw one estimate that his NET WORTH totaled $1.3 BILLION! The founder of a large computer company recently died from cancer. His reported NET WORTH was over $10 Billion! Both of the people spent untold money on Healthcare. Yet, they could not defeat their enemy! We tend to focus our energies on gaining wealth and possessions. Yet, our physical health cannot be bought! But our "SPIRITUAL HEALTH" has already been bought! In Matthew 19:26 it is recorded "But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." I am caused to remember what was written by my Physician on September 25, 2007 on my first check up following my brain hemorrhage. He wrote "The fact that he has recovered the way he has is nothing short of a Miracle from GOD!" The only way our healthcare system, or our lives as a whole, can be "HEALTHY" is to trust in Almighty GOD for everything. For "with God all things are possible"!!

"SPIRIT WORLD"

Matthew 17:19-21 (KJV) "19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and NO-THING shall be IMPOSSIBLE unto you. 21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." A friend is currently in the hospital fighting for his physical life. He was involved in a motor vehicle accident a week ago today. He and his wife were driving down the road and, in the blink of an eye, everything changed! Sometimes I think it would be different if JESUS were here "in person"! But JESUS is GOD incarnate. GOD ALMIGHTY, in order to redeem mankind, wrapped HIMSELF in skin to be an example on how to LIVE our physical life. John 20:29 tells us "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." GOD is a Spirit (John 4:24), and HE is here, and everywhere. Just because HE is a Spirit does not make HIS presence less real, it makes HIM even more real. Because HE is a Spirit, HE can, and I PRAY HE DOES, heal my friend without being "present" in the flesh. I know a little about HIS miraculous healing powers. When you have experienced JESUS and HIS miracles, you find yourself telling everyone about it. Yet, the miracle HE performed in my physical life is nothing compared to the miracle HE performed in my "Spirit"-ual life. One day, I will die physically. But because of the price paid by JESUS on Calvary, I will NEVER die Spiritually!

"HARVEST TIME!"

Haggai 2:8-9;19 (KJV) "8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. 9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts." "19 Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless you." Memories of younger years are sometimes good, and sometimes not so good! I remember helping in the garden when I was growing up. I watched my "Grandpa" to learn how he planted the seed (how deep, far apart, and so on), then how he would hoe the grass from around the plant while it grew, and eventually how he harvested the blessings from The LORD. I hardly ever remembered the sowing and hoeing when the harvesting was taking place. Life is a lot like this. We toil to plant the seed, hoe to keep the grass from choking it out while it is growing, but soon, the HARVEST comes. A seed must be planted (buried) to grow. Likewise, we must be planted to produce any "HARVEST" through our lives. With that "HARVEST" will come seeds that can be used to grow plants next season. The seed's have to germinate to produce more seed. If we do not germinate (die to ourselves and bury our will), we will not produce more seed (fellow believers). The last part of verse 19 is one of great hope, "from this day will I bless you." Lord, I pray that you bless my life with MANY seeds to follow, and that YOU bless their lives as they serve YOU!

"PUTTING AWAY Malice!"

1 Peter 2:1-3 (ESV) "So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation-if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good." So many times a mole hill is made into a mountain. "Words" can be used to "CALM" a storm, or "STIR" a tempest. You can either choose to let something pass by with little fanfare, or you can knock the scab off of a sore until it is a real problem. The Apostle Peter was writing to people who were "Believers" that JESUS CHRIST was the Son of GOD. He desired for believers to get along better, setting an example to "Non-believers" on how the LOVE of CHRIST transforms lives. My putting away all of the discord among them, Believers would show there is something more important to them than being proven correct. Seeing GOD gain glory when Believers are able to overcome differences is worth more than winning a dispute. We all have opinions. It has been said "All men have opinions, and most of them are wrong!" Don't let it offend you when others disagree with you. Put away that malice. The enemy gains strongholds when we focus on what WE want, as opposed to performing GOD's Plan. Earlier, in the book of 1 Peter, he writes that we should "see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently"! When we can LOVE, even through disagreements, we are showing Christian Maturity.