"THEIR HEART???"

Mark 7:1-7                (1599 Geneva Bible)
"1 Then gathered unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the Scribes which came from Jerusalem.
2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat meat with common hands, (that is to say, unwashen) they complained.
3 (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the traditions of the Elders.
4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not: and many other things there be, which they have taken upon them to observe, as the washing of cups, and pots, and of brazen vessels, and of beds.)
5 Then asked him the Pharisees and Scribes, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the Elders, but eat meat with unwashen hands?
6 Then he answered and said unto them, Surely Isaiah hath prophesied well of you, hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoreth me with lips, but THEIR HEART is far away from me.
7 But they worship me in vain, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."


Over the last few weeks GOD has been dealing with me about being judgemental, against my brothers and sisters in Christ, AND against people who are not believers.  JESUS was pointing out, rather abruptly, to the Scribes and Pharisees that they were MAJORING on the MINOR things in life, and the condition of their hearts was going unchanged.

Washing hands before eating was one of the pet peeves of the "righteous" in New Testament times. JESUS pointed out that their hands may have been clean, but "THEIR HEART" was far from HIM!  I want to make sure that my heart is focused on HIM and HIS Glory.   I don't want my focus to be clouded with other peoples faults!

One of the enemies favorite and most effective weapons is getting, and keeping, us so busy with small details that we don't take time to spend with our CREATOR!  We criticize others for their faults, and we don't have time to recognize our own faults.  We find it far more enjoyable to talk about someone else's wrongdoings than to expose our own shortcomings.

JESUS was the only ONE with no sin!  Don't admire others too much because they will ultimately fail you.  It's not that their bad, but they are human!  I am human too!  I may one day disappoint some because of my actions, or inaction.  "For there is no difference: for all have sinned, and are deprived of the glory of God" says Romans 3:23!  I am blessed to be able to claim the blood of JESUS for my depravity.  I pray that you can too!

"TOUGH DAYS!"

Ecclesiastes 7:15    (1599 Geneva Bible)

“Behold the work of God; for who can make straight that which he hath made crooked?”

  

BEHOLD means to “give regard to”!  So we have to accept that GOD’s WAY is the best way, no matter if it is crooked or straight!  Trying to change things that GOD has ordained in your life is like telling him that HE doesn’t know what is best for you! 

Don’t be sorry that GOD is allowing you to go through tough times!  HE usually entrusts HIS strongest SAINTS to the toughest battles!!

"BUT GOD!"

Exodus 14:1-5              (ESV)
"1 Then the LORD said to Moses,
2 "Tell the people of Israel to turn back and encamp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, in front of Baal-zephon; you shall encamp facing it, by the sea.
3 For Pharaoh will say of the people of Israel, 'They are wandering in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.'
4 And I will HARDEN PHARAOH'S HEART, and he will pursue them, and I WILL GET GLORY OVER PHARAOH AND ALL OF HIS HOST, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD." And they did so."


.......FRUSTRATION!!!......... At times, I get very irritated over the "wise and prudent" (Matthew 11:25) attempts to do things to "solve" a problem.  A Promise Keeper speaker, when addressing race relations, used to say "We don't have a skin (color) problem, We have a SIN problem"!  Society tends to attempt to cure the symptoms, without addressing the disease which are causing the symptoms!

In Exodus 13:15 scripture indicates that Pharaoh's heart was hardened against letting the Israeli people go.  Now the Egyptians of the time of "The Exodus" were the mightiest nation known to man.  They had all of the resources one could have hoped to attain.  BUT GOD!!!!  GOD instituted the PASSOVER, where the Angel of Death claimed the life of every first born male, even animals, of every house that DID NOT have "blood on the lintel and on the two door posts" (Exodus 12:23).  When Pharaoh saw the power of JEHOVAH GOD (YHWH) he ordered the Israelites to leave Egypt.

GOD then ordained that the Children of Israel appear to be "wandering" by the Red Sea.  GOD "hardened" Pharaoh's heart!  Pharaoh was mourning the loss of his son!  BUT GOD!!!  GOD caused Pharaoh to chase after the Israelis, and then GOD killed Pharaoh and the Egyptian army, so much so that "not one of them remained"!

Why do we try to change things ourselves?  We have a GOD who has proven to us so many times what HE can do.  We too are forgetting how GOD has worked in the past, not only in scripture, but in our very lives.  We can (and should) pray to Almighty GOD, and TRUST HIM to supply our every need (Philippians 4:19).  Just as GOD hardened Pharaoh's heart and GOD was able to get glory over Pharaoh and all of his host, GOD is able to deliver us from our bondage and solve our problems!  We have to TRUST in HIM!

"THE BRITISH ARE COMING!"

Luke 17:26-37               (ESV)
"26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man.
27 They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.
28 Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot-they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building,
29 but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all-
30 so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed.
31 On that day, let the one who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away, and likewise let the one who is in the field not turn back.
32 Remember Lot's wife.
33 Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.
34 I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed. One will be taken and the other left.
35 There will be two women grinding together. One will be taken and the other left."
36
37 And they said to him, "Where, Lord?" He said to them, "Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather."


On April 18, 1775 Paul Revere sat out on his ride to alert the colonials that the British Army was advancing.  Everyone is aware that the Revolutionary War followed and the United States won its liberty.  The "people listened" to the warning that "THE BRITISH ARE COMING" and in 1776 the United States of America declared its freedom.  In 1783, the Treaty of Paris ended the war and recognized the sovereignty of the United States.

In the scripture above, JESUS foretold that mankind would ignore all warnings of the END TIMES.  HE said there would be "eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building", ON THAT DAY!  Everybody was so consumed with themselves that they did not see destruction coming.  Verse 29 of Luke 27 tells that the inhabitants of Sodom were consumed as "fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all"!

"Just as it was in the days of Noah" said JESUS!  Most people seem to think it is all about how much money is in their account, or how many titles they can accumulate, or some other worldly measuring stick.  But the results are as is written in 1 Corinthians 3:12-13 "Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw- each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be REVEALED BY FIRE, and the FIRE will TEST what sort of work each one has done."

The colonials adhered the warning from Paul Revere that "THE BRITISH ARE COMING" and won their freedom.  The HOLY BIBLE, GOD'S WORD, is filled with warnings for mankind.  I pray that I am not so caught up with making a dollar, or earning a title, or any other "WOOD, HAY, and STUBBLE" activity that I am not prepared for HIS return.

"ALERT, ALERT!!!"

Ephesians 6:10-13          (1599 Geneva Bible)
"10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the assaults of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, and against the worldly governors, the princes of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness, which are in the high places.
13 For this cause take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to resist in the evil day, and having finished all things, stand fast."


Recently in the local newspaper, a man wrote a Letter to the Editor.  I have posted some of it below:::

"He (President George Washington) believed that without the Bible as the foundation for popular gov-ernment, our Constitution would be useless.What the abortion debate boils down to is whether or not a person believes that the Bible is God’s Word or not. If you believe the Bible is always true, then abortion is always wrong! If you do not believe that the Bible is true, then anything goes—murder, theft, hatred, homosexuality, etc. Do not confuse the issue. The debate is not over abor-tion—it is over the Bible."

GOD can use even a donkey to speak to mankind, as HE did Balaam in Numbers 22:27-31!  In verse 31, (And the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with his sword drawn in his hand: then he bowed himself, and fell flat on his face.) Balaam had "HIS EYES OPENED" to see The LORD revealed to him.

GOD reveals HIMSELF in a myriad of different ways.  Sometimes our "EYES" are NOT opened to see HIM.  The Apostle Paul was blinded (Acts 9) on the road to Damascus.  When Paul regained his physical eyesight through the obedience of Ananias, he could also see spiritually!  Ananias is seldom heard from again in the bible. He was obedient to GOD and many lives have been changed because of writing from the Apostle Paul.

Like Ananias, the writer of the above Letter to the Editor may not ever be heard from again. But his writings may have an impact on another Apostle Paul.  Paul said "flesh and blood" is not who the struggle is with.  The struggle is with EVIL!   Paul says we can "RESIST" in evil day is to have the WHOLE ARMOUR of GOD!

We have been ALERTED!  We need to put on the "WHOLE ARMOUR of GOD"!  We need more than people who go to church on Sunday mornings. We need more than people who play on a church softball team.  We need more than people who go to church to serve as a deacon, or on a committee.  We need redeemed souls that have a burning desire to help save lost souls from an eternity with no hope!  We need to apply the "WHOLE ARMOUR of GOD"!

"THOUGHT LIFE!"

Matthew 12:33-37            (1599 Geneva Bible)
"33 Either make the TREE GOOD, and his FRUIT GOOD: or else make the TREE EVIL, and his FRUIT EVIL: for the TREE is known by the FRUIT.
34 O generations of vipers, how can you SPEAK GOOD THINGS, when ye are EVIL? For of the ABUNDANCE OF THE HEART THE MOUTH SPEAKETH.
35 A good man out of the GOOD TREASURE of his HEART bringeth forth GOOD THINGS: and an EVIL MAN out of an EVIL TREASURE, bringeth forth EVIL THINGS.
36 But I say unto you, that of EVERY IDLE WORD that MEN shall SPEAK, they shall give ACCOUNT thereof at the day of JUDGEMENT.
37 For by thy WORDS THOU shalt be JUSTIFIED, and by THY WORDS thou shalt be CONDEMNED."

Proverbs 18:20-21  (1599 Geneva Bible)
"20 With the FRUIT OF A MAN'S MOUTH  shall his belly be satisfied, and with the INCREASE OF HIS LIPS shall he be filled.
21 DEATH and LIFE are in the POWER of the TONGUE, and they that LOVE it, shall eat the FRUIT thereof."


Let me start out by saying I am not one of the "name it, claim it" people.  Scripture is full of instances where AVID believers of GOD suffered hardship for HIS glory  (Job, King David, Shadrach, Meshac, Abednego, Apostle Paul, etc....).  I was reading one commentary and this is what it offered on Matthew 12:34:

"Out of the abundance (περισσευματος, the OVERFLOWINGS) of the heart - Wicked words and sinful actions may be considered as the overflowings of a heart that is more than full of the spirit of wickedness; and holy words and righteous deeds may be considered as the overflowings of a heart that is filled with the Holy Spirit, and running over with love to God and man."

From my experience it seems the more I dwell on the "GOOD" in life, the more "GOOD" I experience.  The more I focus on the "BAD" things I experience, the more tough times I have to endure.  The above scriptures are telling us "that whatsoever we sew, that also shall we reap" (Galatians 6:7-8).  If we sew hate and discontent, we will reap the same.  If we sew blessings and joy, likewise will follow.  I remember growing up, my grandfather used to wake up at 4:30 or 5:00am and go to his garden and start "weeding".  The grass was unwanted in the crops, as left unkept, it would overrun the crop intended for good.  Likewise, we must continually clean our lives of the "weeds" in our lives that bring about defeatist attitudes and problematic issues.

Our THOUGHTS are the seeds we can cultivate into fruit.  The fruit we harvest must have been planted and cultivated from a seedling.  Be careful what you allow into your "THOUGHT LIFE", as your thoughts may blossom into actions!

I leave you today with a scripture I try to implement in my life DAILY!  Philippians 4:8 says "Furthermore, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are worthy love, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, or if there be any praise, THINK ON THESE THINGS!"

It's not "IF", but "WHEN!

1 John 4:5-6                   (ESV)
"5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.
6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error."


It is sometimes awfully frustrating to see people who "are from the world" who are well educated try to prove themselves to Believers.  But I am sure it is equally frustrating for people who "are from the world" to see things the way Believers see them.

I am of the belief that "Whoever is not from God does not listen to us" is a testament of the times we are living in.  The ones who THINK they know what is best are convinced they are correct and refuse to listen to any other views.  The "world listens to them" so they believe that they MUST be correct in the worlds assessment.

JESUS was not enamored with titles, nor degrees, nor status.  HE alerted us that the "wise and understanding" would have things "hidden" from them.  (Matthew 11:25-26 "At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;  yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.").  We should not be alarmed when we are exposed to evil for JESUS said "these things must happen" before the END comes.

Yes, evil will have its day, but GOD says in Isaiah 5:20 "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"  JUDGEMENT DAY is coming!  It's not "IF" but "WHEN"!

"YOUR TABERNACLE"

John 11:17-23                     (KJV)
"17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he (Lazarus) had lain in the grave four days already.
18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:
19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again."


Many sermons from many preachers have been brought about Lazarus and his miraculous resurrection.  Everyone sees things through their own perspective though.  My perspective on this passage may be different than others.  Let me explain.

According to John 17:11, Lazarus had been "in the grave four days already"!  Some may say he was just in a "near death" state, but JESUS said in John 11:14 very plainly "Lazarus is dead."  JESUS left no doubt that Lazarus had died. But JESUS knew where life came from!  In John 14:6 JESUS says "I am the way, the truth, AND THE LIFE: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."  If JESUS IS LIFE, HE can determine where HE gets to live!

One of my favorite quotes is "We have a GOD who delights in impossibilities".  This passage only strengthens my belief that our spirits only tabernacle in our bodies, and when our bodies have accomplished everything GOD intends, our spirits go to our final reward. Until "our time" has come, our body will continue to be our tabernacle.

What believers do with our bodies is not just whatever we please.  If we have the Spirit of God living in our bodies, we are obligated to do as HE directs us.  If I want to put illicit drugs, alcohol, or anything else into this body, I should make sure HIS SPIRIT concurs with my desires.  The hardest thing for me to write is, if I want to EAT something that I know will not bring glory to GOD, I have to make sure HIS SPIRIT is okay with that!  This body is HIS TABERNACLE and I should treat it with the respect and dignity I do the sanctuary I meet in at church.

FATHER IN HEAVEN, I pray I will be more attentive to what YOU desire to be accomplished with the tabernacle YOU have blessed me with.  Cause me to seek YOUR WILL in what I allow into YOUR TABERNACLE!

"FAIR DEAL???"

Genesis 27:41-44                 (1599 Geneva Bible)
"41 Therefore Esau hated Jacob, because of the blessing, wherewith his father blessed him. And Esau thought in his mind, The days of mourning for my father will come shortly, then I will slay my brother Jacob.
42 And it was told to Rebekah of the words of Esau her elder son, and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau is comforted against thee, meaning to kill thee:
43 Now therefore my son, hear my voice: arise, and flee thou to Haran to my brother Laban,
44 And tarry with him a while until thy brother’s fierceness be swaged."


"That's not FAIR"!  How many times have we heard that?  Why are some people blessed with great wealth, and others left in poverty?  Why is it that a seemingly perfectly healthy 33 year old woman dies from cancer, and her 46 year old sibling brother survives a brain hemorrhage?  Why do babies die in their early years?  Why does evil appear to win sometimes?  WHY???

I am sure that Esau wanted to have an explanation "WHY" Jacob (later named Israel by GOD) received the blessing of his father (Isaac) that he thought he was to receive?  To the human eye, it certainly seemed unfair that Jacob tricked Isaac into blessing him instead of Esau.  How could GOD bless a nation that was founded on deceit?  Why did GOD allow Jacob to deceive Isaac?  WHY???

Scripture informs us later in Jeremiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD."  GOD knew the heart of Esau and GOD knew the heart of Jacob.  GOD knew what Esau was, would eventually become, and HE knew what Jacob would become.  The heart of Jacob was in tune with the things of GOD, while the heart of Esau was focused on selfish desires.

GOD has a plan.  HE reveals HIS plans to whom HE chooses (Ephesians 1:4-10).  Although it seemed unfair through the worlds eyes for Jacob to receive Isaac's blessing, it seems just as unfair for me to receive grace from JESUS CHRIST!  How is it "FAIR" for the blameless, sinless SON of GOD to die a brutal death on Calvary's cross, just so a wretch, such as I, can enter HIS KINGDOM?  I have a friend who has told me that "If GOD were considered FAIR by man's standards, we would all be going to HELL"!  We should be comforted be the fact that GOD'S immortal definition of a "FAIR DEAL" is not impacted by mans mortal thoughts!

"HIS PLAN!"

Galatians 2:19-20           (ESV)
"19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God.
20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

How many times have I said "I want to do this" or "because I don't want to"?  Or maybe "I don't feel like it"?  Scripture has a way of cutting through all of the fluff and right to the heart of the matter (Hebrews 4:12).  The HOLY BIBLE may be penned by humans, but GOD BREATHED (2 Timothy 3:16), or inspired, HIS WORD to "teach, to convince, to correct, and to instruct in righteousness"!  My plans have to be adjusted frequently to fit "HIS PLAN".

There are times when I have a plan and I want GOD to work the details out.  But GOD is not so much interested in working out my plan, rather using me to accomplish "HIS PLAN" and HIS will for my life.  IF "I have been crucified with Christ", then my earthly desires should be crucified also!

"And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God"!  So everything I do in this life should be CHRIST driven.  Others can live by their lives by their own set of rules, but I choose to obey the rules set by CREATOR!  I pray that I will continually seek GOD's will for my life by reading HIS WORD and finding "HIS PLAN" for my life.

"IMITATORS OF GOD???"

Ephesians 5:1-4             (ESV)
"1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving."


Growing up, I watched The Lone Ranger regularly.  I used to role play myself as the Lone Ranger and leave the role of Tonto to my imagination!   In my mind, I would walk and talk just like the Lone Ranger and would even try to do no wrong, as (as I perceived things) the Lone Ranger NEVER did anything wrong!

For the past SEVERAL days, maybe two weeks, the song written by Geron Davis named "Nothing less than Holiness" has been on my mind.  The part that says "I want to be like JESUS" is my favorite part.  While reading scripture this morning I was caused to stop and ponder the verses listed above.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus that they should be "imitators of God" in their lives.  And that they should "walk in LOVE" just as Christ did for us, and gave HIMSELF for us.  There is no place for sexual sins or self gratification among Believers.  Scripture even says there should "be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking"!  I am not suggesting that believers should carry themselves as "holier than thou" individuals.  Paul was forewarning us that "idle conversation" can easily get out of control, and that is not indicative to "imitating" Christ

I used to "imitate" the Lone Ranger in my younger years.  As I matured, the Lone Ranger became less of a role model for me.  The more I study scripture, the more I can SEE how CHRIST was, HE is, and will be, the ONE we should endeavor to "IMITATE" in our actions and with our lives!

"ELECTED TO SERVE HIM!"

Matthew 13:15-17       (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. 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.

The disciples got to listen to JESUS speak so often.  I have often caught myself wishing I were alive during the time JESUS was here on earth.

But today, we have the Holy Spirit to dwell in our spirit!  Others living today have not been "called" and cannot "see", nor do they "hear",  and sadly they do not "understand" the things of the Spirit World.  

My spirit is humbled, yet grateful, that GOD saw fit, in HIS plan, to "ELECT" me into HIS kingdom to serve HIM!

"I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS!"

Philippians 2:1-2               (KJV)
"1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind."

1 Peter 1:15-16                 (KJV)
"15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."


Once again, I awoke this morning in a Spirit of worshipping HIM.  The two passages entered my mind, along with the song below.   In John 17:23 JESUS tells The FATHER "I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."  

For us to be like JESUS should bring a stark revelation that "the world" will hate us (John 15:18-9).  Regardless of the world's disdain, JESUS commands us to love those who those who hate us (Matthew 5:43-44).  If we trust HIM, HE will strengthen us to be HOLY!

The song that has been on my heart today is "Nothing Less Than Holiness".  I have put the words below so the whole world can see that "I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS"!

I want Nothing less than Holiness
Not my will but thine be done
Let our hearts become as one
Lord I pray You'll see, when you look at me
Nothing Less Than Holiness
(REPEAT ABOVE)

I want to be HOLY, HOLY like you
I want to be HOLY, HOLY like you
Holy Spirit purify me, cleanse and make me new
I want to be HOLY, HOLY like you
(REPEAT ABOVE)

I want Nothing less than Holiness
Not my will but thine be done
Let our hearts become as one
Lord I pray You'll see, when you look at me
Nothing Less Than Holiness

I..........WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS
I......want to be more like HIM
Everyday HE's changing me
Making me what I should be
I want to be more and more and more like HIM!
(REPEAT ABOVE)

Everyday HE's changing me
Making me what I should be
I want to be more and more and more like HIM!

"THE WILL OF GOD!"

Galatians 3:1-5             (1599 Geneva Bible)
"1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should NOT obey the truth, to whom Jesus Christ before was described in your sight, and among you crucified?
2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by the hearing of faith preached?
3 Are ye so foolish, that after ye have begun in the Spirit, ye would now be made perfect by the flesh?
4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if so be it be even in vain.
5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it through the works of the Law, or by the hearing of faith preached."


SOMETIMES running an insurance agency is not real fun.  You get caught up with clients problems (claims, late premiums, policy changes, and on and on) and you lose sight of SELLING!  When I was a babe (22 years ago) in the insurance business, my mentor told me "Insurance is a prospecting business, not a selling business"!  But it is easy to get caught up with the mundane and forget to enjoy the rewarding part of the business.

Paul was inquiring of the Galatian church if they had lost sight of THE TRUTH they professed to believe?  "Who hath bewitched you" was his question to them.  Why would someone who was drowning be rescued from drowning, and then jump right back in a swollen river?  That is exactly what Paul was asking the church at Galatia?  They had trusted "in the Spirit" only to start being led "by the flesh"!

In John 4:24, JESUS says "GOD is a Spirit".  It is easy to return to what "makes sense" to the world and not trust in a SPIRIT.  The Apostle Paul was asking if they had forgotten that "The SPIRIT" had done for them?  Miracles had been performed "among you" and the Galatians were letting those fade from their memory.   Paul was reminding the Galatians where their sustenance came from.

It doesn't hurt, from time to time, to stroll down Memory Lane and revisit from where you have come.  Just as I can still remember what my mentor taught me when I was starting my career, I need to remember how I was "called" into the things everlasting!  The Spirit of GOD guides and directs our lives.  Romans 8:27-28 tells us "But he that searcheth the hearts, knoweth what is the meaning of the Spirit: for he maketh request for the Saints, ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD.  Also we know that all things work together for the best unto them that love God, even to them that are called of his purpose."

My desire is to walk in "THE WILL OF GOD"!

"I DON'T KNOW WHY????"

Romans 8:29-30             (KJV)
"29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified."

About two years ago I started writing small devotionals on my Facebook wall.  Soon I started putting it on my BLOG, as I can then put the link to the devotional on Twitter.  This morning, this song from my youth is on my mind so strong, I can't think of anything else.

Why and how did I get chosen by the CREATOR of this world to be a part of HIS KINGDOM?    "I DON'T KNOW WHY" is the only thing I can say.  And just as Andre Crouch wrote in the early 1970's, "Oh, but I'm glad, so glad he did"!


Lyrics from Andre Crouch song
I Don't Know Why Jesus Loves Me


I don't know why Jesus loved me
I don't know why He cared
I don't know why He sacrificed His life
Oh, but I'm glad, so glad He did
He left His mighty throne in glory
To bring to us redemption's story
Then He died but He rose again
Just for you and me
Oh, and I'm glad, so glad He did.

Where would I be if Jesus didn't love me?
Where would I be if Jesus didn't care?
Where would I be if He hadn't sacrificed His life
Oh, but I'm glad, so glad He did
I don't know why Jesus loved me
I don't know why He cared
I don't know why He sacrificed His life
Oh, but I'm glad, so glad He did

"True PEACE"

John 14:25-27           (KJV)
"25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.


Many times I have referred back to an interview of Richard Pryor in the 1990's where he was asked since he had everything, what would he like to ADD to his life.  His reply is one that had remained etched in my memory since.  He said "PEACE.....I would give anything for peace"!!

We become so caught up with being a success at our jobs, raising a family, paying the mortgage, staying physically fit, and on and on.  But is there true PEACE in any of what the world offers?  How many people try to buy PEACE with a new car, a new house, a new job.  But true PEACE only comes from GOD through the Holy Spirit in the name of JESUS CHRIST.  HE brings wisdom and guidance as HE guides us in the paths we need to go.

Again, I am reminded of my younger days when my grandfather had a horse we used to ride.   The horse would go wherever his rider led him with the bridles and reins.  I need to be more like that horse.   I need to go wherever I am led by the Holy Spirit in my life.  True PEACE comes from knowing you are right where GOD wants you to be at that time.

The world can't understand what living in the Spirit is.   They can try, but scripture says in John 14:17 "Even the Spirit of truth; whom THE WORLD CANNOT receive, because it seeth HIM NOT, neither KNOWETH HIM: but ye know HIM; for HE dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."  

True PEACE can only come from the Holy Spirit living inside of our lives, and knowing that our LORD and SAVIOUR is one day returning!

"ECHO SYNDROME"

Jeremiah 5:20-25         (KJV)
"20 Declare this in the house of Jacob, and publish it in Judah, saying,
21 Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; WHICH HAVE EYES, AND SEE NOT; WHICH HAVE EARS, AND HEAR NOT.
22 Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?
23 But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone.
24 Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.
25 Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you."


I often write about one of my "puppies", an almost five year old mix breed named ROME.  But very seldom have I mentioned "ECHO", our other "puppy", an Australian Shepherd mix breed who is hard of seeing and hard of hearing.  We did not know for sure he was hearing and seeing challenged for about the first six months we had him.  While at a veterinarian visit one day, the Doctor said that many predominantly white Australian Shepherds are euthanized because of their seeing and hearing difficulties.  But ECHO is as loving a pet as you could ask for.

The "house of Jacob" was suffering with the "ECHO SYNDROME"!  They had rejected the voice of GOD for so long, that they no longer heard HIM.  They had turned their eyes upon their own accomplishments so frequently, that they no were able to see GOD intervening on their behalf.

The United States of America was founded by fallible, yet humble men, who knew that GOD ALMIGHTY would bless them if they blessed HIM.  Regrettably, our nation has tuned GOD out, for the most part, in recent years.  Just as the "house of Jacob" did, we have rejected the voice of GOD, so much that we cannot hear HIM any longer.  We have begun to rely on our accomplishments so much, that we can't see GOD sustaining us, even in our heathen ways!

The problem with the USA begins with me.  I don't do a lot of things that most people consider to be sinful.  But I don't do some things that real warriors of faith in history have done effectively.  I don't PRAY as much as I should.  I don't minister to others as much as I should. I don't display other traits of CHRIST often enough in my life.  I live my life so fast at times that I fail to have time to listen for GOD'S direction, or hear HIS gentle voice!

Sometimes I have to slow down and remind myself that except for the grace of GOD, I would be one of those with the "ECHO SYNDROME"!  The enemy loves to make us so busy, even doing good things, that we don't have time to "hear" and "see"!  I need to LISTEN for GOD'S direction and SEE what HE has blessed me with.

"Leaven of the Pharisees "

Luke 12:1-3              (ESV)
"1 In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
2 Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.
3 Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops."


It is remarkable how the perception of people can change within a short period of time.  About 100 years ago, the United States became involved in World War I.  GOD blessed and good prevailed.  The United States workers understood sacrifice and commitment and GOD rewarded their submission to HIM.

But the disease JESUS spoke of known as The "Leaven of the Pharisees" has spread to the United States, and across the world!  JESUS warned that NOTHING that done in secrecy will be hidden, and the secrets that are "whispered in private" will be "proclaimed on the housetops"!

Sin cannot fellowship with HOLINESS.  One day, personal desires, political advancement and arrogance will be exposed, and judgement will be distributed by The CREATOR.  The Bible says "ALL have sinned" in Romans 3:23, but it also says in Ephesians 1:7 that "WE  have redemption through HIS blood".  For those who are relying on their works, the light will expose their true intent.  Unless you are covered by HIS blood in this life your outcome will not be good.

The "Leaven of the Pharisees" is a disease that rears it's ugly head in many cultures.  You have to know the warning signs to be able to apply the only available antidote.  John 3:17-18 states "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be SAVED through him. Whoever believes in HIM is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the ONLY SON of GOD".  Yes, the "Leaven of the Pharisees" has a cure.  And the cure is The ONLY SON of GOD!!

"A PROMISE YOU CAN BANK ON! "

2 Peter 3:8-10 KJV
"But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up."

 When I was growing up, my grandfather would tell me "Boy, do I have to tell you everything"?  It would make me feel like I didn't know anything!  I am quite sure that was the intent of his statement.

The Apostle Peter may not have been trying to make his "beloved" feel like they didn't know anything.  He may have been trying to get across to his "beloved" that Judgement Day was coming!  It wasn't a matter of "IF", but it was "WHEN"!

GOD is not a mean spirited Being.  HE is waiting patiently for the last person to profess Christ as their personal Savior, and then HE will regrettably have to say "Son, go bring MY children Home"!  Those who remain will be "wailing and gnashing of teeth, but no relief will be forthcoming.  "In which the  heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat" is not a fable!  Neither is "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise".  One of these days, The LORD will come back.  That is A PROMISE YOU CAN BANK ON!

"SEEK HIS KINGDOM!"

Luke 12:22-31               (ESV)
"22 And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on.
23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.
24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet GOD feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!
25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?
27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
28 But if GOD so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!
29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried.
30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.
31 Instead, SEEK HIS KINGDOM, and these things will be added to you."


GOD has been in recent days dealing with me about being "ANXIOUS".  No one wants to admit anxiety.  We all seem to want to give the appearance of being in control and have everything going our way.  But is that really the case?

It seems I have always been "high strung", to put it plainly.  I have always been one to want to see how much I could do toward whatever goal I was working toward.  While playing softball, I would not sleep well after a loss, trying to figure out what I could have done to be better in the field.  When I started selling insurance, I would not sleep well after not closing a sale, trying to figure out how I could have been more successful in the sales process.  I have always sought "after these things", as JESUS said in verse 30.

There is a huge difference in wanting to improve yourself and punishing yourself for not being good enough.  The enemy, who is the master of deceit, can disguise greed as self improvement.   The enemy will cause us to journey as far down "self improvement" road that we lose sight of our "PRIZE" (Philippians 3:14).

But JESUS tells us over and over in scripture that our focus should NOT be on the things of this world.  In Matthew 6:19-24 JESUS tells us to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven".  I have yet to find where JESUS instructed anyone to have a big bank account or a mansion on an estate. GOD is most interested in our hearts and who we serve.  When we "SEEK HIS KINGDOM", HE is ready make sure "these things will be added to you."  HIS words, not mine!

"WHAT DO YOU FOCUS ON?"

Isaiah 12:4-5              (KJV)
"4 And you will say in that day: "Give thanks to the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.
5 "Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth."

In my past I was, and still have to fight the desire, to be quite negative in my thoughts and thinking.  I have always used as an excuse "I am just trying to be prepared"!  But prepared for what???  Prepared for disaster?  Prepared for calamity?  Why, in my mindset, do I prepare for the "bad" times, yet celebrate the "good" times IF they come along?  I have found the "good" times are a lot more enjoyable than the "bad" times.

The passage above (Isaiah 12:4-5) was my "Scripture for Today" on my Bible Application for today.  While meditating this scripture, my thoughts started pondering the words "make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth."  It is hard to prepare BAD when you are exalting the name of The LORD!

GOD will give you grace to deal with the "bad" when it comes.  But in Philippians 4:8 GOD reminds us "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 will focus on what "HE HAS DONE GLORIOUSLY", and trust HIM for the grace to handle the rough times.

"REASONABLENESS???"

Philippians 4:4-7            (ESV)
"4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Do you find it interesting that you sometimes read over verses that are surrounded by familiar, well known verses. I have always heard Philippians 4:4 quoted and Philippians 4:6-7 was the focal passage on the bible application on my phone recently. But I was stopped when reading Philippians 4:5. "Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand" would not let me go!

The King James Version says it this way "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand." I began to research the verse a bit.  I found this account on the internet I thought worth sharing.  "The consideration of our Master’s approach, and our final account, should keep us from smiting our fellow-servants, support us under present sufferings, and moderate our affections to outward good. "He will take vengeance on your enemies, and reward your patience.’’

If JESUS CHRIST' spirit lives in me, I should fid it difficult to display anything but "reasonableness" or "moderation".  When I think of how many times I have been UNREASONABLE though, shame and guilt begin to creep into my life.  But Romans 7:24-25 is always there for me saying "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?  Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin."

I pray I allow the Spirit of JESUS CHRIST to have preeminence in my behavior and that I let HIM be known to everyone.

"MASTER CHEF!"

Philippians 4:6-7             (ESV)
"6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

My wife is one of the best cooks I have had the privilege of knowing about.  She has, over the years, gained knowledge and experience from several less than perfect kitchen creations.  These experiences tell her when she needs to add a little more of an ingredient, or bake something a few more minutes, or turn the heat up or down.

One of my favorite things she makes is birthday cakes.  The cake is always so moist and the icing is fantastic.  I am not sure what all of the ingredients are, but she knows if it needs a little more of this or that to make it taste just right when "it comes out of the oven"!

Many times in life I have been going through "purifying fires"and I begin to cry and beg GOD to be pulled out of the oven to get some relief from the heat.  I am so caught up in the current situation that I can't fathom I am being prepared by the "MASTER CHEF" according to HIS recipe.

The Apostle Paul warns us not to "be anxious" about things, rather to humbly pray to GOD ALMIGHTY and HE will protect our hearts and minds in CHRIST JESUS.  Our struggle is not with "flesh and blood" (Ephesians 6:12), but against the enemy and his demons who constantly assail us.  The Spirit of JESUS CHRIST lives in each believer.  We should not be anxious about anything.

Just as I know things will turn out fine when my wife is baking, I should know that GOD ALMIGHTY has everything under control!  When the "MASTER CHEF" determines HIS handiwork is complete, HE will take me out of HIS oven and declare me "well done"!

"STUDY TO BE QUIET'"

"STUDY TO BE QUIET!"

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12  KJV
"And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing."

At times in my past, I have not been the most easy person to miss when you walked into a room.  To say I was a little LOUD would be a mild understatement!

When the Apostle Paul wrote this passage in the first century, I am sure he did not know that I would be coming around two thousand years or so later!  But GOD did!  And in 2 Timothy 3:16 Paul wrote "All scripture is given by inspiration of God!"

Yes, GOD knew that I would need to see "Study to be quiet"!  I need to do my own business and work with my own hands also.  I need to be about the Father's call on my life and leave the details up to HIM.  THEN I will be able to minister to those HE sends my way.

It is so frustrating to see a need and not have means to fulfill the need. It has been awhile since I had to "STUDY" for school.  But I remember having to focus on the task at hand. To "STUDY" to be quiet may take a little effort. A person may not need a sermon near as much as they need a hand getting "out of the ditch"!  The Holy Spirit can minister.  All I need to do is make sure I am obedient when someone is sent my way!

FATHER, help me "STUDY TO BE QUIET" and to allow YOUR SPIRIT do the ministering!