Joshua 2:10-11 (KJV)
"For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your GOD, HE is GOD in heaven above, and in earth beneath."
Isn't it amazing that, in the entire city of Jericho, Rahab's house was the one the spies chose to go to? GOD could have caused them to go to a wealthy persons house, or a person known for his wisdom, or someone who was known to be compassionate. But GOD sent HIS children to the house where a "harlot" lived to accomplish HIS plan.
Rahab's family had "heard" about the children of Israel crossing the Red Sea. They had heard about the Israelite victory over the Amorites. The "Fear of GOD" was something that was very real to them, if no one else in Jericho. GOD knew their hearts before HE directed the spies into their house. GOD knew what Rahab's response would be to the challenge presented to her. GOD knew that Rahab, and her family, would be the ONLY one's saved in Jericho.
I find it interesting that scripture doesn't record the names of the spies. Scripture doesn't record name of Rahab's father. Scripture doesn't record a lot of the details surrounding the "salvation" of Rahab and her family.
GOD doesn't have to reveal all of the details of how HE accomplishes what HE does. Our FAITH requires that we simply acknowledge that HE is in control. HE also knew the spies would have to wait on the mountain for three days. Going into the city, being in Rahab's house, making a covenant with Rahab, and getting back to the mountain was all pretty miraculous. But had the spies not waited in the mountain for three days (v.16), the outcome could have been disastrous.
I have always been the type person who would rather go ahead and do something, even if it's right thing to do, than waiting for GOD's Perfect Time! It seems I have always thought I had to be doing something, even something for The LORD, to have a sense of productivity, a sense of accomplishment. The spies were on a mission from GOD, a mission that the entire Israelite population would benefit from, if they waited on GOD's Perfect Time!
Almost a year ago, I attended a meeting where I was told by a brother I needed to SLOW DOWN. I "immediately" went to scripture and found Psalms 27:14 that says "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." Only this morning have my eyes been opened to how "waiting on the LORD" can be beneficial to ones life. In the case of the spies, It may have even saved their lives! It may save my life some day. When GOD is moving in a fast pace, I need to be right with HIM. When HE says to "wait on the mountain" for three days, I need to quietly wait on the mountain. GOD works miracles all the time, but only in "GOD's Perfect Time!"
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Friday, November 29, 2013
"ARTICULATING DEDUCTIONS!"
Jeremiah 29:12-14 (KJV)
"Then shall ye call upon ME, and ye shall go and pray unto ME, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek ME, and find ME, when ye shall search for ME with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive."
Today, in the spirit of the day AFTER Thanksgiving, I would like to state my appreciation to all who "LIKE" or acknowledge my comments that are shared almost daily. To be honest, my posts are a synopsis of my daily devotional time. I write down the thoughts and direction The LORD is dealing with me about that day, and hope I am used to be a blessing along the way to someone else.
Bishop Robert E. Smith, Sr. once told me that "Writing helps crystallize my thoughts and enables me to better articulate my deductions". Scripture records in Hebrews 4:12-13 that the Word of GOD is a "discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" and that "all things are naked unto the eyes of HIM"!
My prayer is that GOD will continue to manifest HIMSELF through HIS word to me, and that I will share unapologetically the "thoughts and intents" HE places in my heart!
"Then shall ye call upon ME, and ye shall go and pray unto ME, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek ME, and find ME, when ye shall search for ME with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive."
Today, in the spirit of the day AFTER Thanksgiving, I would like to state my appreciation to all who "LIKE" or acknowledge my comments that are shared almost daily. To be honest, my posts are a synopsis of my daily devotional time. I write down the thoughts and direction The LORD is dealing with me about that day, and hope I am used to be a blessing along the way to someone else.
Bishop Robert E. Smith, Sr. once told me that "Writing helps crystallize my thoughts and enables me to better articulate my deductions". Scripture records in Hebrews 4:12-13 that the Word of GOD is a "discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" and that "all things are naked unto the eyes of HIM"!
My prayer is that GOD will continue to manifest HIMSELF through HIS word to me, and that I will share unapologetically the "thoughts and intents" HE places in my heart!
Thursday, November 28, 2013
"THANKSGIVING!"
Psalms 81:13 KJV
"Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!"
Today we are blessed and honored to have another day we can offer our thanks and gratitude to The Almighty GOD in Heaven for granting us so many blessings. I see so many people posting about "turkey day" and football games and shopping! It saddens me greatly to see so many looking past our blessings, right to the things we enjoy.
Imagine, if you will, being born into a country of despair and abject poverty. How would you celebrate a day of Thanks then? Would football games and shopping make your list? What about if your child was being treated for, say a brain tumor? Would your perspective be altered any?
Sometimes we fail to give proper thanks to GOD for our blessings. All we are and have should be a tribute to HIM. We let the worldly perspective creep into our lives and alter what we see and say. We need to slow down and realize just how BLESSED we are and from whom those blessings come!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
"ROME, ECHO and KIRA!"
Ephesians
6:10-16 KJV
“Finally, my
brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the WHOLE ARMOUR of God, that ye may
be able to STAND against the wiles of the devil. 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. 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. STAND therefore, having
your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of
righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of
peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able
to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”
Both of my
son’s came home for Thanksgiving. My
younger son brought his “puppy” with him to play with our “puppies”! KIRA is a little past one year old. ROME and ECHO (my puppies) are over 4 years
old. For the first three to four hours they
were running around the yard, house, and other surroundings, as wild as could
be. After getting accustomed to each
other, the puppies finally calmed and were able to cohabitate without being sedated.
Humans seem
to have the same mentality. We seem to
be real excited and on fire to get something started, and when the NEW wears
off, we tend to lose our excitement about things. The need to learn to be a STEADY, CALMING
influence for a TROUBLED SOCIETY is one that is over-looked, EVEN IGNORED, due
to the pace we tend to live our lives.
The Apostle Paul
encourages us to prepare ourselves for the onslaught we are BOUND to be exposed
to, by putting on the WHOLE ARMOUR of GOD!
We are to girt (prepare oneself for battle) our loins with truth (BIBLE),
have a breastplate of righteousness (The righteousness of Christ), our feet
shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, and above ALL, take the shield
of FAITH wherever we go!
Our struggle
is not against “flesh and blood” (v12), rather we fight a CONSTANT spiritual
battle (Spiritual wickedness in high places)!
When we realize that our battles are fought in another REALM, we find the
TOOLS OF BATTLE we benefit from are different than TOOLS we are accustomed
to. Prayer, Bible Study, and spending
time alone with GOD ALMIGHTY are essential TOOLS that must be honed to live a VICTORIOUS
CHRISTIAN LIFE!
I would like
to be known as someone who is a STRONG and STEADY warrior for my KING! My “puppies” can go spastic and calm later to
their hearts desire. My desire is to demonstrate
a life that has experienced a PERMANENT CHANGE with TOOLS that are not of this
fast paced world. Rather a world of a
different pace, a DIFFERENT REALM!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
"ACCESS TO THE THRONE!"
Hebrews 4:16 KJV
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
A dear pastor friend of mine passed away in 2009. One of the sayings he would use when preaching was "When you see the word "Therefore", you need to see what it is "THERE FOR"! I wanted to have a better understanding of how someone as "wretched" as I could approach the Throne of GOD "boldly"?
The thing is, if I got what I deserved, Death and Damnation would the only choice on my menu. But in verse 15 we are told we have a "HIGH PRIEST" who endured temptations just like us, only HE did so without sin! HE lived a Holy, blameless life, and although did it for "ALL", HE would have done it just for me!
The reason JESUS paid that price was "that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need"! When I am in need, when I find myself needing mercy and grace, I am to come "BOLDLY" to the Throne of GRACE! Not because of my righteousness, but because of my High Priest!
FATHER IN HEAVEN, I am grateful that YOU have provided for me a means to approach YOUR HOLY THRONE. The sacrifice JESUS paid on Calvary, although undeserved, makes it possible for a wretch such as I to come to YOU! Remind me of the privilege I have in JESUS, and the price it cost for me to have "ACCESS TO THE THRONE"!!!
Sunday, November 24, 2013
"BY THE WILL OF GOD!"
Ephesians 1:1-2 NASB
"Paul, an APOSTLE of Christ Jesus BY THE WILL OF GOD, To the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Why are some of us Believers and some think we are "Certifiable" in our beliefs? How are some people Fanatical Believers, but others are just mediocre in their commitment?
Paul begins the letter to the Ephesians by stating what most would consider the obvious. Paul was an Apostle of Jesus Christ like few others. Most knew of his fervor for serving the Lord, but generally just credit him as an extremist who tended to "go to far" in his service to the Lord.
But why was Paul, once a persecutor of Christians (a believer that Jesus Christ is God in flesh) now one of the very people he used to imprison? GOD INTERVENED in the life of Paul, on the road to Damascus, and nothing in his life was "normal" subsequently.
"BY THE WILL OF GOD" is a statement that whatever GOD chooses to do with your life, HE can do. A human body is an amazing thing. GOD can cause your body to do things that appear to be impossible!
Making sure GOD gains glory for my life is my goal in life. HE can do with me whatever HE desires. The outcome is in HIS HANDS!
Saturday, November 23, 2013
"MEETING NEEDS!"
Philippians 4:17-19 NASB
"Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full and have AN ABUNDANCE; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my GOD WILL SUPPLY "ALL" YOUR NEEDS according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Some people seem to believe that someone should take care of them their entire life, or cradle to grave. The US Government appears to do their best to validate the belief that no man, whether a citizen of this nation or another, should experience any calamities. Some politicians seem to have the belief that if the government throws enough money at a problem, the problem will subside or be eradicated. Needs are only met by a GOD who is in control of all.
Difficulties in life are a part of the growing process. When you experience problems, and overcome them, you learn to avoid them in the future. When all of your needs are "provided" for you, the ability to "overcome" fails to develop in your life and you become more dependent on the provider of your sustenance.
When you depend upon GOD you beome more and more dependent upon HIM! President John F. Kennedy said "The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of GOD"!
No man, no government, no entity, can mend a wounded heart. Neither can thoughts or intents be swayed by another. When the time comes that mankind admits that "Every good and perfect gift" comes from above (James 1:17) and not from anywhere else, then we may be headed in the right direction. Until then, I am afraid that when we say "GOD BLESS AMERICA" we are asking in vain!
Friday, November 22, 2013
"Spiritual DNA!"
Acts 7:58-60 (KJV)
"And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was "SAUL". And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."
GOD has been demonstrating to me just how HE works in our lives, even YEARS in advance, to accomplish HIS plan for our lives. Saul was present when Stephen was stoned to death. How could anybody see any good coming out of that? Stephen was a humble, obedient servant of the Kingdom of GOD. Scripture records in verse 55 of Acts 7, that JESUS HIMSELF even STOOD UP when Stephen was stoned! In Acts 8 Saul continued to torture and persecute the church (body of CHRIST).
GOD uses the prior experiences of our lifetime to form our "Spiritual DNA"! Who we are today is a result of the experiences we have had previously. Who we will be in the future will be a reflection of the experiences we deal with today.
Saul had to experience the "Damascus Road" in order for GOD to accomplish HIS plan for Saul's life. In Acts 9:4-6 scripture records "And he (Saul) fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I AM JESUS whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do."
In Acts 13, Saul began to be known as PAUL! His name was changed, just like his life was changed. He became one of the most dedicated and effective disciples of Christ recorded in scripture. GOD used him to write a lot of the New Testament. I am not sure I would have wanted to travel the road GOD laid out for Paul. But GOD has a plan for my life just as HE did for Paul's life. We have to live by "FAITH" and trust GOD for the direction in our lives.
As GOD used the death of Stephen to mold Saul into Paul, HE can use the circumstances in my life to mold me into the man HE can use for HIS glory! I pray my "Spiritual DNA" will be found to be very similar to that of JESUS!
"And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was "SAUL". And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."
GOD has been demonstrating to me just how HE works in our lives, even YEARS in advance, to accomplish HIS plan for our lives. Saul was present when Stephen was stoned to death. How could anybody see any good coming out of that? Stephen was a humble, obedient servant of the Kingdom of GOD. Scripture records in verse 55 of Acts 7, that JESUS HIMSELF even STOOD UP when Stephen was stoned! In Acts 8 Saul continued to torture and persecute the church (body of CHRIST).
GOD uses the prior experiences of our lifetime to form our "Spiritual DNA"! Who we are today is a result of the experiences we have had previously. Who we will be in the future will be a reflection of the experiences we deal with today.
Saul had to experience the "Damascus Road" in order for GOD to accomplish HIS plan for Saul's life. In Acts 9:4-6 scripture records "And he (Saul) fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I AM JESUS whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do."
In Acts 13, Saul began to be known as PAUL! His name was changed, just like his life was changed. He became one of the most dedicated and effective disciples of Christ recorded in scripture. GOD used him to write a lot of the New Testament. I am not sure I would have wanted to travel the road GOD laid out for Paul. But GOD has a plan for my life just as HE did for Paul's life. We have to live by "FAITH" and trust GOD for the direction in our lives.
As GOD used the death of Stephen to mold Saul into Paul, HE can use the circumstances in my life to mold me into the man HE can use for HIS glory! I pray my "Spiritual DNA" will be found to be very similar to that of JESUS!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
"IN HIS TIME!"
John 7:1 (NASB)
"After these things Jesus was walking in Galilee, for He was unwilling to walk in Judea because the Jews were seeking to kill Him."
The path we take we sometimes don't understand. GOD ordains certain things in our lives that make NO sense at all to humans! Sometimes I go through some ordeal, and when it is over I think, "Why did I go that direction"? Or why did that happen to me? How am I going to get though this?
GOD has a plan for each of our lives. Few would have ever imagined the brain hemorrhage I experienced in 2007 as being part if the plan. I am not sure HE caused it, but HE certainly has gained glory from my medical condition. My challenge is to make sure HE gains glory in ALL things in my life. Making certain GOD is glorified in our lives should be the primary focus of ALL believers.
1 Corinthians 3:18-21 (KJV) says "Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. FOR THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD IS FOOLISHNESS WITH GOD. For it is written, HE taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are VAIN Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are YOURS."
HIS path for my life is not for anyone else, only me. The path JESUS was to live would ultimately prove to be monumental for mankind. HE knew HE would be "sacrificed", but only when GOD said "IT IS TIME"! John 7 was not the appointed time for JESUS to suffer.
I may have difficulties ahead of me. But I have the assurance that GOD is guiding my path. Psalms 142:3 tells us "When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, THEN THOU KNEWEST MY PATH. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me."
Just as GOD knew the plan for King David, and just as GOD knew the plan for JESUS, GOD knows the plan for me. I need to operate inside of HIS will and do things "IN HIS TIME"!
"After these things Jesus was walking in Galilee, for He was unwilling to walk in Judea because the Jews were seeking to kill Him."
The path we take we sometimes don't understand. GOD ordains certain things in our lives that make NO sense at all to humans! Sometimes I go through some ordeal, and when it is over I think, "Why did I go that direction"? Or why did that happen to me? How am I going to get though this?
GOD has a plan for each of our lives. Few would have ever imagined the brain hemorrhage I experienced in 2007 as being part if the plan. I am not sure HE caused it, but HE certainly has gained glory from my medical condition. My challenge is to make sure HE gains glory in ALL things in my life. Making certain GOD is glorified in our lives should be the primary focus of ALL believers.
1 Corinthians 3:18-21 (KJV) says "Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. FOR THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD IS FOOLISHNESS WITH GOD. For it is written, HE taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are VAIN Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are YOURS."
HIS path for my life is not for anyone else, only me. The path JESUS was to live would ultimately prove to be monumental for mankind. HE knew HE would be "sacrificed", but only when GOD said "IT IS TIME"! John 7 was not the appointed time for JESUS to suffer.
I may have difficulties ahead of me. But I have the assurance that GOD is guiding my path. Psalms 142:3 tells us "When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, THEN THOU KNEWEST MY PATH. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me."
Just as GOD knew the plan for King David, and just as GOD knew the plan for JESUS, GOD knows the plan for me. I need to operate inside of HIS will and do things "IN HIS TIME"!
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
"FAITH...........WAIT ON THE LORD!"
Lamentations 3:20-26 (KJV)
"20 My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.
21 This I recall to my mind, therefore HAVE I HOPE.
22 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because HIS compassions fail NOT.
23 They are new every morning: GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS.
24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I HOPE in him.
25 The LORD is good UNTO THEM that WAIT for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
26 It is good that a man should "both" HOPE and QUIETLY WAIT for the salvation of the LORD."
FAITH......is a mysterious and confounding thing. I see people who are convinced GOD is going to work in a way that "they want", when HIS will may be far from their desires. Isaiah 55:8-9 says "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
So if HIS thoughts are not our thoughts, and HIS ways are not our ways, how then can we be sure we are doing HIS will? How do we make sure we are NOT messing things up? Isaiah 55:6 tells us we should "Seek ye the LORD while HE may be found, call ye upon HIM while HE is near".
To TRULY live by FAITH is to trust that HE is in control even when things are not working out the way WE think they should. Verse 25 of Lamentations 3 says "The LORD is good UNTO THEM that "WAIT" for him, to the soul that seeketh HIM." If we are so caught up in performing to the world's standards, and living our lives at the world's pace, then we show we are more interested in pleasing man than we are in pleasing ALMIGHTY GOD! HE can provide our needs if we are "THE SOUL THAT SEEKETH HIM"!!!
Psalms 37:4-5;7 "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in HIM; and HE shall bring it to pass."
"Rest in the LORD, and WAIT patiently for HIM: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."
My biggest challenge is WAITING on GOD! I want things to work out on my "timing", rather than waiting on HIS "timing". I am convinced the reason we don't see miracles as in days of old, is we don't "WAIT ON THE LORD"!
Psalms 27:14 "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: WAIT, I SAY, ON THE LORD."
"20 My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.
21 This I recall to my mind, therefore HAVE I HOPE.
22 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because HIS compassions fail NOT.
23 They are new every morning: GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS.
24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I HOPE in him.
25 The LORD is good UNTO THEM that WAIT for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
26 It is good that a man should "both" HOPE and QUIETLY WAIT for the salvation of the LORD."
FAITH......is a mysterious and confounding thing. I see people who are convinced GOD is going to work in a way that "they want", when HIS will may be far from their desires. Isaiah 55:8-9 says "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
So if HIS thoughts are not our thoughts, and HIS ways are not our ways, how then can we be sure we are doing HIS will? How do we make sure we are NOT messing things up? Isaiah 55:6 tells us we should "Seek ye the LORD while HE may be found, call ye upon HIM while HE is near".
To TRULY live by FAITH is to trust that HE is in control even when things are not working out the way WE think they should. Verse 25 of Lamentations 3 says "The LORD is good UNTO THEM that "WAIT" for him, to the soul that seeketh HIM." If we are so caught up in performing to the world's standards, and living our lives at the world's pace, then we show we are more interested in pleasing man than we are in pleasing ALMIGHTY GOD! HE can provide our needs if we are "THE SOUL THAT SEEKETH HIM"!!!
Psalms 37:4-5;7 "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in HIM; and HE shall bring it to pass."
"Rest in the LORD, and WAIT patiently for HIM: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."
My biggest challenge is WAITING on GOD! I want things to work out on my "timing", rather than waiting on HIS "timing". I am convinced the reason we don't see miracles as in days of old, is we don't "WAIT ON THE LORD"!
Psalms 27:14 "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: WAIT, I SAY, ON THE LORD."
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
"GRACE vs. DISSENT???"
Titus 3:8-11 (ESV)
"The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to DEVOTE THEMSELVES to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid FOOLISH CONTROVERSIES, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and WORTHLESS. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned."
Why do we allow so many things that are really insignificant to create dissension among Christians? CHRIST came to "fulfill" (Matthew 5:17) the law and to make a way for our spirits to live eternally. Christians, "those who have believed in GOD", should "DEVOTE THEMSELVES" more to doing "good works" than the "FOOLISH CONTROVERSIES" that cause most dissent.
The GRACE of GOD is a marvelous and wonderful gift that JESUS came to earth to provide for ALL who believe. I can just see someone being given a brand new car of their dreams, and refusing the gift because the stitching if the upholstery was not the right color! JESUS paid a price for my soul unmatched by any dreams or imaginations. I will glory in that and leave the dissent to the "self-condemned"!!!
"The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to DEVOTE THEMSELVES to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid FOOLISH CONTROVERSIES, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and WORTHLESS. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned."
Why do we allow so many things that are really insignificant to create dissension among Christians? CHRIST came to "fulfill" (Matthew 5:17) the law and to make a way for our spirits to live eternally. Christians, "those who have believed in GOD", should "DEVOTE THEMSELVES" more to doing "good works" than the "FOOLISH CONTROVERSIES" that cause most dissent.
The GRACE of GOD is a marvelous and wonderful gift that JESUS came to earth to provide for ALL who believe. I can just see someone being given a brand new car of their dreams, and refusing the gift because the stitching if the upholstery was not the right color! JESUS paid a price for my soul unmatched by any dreams or imaginations. I will glory in that and leave the dissent to the "self-condemned"!!!
Monday, November 18, 2013
"WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG!"
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (KJV)
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
Sometimes I get frustrated that I am not what I desire to be. In my feeble thoughts, I would love to be a stronger, more dedicated, committed follower of JESUS CHRIST and HIS teachings. However, I know that GOD is Sovereign and allows, permits, even endows knowledge to all Creation TO GLORIFY HIM!
The English Standard Version of the Bible states these verses terrifically. The verses read "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will BOAST all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the POWER OF CHRIST may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I AM CONTENT with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I AM WEAK, then I am strong."
How many people who have experienced little "success" in life are great examples for us? When we seek out "ROLE MODELS" from which to pattern our lives, do we look for people who are experiencing "weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities"? Yet Paul wrote that he "BOASTED" in his weaknesses, because when he was weak, the "POWER OF CHRIST" rested upon him!
When I am "in a funk" and I just can't seem to get it all together, I find myself trusting more and more on HIM to rescue me. Maybe I should be more like Paul and realize that "WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG"!
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
Sometimes I get frustrated that I am not what I desire to be. In my feeble thoughts, I would love to be a stronger, more dedicated, committed follower of JESUS CHRIST and HIS teachings. However, I know that GOD is Sovereign and allows, permits, even endows knowledge to all Creation TO GLORIFY HIM!
The English Standard Version of the Bible states these verses terrifically. The verses read "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will BOAST all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the POWER OF CHRIST may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I AM CONTENT with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I AM WEAK, then I am strong."
How many people who have experienced little "success" in life are great examples for us? When we seek out "ROLE MODELS" from which to pattern our lives, do we look for people who are experiencing "weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities"? Yet Paul wrote that he "BOASTED" in his weaknesses, because when he was weak, the "POWER OF CHRIST" rested upon him!
When I am "in a funk" and I just can't seem to get it all together, I find myself trusting more and more on HIM to rescue me. Maybe I should be more like Paul and realize that "WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG"!
Sunday, November 17, 2013
"TRUE BROTHERLY LOVE!"
Hebrews 13:1-3 (KJV)
"1 Let brotherly love continue.
2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body."
I recently carried an acquaintance of mine to lunch. He is about the age of my oldest son, a real clean cut young man, and a very respectful. The thing that "drew" me to him was his concern for the well being of his customers when I observed his work. There are not so good employees and good employees, and then there are "gifted" employees!
GOD calls us to "continue in brotherly love" in our dealings with others. Not so we can succeed in our jobs. Rather, we will succeed in our jobs, and in life, if we show brotherly love to others.
To show "brotherly love" to relative stranger is something that some might consider dangerous in today's times. There is so much "evil" going on today that it might be understandable to some people to shy away from doing good. But overcoming the "fear" (fear is a tool of the enemy) of evil with the boldness of good, is a trait that we all should strive for.
My acquaintance gained a friend because he used "brotherly love" in his dealings with me. I reaped, and will continue to reap, the benefits of his "brotherly love" by gaining him as a friend. I need to remember that others can reap benefits of my "brotherly love", and show it more often!
Friday, November 15, 2013
"PEDESTALS and BOXES!"
James 2:1-10 (NASB)
"My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, "You sit here in a good place," and you say to the poor man, "You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool," have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court? Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called? If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all."
I have been blessed with a personality to not ever meet a stranger. I guess I am so dumb to think everyone has to put their pants on "one leg at a time" like me! My wife is a bit more reserved. She will speak to you "if she is spoken to", but don't look for her to start up many conversations.
We have friends who are "dirt poor" and we have friends who have millions of dollars in their portfolio. Most of our wealthy friends are not so enamored with their wealth they look down on us. We certainly don't have enough possessions to look down on anyone else!
But, while reading this passage, I am convicted that I may put some people either on a "pedestal" or "in a box" in my dealings with them. The ones that have "more" tend to get more attention than the ones who don't have "as much" from our business. Of course, the more you have, the more you can lose!
All people, ALL PEOPLE, have a SOUL! Most have heard my favorite C.S. Lewis quote "You don't have a SOUL; You are a SOUL!; You have a body!!" Whether a soul has great wealth, or a soul is financially challenged, scripture says they all deserve equal treatment. As a matter of fact, in verse 5 James says "did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?"
I should glory in the fact that I am building eternal housing in Heaven. And in Heaven, there will be no wealth or possessions. Even all of our "crowns" will be laid at the feet of JESUS (Rev 4:10). I will make it a point to avoid "PEDESTALS" and "BOXES" for the souls GOD allows me to be exposed to. GOD sees our Souls! I should be looking at the same!
"My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, "You sit here in a good place," and you say to the poor man, "You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool," have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court? Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called? If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all."
I have been blessed with a personality to not ever meet a stranger. I guess I am so dumb to think everyone has to put their pants on "one leg at a time" like me! My wife is a bit more reserved. She will speak to you "if she is spoken to", but don't look for her to start up many conversations.
We have friends who are "dirt poor" and we have friends who have millions of dollars in their portfolio. Most of our wealthy friends are not so enamored with their wealth they look down on us. We certainly don't have enough possessions to look down on anyone else!
But, while reading this passage, I am convicted that I may put some people either on a "pedestal" or "in a box" in my dealings with them. The ones that have "more" tend to get more attention than the ones who don't have "as much" from our business. Of course, the more you have, the more you can lose!
All people, ALL PEOPLE, have a SOUL! Most have heard my favorite C.S. Lewis quote "You don't have a SOUL; You are a SOUL!; You have a body!!" Whether a soul has great wealth, or a soul is financially challenged, scripture says they all deserve equal treatment. As a matter of fact, in verse 5 James says "did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?"
I should glory in the fact that I am building eternal housing in Heaven. And in Heaven, there will be no wealth or possessions. Even all of our "crowns" will be laid at the feet of JESUS (Rev 4:10). I will make it a point to avoid "PEDESTALS" and "BOXES" for the souls GOD allows me to be exposed to. GOD sees our Souls! I should be looking at the same!
Thursday, November 14, 2013
"REDEFINITIONS!"
Matthew 19:3-6 (KJV)
"3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
An editorial in a local publication wrote about what society has deemed "Same-Sex Marriage" and whether or not the citizens of our state should amend the constitution of that state to accept "Same-Sex Marriage"? It appears that society as a whole is trying to "define" what GOD ordained from Creation. HE is the only ONE who created mankind. HE is the only ONE who gets to "define" what MARRIAGE should be.
Leviticus 18:22 plainly states "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination." But the King James Bible uses the word "abomination" 66 other times! There are plenty of other things that defile a human body that GOD has identified.
Divorce is one of them. Even in the time JESUS was here on earth there were questions about divorce. My mom was married/divorced three times. My mom paid a price for her choices in life. She was a believer in JESUS CHRIST and the forgiveness HE offers. She displayed that forgiveness to others, mainly her children!
In verse 9 of Matthew 19 scripture records JESUS saying "He saith unto them, Moses because of the HARDNESS OF YOUR HEARTS suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so." So man (Moses) changed GOD'S law to accommodate the hardness of the hearts of mankind.
As previously noted, there are plenty of other times scripture uses the word "ABOMINATION". SIN is SIN. Whether it is telling a "white lie" or murdering a person, it takes the Blood of JESUS to cleanse a persons heart. There is no candy coating you can put on it.
No one has the authority to "REDEFINE" what GOD has ordained. You can call it whatever you like, but GOD calls it SIN. However, just as my mom displayed forgiveness to "her" children, GOD forgives HIS children. I am thankful I am a child of the most HIGH GOD, and my sins have been forgiven.
"3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
An editorial in a local publication wrote about what society has deemed "Same-Sex Marriage" and whether or not the citizens of our state should amend the constitution of that state to accept "Same-Sex Marriage"? It appears that society as a whole is trying to "define" what GOD ordained from Creation. HE is the only ONE who created mankind. HE is the only ONE who gets to "define" what MARRIAGE should be.
Leviticus 18:22 plainly states "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination." But the King James Bible uses the word "abomination" 66 other times! There are plenty of other things that defile a human body that GOD has identified.
Divorce is one of them. Even in the time JESUS was here on earth there were questions about divorce. My mom was married/divorced three times. My mom paid a price for her choices in life. She was a believer in JESUS CHRIST and the forgiveness HE offers. She displayed that forgiveness to others, mainly her children!
In verse 9 of Matthew 19 scripture records JESUS saying "He saith unto them, Moses because of the HARDNESS OF YOUR HEARTS suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so." So man (Moses) changed GOD'S law to accommodate the hardness of the hearts of mankind.
As previously noted, there are plenty of other times scripture uses the word "ABOMINATION". SIN is SIN. Whether it is telling a "white lie" or murdering a person, it takes the Blood of JESUS to cleanse a persons heart. There is no candy coating you can put on it.
No one has the authority to "REDEFINE" what GOD has ordained. You can call it whatever you like, but GOD calls it SIN. However, just as my mom displayed forgiveness to "her" children, GOD forgives HIS children. I am thankful I am a child of the most HIGH GOD, and my sins have been forgiven.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
"WORD OF GOD!"
Hebrews 11:3 (KJV)
"Through FAITH we understand that the worlds were framed by the "WORD" of God, so that things which ARE SEEN were NOT made of things which DO APPEAR."
I attended a funeral recently for a member of the fellowship I attend. Although I was not real familiar with the man, the man giving the eulogy expressed how the gentleman we were remembering was a "man of faith".
I started pondering that "man of faith" statement and the implications it has. I have "faith" that the worlds were "spoken" into existence by GOD ALMIGHTY. I could be wrong. I remember in 2007 I was hospitalized for an extended period of time. The medicine they used to put me into a coma played tricks on my mind. It took over TWO YEARS for my wife to convince me that I did not go to Chicago, Arlington TX, Shreveport LA, Little Rock AR and of all places Malvern, AR! I would have bet my life I had been to those cities. But it proved to be a "figment of my imagination". I WAS WRONG!
I have realized there are many people who are just as sure that all of Creation happened some other way. Evolution, Big Bang, Osmosis, there are numerous ideas that are even more hard to believe than a SUPREME BEING speaking the worlds into existence.
One commentary on Hebrews 11 gives a view I love. "The Bible gives the most true and exact account of the origin of all things, and we are to believe it, and not to wrest the Scripture account of the creation, (simply) because it "does not suit with the differing fancies of men". All that we see of the works of creation, were brought into being by the command of God."
I pray that when they are remembering me, they know that my FAITH, my LIFE, was in THE CREATOR AND SUSTAINER OF THE UNIVERSE! Others can trust in their own abilities or resources. I trust in the ONE who still speaks today!
http://youtu.be/7mVmi22CtJE
"Through FAITH we understand that the worlds were framed by the "WORD" of God, so that things which ARE SEEN were NOT made of things which DO APPEAR."
I attended a funeral recently for a member of the fellowship I attend. Although I was not real familiar with the man, the man giving the eulogy expressed how the gentleman we were remembering was a "man of faith".
I started pondering that "man of faith" statement and the implications it has. I have "faith" that the worlds were "spoken" into existence by GOD ALMIGHTY. I could be wrong. I remember in 2007 I was hospitalized for an extended period of time. The medicine they used to put me into a coma played tricks on my mind. It took over TWO YEARS for my wife to convince me that I did not go to Chicago, Arlington TX, Shreveport LA, Little Rock AR and of all places Malvern, AR! I would have bet my life I had been to those cities. But it proved to be a "figment of my imagination". I WAS WRONG!
I have realized there are many people who are just as sure that all of Creation happened some other way. Evolution, Big Bang, Osmosis, there are numerous ideas that are even more hard to believe than a SUPREME BEING speaking the worlds into existence.
One commentary on Hebrews 11 gives a view I love. "The Bible gives the most true and exact account of the origin of all things, and we are to believe it, and not to wrest the Scripture account of the creation, (simply) because it "does not suit with the differing fancies of men". All that we see of the works of creation, were brought into being by the command of God."
I pray that when they are remembering me, they know that my FAITH, my LIFE, was in THE CREATOR AND SUSTAINER OF THE UNIVERSE! Others can trust in their own abilities or resources. I trust in the ONE who still speaks today!
http://youtu.be/7mVmi22CtJE
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
"The REAL you!"
John 1:1-3 (KJV)
"In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with God, and the WORD was GOD. The same was in the beginning with GOD. All things were made by HIM; and without HIM was not any thing made that was made."
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."
"Lord, I want!" I find those three words in my prayer life more than I care to admit. Just this morning, I was talking to The LORD, and I found myself telling HIM what I could do for HIM! WHAT I CAN DO FOR HIM????
Yesterday I had occasion to be in a part of town where a dear friend of mine is employed. He and I served on the school board a few years back. I decided to stop in and see him. He started telling me about a medical issue he has been experiencing for longer than six months. I USED to suffer from a similar condition, but after the brain hemorrhage the problem has never reappeared. I told him I would come home and go through my medical records and see if I could find anything of help to him. When I began reading the records about my physical condition and what doctors wrote in my chart, it was a reminder of the road GOD has put me on. To have your frailty manifested so plainly and succinctly is quite an eye opener. Something's you eventually "get over". I am not sure I will ever "get over" knowing how much I am NOT in control!
JESUS IS GOD IN THE FLESH! HE is in control. John 1:14 says "And the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." HE knew, HE knows, HE will know everything we think and why we think it. I can say whatever I want in a prayer. But the GOD knows the intents of my heart long before I ever verbalize them in a prayer.
GOD is sovereign. HE doesn't need me to do anything for HIM. I will serve HIM because I LOVE HIM! HE knows our hearts and our motives behind our thoughts. You may think you are telling HIM what HE wants to hear, but HE sees through your words and sees the REAL YOU!
"In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with God, and the WORD was GOD. The same was in the beginning with GOD. All things were made by HIM; and without HIM was not any thing made that was made."
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."
"Lord, I want!" I find those three words in my prayer life more than I care to admit. Just this morning, I was talking to The LORD, and I found myself telling HIM what I could do for HIM! WHAT I CAN DO FOR HIM????
Yesterday I had occasion to be in a part of town where a dear friend of mine is employed. He and I served on the school board a few years back. I decided to stop in and see him. He started telling me about a medical issue he has been experiencing for longer than six months. I USED to suffer from a similar condition, but after the brain hemorrhage the problem has never reappeared. I told him I would come home and go through my medical records and see if I could find anything of help to him. When I began reading the records about my physical condition and what doctors wrote in my chart, it was a reminder of the road GOD has put me on. To have your frailty manifested so plainly and succinctly is quite an eye opener. Something's you eventually "get over". I am not sure I will ever "get over" knowing how much I am NOT in control!
JESUS IS GOD IN THE FLESH! HE is in control. John 1:14 says "And the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." HE knew, HE knows, HE will know everything we think and why we think it. I can say whatever I want in a prayer. But the GOD knows the intents of my heart long before I ever verbalize them in a prayer.
GOD is sovereign. HE doesn't need me to do anything for HIM. I will serve HIM because I LOVE HIM! HE knows our hearts and our motives behind our thoughts. You may think you are telling HIM what HE wants to hear, but HE sees through your words and sees the REAL YOU!
Monday, November 11, 2013
"ALL THINGS!"
"ALL THINGS!"
Mark 9:14-29 (KJV)
"14 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.
15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.
16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?
17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he TEARETH him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
19 He answereth him, and saith, O FAITHLESS GENERATION, HOW LONG SHALL I BE WITH faithless generation, how long shall I be with YOU? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.
22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us
23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE TO HIM THAT BELIEVETH.
24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I BELIEVE; HELP THOU MINE UNBELIEF.
25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.
28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?
29 And he said unto them, THIS KIND CAN COME FORTH BY NOTHING, BUT PRAYER AND FASTING."
When GOD directs you to a scripture, it seems you can't get this thoughts of that passage out of your mind. These sixteen verses require to be consumed together, yet there are so many "morsels" that need to be tasted.
JESUS didn't just come upon a "crowd" and decide to "show off" HIS majesty. Making sure THE FATHER was glorified was what JESUS was all about. In John 5:30, JESUS says "I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." When the disciples could not remove the spirit that controlled the boys life, JESUS displayed TO ALL the limitations the disciples had was because of their lack of faith.
How many times do we hear "You can't do it like that" or "That'll never happen" when we are trying to accomplish something? JESUS explained to the disciples, and to the crowd surrounding HIM, that "ALL THINGS" were/are possible to the person who believes! "ALL THINGS" is rather inclusive. "ALL THINGS" has NO limits. Don't limit GOD by your limited "vision", as we know that faith is the "evidence of things not seen".
The father of the young man infested with the "dumb spirit" told JESUS "I BELIEVE; HELP THOU MINE UNBELIEF." When reading this, it seems so contradictory. How can one believe, and in the same breath say help my unbelief? I am sure there are many speculations, but all we KNOW for sure is that in the next verse the "foul spirit" was removed from the boy. Evidently, the foul spirit was perfectly happy living inside the body of the boy because scripture records the spirit cried out and made the boy go into convulsions and came out of him.
Seeing a boy relieved of a demon such as this must have been an amazing feat. But the real story lies in the next two verses. The disciples asked why they could not "remove" the evil spirit. JESUS replied "THIS KIND CAN COME FORTH BY NOTHING, BUT PRAYER AND FASTING." Some people think this "KIND" could mean the kind of demon that was removed. I tend to agree with the ones who believe this "KIND" was referring to the "Faith" needed to remove the demon. Focusing on the object of "WHO" our faith is in, rather than the enemy HE is greater than, seems more glorifying to GOD. HE is not limited by our vision or current trouble. Just as HE was bigger than the "dumb spirit", HE is bigger than your trouble!
HE is GOD over "ALL THINGS!"
Saturday, November 9, 2013
"HE HUMBLED HIMSELF!"
Philippians 2:3-11 (KJV)
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, HE HUMBLED HIMSELF, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
JESUS CHRIST CAME TO EARTH FOR A PURPOSE. No one killed HIM. HE HUMBLED HIMSELF!
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, HE HUMBLED HIMSELF, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
JESUS CHRIST CAME TO EARTH FOR A PURPOSE. No one killed HIM. HE HUMBLED HIMSELF!
Friday, November 8, 2013
"ALL ONE!"
Galatians 3:23-28 (KJV)
"But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither JEW nor GREEK, there is neither BOND nor FREE, there is neither MALE nor FEMALE: for ye are ALL ONE in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise."
The Apostle Paul had a way of being straightforward in his "letters" that was loving, yet would "cut to the core"! In Galatians 1:1 he wrote that he was not called by men, rather by JESUS HIMSELF! So I will follow his example today and speak "straightforward"!
Our "human" bodies are temporal. Our "souls" are permanent. Why do we tend to focus on the temporal so much while we show no concern for the permanent?
A very dear brother to me lives in Little Rock, AR. He is a mentor to me like few other "souls" have been. He currently wears darker clothes (skin) than I, but one day all of that will change. We believers will have "new bodies" (Rev 3:4-5) when we get to heaven. I am not sure whether the "new bodies" will be black, white, yellow, red, or HOT PINK! I will be in Heaven, and all I will care about is seeing, worshipping and adoring the SAVIOR who redeemed my soul!
So, you can take all of your groups that want to claim to be fighting for equality and a fair playing field. Scripture says we are "ALL ONE"! We don't need a bunch of laws (v23). We need to get "GRACE" and be "ALL ONE" in CHRIST JESUS!
"But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither JEW nor GREEK, there is neither BOND nor FREE, there is neither MALE nor FEMALE: for ye are ALL ONE in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise."
The Apostle Paul had a way of being straightforward in his "letters" that was loving, yet would "cut to the core"! In Galatians 1:1 he wrote that he was not called by men, rather by JESUS HIMSELF! So I will follow his example today and speak "straightforward"!
Our "human" bodies are temporal. Our "souls" are permanent. Why do we tend to focus on the temporal so much while we show no concern for the permanent?
A very dear brother to me lives in Little Rock, AR. He is a mentor to me like few other "souls" have been. He currently wears darker clothes (skin) than I, but one day all of that will change. We believers will have "new bodies" (Rev 3:4-5) when we get to heaven. I am not sure whether the "new bodies" will be black, white, yellow, red, or HOT PINK! I will be in Heaven, and all I will care about is seeing, worshipping and adoring the SAVIOR who redeemed my soul!
So, you can take all of your groups that want to claim to be fighting for equality and a fair playing field. Scripture says we are "ALL ONE"! We don't need a bunch of laws (v23). We need to get "GRACE" and be "ALL ONE" in CHRIST JESUS!
Thursday, November 7, 2013
"SPIRIT OF fear????"
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
"For GOD hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
The "SPIRIT WORLD" is something that man tends to trivialize, even to the point of making jokes about it. But John 4:24 says "God is a Spirit"! To not take the "SPIRIT WORLD" seriously is to trivialize the Creator.
If GOD did not give us a spirit of fear, from where did it originate? James 1:17 tells us all "GOOD" things from above. If all "GOOD" things come from Heaven, and GOD did not give us a "spirit of fear", then it must come from GOD's enemy! The enemy wants to "control" our spirit, giving us the impression that all "voo-doo" and witchcraft is just a game. While using the notion that the game is not harming us, he is taking every opportunity he can to control our thoughts and minds.
The Apostle Paul wrote 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." Paul suggested we were to not just fall into the mold the world offers, even mandates at times! Rather Paul suggested we RENEW our minds and allow our Spirits to be Transformed by a HOLY GOD!
Yes, the "SPIRIT WORLD" is real. The "WAR" for my SPIRIT (soul) has been fought, and won. I trust the war for your soul has been won, also. If not, all you need to do is SURRENDER to JESUS, as HE HAS WON THE VICTORY over the enemy.
"For GOD hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
The "SPIRIT WORLD" is something that man tends to trivialize, even to the point of making jokes about it. But John 4:24 says "God is a Spirit"! To not take the "SPIRIT WORLD" seriously is to trivialize the Creator.
If GOD did not give us a spirit of fear, from where did it originate? James 1:17 tells us all "GOOD" things from above. If all "GOOD" things come from Heaven, and GOD did not give us a "spirit of fear", then it must come from GOD's enemy! The enemy wants to "control" our spirit, giving us the impression that all "voo-doo" and witchcraft is just a game. While using the notion that the game is not harming us, he is taking every opportunity he can to control our thoughts and minds.
The Apostle Paul wrote 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." Paul suggested we were to not just fall into the mold the world offers, even mandates at times! Rather Paul suggested we RENEW our minds and allow our Spirits to be Transformed by a HOLY GOD!
Yes, the "SPIRIT WORLD" is real. The "WAR" for my SPIRIT (soul) has been fought, and won. I trust the war for your soul has been won, also. If not, all you need to do is SURRENDER to JESUS, as HE HAS WON THE VICTORY over the enemy.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
"GOD IS LOVE!"
Genesis 24:12 (KJV)
"And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham."
Genesis 24:12 NASB
"He said, "O Lord, the God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today, and show lovingkindness to my master Abraham."
Genesis 24:12 ESV
"And he said, "O LORD, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham."
The way the English Standard Version records this verse speaks to me greatly. In verse two of chapter twenty four, it is written that Abraham directed his servant, who had charge of ALL he had, to swear to Abraham an oath that he would not take a wife for Isaac among the Canaanites, but he would "go to my country and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son Isaac."
Abrahams servant prayed a short prayer. Scripture indicates that before he got all of the words out of his mouth, he saw Rebekah, the future wife of Isaac. I love the way ESV conveys his request to GOD. "Please grant me success today"! The words show a deep love and concern for Abraham. The servants prayer could have been to be personally blessed by Abraham, or to be given the "bounty" he was carrying for Rebekah. But the servants love for Abraham was too great!
The servant then prayed for GOD to show HIS "steadfast" love to Abraham. Whether the servant knew it or not, he was acknowledging GOD to be the loving GOD that HE is. GOD is LOVE! HE always has been! HE always will be!
I wonder if I, had I been alive in Abrahams time, would have been found trustworthy enough to be sent to a foreign country with treasure and bounty to seek a wife for a man of whom I was a servant? GOD knew, and even ordained, that the servant would act properly for through this act HE would ultimately bring JESUS into the world.
I need to be faithful to my GOD in everything I do. The servant of Abraham was "ready, willing, and able" to perform the task he was assigned. It is my desire to be "ready, willing, and able" to serve where HE leads me, and to exude the FACT that GOD IS LOVE!!!!
"And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham."
Genesis 24:12 NASB
"He said, "O Lord, the God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today, and show lovingkindness to my master Abraham."
Genesis 24:12 ESV
"And he said, "O LORD, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham."
The way the English Standard Version records this verse speaks to me greatly. In verse two of chapter twenty four, it is written that Abraham directed his servant, who had charge of ALL he had, to swear to Abraham an oath that he would not take a wife for Isaac among the Canaanites, but he would "go to my country and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son Isaac."
Abrahams servant prayed a short prayer. Scripture indicates that before he got all of the words out of his mouth, he saw Rebekah, the future wife of Isaac. I love the way ESV conveys his request to GOD. "Please grant me success today"! The words show a deep love and concern for Abraham. The servants prayer could have been to be personally blessed by Abraham, or to be given the "bounty" he was carrying for Rebekah. But the servants love for Abraham was too great!
The servant then prayed for GOD to show HIS "steadfast" love to Abraham. Whether the servant knew it or not, he was acknowledging GOD to be the loving GOD that HE is. GOD is LOVE! HE always has been! HE always will be!
I wonder if I, had I been alive in Abrahams time, would have been found trustworthy enough to be sent to a foreign country with treasure and bounty to seek a wife for a man of whom I was a servant? GOD knew, and even ordained, that the servant would act properly for through this act HE would ultimately bring JESUS into the world.
I need to be faithful to my GOD in everything I do. The servant of Abraham was "ready, willing, and able" to perform the task he was assigned. It is my desire to be "ready, willing, and able" to serve where HE leads me, and to exude the FACT that GOD IS LOVE!!!!
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
"KNOWING HIS PLAN!"
Genesis 24:1-4 (KJV)
"And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac."
Some have proclaimed that GOD works in "mysterious" ways. I find that GOD works in ways that HE gets glory from. We seem to be interested in how "we" can profit or be increased, when GOD is interested in how HE can be increased!
Abraham was up in years. Sarah had just been buried and Abraham had been blessed "in all things". He sent his most senior servant to "my country" to find a wife for his son Isaac. Abraham desired to have Isaac marry a woman from his faith. The servant prayed to the "Lord GOD of my master Abraham" (v12) that HE show kindness to his master Abraham.
GOD did show kindness to his servant. Rebekah (v16) was "very fair to look upon" and extremely gracious. She agreed to go with the servant and become Isaac's wife.
As we know now, GOD had a purpose for Rebekah's life. GOD had a purpose for Isaac's life. They gave birth to Jacob (and Esau) who was later called ISRAEL, and kept the blood line for JESUS CHRIST.
And to think, all of this came about because an old man (Abraham) sent a servant to his homeland to find his son a wife. The servant found a wife when she just "happened" to come to the well (before the servant had finished asking the LORD for her) to fill her water pot. She (Rebekah) ultimately became the mother of Jacob (later named Israel) who eventually brought the Savior into the World!
Yes, GOD does work in "mysterious" ways! The ways HE works are mysterious to humans, but not to HIM. In Genesis 24:60, Rebekah was prayed for to "be thou the mother of thousands of millions"! GOD blessed her to be the mother of Jacob and Esau, and the rest, as the say, is history.
Don't ever assume that the simple drawing of water from a well is a mediocre thing. GOD used Rebekah in to ultimately bring the Savior into the world. HE has a plan for you! Are you interested in knowing what that plan for you is???
"And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac."
Some have proclaimed that GOD works in "mysterious" ways. I find that GOD works in ways that HE gets glory from. We seem to be interested in how "we" can profit or be increased, when GOD is interested in how HE can be increased!
Abraham was up in years. Sarah had just been buried and Abraham had been blessed "in all things". He sent his most senior servant to "my country" to find a wife for his son Isaac. Abraham desired to have Isaac marry a woman from his faith. The servant prayed to the "Lord GOD of my master Abraham" (v12) that HE show kindness to his master Abraham.
GOD did show kindness to his servant. Rebekah (v16) was "very fair to look upon" and extremely gracious. She agreed to go with the servant and become Isaac's wife.
As we know now, GOD had a purpose for Rebekah's life. GOD had a purpose for Isaac's life. They gave birth to Jacob (and Esau) who was later called ISRAEL, and kept the blood line for JESUS CHRIST.
And to think, all of this came about because an old man (Abraham) sent a servant to his homeland to find his son a wife. The servant found a wife when she just "happened" to come to the well (before the servant had finished asking the LORD for her) to fill her water pot. She (Rebekah) ultimately became the mother of Jacob (later named Israel) who eventually brought the Savior into the World!
Yes, GOD does work in "mysterious" ways! The ways HE works are mysterious to humans, but not to HIM. In Genesis 24:60, Rebekah was prayed for to "be thou the mother of thousands of millions"! GOD blessed her to be the mother of Jacob and Esau, and the rest, as the say, is history.
Don't ever assume that the simple drawing of water from a well is a mediocre thing. GOD used Rebekah in to ultimately bring the Savior into the world. HE has a plan for you! Are you interested in knowing what that plan for you is???
Monday, November 4, 2013
"You ARE a Soul"!
Acts 7:54-60 (KJV)
"54 When they heard these things, they were CUT TO THE HEART; and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus STANDING on the right hand of God,
56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.
59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."
C.S. Lewis "You don't have a Soul! You ARE a Soul. You HAVE a body"!
Stephen was a MAN! He was brutally murdered for his refusing to follow the "establishments" idea of worship. When Stephen got through sharing scripture with the religious leaders, rage caused them to stone him. GOD'S Word does that!
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." The religious hierarchy of the day could not stand to hear how they were not royalty. So they stoned Stephen to "make their problem" go away. But just as GOD "hardened" Pharaoh's heart in Exodus 14:4, GOD was, and is, observing everything they did.
Stephen was stoned by those who were thought to be the "RULING CLASS" amongst the Jews. The man who held their garments was named "Saul". Saul was transformed into Paul and became a Warrior for The Kingdom! GOD uses what we see as bad to work for HIS good! (Romans 8:28)
In Acts 7:55, scripture records that JESUS was STANDING watching them stone Stephen. I wonder if JESUS ever stands for me? Or am I so much like the world that HE even notices the difference?????
"54 When they heard these things, they were CUT TO THE HEART; and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus STANDING on the right hand of God,
56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.
59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."
C.S. Lewis "You don't have a Soul! You ARE a Soul. You HAVE a body"!
Stephen was a MAN! He was brutally murdered for his refusing to follow the "establishments" idea of worship. When Stephen got through sharing scripture with the religious leaders, rage caused them to stone him. GOD'S Word does that!
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." The religious hierarchy of the day could not stand to hear how they were not royalty. So they stoned Stephen to "make their problem" go away. But just as GOD "hardened" Pharaoh's heart in Exodus 14:4, GOD was, and is, observing everything they did.
Stephen was stoned by those who were thought to be the "RULING CLASS" amongst the Jews. The man who held their garments was named "Saul". Saul was transformed into Paul and became a Warrior for The Kingdom! GOD uses what we see as bad to work for HIS good! (Romans 8:28)
In Acts 7:55, scripture records that JESUS was STANDING watching them stone Stephen. I wonder if JESUS ever stands for me? Or am I so much like the world that HE even notices the difference?????
Sunday, November 3, 2013
"THE ONLY WAY!"
Mark 15:6-11 (KJV)
"6 Now at that feast he (Pilate) released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.
7 And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
9 But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
10 FOR HE (Pilate) KNEW THAT THE CHIEF PRIESTS HAD DELIVERED HIM (JESUS) FOR ENVY.
11 But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them."
An indescribable feeling of guilt and shame comes over me when I read about the betrayal of JESUS. I wasn't even thought of for 2000 years later, yet my Soul benefitted from HIS SACRIFICE!
Scripture states in Mark 15:10 that Pilate knew that the chief priests had "Delivered" JESUS for envy, or ill will. So who gets the blame for the death of JESUS? Why did a person who had healed so many and brought "LIFE" to countless others, need to be killed? Was JESUS that big a threat to mankind?
JESUS came to heal the sick, and change peoples lives, but HIS purpose was to provide a means of REDEMPTION for all of mankind. Peter tried in the Garden of Gethsemane to intervene for HIM, but Peter would have prohibited MY only hope of salvation, had he succeeded.
Yes, it was, and is, me that hung JESUS on Calvary. HE would have still came and suffered the agony of Calvary had I been the only one who benefitted. The good news is, JESUS came for ALL! All you have to do is slow your life down enough and realize that this world is only temporary. JESUS is the ONLY way to reach the permanent status!
"6 Now at that feast he (Pilate) released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.
7 And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
9 But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
10 FOR HE (Pilate) KNEW THAT THE CHIEF PRIESTS HAD DELIVERED HIM (JESUS) FOR ENVY.
11 But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them."
An indescribable feeling of guilt and shame comes over me when I read about the betrayal of JESUS. I wasn't even thought of for 2000 years later, yet my Soul benefitted from HIS SACRIFICE!
Scripture states in Mark 15:10 that Pilate knew that the chief priests had "Delivered" JESUS for envy, or ill will. So who gets the blame for the death of JESUS? Why did a person who had healed so many and brought "LIFE" to countless others, need to be killed? Was JESUS that big a threat to mankind?
JESUS came to heal the sick, and change peoples lives, but HIS purpose was to provide a means of REDEMPTION for all of mankind. Peter tried in the Garden of Gethsemane to intervene for HIM, but Peter would have prohibited MY only hope of salvation, had he succeeded.
Yes, it was, and is, me that hung JESUS on Calvary. HE would have still came and suffered the agony of Calvary had I been the only one who benefitted. The good news is, JESUS came for ALL! All you have to do is slow your life down enough and realize that this world is only temporary. JESUS is the ONLY way to reach the permanent status!
Saturday, November 2, 2013
"SPIRITUAL SURGERY!"
Matthew 13:15-16 (KJV)
"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"
The word "PRISM" has been on my heart for a few weeks now. A "PRISM" determines how we SEE objects we are looking at. When the true object is "REVEALED" to us, we see objects as they truly are. Our "EYES" do not change, only the "PRISM" we are looking through.
Most of us have our own "EYES" to be able to see. I now am required to have "readers" to read writings in smaller print. The "readers" do not change what I am seeing, they only change the way I "SEE" things. Others have surgery to correct their vision so they can "SEE" things correctly.
Our "Spiritual Eyes" work in similar fashion. We can see more "TRUTH" when The Holy Spirit does spiritual surgery, to "REVEAL" things to us. Although our desire may be to be shown a LOT more at a certain time, GOD knows how much we need to be exposed to for optimum growth.....for HIS GLORY!
Jeremiah 29:13 says "And ye shall seek ME, and find ME, when ye shall search for ME (GOD) WITH ALL YOUR HEART." To think we know better than GOD how much needs to be revealed to us, is an attempt to make ourselves like HIM. For me, it is discomforting to know that others may be seeking and finding HIM more, because they are willing to give HIM more of their heart.
LORD, my desire is to be able to "SEE" the will of GOD more clearly and concisely, and when things are "REVEALED" to me, that I will humbly share with others, so that YOU ARE GLORIFIED!!!
"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"
The word "PRISM" has been on my heart for a few weeks now. A "PRISM" determines how we SEE objects we are looking at. When the true object is "REVEALED" to us, we see objects as they truly are. Our "EYES" do not change, only the "PRISM" we are looking through.
Most of us have our own "EYES" to be able to see. I now am required to have "readers" to read writings in smaller print. The "readers" do not change what I am seeing, they only change the way I "SEE" things. Others have surgery to correct their vision so they can "SEE" things correctly.
Our "Spiritual Eyes" work in similar fashion. We can see more "TRUTH" when The Holy Spirit does spiritual surgery, to "REVEAL" things to us. Although our desire may be to be shown a LOT more at a certain time, GOD knows how much we need to be exposed to for optimum growth.....for HIS GLORY!
Jeremiah 29:13 says "And ye shall seek ME, and find ME, when ye shall search for ME (GOD) WITH ALL YOUR HEART." To think we know better than GOD how much needs to be revealed to us, is an attempt to make ourselves like HIM. For me, it is discomforting to know that others may be seeking and finding HIM more, because they are willing to give HIM more of their heart.
LORD, my desire is to be able to "SEE" the will of GOD more clearly and concisely, and when things are "REVEALED" to me, that I will humbly share with others, so that YOU ARE GLORIFIED!!!
Friday, November 1, 2013
"REGENERATION"
Job 27:2-4 (KJV)
"2 As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath "vexed" my soul;
3 All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils;
4 My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit."
Have you ever has one of those times when your Spirit feels troubled, or "vexed", and you can't grasp what it is The LORD is trying to tell you? Job realized the "Spirit of GOD" was in his nostrils and he was only a tabernacle for that Spirit.
I used to smoke little cigars, only 1 or 2 of them at night. My doctor even knew and told me that as long as I wasn't smoking any more than that, it probably wasn't hurting me. After the brain hemorrhage in 2007, I figured after I had gone 52 days in a hospital, I didn't need the cigars any longer. Why take a chance?
Whether smoking is a sin or not is not something I care to debate. JESUS said in Matthew 15:10-11 "Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." The words that come out of my body is of more significance to me than the victuals I chose to eat. A kind, thoughtful, compassionate, FAT man is more desirable than a slim, trim, uncaring, egotistical person.
The tongue, lips, mouth, tend to be a manifestation of The SPIRIT inside of me. If I eat too much food, I can DIET and correct the weight gain. If I say words that are untrue, hurtful, or slanderous, the hurt can be crippling and long lasting.
FATHER IN HEAVEN, remind me that I only dwell in this tabernacle for a brief time. YOUR SPIRIT now lives in me and my actions should "REFLECT YOU" as I serve here on earth!
"2 As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath "vexed" my soul;
3 All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils;
4 My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit."
Have you ever has one of those times when your Spirit feels troubled, or "vexed", and you can't grasp what it is The LORD is trying to tell you? Job realized the "Spirit of GOD" was in his nostrils and he was only a tabernacle for that Spirit.
I used to smoke little cigars, only 1 or 2 of them at night. My doctor even knew and told me that as long as I wasn't smoking any more than that, it probably wasn't hurting me. After the brain hemorrhage in 2007, I figured after I had gone 52 days in a hospital, I didn't need the cigars any longer. Why take a chance?
Whether smoking is a sin or not is not something I care to debate. JESUS said in Matthew 15:10-11 "Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." The words that come out of my body is of more significance to me than the victuals I chose to eat. A kind, thoughtful, compassionate, FAT man is more desirable than a slim, trim, uncaring, egotistical person.
The tongue, lips, mouth, tend to be a manifestation of The SPIRIT inside of me. If I eat too much food, I can DIET and correct the weight gain. If I say words that are untrue, hurtful, or slanderous, the hurt can be crippling and long lasting.
FATHER IN HEAVEN, remind me that I only dwell in this tabernacle for a brief time. YOUR SPIRIT now lives in me and my actions should "REFLECT YOU" as I serve here on earth!
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