2 Peter 1:5-9 (1599 Geneva Bible)
"5 Therefore give even all diligence thereunto: join moreover virtue with your faith: and with virtue, knowledge:
6 And with knowledge, temperance: and with temperance, patience: and with patience, godliness:
7 And with godliness, brotherly kindness: and with brotherly kindness, love.
8 For if these things be among you, and abound, they will make you that ye neither shall be idle, nor unfruitful in the acknowledging of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 For he that hath not these things, is blind, and cannot see far off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins."
I was studying scripture yesterday and was in 2 Peter. I looked up online each trait that Simon Peter wrote about in this scripture passage. The definitions are listed below.
Virtue--A virtue is a right inner disposition, and a disposition is a tendency to act in certain ways. Disposition is more basic, lasting and pervasive than the particular motive or intention behind a certain action. It differs from a sudden impulse in being a settled habit of mind, an internalized and often reflective trait. Virtues are general character traits that provide inner sanctions on our particular motives, intentions and outward conduct.
Faith--Belief, trust, and loyalty to a person or thing. Christians find their security and hope in God as revealed in Jesus Christ, and say "amen" to that unique relationship to God in the Holy Spirit through love and obedience as expressed in lives of discipleship and service.
Knowledge--It means, therefore, knowledge that still admits of growth, not yet ripe or complete. It is worth noting that the word for absolute knowledge, epistêmê, does not occur in the New Testament. By “knowledge” here is probably meant spiritual discernment as to what is right and what is wrong in all things; the right object, the right way, the right time.
Temperance--The word here refers to the mastery over all our evil inclinations and appetites. We are to allow none of them to obtain control over us.
Patience--Bearing all trials and difficulties with an even mind, enduring in all, and persevering through all.
Godliness--Piety towards God; a deep, reverential, religious fear; not only worshipping God with every becoming outward act, but adoring, loving, and magnifying him in the heart: a disposition indispensably necessary to salvation, but exceedingly rare among professors.
Brotherly kindness--Love to Christians as such.
Love--Love to all mankind.
Verse nine says "For he that hath NOT these things, is BLIND, and CANNOT SEE far off, and HATH FORGOTTEN that he was PURGED from his old sins."
Peter was not known for his soft speaking, apologetic demeanor! When he had something to say he said it and let the Holy Spirit work out how it was received. How would you take being told that you were BLIND and CANNOT SEE far off? The point Peter was trying to get across was unless one exhibits the traits above, the person has forgotten where he was SAVED FROM!
There is NO CONDEMNATION (Romans 8:1) to them who are in CHRIST JESUS. Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty fame said it quite plainly in his famed GQ interview "“We never, ever judge someone on who’s going to heaven, hell. That’s the Almighty’s job. We just love ’em, give ’em the good news about Jesus—whether they’re homosexuals, drunks, terrorists. We let God sort ’em out later, you see what I’m saying?” GOD calls me to LOVE people. HE is capable of judging them!
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Friday, May 30, 2014
"I HAVE LEARNED!"
Philippians 4:10-20 (ESV)
"10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.
11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for "I HAVE LEARNED" in whatever situation I am to be content.
12 I know how to be BROUGHT LOW, and I know how to ABOUND. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing PLENTY and HUNGER, ABUNDANCE and NEED.
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.
15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.
16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.
17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.
18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen."
Since July 09, 2007 it seems I am constantly finding myself saying "since the stroke". I really don't want to glorify an event that was so traumatic in my history, but so much has changed in my perspective since that morning that most things are related "before the stroke" and "after the stroke". The way things APPEAR to me has changed immensely! When you wake up and fall flat on your face because you can't walk, AND then your ability to select the words you need to form a sentence evaporates, AND your mind is operating in a "FOG", you can't help coming face to face with mortality.
Imagine, all of the sudden, having your ability to communicate escape your control! I began trying to slow my speech down to enunciate the INTENDED words coming out of my mouth. But no matter how I tried, the control over what was being said. Frustration was abundant for I HAD NO CONTROL!
The Apostle Paul experienced a similar occurrence on the road to Damascus. He was blinded and all of the sudden could not see. Having to have someone assist you with your every move goes against every fiber of our being. It took me years to realize how vulnerable I was, and still am, in everything I do. It took Paul less than a week to come to a realization of what he was and how vulnerable he was.
When you finally come to grips that GOD above PROVIDES for you, whether in ABUNDANCE or NEED, it makes circumstances a lot easier to accept. Paul received gifts sent by the Macedonians and Thessalonians, but the gifts were from GOD (v. 19). It has taken me a while to say "I HAVE LEARNED", but to come to the understanding that GOD uses the bad times as well as the good times to mold us into a vessel that can glorify HIM. "I HAVE LEARNED" that I am still learning, and I will be learning until that day!!!
"10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.
11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for "I HAVE LEARNED" in whatever situation I am to be content.
12 I know how to be BROUGHT LOW, and I know how to ABOUND. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing PLENTY and HUNGER, ABUNDANCE and NEED.
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.
15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.
16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.
17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.
18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen."
Since July 09, 2007 it seems I am constantly finding myself saying "since the stroke". I really don't want to glorify an event that was so traumatic in my history, but so much has changed in my perspective since that morning that most things are related "before the stroke" and "after the stroke". The way things APPEAR to me has changed immensely! When you wake up and fall flat on your face because you can't walk, AND then your ability to select the words you need to form a sentence evaporates, AND your mind is operating in a "FOG", you can't help coming face to face with mortality.
Imagine, all of the sudden, having your ability to communicate escape your control! I began trying to slow my speech down to enunciate the INTENDED words coming out of my mouth. But no matter how I tried, the control over what was being said. Frustration was abundant for I HAD NO CONTROL!
The Apostle Paul experienced a similar occurrence on the road to Damascus. He was blinded and all of the sudden could not see. Having to have someone assist you with your every move goes against every fiber of our being. It took me years to realize how vulnerable I was, and still am, in everything I do. It took Paul less than a week to come to a realization of what he was and how vulnerable he was.
When you finally come to grips that GOD above PROVIDES for you, whether in ABUNDANCE or NEED, it makes circumstances a lot easier to accept. Paul received gifts sent by the Macedonians and Thessalonians, but the gifts were from GOD (v. 19). It has taken me a while to say "I HAVE LEARNED", but to come to the understanding that GOD uses the bad times as well as the good times to mold us into a vessel that can glorify HIM. "I HAVE LEARNED" that I am still learning, and I will be learning until that day!!!
Thursday, May 29, 2014
"SEVENTY YEARS"!!!
Jeremiah 29:10-13 (KJV)
"10 For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform MY good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
12 Then shall ye call upon ME, and ye shall go and pray unto ME, and I will hearken unto you.
13 And ye shall seek ME, and find ME, when ye shall search for ME with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most quoted verses from the Old Testament. The promise and hope from GOD is what it seems everyone wants to focus on. But so many people are caught up in the health, wealth, and prosperity message that they ignore the verse right before Jeremiah 29:11! In Jeremiah 29:10 scripture records "That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you"! The children of Israel had to experience captivity for "SEVENTY YEARS" before they received the promise and hope from GOD.
I would imagine that the captivity must have not been the most enjoyable for the Israelis. Living under other peoples rules and lifestyles is not something most of us have experienced. Having to do what the Babylonians commanded was the penalty the Israelites were given since they chose to NOT obey The LORD. The hearing of the Israelis had to be adjusted so they would listen to ALMIGHTY GOD!
"Then shall ye call upon ME, and ye shall go and PRAY unto ME, and I will hearken unto you"! The children of Israel had to get their hearts right before GOD would hear them. Their prayers were not productive until their hearts were transformed. GOD desires to do "exceeding abundantly" (Ephesians 3:20) more than we could ever dream for our lives. In order to do those things, we must "search for ME with all your heart." We are mistaken if we think all we need to do is 'holler to Heaven' and HE will provide our whims.
The "SEVENTY YEARS" of Babylonian captivity proved to be brutal and painful for the children of Israel. GOD can let sin hold us captive while HE adjusts our spiritual hearing to listen for (and to) HIM. I pray my spiritual hearing never needs adjusting so badly that it takes me being captive for "SEVENTY YEARS"!
"10 For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform MY good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
12 Then shall ye call upon ME, and ye shall go and pray unto ME, and I will hearken unto you.
13 And ye shall seek ME, and find ME, when ye shall search for ME with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most quoted verses from the Old Testament. The promise and hope from GOD is what it seems everyone wants to focus on. But so many people are caught up in the health, wealth, and prosperity message that they ignore the verse right before Jeremiah 29:11! In Jeremiah 29:10 scripture records "That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you"! The children of Israel had to experience captivity for "SEVENTY YEARS" before they received the promise and hope from GOD.
I would imagine that the captivity must have not been the most enjoyable for the Israelis. Living under other peoples rules and lifestyles is not something most of us have experienced. Having to do what the Babylonians commanded was the penalty the Israelites were given since they chose to NOT obey The LORD. The hearing of the Israelis had to be adjusted so they would listen to ALMIGHTY GOD!
"Then shall ye call upon ME, and ye shall go and PRAY unto ME, and I will hearken unto you"! The children of Israel had to get their hearts right before GOD would hear them. Their prayers were not productive until their hearts were transformed. GOD desires to do "exceeding abundantly" (Ephesians 3:20) more than we could ever dream for our lives. In order to do those things, we must "search for ME with all your heart." We are mistaken if we think all we need to do is 'holler to Heaven' and HE will provide our whims.
The "SEVENTY YEARS" of Babylonian captivity proved to be brutal and painful for the children of Israel. GOD can let sin hold us captive while HE adjusts our spiritual hearing to listen for (and to) HIM. I pray my spiritual hearing never needs adjusting so badly that it takes me being captive for "SEVENTY YEARS"!
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
"I AM THE LORD!!!"
Isaiah 45:5-7 (ESV)
"5 I am the LORD, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; I equip you, though you do not know me,
6 that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the LORD, and there is no other.
7 I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the LORD, who does all these things."
There was recently in a newspaper a couple of news articles that one could be consider to be humorous. One was regarding so-called "same sex marriage" and the other was about abortion and when a fetus becomes a "viable option"! I use the word 'humorous' very loosely, as once again, man is attempting to do what only GOD has the authority to accomplish. GOD defined "marriage" in Genesis 2:18-25. GOD created (and still creates) mankind and only HE gives life! No one can explain why some live through some perilous happenings, yet others slip into eternity seemingly so unexpectedly.
GOD's ways a far beyond our understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9). Man cannot contemplate a plan that GOD cannot alter to accomplish HIS glory. Psalms 115:3 reminds us "Our GOD is in the heavens; HE does all that HE pleases". Then we read Isaiah 45:7 that says "I (GOD) form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the LORD, who does all these things." ALL these things!
At times it appears as though GOD is letting us see just how futile trying to live on our own wisdom is. Proverbs 21:30 informs me that "No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD." Mankind has made, and will continue to make, a vast array of different laws and regulations to appease themselves and their conscience. But GOD has already completed (John 19:30) all of the requirements for living a Holy life. When will we realize that when GOD says "I AM THE LORD", we cannot improve upon that? All of the laws and ordinances in the world cannot trump "I AM THE LORD, and there is NO OTHER, besides ME there is no GOD"!!!
"5 I am the LORD, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; I equip you, though you do not know me,
6 that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the LORD, and there is no other.
7 I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the LORD, who does all these things."
There was recently in a newspaper a couple of news articles that one could be consider to be humorous. One was regarding so-called "same sex marriage" and the other was about abortion and when a fetus becomes a "viable option"! I use the word 'humorous' very loosely, as once again, man is attempting to do what only GOD has the authority to accomplish. GOD defined "marriage" in Genesis 2:18-25. GOD created (and still creates) mankind and only HE gives life! No one can explain why some live through some perilous happenings, yet others slip into eternity seemingly so unexpectedly.
GOD's ways a far beyond our understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9). Man cannot contemplate a plan that GOD cannot alter to accomplish HIS glory. Psalms 115:3 reminds us "Our GOD is in the heavens; HE does all that HE pleases". Then we read Isaiah 45:7 that says "I (GOD) form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the LORD, who does all these things." ALL these things!
At times it appears as though GOD is letting us see just how futile trying to live on our own wisdom is. Proverbs 21:30 informs me that "No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD." Mankind has made, and will continue to make, a vast array of different laws and regulations to appease themselves and their conscience. But GOD has already completed (John 19:30) all of the requirements for living a Holy life. When will we realize that when GOD says "I AM THE LORD", we cannot improve upon that? All of the laws and ordinances in the world cannot trump "I AM THE LORD, and there is NO OTHER, besides ME there is no GOD"!!!
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
"EVERY MORNING"!!!
Lamentations 3:22-24 (ESV)
"22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new EVERY MORNING; great is your faithfulness.
24 "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."
This day, as I begin the journey GOD has for me to travel, I am humbled to even be given another day to magnify HIS name. Every day my GOD awakes me from my rest and restores my trust and hope in HIS mercies. Being called "one of HIS own" is the biggest blessing an individual can have.
"They (HIS mercies) are NEW "every morning" cannot be improved upon. I cannot embellish the fact the HE, the ONE who created the heavens and the earth, sees fit to commune with me daily! HIS faithfulness is unmatched and timeless. HE is ALWAYS there for me, and ALWAYS right on time.
I cannot leave out verse 24! "The LORD is my portion, therefore I will hope in HIM!" An attempt at putting this in the vernacular would go something like this, "If GOD don't give it to me, I don't need it"! HE knows what is best for me, and HE will provide what I need, when I need it. There is no need for me to fret or worry, for the Master of the Universe is in charge of my life!
Trials and tribulations may be on the horizon, but I have the assurance that HIS steadfast love is there for me "EVERY MORNING"! Storms may be in the forecast, but I know the ONE who controls the storms (Luke 8:22-25). HE never takes a vacation or a holiday! HIS mercies are new "EVERY MORNING"!!!
"22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new EVERY MORNING; great is your faithfulness.
24 "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."
This day, as I begin the journey GOD has for me to travel, I am humbled to even be given another day to magnify HIS name. Every day my GOD awakes me from my rest and restores my trust and hope in HIS mercies. Being called "one of HIS own" is the biggest blessing an individual can have.
"They (HIS mercies) are NEW "every morning" cannot be improved upon. I cannot embellish the fact the HE, the ONE who created the heavens and the earth, sees fit to commune with me daily! HIS faithfulness is unmatched and timeless. HE is ALWAYS there for me, and ALWAYS right on time.
I cannot leave out verse 24! "The LORD is my portion, therefore I will hope in HIM!" An attempt at putting this in the vernacular would go something like this, "If GOD don't give it to me, I don't need it"! HE knows what is best for me, and HE will provide what I need, when I need it. There is no need for me to fret or worry, for the Master of the Universe is in charge of my life!
Trials and tribulations may be on the horizon, but I have the assurance that HIS steadfast love is there for me "EVERY MORNING"! Storms may be in the forecast, but I know the ONE who controls the storms (Luke 8:22-25). HE never takes a vacation or a holiday! HIS mercies are new "EVERY MORNING"!!!
Monday, May 26, 2014
"SURE TRUST!!"
"I believe that the Christ
who was slain on the cross
has the POWER to CHANGE lives today.
For HE changed me completely
a new life is mine
that is why by the cross I will stand
I believe in a hill called Mount Calvary
I believe whatever the cost
And when time has surrendered
and earth is no more
I'll still cling to the Old Rugged Cross!"
Romans 10:11 (GNV) says "For the Scripture saith, Whosoever "BELIEVETH" in HIM, shall not be ashamed."
One commentary on Romans 10:11 enlightens us "To believe in God is to "yield" and "consent" to God’s promise of our salvation by Christ, and that not only in general, but when we KNOW that the promises pertain to us whereupon riseth a SURE TRUST."
What is a "SURE TRUST"? How can I be so certain that all of this BIBLE stuff is real and I am not living a life based on a farce! The Bible says in Hebrews 11:6 "But without FAITH it is impossible to please HIM: for he that cometh to GOD, must believe that GOD is, and that HE is a rewarder of them that seek HIM." I have a FAITH, or a "SURE TRUST", that GOD is who HE claims to be and HE is still on HIS throne!
Am I Saved? Born Again? Converted? The song above uses words I love, "For HE changed me completely, a new life is mine"! I have a "SURE TRUST" that GOD sent JESUS CHRIST into this world as a ransom for those who believe on HIM. I will continue to "yield" and "consent" to HIS will for my life while I exhibit a "SURE TRUST" in HIM!
http://youtu.be/4NSdy2N7mHA
who was slain on the cross
has the POWER to CHANGE lives today.
For HE changed me completely
a new life is mine
that is why by the cross I will stand
I believe in a hill called Mount Calvary
I believe whatever the cost
And when time has surrendered
and earth is no more
I'll still cling to the Old Rugged Cross!"
Romans 10:11 (GNV) says "For the Scripture saith, Whosoever "BELIEVETH" in HIM, shall not be ashamed."
One commentary on Romans 10:11 enlightens us "To believe in God is to "yield" and "consent" to God’s promise of our salvation by Christ, and that not only in general, but when we KNOW that the promises pertain to us whereupon riseth a SURE TRUST."
What is a "SURE TRUST"? How can I be so certain that all of this BIBLE stuff is real and I am not living a life based on a farce! The Bible says in Hebrews 11:6 "But without FAITH it is impossible to please HIM: for he that cometh to GOD, must believe that GOD is, and that HE is a rewarder of them that seek HIM." I have a FAITH, or a "SURE TRUST", that GOD is who HE claims to be and HE is still on HIS throne!
Am I Saved? Born Again? Converted? The song above uses words I love, "For HE changed me completely, a new life is mine"! I have a "SURE TRUST" that GOD sent JESUS CHRIST into this world as a ransom for those who believe on HIM. I will continue to "yield" and "consent" to HIS will for my life while I exhibit a "SURE TRUST" in HIM!
http://youtu.be/4NSdy2N7mHA
Sunday, May 25, 2014
"AS HE SEES FIT!!"
Exodus 2:11-15 (ESV)
"11 One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their burdens, and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people.
12 He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.
13 When he went out the next day, behold, two Hebrews were struggling together. And he said to the man in the wrong, "Why do you strike your companion?"
14 He answered, "Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?" Then Moses was afraid, and thought, "Surely the thing is known."
15 When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian. And he sat down by a well."
The past can be full of great memories! Your first kiss, getting married, having your children, and many more glorious events that we revel in. But what about the things we don't want anyone to remember? What about the things we are so ashamed of that even we attempt to block out of our own memory?
Moses is best known for leading the Israelites out of captivity from the Egyptians. But in his past he had killed a man for striking down a fellow Jew. Although he was defending what he thought was right, he did it in a way that made him wrong. The very next day he observed two Jews in a dispute and was chastising one of them when the fellow Jew said "Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?" What Moses thought was a secret had apparently been made known to all.
Moses was still used by GOD to lead HIS children out of Egypt. The failures of his past did not preclude GOD having mercy on HIS children. When GOD called Moses to go see Pharaoh, Moses tried to convince GOD he was too shy and had a speech impediment. But GOD knew Moses's weaknesses and chose him anyway!
We need to understand that GOD doesn't share HIS glory with anyone! GOD delivered the children of Israel out of captivity. GOD parted the Red Sea. GOD provided manna and water for them in the wilderness. GOD provided their needs as HE saw fit!
GOD will provide our needs "AS HE SEES FIT"! Although we can see where GOD is leading us, the path we must take will undoubtedly lead us through some trials and tribulations that HE uses to mature us. GOD may be preparing us for future tasks ahead in HIS plan! I must trust in HIM to meet my needs "AS HE SEES FIT" for HIS glory. My weaknesses only provide HIM an opportunity to be glorified while I perform "AS HE SEES FIT"!!
"11 One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their burdens, and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people.
12 He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.
13 When he went out the next day, behold, two Hebrews were struggling together. And he said to the man in the wrong, "Why do you strike your companion?"
14 He answered, "Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?" Then Moses was afraid, and thought, "Surely the thing is known."
15 When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian. And he sat down by a well."
The past can be full of great memories! Your first kiss, getting married, having your children, and many more glorious events that we revel in. But what about the things we don't want anyone to remember? What about the things we are so ashamed of that even we attempt to block out of our own memory?
Moses is best known for leading the Israelites out of captivity from the Egyptians. But in his past he had killed a man for striking down a fellow Jew. Although he was defending what he thought was right, he did it in a way that made him wrong. The very next day he observed two Jews in a dispute and was chastising one of them when the fellow Jew said "Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?" What Moses thought was a secret had apparently been made known to all.
Moses was still used by GOD to lead HIS children out of Egypt. The failures of his past did not preclude GOD having mercy on HIS children. When GOD called Moses to go see Pharaoh, Moses tried to convince GOD he was too shy and had a speech impediment. But GOD knew Moses's weaknesses and chose him anyway!
We need to understand that GOD doesn't share HIS glory with anyone! GOD delivered the children of Israel out of captivity. GOD parted the Red Sea. GOD provided manna and water for them in the wilderness. GOD provided their needs as HE saw fit!
GOD will provide our needs "AS HE SEES FIT"! Although we can see where GOD is leading us, the path we must take will undoubtedly lead us through some trials and tribulations that HE uses to mature us. GOD may be preparing us for future tasks ahead in HIS plan! I must trust in HIM to meet my needs "AS HE SEES FIT" for HIS glory. My weaknesses only provide HIM an opportunity to be glorified while I perform "AS HE SEES FIT"!!
Saturday, May 24, 2014
"INADEQUATE???"
Romans 8:1-4 (1599 Geneva Bible)
"1 Now then there is NO CONDEMNATION to them that are in Christ Jesus, which walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the Law of the Spirit of life which is in Christ Jesus, hath freed me from the Law of sin and of death.
3 For (that that was. impossible to the Law, inasmuch as it was weak, because of the flesh) God sending his own Son, in the similitude of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh,
4 That that righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, which walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
In recent days, I have been internally dealing with not having a father in my life since I was just over four years old. While speaking with a friend about my experience, I described the experience with one word, INADEQUATE! Growing up, in most situations, I had the feeling I was INADEQUATE because I had no father to protect, nurture, or guide me. I never fully understood how much I missed out on needing a father, until my sons needed me in their lives. When I look back on helping my sons, it was my father who missed out on the blessings of fatherhood, not me! The feeling of being INADEQUATE seems to subside when you are giving to others.
Romans 8:1 tells me "there is no condemnation" for we who believe in JESUS CHRIST. If JESUS CHRIST brings no condemnation, then INADEQUACY has no place in our lives. Our lives must reflect walking in the Spirit, for walking in the flesh is death!
We mustn't confuse "flesh" (physical lives) with "Spirit" (Spiritual lives)! In Genesis 2:17 GOD told Adam "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." Obviously, the curse of death was not a physical death, or Adam and Eve would have been short lived. The curse was a Spiritual death, yet the enemy deceives many into "seeing" what he wants them to "see", the things of the physical!
Condemnation comes from NOT being in CHRIST JESUS! Trusting in yourself, assets, abilities, or anything other than The GOD of Heaven (YHWH) is a certain recipe for death. I have spent almost 53 years subconsciously feeling INADEQUATE. Thanks be to The LORD, I will never have to feel INADEQUATE again, as in Christ JESUS there is no condemnation.
"1 Now then there is NO CONDEMNATION to them that are in Christ Jesus, which walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the Law of the Spirit of life which is in Christ Jesus, hath freed me from the Law of sin and of death.
3 For (that that was. impossible to the Law, inasmuch as it was weak, because of the flesh) God sending his own Son, in the similitude of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh,
4 That that righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, which walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
In recent days, I have been internally dealing with not having a father in my life since I was just over four years old. While speaking with a friend about my experience, I described the experience with one word, INADEQUATE! Growing up, in most situations, I had the feeling I was INADEQUATE because I had no father to protect, nurture, or guide me. I never fully understood how much I missed out on needing a father, until my sons needed me in their lives. When I look back on helping my sons, it was my father who missed out on the blessings of fatherhood, not me! The feeling of being INADEQUATE seems to subside when you are giving to others.
Romans 8:1 tells me "there is no condemnation" for we who believe in JESUS CHRIST. If JESUS CHRIST brings no condemnation, then INADEQUACY has no place in our lives. Our lives must reflect walking in the Spirit, for walking in the flesh is death!
We mustn't confuse "flesh" (physical lives) with "Spirit" (Spiritual lives)! In Genesis 2:17 GOD told Adam "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." Obviously, the curse of death was not a physical death, or Adam and Eve would have been short lived. The curse was a Spiritual death, yet the enemy deceives many into "seeing" what he wants them to "see", the things of the physical!
Condemnation comes from NOT being in CHRIST JESUS! Trusting in yourself, assets, abilities, or anything other than The GOD of Heaven (YHWH) is a certain recipe for death. I have spent almost 53 years subconsciously feeling INADEQUATE. Thanks be to The LORD, I will never have to feel INADEQUATE again, as in Christ JESUS there is no condemnation.
Friday, May 23, 2014
"Removing the RESIDUE!"
Psalms 51:7-10 (1599 Geneva Bible)
"7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be WHITER THAN SNOW.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones, which thou hast broken, may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and put away all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a CLEAN heart, O God, and RENEW a right spirit within me."
During the summer I usually mow the grass while my wife prepares dinner. It gives me a chance to unwind from all of the cares of the day, while my wife is able to get me out of her hair. Yesterday, I didn't quite feel up to mowing, so I swapped duties with my wife. I was relegated to preparing dinner and washing dishes while she mowed.
Normally she does a better job at cleaning the dirty dishes, as she pays more attention to detail and has more patience than I. But last night I used a steel wool pad to clean clean a pan. The steel wool was cutting right through the grease build up that had become almost a part of the pan I was cleaning. The pan looked almost NEW when I was through. All of the RESIDUE that remained from previous cleanings was gone and the true metal was revealed.
GOD works in our lives with a lot of the same similarities. We try to clean the imperfections out of our lives, but we always seem to leave RESIDUE in our lives that stains us. Only JESUS can clean us in the manner that leaves us with no RESIDUE in our lives! HE removes all of the stain and build-up of sin from our lives and leaves the true metal of our fiber to shine through.
Often our efforts to clean our lives of all of the RESIDUE from anger, bitterness, selfishness, guilt, and other imperfections, leaves us with a slimy film of sin that must removed. We need to be cleansed and renewed by a Holy GOD to fellowship with HIM! The only good I have to offer is the blood of JESUS to cleanse the RESIDUE of sin from my life!
"7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be WHITER THAN SNOW.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones, which thou hast broken, may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and put away all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a CLEAN heart, O God, and RENEW a right spirit within me."
During the summer I usually mow the grass while my wife prepares dinner. It gives me a chance to unwind from all of the cares of the day, while my wife is able to get me out of her hair. Yesterday, I didn't quite feel up to mowing, so I swapped duties with my wife. I was relegated to preparing dinner and washing dishes while she mowed.
Normally she does a better job at cleaning the dirty dishes, as she pays more attention to detail and has more patience than I. But last night I used a steel wool pad to clean clean a pan. The steel wool was cutting right through the grease build up that had become almost a part of the pan I was cleaning. The pan looked almost NEW when I was through. All of the RESIDUE that remained from previous cleanings was gone and the true metal was revealed.
GOD works in our lives with a lot of the same similarities. We try to clean the imperfections out of our lives, but we always seem to leave RESIDUE in our lives that stains us. Only JESUS can clean us in the manner that leaves us with no RESIDUE in our lives! HE removes all of the stain and build-up of sin from our lives and leaves the true metal of our fiber to shine through.
Often our efforts to clean our lives of all of the RESIDUE from anger, bitterness, selfishness, guilt, and other imperfections, leaves us with a slimy film of sin that must removed. We need to be cleansed and renewed by a Holy GOD to fellowship with HIM! The only good I have to offer is the blood of JESUS to cleanse the RESIDUE of sin from my life!
Thursday, May 22, 2014
"GOD, WHO HAS MERCY"!
Romans 9:14-18 (ESV)
"14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means!
15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."
16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."
18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills."
Have you ever observed someone who has seemingly all the worldly possessions one could ask for CONTINUE to reap abundantly receive more? Conversely, what about the soul who financially has nothing and everything they touch seems to be "infected" with trouble? In both instances the people seem to be good people, yet only one catches all the breaks?
We are are tools to be used in GOD's tool shed. You may say that some are "RICH" enough that they need no assistance from GOD. I had a friend who was quite wealthy. Forbes magazine said he was a billionaire. When he was in his 50's he went to the doctor and was told he had cancer. Within a year he entered eternity! He carried nothing out of this world. He left every dime of his fortune behind.
Just because a person has wealth does not indicate they are blessed. PHARAOH was "raised up" so that GOD's name could "proclaimed in all the earth"! Your spirit (eternal being) can have peace (John 16:33), or your existence can be in temporal THINGS and have tribulation!
The LORD has blessed me to have been placed on this earth on one of the wealthiest countries in history. Yet, my financial wealth is of no comparison to a lot of individuals. I have a desire to make more money. And should I be granted great riches, I pray I will be humble and remember it is not a result of my human will or exertion, but from "GOD, WHO HAS MERCY"!!!
"14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means!
15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."
16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."
18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills."
Have you ever observed someone who has seemingly all the worldly possessions one could ask for CONTINUE to reap abundantly receive more? Conversely, what about the soul who financially has nothing and everything they touch seems to be "infected" with trouble? In both instances the people seem to be good people, yet only one catches all the breaks?
We are are tools to be used in GOD's tool shed. You may say that some are "RICH" enough that they need no assistance from GOD. I had a friend who was quite wealthy. Forbes magazine said he was a billionaire. When he was in his 50's he went to the doctor and was told he had cancer. Within a year he entered eternity! He carried nothing out of this world. He left every dime of his fortune behind.
Just because a person has wealth does not indicate they are blessed. PHARAOH was "raised up" so that GOD's name could "proclaimed in all the earth"! Your spirit (eternal being) can have peace (John 16:33), or your existence can be in temporal THINGS and have tribulation!
The LORD has blessed me to have been placed on this earth on one of the wealthiest countries in history. Yet, my financial wealth is of no comparison to a lot of individuals. I have a desire to make more money. And should I be granted great riches, I pray I will be humble and remember it is not a result of my human will or exertion, but from "GOD, WHO HAS MERCY"!!!
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
"PRAY, SEEK, TRUST & OBEY"!
Jeremiah 17:7-10 (ESV)
"7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.
8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
10 "I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds."
This morning while searching for GOD's will and direction in my life, I came across a saying on a website that I could not get around. "GOD doesn't ask us to understand, comprehend, or figure it out.......HE just asks us to: PRAY, SEEK, TRUST & OBEY. Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD."
It is my sincere desire to follow The LORD's plan for my life. Whatever it is HE has for me, that is what I want for my life. Sometimes I want to know what HIS plan is for my life so I can "make it happen"! But, if I am making it happen, am I really trusting in HIM? Does my heart lead me in the direction I need to travel?
"The heart is deceitful above ALL things, and DESPERATELY sick; who can understand it?" is a statement that is almost ignored by many. Our well-intentioned heart may lead us down a path of turmoil and bitterness! Saying that we are just doing "what our heart leads us to do" sounds like a good statement, but in fact if we are trusting "our heart" to lead us, we are trusting in the wrong thing altogether!
Scripture instructs us to "Trust In The LORD"!!! The LORD's thoughts are not our thoughts! Our ways are not HIS ways! I must submit myself to HIS plan for my life. I must "PRAY, SEEK, TRUST & OBEY" the plan GOD has for me, and not let my heart get in the way.
"7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.
8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
10 "I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds."
This morning while searching for GOD's will and direction in my life, I came across a saying on a website that I could not get around. "GOD doesn't ask us to understand, comprehend, or figure it out.......HE just asks us to: PRAY, SEEK, TRUST & OBEY. Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD."
It is my sincere desire to follow The LORD's plan for my life. Whatever it is HE has for me, that is what I want for my life. Sometimes I want to know what HIS plan is for my life so I can "make it happen"! But, if I am making it happen, am I really trusting in HIM? Does my heart lead me in the direction I need to travel?
"The heart is deceitful above ALL things, and DESPERATELY sick; who can understand it?" is a statement that is almost ignored by many. Our well-intentioned heart may lead us down a path of turmoil and bitterness! Saying that we are just doing "what our heart leads us to do" sounds like a good statement, but in fact if we are trusting "our heart" to lead us, we are trusting in the wrong thing altogether!
Scripture instructs us to "Trust In The LORD"!!! The LORD's thoughts are not our thoughts! Our ways are not HIS ways! I must submit myself to HIS plan for my life. I must "PRAY, SEEK, TRUST & OBEY" the plan GOD has for me, and not let my heart get in the way.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
"Following GOD's direction!"
Exodus 14:21-22 (KJV)
"21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left."
Have you ever needed GOD to perform a miraculous work to help you survive a situation? The Children of Israel found themselves in a position most would do their best not to be in. They were exiting Egyptian soil by "Following GOD's direction"! Chapter 13 of Exodus tells how GOD provided a pillar of a cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night to LEAD them on the correct path.
In Exodus 14:1-2, it is recorded that The LORD spoke to Moses and instructed the Nation of Israel to TURN around and camp near the Red Sea! In verse three GOD tells Moses that Pharaoh will think they are confused to attempt to overcome them. The Children of Israel began to question GOD "Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness"?
Why would GOD instruct them to turn around when the Egyptians were coming after them? Why would GOD have them set up camp when HE knew they were being pursued? GOD knew the Red Sea was deep where they camped. HE knew the area was suitable for three million Jewish people to cross the dry ground that HE would provide. HE knew that the water would be deep enough to engulf the Egyptian army when HE quit holding the water back. GOD knew HE would gain glory over Pharaoh (verses 4;17-18) and the Egyptians in the Red Sea. Had the Israelites counted their losses and surrendered before the Egyptians caught up with them, GOD never would have had the opportunity to work HIS miracle!
The Israelites had to trust that GOD would deliver them out of a difficult situation. Certain doom and death was right in front of GOD's chosen people. Did they deserve to be saved from peril? Probably not. All they were doing was whining about how GOD had led them to such the place where "HE" could gain glory over their enemy.
I pray that when I am faced with certain peril I have enough faith not to whine and complain! Rather I pray I will have enough faith in my GOD to know that HE has not lost HIS strength, and HE has not lost HIS power! HE knew the Red Sea in Moses' day and HE knows the circumstances we face today. I need to be willing to follow HIS direction and HIS chosen path for me so HE can gain glory over my enemies. It is my desire for GOD to gain glory from my enemies........even if I have to face a Red Sea!!!
"21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left."
Have you ever needed GOD to perform a miraculous work to help you survive a situation? The Children of Israel found themselves in a position most would do their best not to be in. They were exiting Egyptian soil by "Following GOD's direction"! Chapter 13 of Exodus tells how GOD provided a pillar of a cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night to LEAD them on the correct path.
In Exodus 14:1-2, it is recorded that The LORD spoke to Moses and instructed the Nation of Israel to TURN around and camp near the Red Sea! In verse three GOD tells Moses that Pharaoh will think they are confused to attempt to overcome them. The Children of Israel began to question GOD "Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness"?
Why would GOD instruct them to turn around when the Egyptians were coming after them? Why would GOD have them set up camp when HE knew they were being pursued? GOD knew the Red Sea was deep where they camped. HE knew the area was suitable for three million Jewish people to cross the dry ground that HE would provide. HE knew that the water would be deep enough to engulf the Egyptian army when HE quit holding the water back. GOD knew HE would gain glory over Pharaoh (verses 4;17-18) and the Egyptians in the Red Sea. Had the Israelites counted their losses and surrendered before the Egyptians caught up with them, GOD never would have had the opportunity to work HIS miracle!
The Israelites had to trust that GOD would deliver them out of a difficult situation. Certain doom and death was right in front of GOD's chosen people. Did they deserve to be saved from peril? Probably not. All they were doing was whining about how GOD had led them to such the place where "HE" could gain glory over their enemy.
I pray that when I am faced with certain peril I have enough faith not to whine and complain! Rather I pray I will have enough faith in my GOD to know that HE has not lost HIS strength, and HE has not lost HIS power! HE knew the Red Sea in Moses' day and HE knows the circumstances we face today. I need to be willing to follow HIS direction and HIS chosen path for me so HE can gain glory over my enemies. It is my desire for GOD to gain glory from my enemies........even if I have to face a Red Sea!!!
Monday, May 19, 2014
"DIRECT MY WAYS"!
Proverbs 3:1-7 (GNV)
"1 My son, forget not thou MY Law, but let thine heart keep MY commandments.
2 For they shall increase the length of thy days and the years of life, and thy prosperity.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them on thy neck, and write them upon the table of thine heart.
4 So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of GOD and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with ALL thine heart, and LEAN NOT unto thine OWN WISDOM.
6 IN ALL THY WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM, AND HE SHALL DIRECT THY WAYS.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: but fear the Lord, and depart from evil."
Political primary season is in full gear around here! There are politicians everywhere enlightening us on why they are the best candidate for the office they are seeking. I pay attention to a few candidates, but most are so caught up in promoting THEIR ideas and political agenda, it nauseates me.
The Holy Bible instructs us in Proverbs 3:5 that we should NOT lean unto our own understanding! Our understanding usually gets us into troubles that we have no answers for. We can THINK we are doing the correct thing, and we turn down the wrong road directly into trouble.
Verse one of Proverbs 3 says very plainly "forget not thou MY Law, but let thine heart keep MY commandments". One of my problems is my memory is not what I wish it was. But the "heart" is what needs to remember GOD's law. I have known people who could quote scriptures with the best of them, and when it came time for their LIGHT TO SHINE there wasn't even a flicker to be seen!
Verse six is one of the most overlooked, maybe even ignored, verses in the Bible. "In ALL thy ways acknowledge HIM, and HE "SHALL" direct thy ways"! If we "recognize the authority, validity, or claims of" (Dictionary.com definition of acknowledge) of The LORD, it says "HE SHALL" direct our ways! We cannot go wrong depending on the Creator of the Universe. We cannot go right if we trust in our own wisdom.
Millions upon millions of dollars are spent trying to convince voters of a candidates worthiness to be elected to the office they seek. The process is upside down though. We should be recognizing "the authority, validity, or claims of" a HOLY GOD, instead of trusting in a politician to do what his "OWN WISDOM" tells him to do. Father in Heaven, cause me to allow YOU to "DIRECT MY WAYS"!
"1 My son, forget not thou MY Law, but let thine heart keep MY commandments.
2 For they shall increase the length of thy days and the years of life, and thy prosperity.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them on thy neck, and write them upon the table of thine heart.
4 So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of GOD and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with ALL thine heart, and LEAN NOT unto thine OWN WISDOM.
6 IN ALL THY WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM, AND HE SHALL DIRECT THY WAYS.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: but fear the Lord, and depart from evil."
Political primary season is in full gear around here! There are politicians everywhere enlightening us on why they are the best candidate for the office they are seeking. I pay attention to a few candidates, but most are so caught up in promoting THEIR ideas and political agenda, it nauseates me.
The Holy Bible instructs us in Proverbs 3:5 that we should NOT lean unto our own understanding! Our understanding usually gets us into troubles that we have no answers for. We can THINK we are doing the correct thing, and we turn down the wrong road directly into trouble.
Verse one of Proverbs 3 says very plainly "forget not thou MY Law, but let thine heart keep MY commandments". One of my problems is my memory is not what I wish it was. But the "heart" is what needs to remember GOD's law. I have known people who could quote scriptures with the best of them, and when it came time for their LIGHT TO SHINE there wasn't even a flicker to be seen!
Verse six is one of the most overlooked, maybe even ignored, verses in the Bible. "In ALL thy ways acknowledge HIM, and HE "SHALL" direct thy ways"! If we "recognize the authority, validity, or claims of" (Dictionary.com definition of acknowledge) of The LORD, it says "HE SHALL" direct our ways! We cannot go wrong depending on the Creator of the Universe. We cannot go right if we trust in our own wisdom.
Millions upon millions of dollars are spent trying to convince voters of a candidates worthiness to be elected to the office they seek. The process is upside down though. We should be recognizing "the authority, validity, or claims of" a HOLY GOD, instead of trusting in a politician to do what his "OWN WISDOM" tells him to do. Father in Heaven, cause me to allow YOU to "DIRECT MY WAYS"!
Sunday, May 18, 2014
"HEARKEN TO THE VOICE OF THE LORD!"
Deuteronomy 28:1-2; 15 (KJV)
"1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God."
"15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee".
Yesterday morning I awoke with the words "HEARKEN TO THE VOICE OF THE LORD" resounding in my head. I didn't have any verse in mind. In fact, I had to research the word's to find where the verse was, and IF it was in the Bible at all? All I knew was, the words that were in my mind were not there by accident.
There are 68 verses in chapter 28 of Deuteronomy. The first 14 verses lists the promised blessings that Israel could expect from "HEARKEN-ing TO THE VOICE OF THE LORD". The next 54 verses tell of the curses that were to be expected should Israel (and others who reject The Lord) not "HEARKEN TO THE VOICE OF THE LORD"! You can read for yourselves the blessings in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. Then, you can continue reading the curses in Deuteronomy 28:15-68. It doesn't take a brilliant Bible Scholar to figure out which group I prefer to be in!
I find it interesting that both scenarios begin with the word "IF"! "IF" you hearken, observe and do what GOD commands, then the LORD blesses. "IF" you do not hearken, observe and do what the LORD commands, then the LORD curses. Fourteen verses of blessings versus 54 verses of curses. I choose to continue to "HEARKEN TO THE VOICE OF THE LORD" in my life. I pray you do to!
"1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God."
"15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee".
Yesterday morning I awoke with the words "HEARKEN TO THE VOICE OF THE LORD" resounding in my head. I didn't have any verse in mind. In fact, I had to research the word's to find where the verse was, and IF it was in the Bible at all? All I knew was, the words that were in my mind were not there by accident.
There are 68 verses in chapter 28 of Deuteronomy. The first 14 verses lists the promised blessings that Israel could expect from "HEARKEN-ing TO THE VOICE OF THE LORD". The next 54 verses tell of the curses that were to be expected should Israel (and others who reject The Lord) not "HEARKEN TO THE VOICE OF THE LORD"! You can read for yourselves the blessings in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. Then, you can continue reading the curses in Deuteronomy 28:15-68. It doesn't take a brilliant Bible Scholar to figure out which group I prefer to be in!
I find it interesting that both scenarios begin with the word "IF"! "IF" you hearken, observe and do what GOD commands, then the LORD blesses. "IF" you do not hearken, observe and do what the LORD commands, then the LORD curses. Fourteen verses of blessings versus 54 verses of curses. I choose to continue to "HEARKEN TO THE VOICE OF THE LORD" in my life. I pray you do to!
Saturday, May 17, 2014
"Overcome evil with good!"
Romans 12:19-21 (KJV)
"19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
Many times in my younger life I felt as though I 'had' to defend my honor. My mom and dad divorced when I was four years old and my father moved to Canada to avoid paying child support. I walked around with the proverbial "chip on my shoulder" not having a father at home to mentor me. It was only after my children were born I realized that I was not the one who missed out on having a father. It was my father who missed out on instilling values and wisdom into his son.
Verse 21 above brings back a myriad of memories from a childhood. I was always trying to overcome evil with evil. My pastor when I was saved, Rev. Doyle Wesson, was a mentor unlike any other in my life. He exemplified the traits of "overcoming evil with good". Before my salvation, and unfortunately sometimes afterwards, I had the "vengeance is mine" attitude and would try to implement my attitudes and thoughts on those around me. Now the realization and revelation has been shown to me that GOD works on others in HIS timing, just as HE works on me in HIS timing!
Everyone is rewarded for their actions. Some may have to wait until eternity to reap their harvest, but you WILL REAP YOUR HARVEST! My father moved back to the USA two years after my little sister turned 18 years old. In 1990, he suffered a brain hemorrhage that left him totally paralyzed! For TWO YEARS the only thing he could move on his body was his eyes! My half-brother would walk into his room at the nursing home and tears would be coming out of his eyes, and he could not even wipe his own eyes.
Through my life, I have seen where letting GOD repay with HIS vengeance is far more severe than anything I could ever dream of. I will endeavor to do good to those who wrong me, and leave the "Vengeance" to someone more qualified to dispense it! I am to "overcome evil with good" and let vengeance be left up to HIM!
"19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
Many times in my younger life I felt as though I 'had' to defend my honor. My mom and dad divorced when I was four years old and my father moved to Canada to avoid paying child support. I walked around with the proverbial "chip on my shoulder" not having a father at home to mentor me. It was only after my children were born I realized that I was not the one who missed out on having a father. It was my father who missed out on instilling values and wisdom into his son.
Verse 21 above brings back a myriad of memories from a childhood. I was always trying to overcome evil with evil. My pastor when I was saved, Rev. Doyle Wesson, was a mentor unlike any other in my life. He exemplified the traits of "overcoming evil with good". Before my salvation, and unfortunately sometimes afterwards, I had the "vengeance is mine" attitude and would try to implement my attitudes and thoughts on those around me. Now the realization and revelation has been shown to me that GOD works on others in HIS timing, just as HE works on me in HIS timing!
Everyone is rewarded for their actions. Some may have to wait until eternity to reap their harvest, but you WILL REAP YOUR HARVEST! My father moved back to the USA two years after my little sister turned 18 years old. In 1990, he suffered a brain hemorrhage that left him totally paralyzed! For TWO YEARS the only thing he could move on his body was his eyes! My half-brother would walk into his room at the nursing home and tears would be coming out of his eyes, and he could not even wipe his own eyes.
Through my life, I have seen where letting GOD repay with HIS vengeance is far more severe than anything I could ever dream of. I will endeavor to do good to those who wrong me, and leave the "Vengeance" to someone more qualified to dispense it! I am to "overcome evil with good" and let vengeance be left up to HIM!
Thursday, May 15, 2014
"JEHOVAH-JIREH!!"
A couple of days ago somebody shared something to this effect: If you are waiting on a Word from GOD and you are getting similar messages from a lot of different people, that may be GOD trying to tell you something! So I am going to show what I have gotten lately!
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A WISE WORD FROM MAX LUCADO! May 15, 2014 @ 06:04AM
A Jungle
It’s a jungle out there! And for many, hope is in short supply. What would it take to restore your hope?
Though the answers are abundant, three come quickly to mind. The first would be someone who knows the way out. And from that someone you need vision. Someone to look you in the face and say, “Don’t give up! There’s a better place than this.” Most importantly, you need direction. If you have a person with direction who can take you to the right place—ah, then you have one who can restore your hope.
To use David’s words in Psalm 23, “HE restores my soul!” God, our Shepherd, majors in restoring hope to the soul! Loneliness diminishes because you have fellowship. Despair decreases because you have vision. Confusion begins to lift because you have direction. Please note– you haven’t left the jungle. It hasn’t changed, but you have. YOU HAVE HOPE!
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BEDTIME SCRIPTURE ON MAY 14, 2014----Psalms 50:15 "And call upon me in the day of trouble: I WILL DELIVER THEE, and thou shalt glorify me."
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From Dr. Tony Evans on May 14, 2014 @ 10:13 AM "Never forget the two fishes and five loaves. GOD can take your little and make a lot"!
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FROM CARMEN LICCIARDELLO Tuesday May 13, 2014 @ 5:00PM
"Lord I bring to you my burdens and you know my situation. You know I can't make it without you. Comfort my heart, give me strength, and help me carry on! Amen!
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FROM RYAN BLAIR on Friday May 9, 2014 @ 12:44PM
"Your setbacks may have amused them, but your comeback is going to confuse them! GOD is about to vindicate you!!
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Now friends, I am convinced GOD is about to do something Miraculous in my life. Not because I deserve it. I deserve the cross of Calvary. But because HE is JEHOVAH-JIREH, The Lord who provides! I give HIM all honor and glory and praise in my life! I pledge to serve HIM all of my days!
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A WISE WORD FROM MAX LUCADO! May 15, 2014 @ 06:04AM
A Jungle
It’s a jungle out there! And for many, hope is in short supply. What would it take to restore your hope?
Though the answers are abundant, three come quickly to mind. The first would be someone who knows the way out. And from that someone you need vision. Someone to look you in the face and say, “Don’t give up! There’s a better place than this.” Most importantly, you need direction. If you have a person with direction who can take you to the right place—ah, then you have one who can restore your hope.
To use David’s words in Psalm 23, “HE restores my soul!” God, our Shepherd, majors in restoring hope to the soul! Loneliness diminishes because you have fellowship. Despair decreases because you have vision. Confusion begins to lift because you have direction. Please note– you haven’t left the jungle. It hasn’t changed, but you have. YOU HAVE HOPE!
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BEDTIME SCRIPTURE ON MAY 14, 2014----Psalms 50:15 "And call upon me in the day of trouble: I WILL DELIVER THEE, and thou shalt glorify me."
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From Dr. Tony Evans on May 14, 2014 @ 10:13 AM "Never forget the two fishes and five loaves. GOD can take your little and make a lot"!
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FROM CARMEN LICCIARDELLO Tuesday May 13, 2014 @ 5:00PM
"Lord I bring to you my burdens and you know my situation. You know I can't make it without you. Comfort my heart, give me strength, and help me carry on! Amen!
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FROM RYAN BLAIR on Friday May 9, 2014 @ 12:44PM
"Your setbacks may have amused them, but your comeback is going to confuse them! GOD is about to vindicate you!!
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Now friends, I am convinced GOD is about to do something Miraculous in my life. Not because I deserve it. I deserve the cross of Calvary. But because HE is JEHOVAH-JIREH, The Lord who provides! I give HIM all honor and glory and praise in my life! I pledge to serve HIM all of my days!
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
"THOU FAVOUREST ME"!
Psalms 41:11-12 (KJV)
"11 By this I KNOW that THOU FAVOUREST ME, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.
12 And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever."
Sometimes I just have to remember who I am in CHRIST! We have all heard the quote "I know I am somebody, cause GOD doesn't make junk"! Not only doesn't GOD make junk, HE sent HIS only SON as a ransom for me. HE loves me so much that sacrificed HIS precious SON so I could experience life in HIM.
The enemy tries to "triumph over me" continuously! But "this I KNOW that THOU favourest me" and has prepared a "table before me in the presence of mine enemies". The enemy may try to convince me that I am weak and easily defeated, but because of what JESUS did for me, CHRIST has "settest me before thy face for ever."
"11 By this I KNOW that THOU FAVOUREST ME, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.
12 And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever."
Sometimes I just have to remember who I am in CHRIST! We have all heard the quote "I know I am somebody, cause GOD doesn't make junk"! Not only doesn't GOD make junk, HE sent HIS only SON as a ransom for me. HE loves me so much that sacrificed HIS precious SON so I could experience life in HIM.
The enemy tries to "triumph over me" continuously! But "this I KNOW that THOU favourest me" and has prepared a "table before me in the presence of mine enemies". The enemy may try to convince me that I am weak and easily defeated, but because of what JESUS did for me, CHRIST has "settest me before thy face for ever."
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
"TRUST IN HIM!"
John 14:1-11 (ESV)
"1 "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe (TRUST) in God; believe (TRUST) also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
4 And you know the way to where I am going."
5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?"
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him."
8 Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us."
9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?
10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.
11 Believe (TRUST) me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe (TRUST) on account of the works themselves."
Does your heart ever get troubled? Do you ever find yourself not knowing which direction you should go? JESUS addressed this problem in the scripture above. HE instructed us many times to TRUST (believe) in HIM.
In John 4:24 JESUS says "GOD is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." In John 14:11 JESUS says "I am in the Father and the Father is in me". In John 17:23 JESUS prays to The FATHER "I (JESUS) in them (believers) and you (FATHER) in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them (believers) even as you loved me."
If GOD and JESUS are one (John 10:30) and GOD loves us even as HE loved JESUS, why should my heart be troubled? Fear and doubt are tools from the enemy and he uses these tools with great effectiveness. If the enemy can consume my mind with doubts of GOD working things out, and fear that GOD is not able to work things out for my good (Romans 8:28), I will constantly live in defeat!
My prayer is that I will remember, not what I have done, but what CHRIST has done for me, and live in the victory only HE can bring! Is JESUS who HE said HE was? Or is the devil correct that JESUS is a fraud? Death, hell, and the grave have been defeated. I will "TRUST" in JESUS and rest in HIM!
"1 "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe (TRUST) in God; believe (TRUST) also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
4 And you know the way to where I am going."
5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?"
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him."
8 Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us."
9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?
10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.
11 Believe (TRUST) me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe (TRUST) on account of the works themselves."
Does your heart ever get troubled? Do you ever find yourself not knowing which direction you should go? JESUS addressed this problem in the scripture above. HE instructed us many times to TRUST (believe) in HIM.
In John 4:24 JESUS says "GOD is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." In John 14:11 JESUS says "I am in the Father and the Father is in me". In John 17:23 JESUS prays to The FATHER "I (JESUS) in them (believers) and you (FATHER) in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them (believers) even as you loved me."
If GOD and JESUS are one (John 10:30) and GOD loves us even as HE loved JESUS, why should my heart be troubled? Fear and doubt are tools from the enemy and he uses these tools with great effectiveness. If the enemy can consume my mind with doubts of GOD working things out, and fear that GOD is not able to work things out for my good (Romans 8:28), I will constantly live in defeat!
My prayer is that I will remember, not what I have done, but what CHRIST has done for me, and live in the victory only HE can bring! Is JESUS who HE said HE was? Or is the devil correct that JESUS is a fraud? Death, hell, and the grave have been defeated. I will "TRUST" in JESUS and rest in HIM!
Monday, May 12, 2014
"CHOICES!"
Joshua 24:14-15 (1599 Geneva Bible)
14 “Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve HIM in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD.”
One would think that Mothers Day would bring a sermon of admiration and adoration of all the great moms one has known in their lives. Yet yesterday, our pastor used the text above to base his message. My wife and I were privileged to have my oldest son and daughter-in-law attend worship with us.
The "CHOICES" we are faced with daily impact not only our lives, but the lives of those around us. Sometimes we make some wise "CHOICES", and other times we do not exhibit great wisdom. But the "CHOICES" we make are, at times, seemingly out of character? We make bad decisions that we look back on and wonder what we were thinking! Then again, we sometimes make decisions that seem to be way above our level of intelligence?
The supreme authority of GOD (sovereignty) puts us in situations and circumstances that causes us to grow in HIM. Romans 5:3-5 (GNV) says "And not only this, but we also exult (rejoice exceedingly) in our tribulations (severe trial or suffering), knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
The "CHOICES" we make on how we react to those tribulations determine how mature we are in HIM. I can whine, moan, and complain about what I am having to deal with, or I can 'exult' in those tribulations and exhibit the traits of CHRIST! My level of maturity that I display may reflect the amount of TRUST I have in HIM to deliver me from my tribulation. I need to make sure the "CHOICES" I make are ones that glorify HIM!!! "As for me and my house, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD" is the "CHOICE" we have made!
14 “Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve HIM in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD.”
One would think that Mothers Day would bring a sermon of admiration and adoration of all the great moms one has known in their lives. Yet yesterday, our pastor used the text above to base his message. My wife and I were privileged to have my oldest son and daughter-in-law attend worship with us.
The "CHOICES" we are faced with daily impact not only our lives, but the lives of those around us. Sometimes we make some wise "CHOICES", and other times we do not exhibit great wisdom. But the "CHOICES" we make are, at times, seemingly out of character? We make bad decisions that we look back on and wonder what we were thinking! Then again, we sometimes make decisions that seem to be way above our level of intelligence?
The supreme authority of GOD (sovereignty) puts us in situations and circumstances that causes us to grow in HIM. Romans 5:3-5 (GNV) says "And not only this, but we also exult (rejoice exceedingly) in our tribulations (severe trial or suffering), knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
The "CHOICES" we make on how we react to those tribulations determine how mature we are in HIM. I can whine, moan, and complain about what I am having to deal with, or I can 'exult' in those tribulations and exhibit the traits of CHRIST! My level of maturity that I display may reflect the amount of TRUST I have in HIM to deliver me from my tribulation. I need to make sure the "CHOICES" I make are ones that glorify HIM!!! "As for me and my house, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD" is the "CHOICE" we have made!
Sunday, May 11, 2014
"GOD has a plan!"
Acts 9:3-9 (KJV)
"3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink."
Acts 9:15-16 (KJV)
"15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for MY name’s sake."
From time to time I find myself in a situation or predicament that is not the most comfortable in my life. I try to avoid conflict or hardship in an effort to make sure my life is the easiest journey possible. When difficulties have arisen in my life, I have always tried to figure out what I may have done to cause the struggle I find myself in!
GOD speaks to all of us in a different voice. Not necessarily a different language, but definitely a different volume, intensity, mannerism, and presentation. Our hearing has to be in tune with the things of GOD to get the message HE is trying to get across. The circumstances we find ourselves in may not be a result of bad choices, but a part of the journey GOD has us on for HIS glorification.
The soon-to-be Apostle Paul was questioned by JESUS CHRIST in verse 4 "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me"? JESUS knew why Saul was persecuting HIM. Saul did not know why he was persecuting Christians though? GOD had to blind Saul so HE could gain glory from Paul's life in the future. The miraculous turn around in Paul's life would not have been so noticeable had Saul not been persecuting Christians so. When Stephen was stoned to death for his belief in Christ, Saul "consented" to the stoning.
Why would GOD allow one of HIS believers to be stoned by unbelievers? Saul was going to suffer "great things" for the sake of JESUS CHRIST. So, don't try to figure out what has caused difficulty to come into your life. "GOD has a plan" and purpose for the events that occur in our lives. I want GOD to be glorified in my life, even if I have to be stoned like Stephen!!
"3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink."
Acts 9:15-16 (KJV)
"15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for MY name’s sake."
From time to time I find myself in a situation or predicament that is not the most comfortable in my life. I try to avoid conflict or hardship in an effort to make sure my life is the easiest journey possible. When difficulties have arisen in my life, I have always tried to figure out what I may have done to cause the struggle I find myself in!
GOD speaks to all of us in a different voice. Not necessarily a different language, but definitely a different volume, intensity, mannerism, and presentation. Our hearing has to be in tune with the things of GOD to get the message HE is trying to get across. The circumstances we find ourselves in may not be a result of bad choices, but a part of the journey GOD has us on for HIS glorification.
The soon-to-be Apostle Paul was questioned by JESUS CHRIST in verse 4 "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me"? JESUS knew why Saul was persecuting HIM. Saul did not know why he was persecuting Christians though? GOD had to blind Saul so HE could gain glory from Paul's life in the future. The miraculous turn around in Paul's life would not have been so noticeable had Saul not been persecuting Christians so. When Stephen was stoned to death for his belief in Christ, Saul "consented" to the stoning.
Why would GOD allow one of HIS believers to be stoned by unbelievers? Saul was going to suffer "great things" for the sake of JESUS CHRIST. So, don't try to figure out what has caused difficulty to come into your life. "GOD has a plan" and purpose for the events that occur in our lives. I want GOD to be glorified in my life, even if I have to be stoned like Stephen!!
Saturday, May 10, 2014
"TWO MEN!"
Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
Today my sons, with their spouses,have now gone shopping came to our house for Mother's Day! My two sons helped their old dad move a dump truck load of topsoil my wife purchased yesterday. Now, the ladies have gone shopping and my boys had to run to the store.
I am so proud of my sons, not because they helped me with moving dirt today! But to see the MEN they have grown to be is a joy one cannot explain. Sometimes I think I may have been too hard on my kids while I was raising them. But I see where the straight and narrow approach has provided great dividends as they have grown.
When you plant seeds, you have to water, weed, and nurture the plants as they grow. Today, I am seeing the harvest of TWO MEN that are dedicated to JESUS CHRIST! I am honored to see their families being led, as they are being led by the Holy Spirit. The TWO MEN that I call my sons are a blessing to me and those who know and love them!
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
Today my sons, with their spouses,have now gone shopping came to our house for Mother's Day! My two sons helped their old dad move a dump truck load of topsoil my wife purchased yesterday. Now, the ladies have gone shopping and my boys had to run to the store.
I am so proud of my sons, not because they helped me with moving dirt today! But to see the MEN they have grown to be is a joy one cannot explain. Sometimes I think I may have been too hard on my kids while I was raising them. But I see where the straight and narrow approach has provided great dividends as they have grown.
When you plant seeds, you have to water, weed, and nurture the plants as they grow. Today, I am seeing the harvest of TWO MEN that are dedicated to JESUS CHRIST! I am honored to see their families being led, as they are being led by the Holy Spirit. The TWO MEN that I call my sons are a blessing to me and those who know and love them!
Friday, May 9, 2014
"Behold, I am here LORD!"
Acts 22:6-10 (1599 Geneva Bible)
"6 And so it was, as I journeyed, and was come near unto Damascus about noon, that suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.
7 So I fell unto the earth, and HEARD a voice, saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
8 Then I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said to me, I am JESUS of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
9 Moreover they that were with me, saw indeed a light and were afraid: BUT THEY HEARD NOT THE VOICE of HIM that spake unto me.
10 Then I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus: and there it shall be told thee of all things, which are appointed for thee to do."
Can you imagine being told to do something that needed to be done and "no one else" hears the command? How can you be certain you heard correctly? How do you verify that you were not just hearing things? How many times do we get instructions from GOD and fail to act because "no one else" got the same instructions!
Saul of Tarsus was on the Damascus Road to persecute more believers of JESUS CHRIST. About noon a light from Heaven was displayed around him that stopped him in his tracks! Saul fell to the ground, blinded by the light (Acts 9:8), and was blinded for three days. A disciple named Ananias was told by GOD to minister to Saul.
But Saul, later known as Paul, had people with him who saw the light that was shining around him, "BUT THEY HEARD NOT THE VOICE" that spoke to him! There is no doubt that Paul experienced JESUS like few others. But "no one else" heard GOD speaking to Paul. The others hearing was not impaired, but the were not on the same wavelength as GOD. Ananias heard GOD telling him to minister to Saul and he went to minster, despite Saul's reputation. GOD told Ananias that "I will show him (Paul), how many things he must suffer for my Name’s sake."
To get Saul's attention and make him "LISTEN" to HIM, GOD had to blind him and and slow his life down. To get Ananias' attention, all The LORD had to do was call his name and Ananias said "Behold, I am here Lord"! My desire is to be listening so intently to The Lord, that all HE needs to do is speak my name and hear me reply, "Behold, I am here Lord"!
"6 And so it was, as I journeyed, and was come near unto Damascus about noon, that suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.
7 So I fell unto the earth, and HEARD a voice, saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
8 Then I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said to me, I am JESUS of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
9 Moreover they that were with me, saw indeed a light and were afraid: BUT THEY HEARD NOT THE VOICE of HIM that spake unto me.
10 Then I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus: and there it shall be told thee of all things, which are appointed for thee to do."
Can you imagine being told to do something that needed to be done and "no one else" hears the command? How can you be certain you heard correctly? How do you verify that you were not just hearing things? How many times do we get instructions from GOD and fail to act because "no one else" got the same instructions!
Saul of Tarsus was on the Damascus Road to persecute more believers of JESUS CHRIST. About noon a light from Heaven was displayed around him that stopped him in his tracks! Saul fell to the ground, blinded by the light (Acts 9:8), and was blinded for three days. A disciple named Ananias was told by GOD to minister to Saul.
But Saul, later known as Paul, had people with him who saw the light that was shining around him, "BUT THEY HEARD NOT THE VOICE" that spoke to him! There is no doubt that Paul experienced JESUS like few others. But "no one else" heard GOD speaking to Paul. The others hearing was not impaired, but the were not on the same wavelength as GOD. Ananias heard GOD telling him to minister to Saul and he went to minster, despite Saul's reputation. GOD told Ananias that "I will show him (Paul), how many things he must suffer for my Name’s sake."
To get Saul's attention and make him "LISTEN" to HIM, GOD had to blind him and and slow his life down. To get Ananias' attention, all The LORD had to do was call his name and Ananias said "Behold, I am here Lord"! My desire is to be listening so intently to The Lord, that all HE needs to do is speak my name and hear me reply, "Behold, I am here Lord"!
Thursday, May 8, 2014
"SELECTIVE HEARING!"
Genesis 3:17-19 (KJV)
"17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."
"SELECTIVE HEARING" is something most men (myself included) have been accused of at some time during their life. Something your wife says she told you she wants done goes without completion and the allegations begin. Why are the things that matter so much to others not so important to you? Shouldn't your bride be so important to you that her needs, and even her desires, come before yours?
Apparently men have had "SELECTIVE HEARING" since creation! GOD instructed Adam not to eat of the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, "LEST YE DIE"! The serpent (the enemy has many faces) began using his smoke and mirrors in verse 4 of Genesis 3. "Ye shall not surely die" is not an untrue statement. Adam and Eve did not physically die when they ate the fruit. Eve first, and then Adam, chose to listen to the serpent instead of listening to how GOD had instructed them to live.
In Genesis 1:26 scripture records "And GOD said, Let us make man in "our image", after our likeness"! John 4:24 tells us "GOD is a Spirit"! Adam (mankind) was created to commune with GOD Spiritually! When GOD speaks to us, HE generally chooses not to speak audibly. Instead, HE speaks to us Spiritually, as HE IS A SPIRIT! Our Spiritual hearing has to be focused on HIM, lest we fail to hear HIS message to us.
When it comes to "SELECTIVE HEARING" the things of GOD, we have a lot of similarities with Adam. We fail to listen 'Spiritually' to GOD and choose to listen to the 'things' of this world. Adam chose to "hearkened unto the voice" of something other than a HOLY GOD and his penalty was SPIRITUAL DEATH! Although I have failed HIM so many times in my life, I no longer want to be guilty of "SELECTIVE HEARING" in my service to HIM!!!
"17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."
"SELECTIVE HEARING" is something most men (myself included) have been accused of at some time during their life. Something your wife says she told you she wants done goes without completion and the allegations begin. Why are the things that matter so much to others not so important to you? Shouldn't your bride be so important to you that her needs, and even her desires, come before yours?
Apparently men have had "SELECTIVE HEARING" since creation! GOD instructed Adam not to eat of the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, "LEST YE DIE"! The serpent (the enemy has many faces) began using his smoke and mirrors in verse 4 of Genesis 3. "Ye shall not surely die" is not an untrue statement. Adam and Eve did not physically die when they ate the fruit. Eve first, and then Adam, chose to listen to the serpent instead of listening to how GOD had instructed them to live.
In Genesis 1:26 scripture records "And GOD said, Let us make man in "our image", after our likeness"! John 4:24 tells us "GOD is a Spirit"! Adam (mankind) was created to commune with GOD Spiritually! When GOD speaks to us, HE generally chooses not to speak audibly. Instead, HE speaks to us Spiritually, as HE IS A SPIRIT! Our Spiritual hearing has to be focused on HIM, lest we fail to hear HIS message to us.
When it comes to "SELECTIVE HEARING" the things of GOD, we have a lot of similarities with Adam. We fail to listen 'Spiritually' to GOD and choose to listen to the 'things' of this world. Adam chose to "hearkened unto the voice" of something other than a HOLY GOD and his penalty was SPIRITUAL DEATH! Although I have failed HIM so many times in my life, I no longer want to be guilty of "SELECTIVE HEARING" in my service to HIM!!!
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
"THE MAIN THING!!"
Mark 7:6-16 (1599 Geneva Bible)
"6 Then he answered and said unto them, Surely Isaiah hath prophesied well of you, hypocrites, as it is written, This people HONORETH ME with LIPS, but their HEART is FAR AWAY from ME.
7 But they worship ME in vain, teaching for DOCTRINE the commandments of men.
8 For ye lay the Commandments of God apart, and observe the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and of cups, and many other such like things ye do.
9 And he said unto them, Well ye reject the commandment of GOD, that ye may observe YOUR own tradition.
10 For Moses said, Honor thy father and thy mother: and Whosoever shall speak evil of father or mother, let him die the death.
11 But ye say, If a man say to father or mother, Corban, that is, By the gift that is offered by me, thou mayest have profit, he shall be free.
12 So ye suffer him no more to do anything for his father, or his mother.
13 Making the word of GOD of none authority, by YOUR tradition which ye have ordained: and ye do many such like things.
14 Then HE calleth the whole multitude unto him, and said unto them, Hearken (listen) you all unto me, and "understand".
15 There is NOTHING without a man, that can defile him, when it entereth into him: but the things which proceed out of him, are they which defile the man.
16 If any have ears to hear, let him hear."
In the "hustle-bustle" culture that we find surrounding our lives, we sometimes become so caught up in the things associated with worship, that we lose focus on whom we are worshipping! That has been a tool of the enemy for quite sometime. We get so busy doing good things, that we wind up doing them because we perceive them as good. Anything the enemy can do to get our attention off of "THE MAIN THING" is his goal.
The Scribes and Pharisees were some of the most educated, refined individuals of their time. But JESUS was telling them that honoring GOD with their lips was fine and dandy, but their hearts had to be focused on HIM also. In verse 13, JESUS expounded that they had forgotten the power of GOD's word and had replaced THEIR OWN tradition in its place. I can hear their argument now "But that's the way we have always done it!" Never mind what GOD instructed, we want to do it differently!
There is a saying I learned when I was younger that went something like this. "THE MAIN THING we need to remember is to keep THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING!!" If we allow ourselves to get caught up in the rat-race that the devil tries to implement in our lives, we risk missing the blessings GOD has planned for us. It is important for me to keep the MAIN THING, "THE MAIN THING"!!
"6 Then he answered and said unto them, Surely Isaiah hath prophesied well of you, hypocrites, as it is written, This people HONORETH ME with LIPS, but their HEART is FAR AWAY from ME.
7 But they worship ME in vain, teaching for DOCTRINE the commandments of men.
8 For ye lay the Commandments of God apart, and observe the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and of cups, and many other such like things ye do.
9 And he said unto them, Well ye reject the commandment of GOD, that ye may observe YOUR own tradition.
10 For Moses said, Honor thy father and thy mother: and Whosoever shall speak evil of father or mother, let him die the death.
11 But ye say, If a man say to father or mother, Corban, that is, By the gift that is offered by me, thou mayest have profit, he shall be free.
12 So ye suffer him no more to do anything for his father, or his mother.
13 Making the word of GOD of none authority, by YOUR tradition which ye have ordained: and ye do many such like things.
14 Then HE calleth the whole multitude unto him, and said unto them, Hearken (listen) you all unto me, and "understand".
15 There is NOTHING without a man, that can defile him, when it entereth into him: but the things which proceed out of him, are they which defile the man.
16 If any have ears to hear, let him hear."
In the "hustle-bustle" culture that we find surrounding our lives, we sometimes become so caught up in the things associated with worship, that we lose focus on whom we are worshipping! That has been a tool of the enemy for quite sometime. We get so busy doing good things, that we wind up doing them because we perceive them as good. Anything the enemy can do to get our attention off of "THE MAIN THING" is his goal.
The Scribes and Pharisees were some of the most educated, refined individuals of their time. But JESUS was telling them that honoring GOD with their lips was fine and dandy, but their hearts had to be focused on HIM also. In verse 13, JESUS expounded that they had forgotten the power of GOD's word and had replaced THEIR OWN tradition in its place. I can hear their argument now "But that's the way we have always done it!" Never mind what GOD instructed, we want to do it differently!
There is a saying I learned when I was younger that went something like this. "THE MAIN THING we need to remember is to keep THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING!!" If we allow ourselves to get caught up in the rat-race that the devil tries to implement in our lives, we risk missing the blessings GOD has planned for us. It is important for me to keep the MAIN THING, "THE MAIN THING"!!
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
"EXAMINE ME!"
Psalms 26:2 (KJV)
"Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart."
While reading this scriptures, I was caused to hesitate and ponder the depths of how this scripture should be applied to my life? To begin with, how many people actually desire to have The LORD "Examine me"? Do you feel comfortable with the Creator of the Universe seeing all of your dirty laundry? Would JESUS be welcomed reading your magazines or watching your television programming?
When you go to the Physician's office and the doctor "examines" you, do you feel as though they have done a good job if they give you a cursory look and prescribe some medications and send you on your way! Or would you prefer to be "examined" and have some serious calculations go into your diagnosis and treatment? If my arm is hurting, I do not necessarily need my arm amputated! I need to determine what is causing the pain and see if it can be medicated to make the pain subside.
David knew he was an imperfect vessel. He also knew GOD was a living and gracious being. When he asks The LORD to prove him, and try the reins and his heart, he was not saying he was better than anyone else. I believe he was saying that his intent was to serve The LORD in all things and to bring HIM glory and honor.
Being an "Imperfect vessel" myself I am ashamed to have The LORD "Examine me"! But as The LORD performs a thorough examination, I am confident HE will diagnose me with a terminal case of JESUS FEVER, of which there is no cure!
"Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart."
While reading this scriptures, I was caused to hesitate and ponder the depths of how this scripture should be applied to my life? To begin with, how many people actually desire to have The LORD "Examine me"? Do you feel comfortable with the Creator of the Universe seeing all of your dirty laundry? Would JESUS be welcomed reading your magazines or watching your television programming?
When you go to the Physician's office and the doctor "examines" you, do you feel as though they have done a good job if they give you a cursory look and prescribe some medications and send you on your way! Or would you prefer to be "examined" and have some serious calculations go into your diagnosis and treatment? If my arm is hurting, I do not necessarily need my arm amputated! I need to determine what is causing the pain and see if it can be medicated to make the pain subside.
David knew he was an imperfect vessel. He also knew GOD was a living and gracious being. When he asks The LORD to prove him, and try the reins and his heart, he was not saying he was better than anyone else. I believe he was saying that his intent was to serve The LORD in all things and to bring HIM glory and honor.
Being an "Imperfect vessel" myself I am ashamed to have The LORD "Examine me"! But as The LORD performs a thorough examination, I am confident HE will diagnose me with a terminal case of JESUS FEVER, of which there is no cure!
Monday, May 5, 2014
"LEAVE THE TENT!"
2 Corinthians 5:6-9 (ESV)
"6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord,
7 for we WALK by faith, not by sight.
8 Yes, we are of good courage, and WE WOULD RATHER BE AWAY FROM THE BODY and AT WITH THE LORD.
9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our AIM TO PLEASE HIM."
Traveling has always been an enjoyment of mine. I have always relished in the journey as much as the destination. Being a busy-"body" has always been a trait I have had since childhood. I lived for softball season in my early adulthood, as softball tournaments presented the perfect opportunity to travel and play a game I loved.
But as I mature I find myself becoming more comfortable with staying near home. I would enjoy still going out of town and running "in the fast lane", but I am not sure my "body" could hold up to the activity level I once operated. The practice of WALKing by faith (not running by faith) is something that GOD is continually dealing with me about. Psalms 46:10 (BE STILL) and Psalms 27:14 (WAIT ON THE LORD) always required me slowing down......and I didn't have time for that! It seemed I would rather be doing something!
In the book of Exodus 33:11, Moses was talked to by GOD "as a man speaks to his friend". But when Moses returned to the camp, Joshua (Moses' assistant) would not leave the tent, or temple! Evidently Joshua enjoyed being in the presence of JEHOVAH so much he wanted to stay there! But he was the one GOD had chosen to lead the Children of Israel into the Promised Land. YOU CAN'T LEAD PEOPLE UNLESS YOU LEAVE THE TENT!
The Apostle Paul was similar in his desires. He understood his "body" was just a dwelling place, a temple if you will, for his spirit to inhabit. He wrote in Philippians 1:23-24 "I am hard pressed between the two. MY DESIRE is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account."
Sometimes our desire is to stay in the tent with GOD. But HE may have other work for us to do. Whether HE is needing us to lead HIS children, or minister to HIS saints, or tell others about HIS power and greatness, sometimes we must "LEAVE THE TENT!"
"6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord,
7 for we WALK by faith, not by sight.
8 Yes, we are of good courage, and WE WOULD RATHER BE AWAY FROM THE BODY and AT WITH THE LORD.
9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our AIM TO PLEASE HIM."
Traveling has always been an enjoyment of mine. I have always relished in the journey as much as the destination. Being a busy-"body" has always been a trait I have had since childhood. I lived for softball season in my early adulthood, as softball tournaments presented the perfect opportunity to travel and play a game I loved.
But as I mature I find myself becoming more comfortable with staying near home. I would enjoy still going out of town and running "in the fast lane", but I am not sure my "body" could hold up to the activity level I once operated. The practice of WALKing by faith (not running by faith) is something that GOD is continually dealing with me about. Psalms 46:10 (BE STILL) and Psalms 27:14 (WAIT ON THE LORD) always required me slowing down......and I didn't have time for that! It seemed I would rather be doing something!
In the book of Exodus 33:11, Moses was talked to by GOD "as a man speaks to his friend". But when Moses returned to the camp, Joshua (Moses' assistant) would not leave the tent, or temple! Evidently Joshua enjoyed being in the presence of JEHOVAH so much he wanted to stay there! But he was the one GOD had chosen to lead the Children of Israel into the Promised Land. YOU CAN'T LEAD PEOPLE UNLESS YOU LEAVE THE TENT!
The Apostle Paul was similar in his desires. He understood his "body" was just a dwelling place, a temple if you will, for his spirit to inhabit. He wrote in Philippians 1:23-24 "I am hard pressed between the two. MY DESIRE is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account."
Sometimes our desire is to stay in the tent with GOD. But HE may have other work for us to do. Whether HE is needing us to lead HIS children, or minister to HIS saints, or tell others about HIS power and greatness, sometimes we must "LEAVE THE TENT!"
Saturday, May 3, 2014
"TAKE HEED THEREFORE HOW YE HEAR"!!!
Luke 8:16-18 (GNV)
"16 No man when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it under a vessel, neither putteth it under the bed, but setteth it on a candlestick, that they that enter in, may see the light.
17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be evident: neither anything hid, that shall not be known, and come to light.
18 TAKE HEED THEREFORE HOW YE HEAR: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given: and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which it seemeth that he hath."
Though I can find no scripture that says it verbatim, "The Lord DOES work in mysterious ways"! Isaiah 55:8-9* comes to mind first. This morning, while eating breakfast in a motel, the television was set on a channel where the news media was reacting with an almost disbelief that the public has been led down a path of deceit and cover-up for almost two years regarding events in the Middle East, mainly Benghazi, Libya.
My honest intent is to be apolitical, so the only "SIDE" I am taking is the side JESUS speaks of! "TAKE HEED THEREFORE HOW YE HEAR" has never 'clicked' until this morning for me. When JESUS is speaking here HE is telling us that "No man" lights a candle and then hides the light. Conversely, no one wants to talk about his or her failures. I know I would rather reminisce about my victories rather than wallow in my defeats.
JESUS warned us to "TAKE HEED THEREFORE HOW YE HEAR" as HE knew that 'deceit' would be dressed up as 'TRUTH' and we would have to discern the good from the bad. HE tells us that the ones who has will be given more! One commentary puts it this way, "The person who gives himself to know the TRUTH will know the TRUTH and he will be given more TRUTH. The person who does not give himself to know the TRUTH will lose everything." In the book of John, chapter 14 verse 6, JESUS says "I am that Way, and that "TRUTH", and that Life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
When I was very young we were taught a song. It went "Be careful little ears what you hear"! The enemy can creep into our lives in vail a secrecy that appears so innocent. I find it no coincidence that JESUS that JESUS forewarned us not only to take heed what we hear, but to "TAKE HEED THEREFORE HOW YE HEAR"!!!
*Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts."
"16 No man when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it under a vessel, neither putteth it under the bed, but setteth it on a candlestick, that they that enter in, may see the light.
17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be evident: neither anything hid, that shall not be known, and come to light.
18 TAKE HEED THEREFORE HOW YE HEAR: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given: and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which it seemeth that he hath."
Though I can find no scripture that says it verbatim, "The Lord DOES work in mysterious ways"! Isaiah 55:8-9* comes to mind first. This morning, while eating breakfast in a motel, the television was set on a channel where the news media was reacting with an almost disbelief that the public has been led down a path of deceit and cover-up for almost two years regarding events in the Middle East, mainly Benghazi, Libya.
My honest intent is to be apolitical, so the only "SIDE" I am taking is the side JESUS speaks of! "TAKE HEED THEREFORE HOW YE HEAR" has never 'clicked' until this morning for me. When JESUS is speaking here HE is telling us that "No man" lights a candle and then hides the light. Conversely, no one wants to talk about his or her failures. I know I would rather reminisce about my victories rather than wallow in my defeats.
JESUS warned us to "TAKE HEED THEREFORE HOW YE HEAR" as HE knew that 'deceit' would be dressed up as 'TRUTH' and we would have to discern the good from the bad. HE tells us that the ones who has will be given more! One commentary puts it this way, "The person who gives himself to know the TRUTH will know the TRUTH and he will be given more TRUTH. The person who does not give himself to know the TRUTH will lose everything." In the book of John, chapter 14 verse 6, JESUS says "I am that Way, and that "TRUTH", and that Life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
When I was very young we were taught a song. It went "Be careful little ears what you hear"! The enemy can creep into our lives in vail a secrecy that appears so innocent. I find it no coincidence that JESUS that JESUS forewarned us not only to take heed what we hear, but to "TAKE HEED THEREFORE HOW YE HEAR"!!!
*Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts."
Friday, May 2, 2014
"TAXED!!!"
Luke 2:1-7 (1599 Geneva Bible)
"1 And it came to pass in those days, that there came a decree from Augustus Caesar, that all the world should be TAXED.
2 (This first taxing was made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
3 Therefore went all to be TAXED, every man to his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of a city called Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David,)
5 To be TAXED with Mary that was given him to wife, which was with child.
6 And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her first begotten son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a cratch, because there was no room for them in the inn."
Most of us don't have a lot of fondness in our heart for April 15, for that is the day we must be "TAXED"! We are afforded the opportunity to contribute to one of the greatest economies mankind has witnessed. I feel as though loads of money is spent by our government with poor judgement, but that is a subject for another blog.
I am of the belief that GOD does nothing by coincidence. The fact that Joseph and Mary were going to Bethlehem to be "TAXED" surely has some significance. Having the people "TAXED" gives governments the opportunity to spend the peoples money on things the people need. But governments start believing that they hold too much control over providing what people need. They (governments) try to assist when GOD may be trying to teach a lesson.
In 1 Chronicles 21, King David numbers Israel against GOD's desire. GOD punished the whole nation of Israel because King David was trying to be more than GOD intended for him to be. GOD came to earth as JESUS CHRIST when the Romans were trying to be more than HE intended for them to be. HE is going to return soon, as mankind is leaning toward believing they control their own fate.
No government, no man, no other god can compare to THE LORD! Isaiah 45:4b-5 says "I will even call thee by thy name, and name thee, though thou hast not known me. I AM THE LORD, AND THERE IS NO OTHER; there is no God besides me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me." The people can be "TAXED" by governments all they want, but THERE IS ONLY ONE LORD, AND THERE IS NO OTHER!!
"1 And it came to pass in those days, that there came a decree from Augustus Caesar, that all the world should be TAXED.
2 (This first taxing was made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
3 Therefore went all to be TAXED, every man to his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of a city called Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David,)
5 To be TAXED with Mary that was given him to wife, which was with child.
6 And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her first begotten son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a cratch, because there was no room for them in the inn."
Most of us don't have a lot of fondness in our heart for April 15, for that is the day we must be "TAXED"! We are afforded the opportunity to contribute to one of the greatest economies mankind has witnessed. I feel as though loads of money is spent by our government with poor judgement, but that is a subject for another blog.
I am of the belief that GOD does nothing by coincidence. The fact that Joseph and Mary were going to Bethlehem to be "TAXED" surely has some significance. Having the people "TAXED" gives governments the opportunity to spend the peoples money on things the people need. But governments start believing that they hold too much control over providing what people need. They (governments) try to assist when GOD may be trying to teach a lesson.
In 1 Chronicles 21, King David numbers Israel against GOD's desire. GOD punished the whole nation of Israel because King David was trying to be more than GOD intended for him to be. GOD came to earth as JESUS CHRIST when the Romans were trying to be more than HE intended for them to be. HE is going to return soon, as mankind is leaning toward believing they control their own fate.
No government, no man, no other god can compare to THE LORD! Isaiah 45:4b-5 says "I will even call thee by thy name, and name thee, though thou hast not known me. I AM THE LORD, AND THERE IS NO OTHER; there is no God besides me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me." The people can be "TAXED" by governments all they want, but THERE IS ONLY ONE LORD, AND THERE IS NO OTHER!!
Thursday, May 1, 2014
"TRUST IN THE LORD!"
Proverbs 3:4-7 (KJV)
"4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."
When I started selling insurance over 20 years ago my best friend made me a FAX COVER SHEET that had Proverbs 3:5-6 on the bottom of the page. I memorized the verse because they were right before me every day. Which brings to mind a list of questions that beg to be answered.
First, why don't I put other verses on the bottom of my current FAX COVER SHEET? I could memories the verse and then change to another. That would keep a relatively "fresh" scripture in front of those who still use the relatively antiquated FAX MACHINE!
And what about the verses that surround the verses? Proverbs 3:4 says "So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man." Everyone enjoys finding favor with their associates, but to find "good understanding" eliminates a lot of problems. If people can understand what you are saying, they are less likely to be offended. They may disagree, but they will see where you are coming from and allow you to be wrong, in their opinion.
Proverbs 3:5 is one that I have studies long and hard. To "TRUST IN THE LORD" is to totally depend on HIM. If you don't need HIM to get out of bed, you are trusting in yourself for that. If you don't need HIM for breathing, you are trusting in some other source for your oxygen. Do not "lean" on the way you understand things to be. Jeremiah 17:9 says "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Your heart can make you miss the mark when it comes to following GOD's plan for your life.
Finally, Proverbs 3:6-7 reminds us that if we "TRUST IN THE LORD", then following in HIS direction and HIS paths will not only be easy, it will be enjoyable. 'Be not wise in thine OWN eyes' is the thing I have the most problem with. Everyone thinks they know what is the best thing for them to do. Surrendering to HIS will for our lives is the most difficult thing to do! I will acknowledge HIM in all my ways, and let HIM direct my paths!
"4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."
When I started selling insurance over 20 years ago my best friend made me a FAX COVER SHEET that had Proverbs 3:5-6 on the bottom of the page. I memorized the verse because they were right before me every day. Which brings to mind a list of questions that beg to be answered.
First, why don't I put other verses on the bottom of my current FAX COVER SHEET? I could memories the verse and then change to another. That would keep a relatively "fresh" scripture in front of those who still use the relatively antiquated FAX MACHINE!
And what about the verses that surround the verses? Proverbs 3:4 says "So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man." Everyone enjoys finding favor with their associates, but to find "good understanding" eliminates a lot of problems. If people can understand what you are saying, they are less likely to be offended. They may disagree, but they will see where you are coming from and allow you to be wrong, in their opinion.
Proverbs 3:5 is one that I have studies long and hard. To "TRUST IN THE LORD" is to totally depend on HIM. If you don't need HIM to get out of bed, you are trusting in yourself for that. If you don't need HIM for breathing, you are trusting in some other source for your oxygen. Do not "lean" on the way you understand things to be. Jeremiah 17:9 says "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Your heart can make you miss the mark when it comes to following GOD's plan for your life.
Finally, Proverbs 3:6-7 reminds us that if we "TRUST IN THE LORD", then following in HIS direction and HIS paths will not only be easy, it will be enjoyable. 'Be not wise in thine OWN eyes' is the thing I have the most problem with. Everyone thinks they know what is the best thing for them to do. Surrendering to HIS will for our lives is the most difficult thing to do! I will acknowledge HIM in all my ways, and let HIM direct my paths!
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