Mark 3:6-12 (1599 Geneva Bible)
"6 And the Pharisees departed, and straightway gathered a council with the Herodians against HIM, that they might destroy HIM.
7 But JESUS avoided with HIS disciples to the sea: and a great multitude followed HIM from Galilee, and from Judea,
8 And from Jerusalem, and from Idumea, and beyond Jordan: and they that dwelled about Tyre and Sidon, when they had heard what great things HE did, came unto HIM in GREAT number.
9 And HE commanded HIS disciples, that a little ship should wait for HIM, because of the multitude, lest they should throng HIM.
10 For HE had healed many, insomuch that they pressed upon HIM to touch him, as many as had plagues.
11 And when the unclean spirits saw HIM, THEY FELL DOWN BEFORE HIM, and cried, saying, THOU ART THE SON OF GOD.
12 And HE sharply rebuked them, to the end they should not utter HIM."
My maternal grandfather had a tremendous impact on my life. My parents divorced when I was four years old and my father had no input in my upbringing. "Grandpa" had a plethora of sayings he would use. One of those was "if it ain't one thing, it's another!" Although JESUS was GOD INCARNATE, I am sure HE had similar feelings when dealing with us humans.
JESUS had just dispatched with the Pharisees who were upset that JESUS was healing on the Sabbath. Now, the Herodians "held positions of authority and power over the people" were trying to "destroy" HIM. "If it ain't one thing, it's another!". But JESUS was no ordinary human. HE was fully aware that there was a plot to destroy HIM, so HE "avoided" with HIS disciples to the sea. If they (scribes, Pharisees, Herodians and others) had only known that the reason JESUS came to earth was to sacrifice HIS life so that we might have life, their plotting and scheming would have been less dramatic.
Even the "unclean" spirits recognized, and feared, the SON OF GOD"! They "fell down before HIM" and cried out "THOU ART THE SON OF GOD"! It wasn't as if the unclean spirits tried to resist and overcome JESUS. The Bible says they "fell down before HIM"!! They were no match for JESUS and recognized that immediately. Our natural beings have a inclination to under emphasize the supernatural. It maybe because most people are uneducated of the supernatural, and we find it easier to claim heresy than to accept something of which we have no understanding of?
But one thing is clear, the unclean spirits recognized, and feared, the SON OF GOD! Why then do I not recognize and fear HIS presence and power more in my life? Romans 8:31 says "If GOD be for us, who can be against us"? GOD gains glory from my life through me being molded into a vessel that honors HIM and glorifies HIM. I pray I exhibit the "SUPERNATURAL" in my life for HIS GLORY!
Monday, March 31, 2014
Saturday, March 29, 2014
"The PRISM of HONORING HIM!"
Exodus 14:1-4 (1599 Geneva Bible)
"1 Then the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
2 Speak to the children of Israel, that they return and camp before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the Sea, over against Baal Zephon: about it shall ye camp by the Sea.
3 For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are tangled in the land: the wilderness hath shut them in.
4 And I WILL HARDEN PHARAOH'S HEART that he shall follow after you: so I will get ME HONOR upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host: the Egyptians also SHALL KNOW that I am the Lord: and they did so."
Writing often about the "PRISM" in which we view things, it goes without saying that my thoughts and meditations are on this subject frequently. One may be convinced they are correct regarding an issue, and find out later in life they were mistaken.
There have been times I could have "REAPED" rewards that could have proven to be far "better" than I experienced. At the same time, there have been even more instances where I could have "REAPED" rewards from seeds sown by me where the seed did NOT produce fruit!
The "PATH OF LIFE" each one journeys is not taken by chance. Everyone is familiar with Pharaoh having his heart hardened and chasing after the Israelites! One would not think the children of Israel were looking through the "PRISM" of a miracle was about to occur on their behalf. I would have been saying "GOD, why did you bring us out of Egypt only to he killed by Pharaoh in the dessert?" as the children of Israel said in Exodus 14:11-12. Pharaoh must have been thinking the Egyptian army was invincible and the children of Israel were not match for them.
We all know the way this played out, "I (GOD) will get ME HONOR upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host". Because of the certain doom and peril presented to the children of Israel, GOD was able to "show up and show out" at the Red Sea! GOD could have caused Pharaoh not to wake up that morning, but GOD got HONOR out of Pharaoh 'and all his host' dying in the Red Sea.
The children of Israel had many battles in front of them, but GOD provided for them in their need. Just as HE had provided at the first Passover, and just as HE provided for us all at the last Passover, and just as HE provides for our needs today, HE provides our needs.
Many were looking through the "PRISM" of the natural and would have said Moses was leading the children of Israel into a catastrophic situation when he instructed them to "camp by the Sea". But the "PRISM" they were looking through would not have been correct! GOD sees things through HIS VIEW. The way we see things continues to change as we become more like CHRIST. Even though I may have to experience hardships in this life, I want my life to be a testament of "HONORING HIM"!
"1 Then the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
2 Speak to the children of Israel, that they return and camp before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the Sea, over against Baal Zephon: about it shall ye camp by the Sea.
3 For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are tangled in the land: the wilderness hath shut them in.
4 And I WILL HARDEN PHARAOH'S HEART that he shall follow after you: so I will get ME HONOR upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host: the Egyptians also SHALL KNOW that I am the Lord: and they did so."
Writing often about the "PRISM" in which we view things, it goes without saying that my thoughts and meditations are on this subject frequently. One may be convinced they are correct regarding an issue, and find out later in life they were mistaken.
There have been times I could have "REAPED" rewards that could have proven to be far "better" than I experienced. At the same time, there have been even more instances where I could have "REAPED" rewards from seeds sown by me where the seed did NOT produce fruit!
The "PATH OF LIFE" each one journeys is not taken by chance. Everyone is familiar with Pharaoh having his heart hardened and chasing after the Israelites! One would not think the children of Israel were looking through the "PRISM" of a miracle was about to occur on their behalf. I would have been saying "GOD, why did you bring us out of Egypt only to he killed by Pharaoh in the dessert?" as the children of Israel said in Exodus 14:11-12. Pharaoh must have been thinking the Egyptian army was invincible and the children of Israel were not match for them.
We all know the way this played out, "I (GOD) will get ME HONOR upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host". Because of the certain doom and peril presented to the children of Israel, GOD was able to "show up and show out" at the Red Sea! GOD could have caused Pharaoh not to wake up that morning, but GOD got HONOR out of Pharaoh 'and all his host' dying in the Red Sea.
The children of Israel had many battles in front of them, but GOD provided for them in their need. Just as HE had provided at the first Passover, and just as HE provided for us all at the last Passover, and just as HE provides for our needs today, HE provides our needs.
Many were looking through the "PRISM" of the natural and would have said Moses was leading the children of Israel into a catastrophic situation when he instructed them to "camp by the Sea". But the "PRISM" they were looking through would not have been correct! GOD sees things through HIS VIEW. The way we see things continues to change as we become more like CHRIST. Even though I may have to experience hardships in this life, I want my life to be a testament of "HONORING HIM"!
Friday, March 28, 2014
"INTENTS OF THE HEART!"
Proverbs 16:18-20 (1599 Geneva Bible)
"18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an high mind before the fall.
19 Better it is to be of humble mind with the lowly, than to divide the spoils with the proud.
20 He that is wise in his business, shall find good: and he that TRUSTETH in the LORD, he is blessed."
There are many scriptures that people claim are GOD'S PROMISES! Philippians 4:19, John 14:27, Romans 10:9, and Romans 6:23 are just a few of the hundreds of instances where GOD has promised good to rewards HIS people. People need to be reminded of what GOD can do for them IF they follow HIS instruction.
Few of us want to hear the pitfalls of self gratification though. The writer of Proverbs 16 says in verse 2 that "All the ways of a man are clean IN HIS OWN EYES". Most people think they know what is best FOR THEM. I used to think drinking diet soft drinks was good for me. I was drinking less calories, while still enjoying that taste of the beverage I had become accustomed to. I found out, rather painfully, the Aspartame used to sweeten diet drinks was poison FOR MY BODY. Some can drink it, but I cannot. Just because something appears to be good, it may not be.
But the last part of verse 2 says "but the LORD pondereth the spirits". The King James Version puts it like this, "And an haughty Spirit before a fall"! GOD knows our hearts and HE can judge our intents (Hebrews 4:12). The pride of some and the haughty spirit can be hidden from some, but it cannot be hidden from HIM! The true INTENT OF OUR HEARTS is known to GOD, and that should alarm most of us!
It has been reported that President Ronald Reagan was quoted as saying "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'" Sometimes what we say defies what our intentions really are. GOD sees and knows what the INTENTS OF OUR HEARTS are. You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool GOD at any time! And ETERNITY IS A LONG TIME for judgement!!!
"18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an high mind before the fall.
19 Better it is to be of humble mind with the lowly, than to divide the spoils with the proud.
20 He that is wise in his business, shall find good: and he that TRUSTETH in the LORD, he is blessed."
There are many scriptures that people claim are GOD'S PROMISES! Philippians 4:19, John 14:27, Romans 10:9, and Romans 6:23 are just a few of the hundreds of instances where GOD has promised good to rewards HIS people. People need to be reminded of what GOD can do for them IF they follow HIS instruction.
Few of us want to hear the pitfalls of self gratification though. The writer of Proverbs 16 says in verse 2 that "All the ways of a man are clean IN HIS OWN EYES". Most people think they know what is best FOR THEM. I used to think drinking diet soft drinks was good for me. I was drinking less calories, while still enjoying that taste of the beverage I had become accustomed to. I found out, rather painfully, the Aspartame used to sweeten diet drinks was poison FOR MY BODY. Some can drink it, but I cannot. Just because something appears to be good, it may not be.
But the last part of verse 2 says "but the LORD pondereth the spirits". The King James Version puts it like this, "And an haughty Spirit before a fall"! GOD knows our hearts and HE can judge our intents (Hebrews 4:12). The pride of some and the haughty spirit can be hidden from some, but it cannot be hidden from HIM! The true INTENT OF OUR HEARTS is known to GOD, and that should alarm most of us!
It has been reported that President Ronald Reagan was quoted as saying "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'" Sometimes what we say defies what our intentions really are. GOD sees and knows what the INTENTS OF OUR HEARTS are. You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool GOD at any time! And ETERNITY IS A LONG TIME for judgement!!!
Thursday, March 27, 2014
"THE ANSWER!"
Jeremiah 17:5-10 (1599 Geneva Bible)
"5 Thus saith the Lord, CURSED be the man that TRUSTETH IN MAN, and maketh flesh his arm, and WITHDRAWETH HIS HEART FROM THE LORD.
6 For he shall be like the heath (shrub) in the wilderness, and shall not see when any good cometh, but shall inhabit the "parched" places in the wilderness, in a salt land, and NOT inhabited.
7 BLESSED be the MAN THAT TRUSTETH IN THE LORD, and whose HOPE the LORD is.
8 For he shall be as a tree that is planted by the water, which SPREADETH out her roots by the river, and shall NOT feel when the HEAT cometh, but her leaf shall be GREEN, and shall not care for the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding FRUIT.
9 The HEART IS DECEITFUL AND WICKED ABOVE ALL THINGS, who can know it?
10 I the Lord search the heart, and try the reins, even to GIVE TO EVERY MAN according to his ways, and ACCORDING TO THE FRUIT of his works."
When I see politicians claiming "THEY" have the answer to what ails our society, I am bumfuzzled! No man is intelligent enough to have the answers to life's riddles, and just when we think we are gaining ground, the game changes! The time for looking to MANKIND for a solution to the issues facing us today is strikingly similar to someone being diagnosed with lung cancer and continuing to smoke cigarettes. We are only accelerating our demise!
Holy Scriptures are so very plain! Man was created in the image of GOD (Genesis 1:27). And what image is it that man was/is created in? JESUS said in John 4:24 that GOD is a Spirit. So if we are Spirits, why do we place so much emphasis on the natural? Why do we continue to look for answers to our challenges, when "THE ANSWER" has already been provided us?
Verse 8 of Jeremiah 17 is one of the most under read verses in the Bible. For us to "spread out our roots by the river", we must stay in the WORD OF GOD daily. We can not expect to produce "Green Leaves" during a drought if we do not have a great root system. The drought is near and if we want to continue to produce fruit, we MUST trust in THE LORD!
It has been said many times when discussing race relations, "We don't have a SKIN problem, we have a SIN problem"! Folks, for us to recognize "THE ANSWER" to our problems, we must first identify the problem! We don't have an economic crisis. We don't have a social problem. We don't have a problem that our military can get us out of. The problem we have is we have denied the ONE in whose image we were created! "THE ANSWER" is not trusting in man, and withdrawing our hearts from GOD (Jeremiah 17:5)! "THE ANSWER" is is trusting in the LORD!!!
"5 Thus saith the Lord, CURSED be the man that TRUSTETH IN MAN, and maketh flesh his arm, and WITHDRAWETH HIS HEART FROM THE LORD.
6 For he shall be like the heath (shrub) in the wilderness, and shall not see when any good cometh, but shall inhabit the "parched" places in the wilderness, in a salt land, and NOT inhabited.
7 BLESSED be the MAN THAT TRUSTETH IN THE LORD, and whose HOPE the LORD is.
8 For he shall be as a tree that is planted by the water, which SPREADETH out her roots by the river, and shall NOT feel when the HEAT cometh, but her leaf shall be GREEN, and shall not care for the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding FRUIT.
9 The HEART IS DECEITFUL AND WICKED ABOVE ALL THINGS, who can know it?
10 I the Lord search the heart, and try the reins, even to GIVE TO EVERY MAN according to his ways, and ACCORDING TO THE FRUIT of his works."
When I see politicians claiming "THEY" have the answer to what ails our society, I am bumfuzzled! No man is intelligent enough to have the answers to life's riddles, and just when we think we are gaining ground, the game changes! The time for looking to MANKIND for a solution to the issues facing us today is strikingly similar to someone being diagnosed with lung cancer and continuing to smoke cigarettes. We are only accelerating our demise!
Holy Scriptures are so very plain! Man was created in the image of GOD (Genesis 1:27). And what image is it that man was/is created in? JESUS said in John 4:24 that GOD is a Spirit. So if we are Spirits, why do we place so much emphasis on the natural? Why do we continue to look for answers to our challenges, when "THE ANSWER" has already been provided us?
Verse 8 of Jeremiah 17 is one of the most under read verses in the Bible. For us to "spread out our roots by the river", we must stay in the WORD OF GOD daily. We can not expect to produce "Green Leaves" during a drought if we do not have a great root system. The drought is near and if we want to continue to produce fruit, we MUST trust in THE LORD!
It has been said many times when discussing race relations, "We don't have a SKIN problem, we have a SIN problem"! Folks, for us to recognize "THE ANSWER" to our problems, we must first identify the problem! We don't have an economic crisis. We don't have a social problem. We don't have a problem that our military can get us out of. The problem we have is we have denied the ONE in whose image we were created! "THE ANSWER" is not trusting in man, and withdrawing our hearts from GOD (Jeremiah 17:5)! "THE ANSWER" is is trusting in the LORD!!!
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
"I WONDER???"
Acts 13:1-3 (ESV)
"1 Now there were in THE CHURCH at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 While they were WORSHIPPING the LORD and FASTING, the HOLY SPIRIT said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
3 Then after FASTING and PRAYING they laid their hands on them AND SENT them off."
Most know that Psalms 46:10 is a special verse to me, "Be Still, and KNOW that I am GOD" is something our society fails to grasp much anymore. Our lives are lived at such a frenetic pace that we don't THINK we have time to "BE STILL" any longer. We are DRIVEN BY THE DEMANDS PLACED ON US by the world we are living in, instead of the world we are PREPARING TO GO!
The scripture above speaks to me in a few different ways. Number one, THE CHURCH in Antioch was not the First Baptist Church of Antioch, or the First Methodist, or First Presbyterian, and any other divisive wall. "The Church" is believers in JESUS CHRIST being GOD INCARNATE, or GOD becoming flesh! The divisions we currently allow, while well intentioned, are not supported by scripture. I am pretty sure there will not be a FIRST _ _ _ _ CHURCH in Heaven. All of our boundaries will be "burned up" with all of the "wood, hay, and stubble"!
The next thing I see is "THE CHURCH" was "WORSHIPPING" the "LORD" and "FASTING" and "PRAYING". Modern day Christians have an idea of what they THINK is worship, but we give GOD two or three hours on Sunday and consider ourselves "HOLY" before a GOD who proclaimed "Thou shall have NO other God's before me"! (Exodus 20:3). And Heaven forbid if a Sports contest should happen to occur during the time we are having NO other god's before HIM!
And finally, in verse three, AFTER fasting and praying (putting the physical behind the spiritual), the sent them (Barnabas and Saul) off to proclaim JESUS CHRIST to those in their paths. They waited, fasted and prayed, until the Holy Spirit said it was time for them them to go, and then they went. They did not wait until everything was "smooth sailing" and their journey was easiest. Saul (later known as Paul) spent many years is prison for being a believer that JESUS CHRIST was GOD INCARNATE! Today, the church has become who has the grandest sanctuary or most ornate decorations, not growing the KINGDOM OF CHRIST!
I wonder if JESUS were to come back today if HE would approve of how WE spend HIS money? I wonder how many modern day Christians would "consider it pure joy" (James 1:2) to be imprisoned for the cause of CHRIST! I wonder if I would even be accepted as a member of THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH?..........I WONDER?????
"1 Now there were in THE CHURCH at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 While they were WORSHIPPING the LORD and FASTING, the HOLY SPIRIT said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
3 Then after FASTING and PRAYING they laid their hands on them AND SENT them off."
Most know that Psalms 46:10 is a special verse to me, "Be Still, and KNOW that I am GOD" is something our society fails to grasp much anymore. Our lives are lived at such a frenetic pace that we don't THINK we have time to "BE STILL" any longer. We are DRIVEN BY THE DEMANDS PLACED ON US by the world we are living in, instead of the world we are PREPARING TO GO!
The scripture above speaks to me in a few different ways. Number one, THE CHURCH in Antioch was not the First Baptist Church of Antioch, or the First Methodist, or First Presbyterian, and any other divisive wall. "The Church" is believers in JESUS CHRIST being GOD INCARNATE, or GOD becoming flesh! The divisions we currently allow, while well intentioned, are not supported by scripture. I am pretty sure there will not be a FIRST _ _ _ _ CHURCH in Heaven. All of our boundaries will be "burned up" with all of the "wood, hay, and stubble"!
The next thing I see is "THE CHURCH" was "WORSHIPPING" the "LORD" and "FASTING" and "PRAYING". Modern day Christians have an idea of what they THINK is worship, but we give GOD two or three hours on Sunday and consider ourselves "HOLY" before a GOD who proclaimed "Thou shall have NO other God's before me"! (Exodus 20:3). And Heaven forbid if a Sports contest should happen to occur during the time we are having NO other god's before HIM!
And finally, in verse three, AFTER fasting and praying (putting the physical behind the spiritual), the sent them (Barnabas and Saul) off to proclaim JESUS CHRIST to those in their paths. They waited, fasted and prayed, until the Holy Spirit said it was time for them them to go, and then they went. They did not wait until everything was "smooth sailing" and their journey was easiest. Saul (later known as Paul) spent many years is prison for being a believer that JESUS CHRIST was GOD INCARNATE! Today, the church has become who has the grandest sanctuary or most ornate decorations, not growing the KINGDOM OF CHRIST!
I wonder if JESUS were to come back today if HE would approve of how WE spend HIS money? I wonder how many modern day Christians would "consider it pure joy" (James 1:2) to be imprisoned for the cause of CHRIST! I wonder if I would even be accepted as a member of THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH?..........I WONDER?????
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
"CEASE STRIVING!"
Psalms 46:10
King James Version
"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
English Standard Version
""Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
1599 Geneva Bible
"Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the heathen, and I will be exalted in the earth."
New American Standard Bible
"“CEASE STRIVING and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
I enjoy reading different translations of the Holy Bible. Sometimes GOD may need to tell me something, and HE needs to adjust the way I hear things to affect my life. The King James Version was reportedly written in 1611 and the 1599 Geneva Bible was reportedly written in, oddly enough, in 1560. The New American Standard Version wasn't translated initially until 1963. The English Standard Version was published in 2001. Just because a translation is older does not lend itself to more TRUTH. If GOD can speak through a donkey, HE can certainly speak through a different translation of HIS WORD!
One of my favorite verses is Psalms 46:10. GOD spoke to me while I was off work from the stroke in 2007, telling me that HE could make me be still if I didn't want to slow down long enough to listen to HIM. This morning, while reading the New American Standard Version of the Bible, I came across Psalms 46:10 and thought I was reading a different chapter and verse!
"CEASE STRIVING" is so different in my mind from BE STILL. Yet what else would I need to BE STILL for? If I "CEASE STRIVING" the inference is that I will have to relax and rest in The LORD! I have always had the mentality of a race horse in the starting gate. I tend to be all tensed up and just waiting for the starting gate to open so I can do all kinds of things for The LORD. And all the time, HE is wanting me to "CEASE STRIVING" and let HIM do things through me!
I will leave Be STILL on my Facebook wall, but I will seek to "CEASE STRIVING" in my life. I want to be the one who is waiting on The LORD, and not the one who is trying to out-perform the next guy. I want to "CEASE STRIVING" in my life!
King James Version
"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
English Standard Version
""Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
1599 Geneva Bible
"Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the heathen, and I will be exalted in the earth."
New American Standard Bible
"“CEASE STRIVING and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
I enjoy reading different translations of the Holy Bible. Sometimes GOD may need to tell me something, and HE needs to adjust the way I hear things to affect my life. The King James Version was reportedly written in 1611 and the 1599 Geneva Bible was reportedly written in, oddly enough, in 1560. The New American Standard Version wasn't translated initially until 1963. The English Standard Version was published in 2001. Just because a translation is older does not lend itself to more TRUTH. If GOD can speak through a donkey, HE can certainly speak through a different translation of HIS WORD!
One of my favorite verses is Psalms 46:10. GOD spoke to me while I was off work from the stroke in 2007, telling me that HE could make me be still if I didn't want to slow down long enough to listen to HIM. This morning, while reading the New American Standard Version of the Bible, I came across Psalms 46:10 and thought I was reading a different chapter and verse!
"CEASE STRIVING" is so different in my mind from BE STILL. Yet what else would I need to BE STILL for? If I "CEASE STRIVING" the inference is that I will have to relax and rest in The LORD! I have always had the mentality of a race horse in the starting gate. I tend to be all tensed up and just waiting for the starting gate to open so I can do all kinds of things for The LORD. And all the time, HE is wanting me to "CEASE STRIVING" and let HIM do things through me!
I will leave Be STILL on my Facebook wall, but I will seek to "CEASE STRIVING" in my life. I want to be the one who is waiting on The LORD, and not the one who is trying to out-perform the next guy. I want to "CEASE STRIVING" in my life!
Monday, March 24, 2014
"HIS KINGDOM!"
Matthew 20:29-34 (KJV)
"29 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
30 And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
Recently my pastor spoke on "Serving, instead of being served". The passage of scripture used for his text was Matthew 20:20-28. The mother of James and John (some feel encouraged by the sons) was asking that her sons be seated beside JESUS when HE came into "HIS KINGDOM". But the disciples were asking for something they could not understand. They had never seen "HIS KINGDOM", yet they decided they wanted to be a ruler "HIS KINGDOM"!
Soon afterwards, HE was leaving the city of Jericho with a GREAT multitude following HIM! The New American Standard Bible translates this to be a "large crowd", eliminating the misconception that the writer was speaking of character of the crowd rather than numbers. JESUS was about to enter Jerusalem for the final week of HIS earthly ministry. "HIS KINGDOM" would not be what our earthly eyes would be able to see.
The blind men sitting beside the way side were not a lot different than most in the world, to be able to SEE! When asked by JESUS what they wanted HIM to do for them, they replied "Lord, that our eyes may be opened." The thing that speaks to me greatly, is that two of the disciples (followers) of JESUS could not SEE that serving others WAS "HIS KINGDOM"! Matthew 20:26 tells us "but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister"!
We all have a certain desire to see things no one else can see. The blind men wanted to see physically, while James and John desired something spiritual, the price of which, they were not able to pay. Only JESUS could, and did, pay the price to allow me to see "HIS KINGDOM". Since I have surrendered my life to HIM, I pray my eyes will be opened to see only the things HE has for me to better serve "HIS KINGDOM!"
"29 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
30 And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
Recently my pastor spoke on "Serving, instead of being served". The passage of scripture used for his text was Matthew 20:20-28. The mother of James and John (some feel encouraged by the sons) was asking that her sons be seated beside JESUS when HE came into "HIS KINGDOM". But the disciples were asking for something they could not understand. They had never seen "HIS KINGDOM", yet they decided they wanted to be a ruler "HIS KINGDOM"!
Soon afterwards, HE was leaving the city of Jericho with a GREAT multitude following HIM! The New American Standard Bible translates this to be a "large crowd", eliminating the misconception that the writer was speaking of character of the crowd rather than numbers. JESUS was about to enter Jerusalem for the final week of HIS earthly ministry. "HIS KINGDOM" would not be what our earthly eyes would be able to see.
The blind men sitting beside the way side were not a lot different than most in the world, to be able to SEE! When asked by JESUS what they wanted HIM to do for them, they replied "Lord, that our eyes may be opened." The thing that speaks to me greatly, is that two of the disciples (followers) of JESUS could not SEE that serving others WAS "HIS KINGDOM"! Matthew 20:26 tells us "but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister"!
We all have a certain desire to see things no one else can see. The blind men wanted to see physically, while James and John desired something spiritual, the price of which, they were not able to pay. Only JESUS could, and did, pay the price to allow me to see "HIS KINGDOM". Since I have surrendered my life to HIM, I pray my eyes will be opened to see only the things HE has for me to better serve "HIS KINGDOM!"
Saturday, March 22, 2014
"I AM WEAK!"
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (1599 Geneva Bible)
"9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect through weakness. Very gladly therefore will I rejoice rather in mine infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in anguish for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
Last Evening I attended a conference in a out of town city. We didn't get home until after midnight. I used to be able to survive on less sleep, but lately I NEED at least eight hours of rest to function efficiently. This morning, I am finding it difficult to focus on what I need to focus. I am WEAK!!!
The Apostle Paul realized when "I AM WEAK", then Christ is better able to use us. I know I don't feel like resisting good or evil when I get weary. I seem to just TRUST THE LORD that HE will do with me what HE will.
Scripture says in verse 9 above that Paul "rejoiced" in his infirmities, or WEAKNESS, that the power of CHRIST may dwell in me. Maybe I don't submit as proficiently when I rested? Maybe when "I AM WEAK" I just give in to HIS guidance and leadership more easily because I don't have the energy to try and "figure things out"?
All I know is Paul said in verse nine "Very gladly" he would rejoice, and in verse ten he took "pleasure" in his weaknesses. Today, I should be very glad and taking tremendous pleasure! "I AM WEAK"!!!
"9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect through weakness. Very gladly therefore will I rejoice rather in mine infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in anguish for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
Last Evening I attended a conference in a out of town city. We didn't get home until after midnight. I used to be able to survive on less sleep, but lately I NEED at least eight hours of rest to function efficiently. This morning, I am finding it difficult to focus on what I need to focus. I am WEAK!!!
The Apostle Paul realized when "I AM WEAK", then Christ is better able to use us. I know I don't feel like resisting good or evil when I get weary. I seem to just TRUST THE LORD that HE will do with me what HE will.
Scripture says in verse 9 above that Paul "rejoiced" in his infirmities, or WEAKNESS, that the power of CHRIST may dwell in me. Maybe I don't submit as proficiently when I rested? Maybe when "I AM WEAK" I just give in to HIS guidance and leadership more easily because I don't have the energy to try and "figure things out"?
All I know is Paul said in verse nine "Very gladly" he would rejoice, and in verse ten he took "pleasure" in his weaknesses. Today, I should be very glad and taking tremendous pleasure! "I AM WEAK"!!!
Friday, March 21, 2014
"WE THE PEOPLE!"
Jeremiah 29:11 (NASB)
"For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a HOPE!"
Joshua 1:8 (NASB)
"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success."
I recently read that America only needed to do two things to return to the greatness we once enjoyed, to return to GOD's word and follow the Constitution! While I don't see the benefit of nitpicking, I will humbly disagree with the idea that the U.S. Constitution should be considered as part of a plan for success for our lives.
GOD'S word is filled with instruction for living life to honor HIM, and having success! In Joshua we are told to "meditate" on GOD'S word "day and night" so that you will be able to do what HE would have you do, and THEN your way will be prosperous, and you will have success.
GOD had a plan for Joshua and the children of Israel. They had to "wander in the wilderness" for forty years, enduring much hardship and trials, and letting the ones who failed to place their trust in HIM be removed, before HE could guide them into the Promised Land.
America should follow the Constitution as it is the law of our land. But we must realize that "WE THE PEOPLE" must acknowledge GOD for who HE is, and for what HE has done for us! Joshua 1:8 says we must meditate on HIS word day and night and be careful to do what it says. ONLY THEN......can HE make our way prosperous, and we have great success!!
"For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a HOPE!"
Joshua 1:8 (NASB)
"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success."
I recently read that America only needed to do two things to return to the greatness we once enjoyed, to return to GOD's word and follow the Constitution! While I don't see the benefit of nitpicking, I will humbly disagree with the idea that the U.S. Constitution should be considered as part of a plan for success for our lives.
GOD'S word is filled with instruction for living life to honor HIM, and having success! In Joshua we are told to "meditate" on GOD'S word "day and night" so that you will be able to do what HE would have you do, and THEN your way will be prosperous, and you will have success.
GOD had a plan for Joshua and the children of Israel. They had to "wander in the wilderness" for forty years, enduring much hardship and trials, and letting the ones who failed to place their trust in HIM be removed, before HE could guide them into the Promised Land.
America should follow the Constitution as it is the law of our land. But we must realize that "WE THE PEOPLE" must acknowledge GOD for who HE is, and for what HE has done for us! Joshua 1:8 says we must meditate on HIS word day and night and be careful to do what it says. ONLY THEN......can HE make our way prosperous, and we have great success!!
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
"PROMISED LAND!"
Deuteronomy 31:1-8 (1599 Geneva Bible)
"1 Then Moses went and spake these words unto all Israel,
2 And said unto them, I am an hundred and twenty years old this day: I can no more go out and in: also the Lord hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.
3 The Lord thy God he will go over before thee: he will destroy these nations before thee, and thou shalt possess them. Joshua, he shall go before thee, as the Lord hath said.
4 And the Lord shall do unto them, as he did to Sihon and to Og kings of the Amorites, and unto their land whom he destroyed.
5 And the Lord shall give them before you, that ye may do unto them according unto every commandment which I have commanded you.
6 Pluck up your hearts therefore, and be strong: dread not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God himself doth go with thee: he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
7 And Moses called Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be of a good courage and strong: for thou shalt go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers, to give them, and thou shalt give it them to inherit.
8 And the Lord himself doth go before thee: he will be with thee: he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not therefore, nor be discomforted."
Do you ever wake up feeling "BLAH", maybe a little apprehensive, and there is no excitement or zeal to face the day ahead of you? If you will, place yourself in the shoes of Moses leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.
Moses had already found out that he "shalt not go over this Jordan." Because of his disobedience to GOD, Moses knew his time on earth was near. His journey was near the end, but his task was not completed. Moses knew that the people had confidence in his leadership, and he wanted them to have a similar confidence in Joshua.
The Israelites had wandered in the wilderness for over 40 years. Scholars say the journey should have taken three to four days! Why would the Israelites continue following a man who was leading them into every seemingly bad scenario imaginable? If they were GOD's chosen people, why would HE cause them to suffer through the trials and battles they went through? GOD could have decreed that the Promised Land be thier's, and it would have been done.
Joshua 5:6 lets us know this, "For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people of the men of war that came out of Egypt, were consumed, because THEY OBEYED NOT THE VOICE OF THE LORD: unto whom the Lord sware that he would not show them the land, which the Lord had sworn unto their fathers, that he would give us, even a land that floweth with milk and honey."
Moses knew he would not get to enter into the PROMISED LAND. But he also knew that GOD had blessings untold waiting for those who obeyed HIM! It is my desire to follow GOD'S PLAN for my life, even if it leads to the wilderness, in order to reach HIS "PROMISED LAND" for me!
"1 Then Moses went and spake these words unto all Israel,
2 And said unto them, I am an hundred and twenty years old this day: I can no more go out and in: also the Lord hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.
3 The Lord thy God he will go over before thee: he will destroy these nations before thee, and thou shalt possess them. Joshua, he shall go before thee, as the Lord hath said.
4 And the Lord shall do unto them, as he did to Sihon and to Og kings of the Amorites, and unto their land whom he destroyed.
5 And the Lord shall give them before you, that ye may do unto them according unto every commandment which I have commanded you.
6 Pluck up your hearts therefore, and be strong: dread not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God himself doth go with thee: he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
7 And Moses called Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be of a good courage and strong: for thou shalt go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers, to give them, and thou shalt give it them to inherit.
8 And the Lord himself doth go before thee: he will be with thee: he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not therefore, nor be discomforted."
Do you ever wake up feeling "BLAH", maybe a little apprehensive, and there is no excitement or zeal to face the day ahead of you? If you will, place yourself in the shoes of Moses leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.
Moses had already found out that he "shalt not go over this Jordan." Because of his disobedience to GOD, Moses knew his time on earth was near. His journey was near the end, but his task was not completed. Moses knew that the people had confidence in his leadership, and he wanted them to have a similar confidence in Joshua.
The Israelites had wandered in the wilderness for over 40 years. Scholars say the journey should have taken three to four days! Why would the Israelites continue following a man who was leading them into every seemingly bad scenario imaginable? If they were GOD's chosen people, why would HE cause them to suffer through the trials and battles they went through? GOD could have decreed that the Promised Land be thier's, and it would have been done.
Joshua 5:6 lets us know this, "For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people of the men of war that came out of Egypt, were consumed, because THEY OBEYED NOT THE VOICE OF THE LORD: unto whom the Lord sware that he would not show them the land, which the Lord had sworn unto their fathers, that he would give us, even a land that floweth with milk and honey."
Moses knew he would not get to enter into the PROMISED LAND. But he also knew that GOD had blessings untold waiting for those who obeyed HIM! It is my desire to follow GOD'S PLAN for my life, even if it leads to the wilderness, in order to reach HIS "PROMISED LAND" for me!
Monday, March 17, 2014
"GOD HAS A PLAN!"
John 20:1-9
"1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.
4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.
5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.
8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.
9 For as YET they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead."
But wait......hadn't JESUS had told HIS disciples HE would only be in the ground three days? If HE said that was going to be the way things would unfold, were they not listening or did they just refuse to believe what JESUS had told them?
The people who lived on earth the same time JESUS did heard HIM speak truth to them, but they did not "KNOW" until the TRUTH was revealed to them (John 20:9). Even today, I can hear something being told to me for months or years, and yet when I finally have it REVEALED to me, it is as though I have heard it for the first time! Until I was willing to SLOW my life down to get on GOD'S timetable and get off of the worlds timetable, I could not see what GOD was trying to reveal to me.
In the book of Romans 9:18 it is written "Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth." I used to think that Pharaoh was a hothead who was mad because his son (and all other Egyptian firstborn) was slain. But in Exodus 14:4 scripture records that GOD hardened Pharaoh's heart to chase after the Israelites. Had the Egyptians not chased after the Israelites, GOD could not have drowned ALL of them!
We may be on the banks of our own Red Sea with the Egyptians chasing after us. Or we may be as the disciples were when JESUS had been crucified and all hope seemed to be faded. But GOD was directing Pharaoh into a grave, and GOD was leading JESUS to overcome the grave! "GOD HAS A PLAN", I just have to have faith in HIM and fulfill HIS PLAN for my life!
"1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.
4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.
5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.
8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.
9 For as YET they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead."
But wait......hadn't JESUS had told HIS disciples HE would only be in the ground three days? If HE said that was going to be the way things would unfold, were they not listening or did they just refuse to believe what JESUS had told them?
The people who lived on earth the same time JESUS did heard HIM speak truth to them, but they did not "KNOW" until the TRUTH was revealed to them (John 20:9). Even today, I can hear something being told to me for months or years, and yet when I finally have it REVEALED to me, it is as though I have heard it for the first time! Until I was willing to SLOW my life down to get on GOD'S timetable and get off of the worlds timetable, I could not see what GOD was trying to reveal to me.
In the book of Romans 9:18 it is written "Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth." I used to think that Pharaoh was a hothead who was mad because his son (and all other Egyptian firstborn) was slain. But in Exodus 14:4 scripture records that GOD hardened Pharaoh's heart to chase after the Israelites. Had the Egyptians not chased after the Israelites, GOD could not have drowned ALL of them!
We may be on the banks of our own Red Sea with the Egyptians chasing after us. Or we may be as the disciples were when JESUS had been crucified and all hope seemed to be faded. But GOD was directing Pharaoh into a grave, and GOD was leading JESUS to overcome the grave! "GOD HAS A PLAN", I just have to have faith in HIM and fulfill HIS PLAN for my life!
Thursday, March 13, 2014
"STEAL, KILL, AND DETROY!"
Hebrews 10:22-23 (1599 Geneva Bible)
"22 Let us draw near with a true heart in assurance of faith, our hearts being pure from an evil conscience,
23 And washed in our bodies with pure water, let us keep the profession of our hope, without wavering, (for he is faithful that promised.)"
Normally I don't share others devotionals, but today an exception begs to be made. Last evening I was tired beyond my limits. When I get "run down", I know that sleep will be the only thing that remedies the "funk" I am in. I went to bed at 7:30PM and slept until 6:45AM this morning.
I awoke and a devotional from Max Lucado was in my email. I have posted it below::
Satan’s Condemnation
Satan’s condemnation brings no repentance or resolve, just regret! Satan has come to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). To steal your peace, kill your dreams, and destroy your future. Satan has deputized people to peddle his poison. Friends dredge up your past. Preachers proclaim all guilt and no grace. And parents, oh, your parents. “Why can’t you grow up?” they say. “When are you going to make me proud?” they say. But your accusers will not have the last word! Jesus has acted on your behalf. Jesus Christ has risen to your defense.
Hebrews 10:22 urges “. . .let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith, because we have been made free from a guilty conscience.”
Not just for our past mistakes but also for our future ones. Behold the fruit of grace: saved by God, raised by God, seated with God! Gifted, equipped, and commissioned!
After clearing the cobwebs from my brain, I absorbed what Max Lucado was saying. "Satan has come to steal, kill, and destroy..." our hopes, dreams and future! "Satan HAS DEPUTIZED PEOPLE to peddle his poison"! When I get tired and weary, I am more susceptible to the devil trying to gain control of my thought life and actions. I allow satan to use the well intended actions of others to interrupt my relationship with GOD.
FATHER IN HEAVEN, I pray that I will be more aware of my frailty and recognize that the enemy will disguise himself in a myriad of ways in order to "STEAL, KILL, AND DESTROY" the peace and joy that comes only from YOU!
"22 Let us draw near with a true heart in assurance of faith, our hearts being pure from an evil conscience,
23 And washed in our bodies with pure water, let us keep the profession of our hope, without wavering, (for he is faithful that promised.)"
Normally I don't share others devotionals, but today an exception begs to be made. Last evening I was tired beyond my limits. When I get "run down", I know that sleep will be the only thing that remedies the "funk" I am in. I went to bed at 7:30PM and slept until 6:45AM this morning.
I awoke and a devotional from Max Lucado was in my email. I have posted it below::
Satan’s Condemnation
Satan’s condemnation brings no repentance or resolve, just regret! Satan has come to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). To steal your peace, kill your dreams, and destroy your future. Satan has deputized people to peddle his poison. Friends dredge up your past. Preachers proclaim all guilt and no grace. And parents, oh, your parents. “Why can’t you grow up?” they say. “When are you going to make me proud?” they say. But your accusers will not have the last word! Jesus has acted on your behalf. Jesus Christ has risen to your defense.
Hebrews 10:22 urges “. . .let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith, because we have been made free from a guilty conscience.”
Not just for our past mistakes but also for our future ones. Behold the fruit of grace: saved by God, raised by God, seated with God! Gifted, equipped, and commissioned!
After clearing the cobwebs from my brain, I absorbed what Max Lucado was saying. "Satan has come to steal, kill, and destroy..." our hopes, dreams and future! "Satan HAS DEPUTIZED PEOPLE to peddle his poison"! When I get tired and weary, I am more susceptible to the devil trying to gain control of my thought life and actions. I allow satan to use the well intended actions of others to interrupt my relationship with GOD.
FATHER IN HEAVEN, I pray that I will be more aware of my frailty and recognize that the enemy will disguise himself in a myriad of ways in order to "STEAL, KILL, AND DESTROY" the peace and joy that comes only from YOU!
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
"PROPITIATION"
Psalms 86:15 (KJV)
15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
I love my sons more than words can express. Although they are 26 & 23 years old, I still go by and see them (usually buying their lunch) and "talk about how things are going"! There doesn't have to be a reason or crisis, just being able to spend time with the one's who I love me makes the day special to me.
But as much as I love my boys, GOD loves me more! And GOD desires to spend time with us, even more than I do with my children. In 1 John 4:10 scripture records "Herein is love, not that we loved GOD, but that HE loved us, and sent HIS SON [to be] the propitiation for our sins." GOD sent HIS SON to pay the price we did not have the ability to pay! "PROPITIATE" means to satisfy the demands of someone.
For us to spend time with GOD, we have to be HOLY. (1 Peter 1:13-16). The only way for the human race to be HOLY, is to have the Spirit of JESUS CHRIST living inside of us. When I fall short of HIS GLORY, GOD does not tell me how much I failed (regrettably like I sometimes did my sons). GOD loves me into obeying HIS direction for my life.
GOD loves me so much that HE paid the debt I could not pay so I would be able to commune with HIM. But GOD also orchestrates my life to glorify HIM (Ephesians 4:11-16). One day, just as I love to spend time with my sons, I will be able to spend all of my time with the ONE who "PROPITIATED" my debt for me. I pray you will be able to do the same!
15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
I love my sons more than words can express. Although they are 26 & 23 years old, I still go by and see them (usually buying their lunch) and "talk about how things are going"! There doesn't have to be a reason or crisis, just being able to spend time with the one's who I love me makes the day special to me.
But as much as I love my boys, GOD loves me more! And GOD desires to spend time with us, even more than I do with my children. In 1 John 4:10 scripture records "Herein is love, not that we loved GOD, but that HE loved us, and sent HIS SON [to be] the propitiation for our sins." GOD sent HIS SON to pay the price we did not have the ability to pay! "PROPITIATE" means to satisfy the demands of someone.
For us to spend time with GOD, we have to be HOLY. (1 Peter 1:13-16). The only way for the human race to be HOLY, is to have the Spirit of JESUS CHRIST living inside of us. When I fall short of HIS GLORY, GOD does not tell me how much I failed (regrettably like I sometimes did my sons). GOD loves me into obeying HIS direction for my life.
GOD loves me so much that HE paid the debt I could not pay so I would be able to commune with HIM. But GOD also orchestrates my life to glorify HIM (Ephesians 4:11-16). One day, just as I love to spend time with my sons, I will be able to spend all of my time with the ONE who "PROPITIATED" my debt for me. I pray you will be able to do the same!
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
"TIME ALONE!!"
Genesis 32:24-29 (1599 Geveva Bible)
"24 Now when Jacob was left himself alone, there wrestled a man with him unto the breaking of the day.
25 And he saw that he could not prevail against him: therefore he touched the hollow of his thigh, and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was loosed, as he wrestled with him.
26 And he said, Let me go, for the morning appeareth. Who answered, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
27 Then said he unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
28 And said he, Thy name shall be called Jacob no more, but ISRAEL: because thou hast had power with God, thou shalt also prevail with men.
29 And Jacob demanded, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore now dost thou ask my name? and he blessed him there."
Recently I had to drive to several cities within the state where I live. I drove over 400 miles and had four appointments in one day. Needless to say, I was TIRED when I finally got home. But I love to spend TIME ALONE with The LORD while driving. I do not play the radio or CD player, just talk and listen to the LORD!
In the scripture above, Jacob was troubled in his mind with what he thought Esau was going to do to him. He already had a plan devised and split up his servants to go a different way so Esau would not find him. In verse 24 Jacob was ALONE and wrestled "a man" until dawn. But GOD has HIS own plan!
Jacob wrestled with the Angel of GOD until dawn, and refused to loose the Angel when the sun begin to come up. The Angel gave Jacob a new name, "Israel", and a nation had a new name!
Israel's current land mass is slightly less than 10,500 sq miles. Israel has never been a large land mass country, but they have always been GOD'S chosen people. GOD has a plan! Finding where you fit into that plan can be a challenge. Jacob (Israel) had to wrestle with the Angel of The LORD until dawn one morning to get his blessing. In Jeremiah 29:13 it is written "And ye shall seek me, and find me, because ye shall seek me with ALL YOUR HEART."
LORD IN HEAVEN, I pray that I will refuse to let go of YOU when I am seeking YOUR blessing! Help me to spend TIME ALONE with YOU during times when I am troubled by the enemy.
"24 Now when Jacob was left himself alone, there wrestled a man with him unto the breaking of the day.
25 And he saw that he could not prevail against him: therefore he touched the hollow of his thigh, and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was loosed, as he wrestled with him.
26 And he said, Let me go, for the morning appeareth. Who answered, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
27 Then said he unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
28 And said he, Thy name shall be called Jacob no more, but ISRAEL: because thou hast had power with God, thou shalt also prevail with men.
29 And Jacob demanded, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore now dost thou ask my name? and he blessed him there."
Recently I had to drive to several cities within the state where I live. I drove over 400 miles and had four appointments in one day. Needless to say, I was TIRED when I finally got home. But I love to spend TIME ALONE with The LORD while driving. I do not play the radio or CD player, just talk and listen to the LORD!
In the scripture above, Jacob was troubled in his mind with what he thought Esau was going to do to him. He already had a plan devised and split up his servants to go a different way so Esau would not find him. In verse 24 Jacob was ALONE and wrestled "a man" until dawn. But GOD has HIS own plan!
Jacob wrestled with the Angel of GOD until dawn, and refused to loose the Angel when the sun begin to come up. The Angel gave Jacob a new name, "Israel", and a nation had a new name!
Israel's current land mass is slightly less than 10,500 sq miles. Israel has never been a large land mass country, but they have always been GOD'S chosen people. GOD has a plan! Finding where you fit into that plan can be a challenge. Jacob (Israel) had to wrestle with the Angel of The LORD until dawn one morning to get his blessing. In Jeremiah 29:13 it is written "And ye shall seek me, and find me, because ye shall seek me with ALL YOUR HEART."
LORD IN HEAVEN, I pray that I will refuse to let go of YOU when I am seeking YOUR blessing! Help me to spend TIME ALONE with YOU during times when I am troubled by the enemy.
Monday, March 10, 2014
"GREATEST GIFT EVER!!"
1 John 3:1-2 (1599 Geneva Bible)
"1 Behold, what love the Father hath given to us, that we should be called the sons of God: For this cause this world knoweth you not, because it knoweth not him.
2 Dearly beloved, now are we the sons of God, but yet it is not made manifest what we shall be: and we know that when he shall be made manifest: we shall be like him: for we shall see him as he is."
There is nothing on earth so enjoyable as watching your young children waking up on Christmas morning and seeing the presents ALL FOR THEM! I remember when my oldest was tiny, him getting up and upon discovering his presents exclaiming, "OH BOY, momma went to WalMart!" Deep down, he knew where the gifts came from, and it wasn't from a fat man in a red suit!
John wrote in his first epistle in amazement that GOD ALMIGHTY loved us so much that HE transformed us into HIS sons by making a way for HIS SPIRIT to live in our bodies! That HE would devise such an elaborate schematic seems hard to believe. Yet scripture no where records "Without reason, it is impossible to please GOD". No, but in Hebrews 11:6 scripture does read "But without FAITH it is impossible to please him (GOD)." FAITH IN GOD is required to please GOD!
"For this cause this world knoweth you not, because it knoweth not HIM" is saying things about as plain as things can be said! If others don't understand, they may not have had it revealed to them? That does not make me more "special" or "deserving" than others. One the contrary! It makes me more humble that GOD would use me as a vessel for HIS glory. I am just a suit of clothes HE use as HE wishes.
My sons are grown now, and the presents they get from mom and dad at Christmas have changed as they have matured. So too are the gifts GOD bestows on us as we mature. HE blesses us with the things we need "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). But the greatest gift ever given was the gift from the CREATOR if the UNIVERSE "that we should be called the SONS OF GOD!"
"1 Behold, what love the Father hath given to us, that we should be called the sons of God: For this cause this world knoweth you not, because it knoweth not him.
2 Dearly beloved, now are we the sons of God, but yet it is not made manifest what we shall be: and we know that when he shall be made manifest: we shall be like him: for we shall see him as he is."
There is nothing on earth so enjoyable as watching your young children waking up on Christmas morning and seeing the presents ALL FOR THEM! I remember when my oldest was tiny, him getting up and upon discovering his presents exclaiming, "OH BOY, momma went to WalMart!" Deep down, he knew where the gifts came from, and it wasn't from a fat man in a red suit!
John wrote in his first epistle in amazement that GOD ALMIGHTY loved us so much that HE transformed us into HIS sons by making a way for HIS SPIRIT to live in our bodies! That HE would devise such an elaborate schematic seems hard to believe. Yet scripture no where records "Without reason, it is impossible to please GOD". No, but in Hebrews 11:6 scripture does read "But without FAITH it is impossible to please him (GOD)." FAITH IN GOD is required to please GOD!
"For this cause this world knoweth you not, because it knoweth not HIM" is saying things about as plain as things can be said! If others don't understand, they may not have had it revealed to them? That does not make me more "special" or "deserving" than others. One the contrary! It makes me more humble that GOD would use me as a vessel for HIS glory. I am just a suit of clothes HE use as HE wishes.
My sons are grown now, and the presents they get from mom and dad at Christmas have changed as they have matured. So too are the gifts GOD bestows on us as we mature. HE blesses us with the things we need "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). But the greatest gift ever given was the gift from the CREATOR if the UNIVERSE "that we should be called the SONS OF GOD!"
Saturday, March 8, 2014
"THE LORD IS NOT SLOW...."
2 Peter 3:8-10 (ESV)
"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed."
There is much talk is going around about the current movie "SON OF GOD". I went to see the movie recently and have my own take on what "I THINK" should have been shown. Of course, had everything "I THINK" should have been shown actually been shown, the movie would have lasted for days!
The feeling I left the theater with was that JESUS CHRIST truly loved all of mankind. Especially when HE was hanging on Calvary's cross, HE loved. For JESUS to suffer the pain and separation from GOD THE FATHER in order to purchase my redemption is the ultimate statement of LOVE.
There is coming a day, very soon, when the patience of GOD will be complete! Scripture says there will be no warning! The earth, along with all of the works done on the earth, shall be burned up. You can build buildings, roads, monuments, even castles and cathedrals. Unless those are built under GOD's guidance and direction, they are built in vain.
The scripture above says GOD is patient. It also says GOD "is not slow to fulfill HIS promise as some count slowness". GOD will judge sin! I am so grateful that my sin has been covered by the blood that JESUS shed on the cross. I pray you too are trusting in JESUS.
"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed."
There is much talk is going around about the current movie "SON OF GOD". I went to see the movie recently and have my own take on what "I THINK" should have been shown. Of course, had everything "I THINK" should have been shown actually been shown, the movie would have lasted for days!
The feeling I left the theater with was that JESUS CHRIST truly loved all of mankind. Especially when HE was hanging on Calvary's cross, HE loved. For JESUS to suffer the pain and separation from GOD THE FATHER in order to purchase my redemption is the ultimate statement of LOVE.
There is coming a day, very soon, when the patience of GOD will be complete! Scripture says there will be no warning! The earth, along with all of the works done on the earth, shall be burned up. You can build buildings, roads, monuments, even castles and cathedrals. Unless those are built under GOD's guidance and direction, they are built in vain.
The scripture above says GOD is patient. It also says GOD "is not slow to fulfill HIS promise as some count slowness". GOD will judge sin! I am so grateful that my sin has been covered by the blood that JESUS shed on the cross. I pray you too are trusting in JESUS.
Friday, March 7, 2014
"THE LOVE OF GOD!"
1 John 4:19-21 (1599 Geneva Bible)
"19 We love him, because he loved us first.
20 If any man say, I love God, and hate his brother, he is a liar: for how can he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, love God whom he hath not seen?
21 And this commandment have we of him, that he that loveth God, should love his brother also."
I have been hurt by people in my past who were very dear to me. The people you are not close to, you tend to not care about so much. The people you really care about can be the ones who hurt you the deepest. The real measure of a person is whether they can LOVE when they are truly hurt by someone they love.
This scripture can be very convicting if you are harboring ill feelings about how you have been treated. GOD told Dr. Charles Stanley, when dealing with hurt caused by his friends, "You've got to see it all as coming from me!" When I get defensive and want to draw-up into my shell and not be exposed to pain or disappointment, I try to remember the words from Dr. Stanley. The lessons GOD may be wanting you to learn could not be revealed any other way.
GOD can teach us through a number of venues. When you are looking for HIM, you can find HIM! Jeremiah 29:13 says "And ye shall seek me, and find me, because ye shall seek me with all your heart." I pray that I will seek HIM in all that is presented to me, as I prefer learning pleasant lessons over trials and tribulations. But when others hurt my feelings, I pray I remember the pain I caused The SON OF GOD when HE willingly hung on a tree for me at Calvary!
"19 We love him, because he loved us first.
20 If any man say, I love God, and hate his brother, he is a liar: for how can he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, love God whom he hath not seen?
21 And this commandment have we of him, that he that loveth God, should love his brother also."
I have been hurt by people in my past who were very dear to me. The people you are not close to, you tend to not care about so much. The people you really care about can be the ones who hurt you the deepest. The real measure of a person is whether they can LOVE when they are truly hurt by someone they love.
This scripture can be very convicting if you are harboring ill feelings about how you have been treated. GOD told Dr. Charles Stanley, when dealing with hurt caused by his friends, "You've got to see it all as coming from me!" When I get defensive and want to draw-up into my shell and not be exposed to pain or disappointment, I try to remember the words from Dr. Stanley. The lessons GOD may be wanting you to learn could not be revealed any other way.
GOD can teach us through a number of venues. When you are looking for HIM, you can find HIM! Jeremiah 29:13 says "And ye shall seek me, and find me, because ye shall seek me with all your heart." I pray that I will seek HIM in all that is presented to me, as I prefer learning pleasant lessons over trials and tribulations. But when others hurt my feelings, I pray I remember the pain I caused The SON OF GOD when HE willingly hung on a tree for me at Calvary!
Thursday, March 6, 2014
"I WANT TO BE HOLY!"
Isaiah 44:1-2 (1599 Geneva Bible)
"1 Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant, and Israel whom I have chosen.
2 Thus saith the LORD, that made thee, and formed thee from the womb: HE will help thee. Fear not, O Jacob, my servant, and thou righteous whom I have chosen."
My spirit has been dealing with GOD'S PLAN for my portion in life for the past few weeks. The struggles and challenges of living for HIM are sometimes great, but recently I have a JOY and EXCITEMENT that I can't explain.
When I realize that the GOD OF CREATION chose me, just like HE did Jacob/Israel, it floods my soul with gladness. GOD formed me in the womb and HE ordains the steps I take. Proverbs 20:24 tells me "The steps of man are ruled by the Lord: how can a man then understand his own way?"
GOD will direct your steps when you desire to follow HIM! One of my favorite passages in scripture is Proverbs 3:5-7 which reads "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own wisdom. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy ways. Be not wise in thine own eyes: but fear the Lord, and depart from evil." Why should we trust in our own wisdom when ALMIGHTY GOD is waiting to guide us!
To come to the realization that THE HOLY GOD gives direction to me is a privilege beyond description. I desire to live for HIM and I pray that my life is a testament on how to live for HIM! Geron Davis, songwriter, says in a preface to a song he wrote called "HUNGER FOR HOLINESS", these words. "I want my words, my actions, my life, to be acceptable in HIS sight. I want nothing less than Holiness. I want to be Holy, like JESUS. I want my life to be an example of what HE is to me!"
"1 Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant, and Israel whom I have chosen.
2 Thus saith the LORD, that made thee, and formed thee from the womb: HE will help thee. Fear not, O Jacob, my servant, and thou righteous whom I have chosen."
My spirit has been dealing with GOD'S PLAN for my portion in life for the past few weeks. The struggles and challenges of living for HIM are sometimes great, but recently I have a JOY and EXCITEMENT that I can't explain.
When I realize that the GOD OF CREATION chose me, just like HE did Jacob/Israel, it floods my soul with gladness. GOD formed me in the womb and HE ordains the steps I take. Proverbs 20:24 tells me "The steps of man are ruled by the Lord: how can a man then understand his own way?"
GOD will direct your steps when you desire to follow HIM! One of my favorite passages in scripture is Proverbs 3:5-7 which reads "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own wisdom. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy ways. Be not wise in thine own eyes: but fear the Lord, and depart from evil." Why should we trust in our own wisdom when ALMIGHTY GOD is waiting to guide us!
To come to the realization that THE HOLY GOD gives direction to me is a privilege beyond description. I desire to live for HIM and I pray that my life is a testament on how to live for HIM! Geron Davis, songwriter, says in a preface to a song he wrote called "HUNGER FOR HOLINESS", these words. "I want my words, my actions, my life, to be acceptable in HIS sight. I want nothing less than Holiness. I want to be Holy, like JESUS. I want my life to be an example of what HE is to me!"
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
"GARDEN BOXES!"
Luke 6:43-45 (1599 Geneva Bible)
"43 For it is not a good tree that bringeth forth evil fruit: neither an evil tree, that bringeth forth good fruit.
44 For every tree is known by his own fruit: for neither of thorns gather men figs, nor of bushes gather they grapes.
45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."
A couple of weeks ago my wife and I were building two more "garden boxes" behind our house. While assembling the "garden boxes", I accidentally punctured my finger with the drill I was using! The pain was pretty bad, yet after recovering from the near fainting spell, I continued assembling the box. In my younger days I would have thrown something, or said something not worth repeating! I have physically matured a little since. I have matured spiritually immensely since!
The "garden boxes" we built last year were pretty successful. We harvested tomatoes and okra well into November! I love cantaloupes, but we didn't plant any cantaloupe seeds, conversely we didn't get to harvest any cantaloupes. We only harvested what we planted, watered, helped grow till harvest time.
JESUS was telling us in Luke 6:43-45 that we can't expect good to come from bad! If we plant evil, water evil, and help evil grow, at harvest we should not be surprised when evil is what we reap. And if we sew good, we can expect good crops! You shouldn't be surprised when one's mouth harvests things that have been planted, watered, and nurtured. When you see the harvest, it is only what has been sewn.
The puncture of my finger is slowly healing, although the drill bit went all the way to the bone. The wound is healing, but the scar will remain. I pray that the words that come out of my mouth will be words that will no longer leave a scar, but used to harvest good fruit in my "GARDEN BOXES"!
"43 For it is not a good tree that bringeth forth evil fruit: neither an evil tree, that bringeth forth good fruit.
44 For every tree is known by his own fruit: for neither of thorns gather men figs, nor of bushes gather they grapes.
45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."
A couple of weeks ago my wife and I were building two more "garden boxes" behind our house. While assembling the "garden boxes", I accidentally punctured my finger with the drill I was using! The pain was pretty bad, yet after recovering from the near fainting spell, I continued assembling the box. In my younger days I would have thrown something, or said something not worth repeating! I have physically matured a little since. I have matured spiritually immensely since!
The "garden boxes" we built last year were pretty successful. We harvested tomatoes and okra well into November! I love cantaloupes, but we didn't plant any cantaloupe seeds, conversely we didn't get to harvest any cantaloupes. We only harvested what we planted, watered, helped grow till harvest time.
JESUS was telling us in Luke 6:43-45 that we can't expect good to come from bad! If we plant evil, water evil, and help evil grow, at harvest we should not be surprised when evil is what we reap. And if we sew good, we can expect good crops! You shouldn't be surprised when one's mouth harvests things that have been planted, watered, and nurtured. When you see the harvest, it is only what has been sewn.
The puncture of my finger is slowly healing, although the drill bit went all the way to the bone. The wound is healing, but the scar will remain. I pray that the words that come out of my mouth will be words that will no longer leave a scar, but used to harvest good fruit in my "GARDEN BOXES"!
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
"NEVER FORGET!"
2 Kings 21:1-2 (KJV)
"1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Hephzi-bah.
2 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel
2 Kings 21:11-12 (KJV)
"11 Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, and hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which were before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols:
12 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle."
A man named George Santayana wrote a book in 1906 entitled "The Reason in Common Sense". In that book he offered the quote "Those who cannot remember the past, are condemned to repeat it."
From the beginning of time man has exhibited the notion that mankind was superior to GOD. Adam was told by GOD, even before Eve had been created, NOT to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. But Adam and Eve listened to the serpent (evil) and SPIRITUAL DEATH was introduced to the world.
Even today, mankind has many, many examples to learn from. King David, Samson, Apostle Peter, Apostle Paul, Abraham, Moses, we all have fallen short of GOD's glory. Yet, we seem to always think we know better than anyone else how to solve the worlds problems. We think we can work things out if we are just given a chance.
King Manasseh was 12 years old when he became King. In 2 Kings 21:1 it is recorded that Manasseh reigned 55 years. King Manasseh "did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD!" Not only did King Manasseh do evil, he "made Judah also to sin with his idols." Leadership had its privileges, but it also has its burdens! King Manasseh caused Judah to sin, and his sins did not go unnoticed.
In 2 Kings 21:16 it is written "Moreover, Manasseh shed innocent blood exceedingly much, till he replenished Jerusalem from corner to corner, beside his sin wherewith he made Judah to sin, and to do evil in the sight of The Lord." King Manasseh was 67 years old when he "slept with his fathers". His eternal "reward" will not be fun to pay.
We all have to pay for the evil we have done. Numbers 32:23 tells us "But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord, and be sure, that YOUR SIN WILL FIND YOU OUT." I cannot express my gratitude that JESUS paid my debt on Calvary's cross. I will NEVER FORGET the price HE paid for my sin.
"1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Hephzi-bah.
2 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel
2 Kings 21:11-12 (KJV)
"11 Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, and hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which were before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols:
12 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle."
A man named George Santayana wrote a book in 1906 entitled "The Reason in Common Sense". In that book he offered the quote "Those who cannot remember the past, are condemned to repeat it."
From the beginning of time man has exhibited the notion that mankind was superior to GOD. Adam was told by GOD, even before Eve had been created, NOT to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. But Adam and Eve listened to the serpent (evil) and SPIRITUAL DEATH was introduced to the world.
Even today, mankind has many, many examples to learn from. King David, Samson, Apostle Peter, Apostle Paul, Abraham, Moses, we all have fallen short of GOD's glory. Yet, we seem to always think we know better than anyone else how to solve the worlds problems. We think we can work things out if we are just given a chance.
King Manasseh was 12 years old when he became King. In 2 Kings 21:1 it is recorded that Manasseh reigned 55 years. King Manasseh "did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD!" Not only did King Manasseh do evil, he "made Judah also to sin with his idols." Leadership had its privileges, but it also has its burdens! King Manasseh caused Judah to sin, and his sins did not go unnoticed.
In 2 Kings 21:16 it is written "Moreover, Manasseh shed innocent blood exceedingly much, till he replenished Jerusalem from corner to corner, beside his sin wherewith he made Judah to sin, and to do evil in the sight of The Lord." King Manasseh was 67 years old when he "slept with his fathers". His eternal "reward" will not be fun to pay.
We all have to pay for the evil we have done. Numbers 32:23 tells us "But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord, and be sure, that YOUR SIN WILL FIND YOU OUT." I cannot express my gratitude that JESUS paid my debt on Calvary's cross. I will NEVER FORGET the price HE paid for my sin.
Monday, March 3, 2014
"GOD INCARNATE"
Psalms 31:14-16 (NASB)
"14 But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord,
I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in Your hand;
Deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me.
16 Make Your face to shine upon Your servant;
Save me in Your lovingkindness."
James 4:13-17 (NASB)
"13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.”
14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.
15 Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.”
16 But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil.
17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin."
Most mornings I read the headlines on the front page of the local newspaper and the obituary page. The rest of the newspaper has not proven worthy of my time to invest in reading. Today there was a name very familiar to me in the obituaries. She was a very sweet lady who was very considerate and helpful to others. She was not "OLD", just passed retirement age. She left here for her eternal reward in a far better place.
We ALL get caught up in the hustle-bustle rat race we call LIFE! Seldom do we sit down and plan for the end stages of life? How will I leave this life! Will I go in my sleep tomorrow! Will I be the resident of a nursing home for a number of years? Will I go in an auto accident in 12 years? Will this earthly life end due age and deterioration of this body? Or maybe GOD will decide it is TIME and I will be RAPTURED?!? How will this life end?
King David wrote Psalms 39. He was "a man after GOD's own heart"(1 Samuel 13:14). The book of James was written by the brother of JESUS. These two passages were written by two men who loved GOD immensely. "My times" "are just a vapor" that appear briefly, and then "vanishes away"! What lies before me is unknown for me. I trust GOD alone with my next breath and the future.
Most reports indicate that 10 of the 12 disciples were martyred. One would think the disciples were the most dedicated to JESUS (GOD INCARNATE). The disciples knew that they had experienced GOD INCARNATE and their reward was not of this world. The Priests and hierarchy of the church (Pharisees and Sadducees) were so caught up in their rituals and man-made traditions that when GOD INCARNATE appeared right before their eyes, they couldn't even see HIM!
Does JESUS appear before me at times and I not even see HIM because I am so caught up in my RAT-RACE? How many times do I fail to see GOD INCARNATE right before my eyes? Could I be just like those who thought so much of themselves that they were blinded to see GOD INCARNATE?
Scripture tells us our times here on earth are just "a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away"! FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to keep my eyes focused on the things of Heaven and not miss GOD INCARNATE when HE passes my way!
"14 But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord,
I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in Your hand;
Deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me.
16 Make Your face to shine upon Your servant;
Save me in Your lovingkindness."
James 4:13-17 (NASB)
"13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.”
14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.
15 Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.”
16 But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil.
17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin."
Most mornings I read the headlines on the front page of the local newspaper and the obituary page. The rest of the newspaper has not proven worthy of my time to invest in reading. Today there was a name very familiar to me in the obituaries. She was a very sweet lady who was very considerate and helpful to others. She was not "OLD", just passed retirement age. She left here for her eternal reward in a far better place.
We ALL get caught up in the hustle-bustle rat race we call LIFE! Seldom do we sit down and plan for the end stages of life? How will I leave this life! Will I go in my sleep tomorrow! Will I be the resident of a nursing home for a number of years? Will I go in an auto accident in 12 years? Will this earthly life end due age and deterioration of this body? Or maybe GOD will decide it is TIME and I will be RAPTURED?!? How will this life end?
King David wrote Psalms 39. He was "a man after GOD's own heart"(1 Samuel 13:14). The book of James was written by the brother of JESUS. These two passages were written by two men who loved GOD immensely. "My times" "are just a vapor" that appear briefly, and then "vanishes away"! What lies before me is unknown for me. I trust GOD alone with my next breath and the future.
Most reports indicate that 10 of the 12 disciples were martyred. One would think the disciples were the most dedicated to JESUS (GOD INCARNATE). The disciples knew that they had experienced GOD INCARNATE and their reward was not of this world. The Priests and hierarchy of the church (Pharisees and Sadducees) were so caught up in their rituals and man-made traditions that when GOD INCARNATE appeared right before their eyes, they couldn't even see HIM!
Does JESUS appear before me at times and I not even see HIM because I am so caught up in my RAT-RACE? How many times do I fail to see GOD INCARNATE right before my eyes? Could I be just like those who thought so much of themselves that they were blinded to see GOD INCARNATE?
Scripture tells us our times here on earth are just "a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away"! FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to keep my eyes focused on the things of Heaven and not miss GOD INCARNATE when HE passes my way!
Saturday, March 1, 2014
"WHO ART THOU???"
James 4:10-12 (KJV)
"10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
11 SPEAK NOT EVIL one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
12 There is ONE lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: WHO ART THOU that judgest another?"
Everybody has faults! Whether they admit their faults, or not, is another story. I know people who want to expose the wrongs of others, yet never mention any wrongs they may have done.
The scriptures above tell us that one should not judge someone else. It is so tempting to get caught up in telling how someone else has failed. The thing is, we "ALL" (Romans 3:23) have failed! And most of us get pretty defensive when others want to shine a light on our failures. The Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians "for when I am weak, then I am strong"! I believe Paul is saying, when I humble myself and admit I am weak, then I become strong in relying on JESUS in my life.
"WHO ART THOU" to judge someone else? I can find plenty of people who do plenty of wrong. GOD is able to judge the wrongs of others. HE is does not need my help correcting them. Just because we are one of HIS chosen does not mean HE needs us to do ALL of HIS work. If John 6:44 is true ("No man can come to me, EXCEPT THE FATHER WHICH SENT ME DRAW HIM: and I will raise him up at the last day."), I should let GOD and HIS HOLY SPIRIT convict and work in people's lives. When HE needs me to intervene, HE will make it clear!
Going back to the start, I am of the belief that I should "Humble myself in the sight of the Lord"(v10). HE is faithful to do what HE said HE would do. Am I faithful to trust HIM to "lift me up"? And to proclaim that HE is the ONE who lifts people up when they humble themselves in HIS sight?
"10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
11 SPEAK NOT EVIL one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
12 There is ONE lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: WHO ART THOU that judgest another?"
Everybody has faults! Whether they admit their faults, or not, is another story. I know people who want to expose the wrongs of others, yet never mention any wrongs they may have done.
The scriptures above tell us that one should not judge someone else. It is so tempting to get caught up in telling how someone else has failed. The thing is, we "ALL" (Romans 3:23) have failed! And most of us get pretty defensive when others want to shine a light on our failures. The Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians "for when I am weak, then I am strong"! I believe Paul is saying, when I humble myself and admit I am weak, then I become strong in relying on JESUS in my life.
"WHO ART THOU" to judge someone else? I can find plenty of people who do plenty of wrong. GOD is able to judge the wrongs of others. HE is does not need my help correcting them. Just because we are one of HIS chosen does not mean HE needs us to do ALL of HIS work. If John 6:44 is true ("No man can come to me, EXCEPT THE FATHER WHICH SENT ME DRAW HIM: and I will raise him up at the last day."), I should let GOD and HIS HOLY SPIRIT convict and work in people's lives. When HE needs me to intervene, HE will make it clear!
Going back to the start, I am of the belief that I should "Humble myself in the sight of the Lord"(v10). HE is faithful to do what HE said HE would do. Am I faithful to trust HIM to "lift me up"? And to proclaim that HE is the ONE who lifts people up when they humble themselves in HIS sight?
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