1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (ESV)
"9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous WILL NOT inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,
10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you. But you were washed (CLEANSED), you were SANCTIFIED, you were JUSTIFIED in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
The "Atkins Diet" has become more of a lifestyle change for me over the past months. I try to avoid an abundance of carbohydrates MOST of the time, although I do have an occasional Blue Bell craving that has to be quenched. Eating a large amount of meat is the most efficient way of staying on the diet. My desire is to lose down to what my weight was when I was about 30 years old.
While cooking my ground beef yesterday, I found my meat was a little too pink in one end of the hamburger pattie. I had not left the meat "IN THE FIRE" long enough to assure it was cooked enough. The meat needed to be put back "IN THE FIRE" to make sure I didn't get sick from the raw meat. Learning to have the patience to make sure the food says "IN THE FIRE" long enough is something I need to work on!
The lessons learned from this escapade of being "IN THE FIRE" can be great. GOD sometimes has to expose us being "IN THE FIRE" to get us to where HE can use us. Our HEAVENLY FATHER is not a novice baker and HE knows when we have been "IN THE FIRE" long enough, and when we still need to be cooked a little longer. HE is a Master Chef and will not let us be burned!
The act of SANCTIFICATION can be an uncomfortable experience. Regardless of what some people teach, we were not created for our glory! We are created for HIS glory! We might want to take our meat out of the fire before it has been cooked long enough? But GOD in HEAVEN knows just how long we need to stay "IN THE FIRE" to glorify HIS name! My prayer is that I will have FAITH in GOD, and that I will trust that HE will leave me "IN THE FIRE" until I can glorify HIM S NAME!
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Saturday, August 30, 2014
"HOLINESS!"
1 Thessalonians 4:2-7 (ESV)
"2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the WILL of GOD, "your sanctification": that you abstain from sexual immorality;
4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in "HOLINESS" and honor,
5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know GOD;
6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.
7 For GOD has not called us for impurity, but in "HOLINESS"."
The study of "sanctification" has been on my heart for the past number of days. In my research I have found numerous places where "sanctification" and "HOLINESS" are spoken of with the same meaning. One commentary says "The Greek word translated "sanctification" (hagiasmos [aJgiasmov"]) means "holiness." To sanctify, therefore, means "to make holy."
So do we just wake up one morning and decide that we want to live better and everything falls into place? Regrettably, that is not how GOD designed us. For us to live PROGRAMMED lives would not bring glory to the Father, as we would have no choice in matters. Having us struggle through the sanctification process is sometimes a humbling and teaching operation.
We were created "in HIS image" (Genesis 1:27) and JESUS said in John 4:24 "GOD is a Spirit". So GOD created us with a Spirit that lives within our bodies. HE puts into our Spirits a desire to search for the things of HIM, "HOLINESS"! That desire can either be squelched (resulting in bitterness and strife), or it can be nurtured and developed into a relationship with HIM. Even the desire for "HOLINESS" comes from GOD HIMSELF (verse three), so there is nothing to boast about.
Verse 7 above says "For GOD has not called us for impurity, but in "HOLINESS"." GOD knows we didn't have the capability for "impure" living. We must rely on the GRACE from the perfect sacrifice from JESUS CHRIST. The "HOLINESS" that Christ gave for our ransom is something we must strive for, but accept the fact we are flawed people depending on "HOLINESS" from HIM!
"2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the WILL of GOD, "your sanctification": that you abstain from sexual immorality;
4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in "HOLINESS" and honor,
5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know GOD;
6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.
7 For GOD has not called us for impurity, but in "HOLINESS"."
The study of "sanctification" has been on my heart for the past number of days. In my research I have found numerous places where "sanctification" and "HOLINESS" are spoken of with the same meaning. One commentary says "The Greek word translated "sanctification" (hagiasmos [aJgiasmov"]) means "holiness." To sanctify, therefore, means "to make holy."
So do we just wake up one morning and decide that we want to live better and everything falls into place? Regrettably, that is not how GOD designed us. For us to live PROGRAMMED lives would not bring glory to the Father, as we would have no choice in matters. Having us struggle through the sanctification process is sometimes a humbling and teaching operation.
We were created "in HIS image" (Genesis 1:27) and JESUS said in John 4:24 "GOD is a Spirit". So GOD created us with a Spirit that lives within our bodies. HE puts into our Spirits a desire to search for the things of HIM, "HOLINESS"! That desire can either be squelched (resulting in bitterness and strife), or it can be nurtured and developed into a relationship with HIM. Even the desire for "HOLINESS" comes from GOD HIMSELF (verse three), so there is nothing to boast about.
Verse 7 above says "For GOD has not called us for impurity, but in "HOLINESS"." GOD knows we didn't have the capability for "impure" living. We must rely on the GRACE from the perfect sacrifice from JESUS CHRIST. The "HOLINESS" that Christ gave for our ransom is something we must strive for, but accept the fact we are flawed people depending on "HOLINESS" from HIM!
Friday, August 29, 2014
"REFLECTIONS!"
1 Kings 11:1-6 (KJV)
"1 But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;
2 Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.
3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his GOD, AS WAS THE HEART OF DAVID HIS FATHER.
5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.
6 And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father."
GOD blessed my wife and I with two sons. Both of my sons love the LORD and live their lives as examples of that LOVE. It is amazing that I can still see "REFLECTIONS" of my behavior, and thankfully my wife's behavior, in the two of them. When I see some not-so-flattering characteristics, I usually find myself shining through!
King Solomon had some "REFLECTIONS" of his father, King David, in his life. King David was a mighty warrior, but he let a strange woman, Bathsheba, catch his eye when he should have been on the battlefield. David tried to cover up his sin and it caused him great distress.
Solomon was a wise King, but like his father, he let his fleshly desires cause him trouble. One could see how he might have learned from his father's mistakes, but he didn't. If he could go back in time, I am sure Solomon not have chosen to have these "REFLECTIONS" from his father manifest themselves in his life? King David would certainly not have chosen to have his life display the "REFLECTIONS" for his son to follow!
For others to see a true "REFLECTION" of what we really are, we must remove all of the other gods that attract our desires. Solomon had MANY wives and concubines and they eventually turned his heart AFTER OTHER gods! We can let our surroundings infiltrate our heart to the point that our "REFLECTIONS" become something we don't desire. It is my desire to display the "REFLECTIONS" of my Heavenly FATHER!
"1 But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;
2 Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.
3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his GOD, AS WAS THE HEART OF DAVID HIS FATHER.
5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.
6 And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father."
GOD blessed my wife and I with two sons. Both of my sons love the LORD and live their lives as examples of that LOVE. It is amazing that I can still see "REFLECTIONS" of my behavior, and thankfully my wife's behavior, in the two of them. When I see some not-so-flattering characteristics, I usually find myself shining through!
King Solomon had some "REFLECTIONS" of his father, King David, in his life. King David was a mighty warrior, but he let a strange woman, Bathsheba, catch his eye when he should have been on the battlefield. David tried to cover up his sin and it caused him great distress.
Solomon was a wise King, but like his father, he let his fleshly desires cause him trouble. One could see how he might have learned from his father's mistakes, but he didn't. If he could go back in time, I am sure Solomon not have chosen to have these "REFLECTIONS" from his father manifest themselves in his life? King David would certainly not have chosen to have his life display the "REFLECTIONS" for his son to follow!
For others to see a true "REFLECTION" of what we really are, we must remove all of the other gods that attract our desires. Solomon had MANY wives and concubines and they eventually turned his heart AFTER OTHER gods! We can let our surroundings infiltrate our heart to the point that our "REFLECTIONS" become something we don't desire. It is my desire to display the "REFLECTIONS" of my Heavenly FATHER!
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
"ALS ICE-WATER CHALLENGE!!"
There are SO many people doing the "ALS Ice-Water Challenge" where they pour a container of ice-water over their head to raise funds for research and ultimately a cure for ALS. The fact that this terrible disease is having so much attention drawn to it is well worth ice being applied to a few heads in the cold winter time, much less during the heat of summer!
Compassionate people do not want to see anyone suffer with a disease or any hardship. But trials and tribulations are certain to visit each of us. John 16:33 says we "shall have tribulation"! I have had people VERY dear to me who have experienced debilitating illnesses. I have also seen people who never experienced any physical suffering, but slipped into eternity rather quickly.
But how many people are speeding into an eternity with no hope? When will your eternity begin? How will you spend your eternity! I choose not to dump ice water on my bald head, not because I think it is uncool or a bad thing. However, the REAL disease of ignoring a HOLY GOD is something I wish to draw attention to! If getting my head wet would draw attention to that...... it may he worth it!
Compassionate people do not want to see anyone suffer with a disease or any hardship. But trials and tribulations are certain to visit each of us. John 16:33 says we "shall have tribulation"! I have had people VERY dear to me who have experienced debilitating illnesses. I have also seen people who never experienced any physical suffering, but slipped into eternity rather quickly.
But how many people are speeding into an eternity with no hope? When will your eternity begin? How will you spend your eternity! I choose not to dump ice water on my bald head, not because I think it is uncool or a bad thing. However, the REAL disease of ignoring a HOLY GOD is something I wish to draw attention to! If getting my head wet would draw attention to that...... it may he worth it!
"WALK???"
Acts 3:1-6 (ESV)
"1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple.
3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms.
4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us."
5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.
6 But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and WALK!"
The recollection of Peter and John speaking to the lame man at the gate of the temple is one that has been taught to me since I was a child. But only recently has one word become so prevalent in my study. Peter and John could have used any number of words when delivering the message of healing to the lame man, but they used a word that I believe was Divinely set aside to be spoken at this precise moment, rise up and "WALK"!
Verse two tells us the lame man had been unable to "WALK" since he was born. It is not like he had previously walked and just had to remember how. Upon receiving the command from Peter, he had to "WALK" with no instruction or therapy! Peter and John told the man "Look at us." He looked at them and then Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and WALK!" GOD allowed this man to do something he had never done before!
The man was not instructed to jump up and start running. He was instructed to "WALK"! According to one version of the King James Bible, the word "WALK" is used 202 times. The word "run" is used 65 times. The Bible records in verse 8 the man began "walking and leaping and praising GOD"! Even though the man was instructed to "WALK", he couldn't help leaping and praising GOD also when he went into the temple with Peter and John. Peter and John didn't instruct him to "leap and praise GOD"! He couldn't help himself!
The enemy can, and does, insert so many seemingly important, maybe even good things, into our lives that we don't have time to "WALK" in the path that GOD has laid out for us. If we are so busy that we don't have time to develop a relationship with our CREATOR, who has caused that busyness? Mark 8:36 says "For what does it PROFIT a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?"
In Genesis 3:8 scripture records "And they heard the sound of the LORD God WALKing in the garden.....". Regardless of how busy we allow our lives to become, GOD does not get in a hurry, nor is HE moved by our time constraints. When we adjust our schedules to meet HIS schedule we may not be successful in the worlds eye, but we will have time to "WALK" and leap and praise HIM"! I
"1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple.
3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms.
4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us."
5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.
6 But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and WALK!"
The recollection of Peter and John speaking to the lame man at the gate of the temple is one that has been taught to me since I was a child. But only recently has one word become so prevalent in my study. Peter and John could have used any number of words when delivering the message of healing to the lame man, but they used a word that I believe was Divinely set aside to be spoken at this precise moment, rise up and "WALK"!
Verse two tells us the lame man had been unable to "WALK" since he was born. It is not like he had previously walked and just had to remember how. Upon receiving the command from Peter, he had to "WALK" with no instruction or therapy! Peter and John told the man "Look at us." He looked at them and then Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and WALK!" GOD allowed this man to do something he had never done before!
The man was not instructed to jump up and start running. He was instructed to "WALK"! According to one version of the King James Bible, the word "WALK" is used 202 times. The word "run" is used 65 times. The Bible records in verse 8 the man began "walking and leaping and praising GOD"! Even though the man was instructed to "WALK", he couldn't help leaping and praising GOD also when he went into the temple with Peter and John. Peter and John didn't instruct him to "leap and praise GOD"! He couldn't help himself!
The enemy can, and does, insert so many seemingly important, maybe even good things, into our lives that we don't have time to "WALK" in the path that GOD has laid out for us. If we are so busy that we don't have time to develop a relationship with our CREATOR, who has caused that busyness? Mark 8:36 says "For what does it PROFIT a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?"
In Genesis 3:8 scripture records "And they heard the sound of the LORD God WALKing in the garden.....". Regardless of how busy we allow our lives to become, GOD does not get in a hurry, nor is HE moved by our time constraints. When we adjust our schedules to meet HIS schedule we may not be successful in the worlds eye, but we will have time to "WALK" and leap and praise HIM"! I
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
"EVEN NOW!!"
1 Corinthians 2:14-16 to 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (ESV)
"14 The "natural person" does not accept the things of the SPIRIT of GOD, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.
16 "For who has understood the mind of the LORD so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of CHRIST.
1 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.
2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for YOU WERE NOT READY FOR IT. And EVEN NOW you are not yet ready,
3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not OF THE FLESH and BEHAVING only in a HUMAN WAY"?
There are a myriad of views and opinions on how we should live our lives. The Holy Bible gives us the Standard by which we SHOULD live. The opinions of some have to be accepted for what they are, opinions! You can judge a person against a human standard and they can look pretty decent. But when the same person is judged against the Spirit of GOD, they fail to measure up. No human has the capability of living a life that is "GOOD ENOUGH" to get them into Heaven. Romans 3:23 says "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
We must continually regenerate our minds to be more like CHRIST. Romans 12:2 "DO NOT be conformed to this world, but be TRANSFORMED by the RENEWAL of YOUR MIND, that by testing you may discern what is the will of GOD, what is GOOD and ACCEPTABLE and PERFECT." I am not perfect, your pastor is not perfect, the President of the United States is not perfect, the Pope of the Catholic Church is not perfect, and no one else is perfect. The only way we can achieve that which is "GOOD and ACCEPTABLE and PERFECT" is to surrender to allowing the SPIRIT of GOD live through our lives.
The Apostle Paul was telling the church at Corinth that he could not even address them as spiritual people. Evidently they were so spiritually immature that they were not ready for solid food. They were still having to be fed milk! Paul wrote that "EVEN NOW" they were behaving in a human manner, in other words, they were NOT spiritual beings, their fleshly desires were still controlling their lives!
How many times do I allow my fleshly desires to manifest themselves in my life? Rather than act in a way that would glorify and edify the Body of CHRIST, I fall back into a selfish, worldly position where I do what I think is best for me. "EVEN NOW" I find myself lacking in my Spiritual life. "EVEN NOW" my actions are not what I desire for them to be. My prayer is that the HOLY SPIRIT will continue to mature me until I am used for HIS glory "EVEN NOW"!!
"14 The "natural person" does not accept the things of the SPIRIT of GOD, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.
16 "For who has understood the mind of the LORD so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of CHRIST.
1 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.
2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for YOU WERE NOT READY FOR IT. And EVEN NOW you are not yet ready,
3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not OF THE FLESH and BEHAVING only in a HUMAN WAY"?
There are a myriad of views and opinions on how we should live our lives. The Holy Bible gives us the Standard by which we SHOULD live. The opinions of some have to be accepted for what they are, opinions! You can judge a person against a human standard and they can look pretty decent. But when the same person is judged against the Spirit of GOD, they fail to measure up. No human has the capability of living a life that is "GOOD ENOUGH" to get them into Heaven. Romans 3:23 says "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
We must continually regenerate our minds to be more like CHRIST. Romans 12:2 "DO NOT be conformed to this world, but be TRANSFORMED by the RENEWAL of YOUR MIND, that by testing you may discern what is the will of GOD, what is GOOD and ACCEPTABLE and PERFECT." I am not perfect, your pastor is not perfect, the President of the United States is not perfect, the Pope of the Catholic Church is not perfect, and no one else is perfect. The only way we can achieve that which is "GOOD and ACCEPTABLE and PERFECT" is to surrender to allowing the SPIRIT of GOD live through our lives.
The Apostle Paul was telling the church at Corinth that he could not even address them as spiritual people. Evidently they were so spiritually immature that they were not ready for solid food. They were still having to be fed milk! Paul wrote that "EVEN NOW" they were behaving in a human manner, in other words, they were NOT spiritual beings, their fleshly desires were still controlling their lives!
How many times do I allow my fleshly desires to manifest themselves in my life? Rather than act in a way that would glorify and edify the Body of CHRIST, I fall back into a selfish, worldly position where I do what I think is best for me. "EVEN NOW" I find myself lacking in my Spiritual life. "EVEN NOW" my actions are not what I desire for them to be. My prayer is that the HOLY SPIRIT will continue to mature me until I am used for HIS glory "EVEN NOW"!!
Monday, August 25, 2014
"THE CHRIST!"
John 3:26-30 (ESV)
"26 And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, HE who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness-look, HE is baptizing, and all are going to HIM."
27 John answered, "A person cannot receive EVEN ONE THING unless it is given him from heaven.
28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not "THE CHRIST", but I have been sent before HIM.'
29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.
30 HE must increase, but I must decrease."
People can give other people honor and praise when those people don't deserve the attention. When I used to serve on a local school board, the employees of the school district would seemingly go out of their way to honor board members when we attended their school or function. School Board members were elected to a Non-Payed position "to serve" others, and wound up trying to be served by the school district! Keeping the perspective of who we really were was a challenge!
John the Baptist was being hailed as something more than he knew he was. John understood that every good thing comes from Heaven (James 1:17). John realized that THE CHRIST was someone whose "sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie" (Acts 13:25). The crowds were trying to elevate John to a position he knew he did not deserve. But John would not allow himself to draw any glory or praise away from "THE CHRIST", as he understood JESUS to be the Son of GOD (John 1:29-34).
John had to be a unique individual to deflect all the praise and attention people were trying to lavish upon him. He always wanted to make sure that the focus of the people remained on "THE CHRIST" and never migrated to him. "THE CHRIST" was GOD in the flesh and he didn't deserve or desire any attention to be upon himself.
The practice of elevating people is something we must be careful with. Appreciation and thankfulness for the actions of others can be, and should be given. "THE CHRIST" should be the ONE we honor and praise. HE performs miracles we are not even aware of. HE even performs miracles when others are given credit for them. Just as John the Baptist made certain "THE CHRIST" received the glory HE deserved, we need to make sure "THE CHRIST" is the only ONE glorified in our lives.
"26 And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, HE who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness-look, HE is baptizing, and all are going to HIM."
27 John answered, "A person cannot receive EVEN ONE THING unless it is given him from heaven.
28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not "THE CHRIST", but I have been sent before HIM.'
29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.
30 HE must increase, but I must decrease."
People can give other people honor and praise when those people don't deserve the attention. When I used to serve on a local school board, the employees of the school district would seemingly go out of their way to honor board members when we attended their school or function. School Board members were elected to a Non-Payed position "to serve" others, and wound up trying to be served by the school district! Keeping the perspective of who we really were was a challenge!
John the Baptist was being hailed as something more than he knew he was. John understood that every good thing comes from Heaven (James 1:17). John realized that THE CHRIST was someone whose "sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie" (Acts 13:25). The crowds were trying to elevate John to a position he knew he did not deserve. But John would not allow himself to draw any glory or praise away from "THE CHRIST", as he understood JESUS to be the Son of GOD (John 1:29-34).
John had to be a unique individual to deflect all the praise and attention people were trying to lavish upon him. He always wanted to make sure that the focus of the people remained on "THE CHRIST" and never migrated to him. "THE CHRIST" was GOD in the flesh and he didn't deserve or desire any attention to be upon himself.
The practice of elevating people is something we must be careful with. Appreciation and thankfulness for the actions of others can be, and should be given. "THE CHRIST" should be the ONE we honor and praise. HE performs miracles we are not even aware of. HE even performs miracles when others are given credit for them. Just as John the Baptist made certain "THE CHRIST" received the glory HE deserved, we need to make sure "THE CHRIST" is the only ONE glorified in our lives.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
"OVERCOMER!"
Matthew 10:26-33 (KJV)
"26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: BUT RATHER FEAR HIM WHICH IS ABLE TO DESTROY BOTH SOUL AND BODY IN HELL.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."
Being confused for a biblical scholar is not something I will ever have to be concerned with. However, I recently found a story about a Jewish professor who discovered archeological evidence (stones and bones) that validates the account of David and Goliath in the Old Testament. That doesn't surprise me, but I am certain there are those who believe that the Bible is just a book of fables! They will one day learn better.
JESUS speaking (in RED LETTER editions) in the New Testament, and for the entirety of this lesson, instructs us over and over again to "FEAR NOT"! But in verse 28 JESUS lets us know the only FEAR should be for the one "WHICH IS ABLE TO DESTROY BOTH SOUL AND BODY IN HELL." One cannot win the battle with satan on their own. The only ONE who can/has overcome evil is JESUS CHRIST!
In the book of John chapter 16 verse 33, JESUS once again speaks and says "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me YE MIGHT HAVE PEACE. In the world YE SHALL HAVE TRIBULATION: but BE OF GOOD CHEER; I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD."
JESUS said we WOULD have tribulation. HE didn't say we MIGHT have tribulation! That statement is followed with a colon! The next statement, BE OF GOOD CHEER, is followed with a semi-colon. The next statement, I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD, is followed by a PERIOD! The victory has been won, end of story! The sentence is complete!
There will be those who will never believe the things of GOD. There are those who think they don't need any help orchestrating their way through life. Only the Creator of the heavens and earth was able to "OVERCOME" the doubt and fear the enemy uses on us. The "OVERCOMER" has won the battle. All we need to do is trust in HIM for the victory!
Friday, August 22, 2014
"AMAZING GRACE!!!"
Philippians 3:7-11 (KJV)
"7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead."
Today's Max Lucado devotional was in my email upon me awaking this morning. I am sharing it again as it will not leave my thoughts!
"AN 'AMAZING GRACE' WORD FROM MAX LUCADO!
Our Reluctance
Perhaps the most amazing response to God’s gift is our reluctance to accept it. We feel better if we earn it. So we create religious hoops and hop through them—making God a trainer, us his pets, and religion a circus.
If only, when God smiles and says we are saved, we’d salute him, thank him, and live like those who’ve just received a gift from the commander in chief. We seldom do that, though. TO ACCEPT GRACE IS TO ADMIT FAILURE!! We opt to impress God with how good we are rather than confessing HOW GREAT HE IS. We dizzy ourselves with doctrine. Burden ourselves with rules. We think that God will smile on our efforts. But He doesn’t. God’s smile is not for the healthy hiker who boasts that he made the journey alone. It is, instead, for the CRIPPLED LEPER WHO BEGS GOD for a back on which to ride!"
The words "we opt to impress GOD with how good we are rather than confessing how GREAT HE is" has impacted me greatly. My thoughts go to the Apostle Paul saying in his letter to the church at Philippi that all of the "things" he once thought he had to have he now counted as "dung" that he may win CHRIST! Paul basically said that he willingly gave up all "things" (earthly possessions) to achieve CHRIST's perfect plan for his life!
Max Lucado's line about us trying to impress GOD with our accomplishments for the Kingdom will remain with me for some time. In all of man's wisdom, how could we improve upon the Grand Canyon or the Redwood Forests? How can we build a better organ than the human heart that delivers nutrients and oxygen to our entire body? Just as there are no words to describe GOD's majesty when HE created the heaves and the earth, there is no way to put into words HIS love for us when HE designed a way for us to come before HIS throne! It truly is an "AMAZING GRACE"!
"7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead."
Today's Max Lucado devotional was in my email upon me awaking this morning. I am sharing it again as it will not leave my thoughts!
"AN 'AMAZING GRACE' WORD FROM MAX LUCADO!
Our Reluctance
Perhaps the most amazing response to God’s gift is our reluctance to accept it. We feel better if we earn it. So we create religious hoops and hop through them—making God a trainer, us his pets, and religion a circus.
If only, when God smiles and says we are saved, we’d salute him, thank him, and live like those who’ve just received a gift from the commander in chief. We seldom do that, though. TO ACCEPT GRACE IS TO ADMIT FAILURE!! We opt to impress God with how good we are rather than confessing HOW GREAT HE IS. We dizzy ourselves with doctrine. Burden ourselves with rules. We think that God will smile on our efforts. But He doesn’t. God’s smile is not for the healthy hiker who boasts that he made the journey alone. It is, instead, for the CRIPPLED LEPER WHO BEGS GOD for a back on which to ride!"
The words "we opt to impress GOD with how good we are rather than confessing how GREAT HE is" has impacted me greatly. My thoughts go to the Apostle Paul saying in his letter to the church at Philippi that all of the "things" he once thought he had to have he now counted as "dung" that he may win CHRIST! Paul basically said that he willingly gave up all "things" (earthly possessions) to achieve CHRIST's perfect plan for his life!
Max Lucado's line about us trying to impress GOD with our accomplishments for the Kingdom will remain with me for some time. In all of man's wisdom, how could we improve upon the Grand Canyon or the Redwood Forests? How can we build a better organ than the human heart that delivers nutrients and oxygen to our entire body? Just as there are no words to describe GOD's majesty when HE created the heaves and the earth, there is no way to put into words HIS love for us when HE designed a way for us to come before HIS throne! It truly is an "AMAZING GRACE"!
Thursday, August 21, 2014
"my PUPPIES!!"
1 Corinthians 2:13-16 (ESV)
"13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
14 THE NATURAL PERSON DOES NOT ACCEPT THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD, FOR THEY ARE FOLLY TO HIM, AND HE IS NOT ABLE TO UNDERSTAND THEM BECAUSE THEY ARE SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED!
15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.
16 "For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ."
Most are aware that my wife I acquired two "PUPPIES" a few years back, one from either son. Our "PUPPIES" are mix-breeds that weigh about 65 pounds each. Most days, while eating breakfast and dinner, both "PUPPIES" sit at my feet waiting to lick my plate when I am through eating. My wife never gets those gazing, begging eyes looking at her, as she never has allowed the "PUPPIES" to clean her plate. The now almost five-year old "PUPPIES" never get enough nutrition from licking my plate to satisfy their appetite, but the enjoyment of being able to eat from the same plate I do has become a treat that MUST be completed daily.
Just like my "PUPPIES" have to lick my plate daily, I MUST have a time every morning when I feed off of the Word of GOD. The admission is something that I am proud of, but I realize that the desire placed in my heart comes from a HOLY GOD. It is not something I deserve nor can even work toward. As a matter of fact, the Apostle Paul says "the things of the Spirit of GOD are a FOLLY" to the natural man. I should not feel proud about my desire to know more about GOD and HIS principles, rather humbled HE has placed that desire in my life!
Others may read my writings with some skepticism and might even consider me fanatical. But the "mind of CHRIST" (v.16) is leading and directing my paths and actions. What the world thinks of me should not influence me, as my concern is what The CREATOR thinks of my actions. The Holy Bible is the standard my life is judged against and that is why I have such a desire to follow the directions in it.
Just like my "PUPPIES" enjoy licking my plate every morning, I MUST have my regular serving from the Word of GOD! The Natural Person will not accept the things of GOD, for he will consider them a folly! He will not understand them because they are spiritually discerned. My prayer is my life will be an example to them of a life that serves CHRIST and lives for HIM. While my "PUPPIES" do not get the nutrition needed to sustain their diet from licking my plate, the Spiritual nutrition received from GOD's Word more than sustains my life!
"13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
14 THE NATURAL PERSON DOES NOT ACCEPT THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD, FOR THEY ARE FOLLY TO HIM, AND HE IS NOT ABLE TO UNDERSTAND THEM BECAUSE THEY ARE SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED!
15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.
16 "For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ."
Most are aware that my wife I acquired two "PUPPIES" a few years back, one from either son. Our "PUPPIES" are mix-breeds that weigh about 65 pounds each. Most days, while eating breakfast and dinner, both "PUPPIES" sit at my feet waiting to lick my plate when I am through eating. My wife never gets those gazing, begging eyes looking at her, as she never has allowed the "PUPPIES" to clean her plate. The now almost five-year old "PUPPIES" never get enough nutrition from licking my plate to satisfy their appetite, but the enjoyment of being able to eat from the same plate I do has become a treat that MUST be completed daily.
Just like my "PUPPIES" have to lick my plate daily, I MUST have a time every morning when I feed off of the Word of GOD. The admission is something that I am proud of, but I realize that the desire placed in my heart comes from a HOLY GOD. It is not something I deserve nor can even work toward. As a matter of fact, the Apostle Paul says "the things of the Spirit of GOD are a FOLLY" to the natural man. I should not feel proud about my desire to know more about GOD and HIS principles, rather humbled HE has placed that desire in my life!
Others may read my writings with some skepticism and might even consider me fanatical. But the "mind of CHRIST" (v.16) is leading and directing my paths and actions. What the world thinks of me should not influence me, as my concern is what The CREATOR thinks of my actions. The Holy Bible is the standard my life is judged against and that is why I have such a desire to follow the directions in it.
Just like my "PUPPIES" enjoy licking my plate every morning, I MUST have my regular serving from the Word of GOD! The Natural Person will not accept the things of GOD, for he will consider them a folly! He will not understand them because they are spiritually discerned. My prayer is my life will be an example to them of a life that serves CHRIST and lives for HIM. While my "PUPPIES" do not get the nutrition needed to sustain their diet from licking my plate, the Spiritual nutrition received from GOD's Word more than sustains my life!
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
"54 YEARS AGO!!"
Ecclesiastes 7:3 (ESV)
"A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth."
August 20th has always been a day of celebration for me. You see, on this day "54 YEARS AGO" I entered this world as an eight pound ten ounce baby boy! The maturation process has brought me far in 54 years, though some say it has not brought me far enough!
King Solomon is generally accepted as the physical author of the book of Ecclesiastes, although GOD inspires ALL scripture (2 Timothy 3:16). King Solomon is also known as having a "wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you" (1 Kings 3:12).
What point was King Solomon trying to make when he said the day of death is better than the day one is born? Does that mean that we are an exercise in futility while here on earth?
In Matthew 20:28 scripture records that JESUS came "to serve", as a "ransom for many"! When I accepted HIS salvation, I was basically surrendering my life to JESUS, and to allow HIS Spirit to live through my body for the Glory of GOD. There are times when my flesh rears it's ugly head and I display my my "old self" instead the the Spirit of the Living CHRIST.
The Apostle Paul said in Romans 7:24-25 "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death (sin nature)? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin." Just as Paul had a desire not to sin, so do I hunger to live a holy life and glorify my LORD!
There will come a day when I enter my eternal home and will be removed from this sin nature. "54 YEARS AGO" will then be a day to remember, but the real celebration will only be beginning!
"A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth."
August 20th has always been a day of celebration for me. You see, on this day "54 YEARS AGO" I entered this world as an eight pound ten ounce baby boy! The maturation process has brought me far in 54 years, though some say it has not brought me far enough!
King Solomon is generally accepted as the physical author of the book of Ecclesiastes, although GOD inspires ALL scripture (2 Timothy 3:16). King Solomon is also known as having a "wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you" (1 Kings 3:12).
What point was King Solomon trying to make when he said the day of death is better than the day one is born? Does that mean that we are an exercise in futility while here on earth?
In Matthew 20:28 scripture records that JESUS came "to serve", as a "ransom for many"! When I accepted HIS salvation, I was basically surrendering my life to JESUS, and to allow HIS Spirit to live through my body for the Glory of GOD. There are times when my flesh rears it's ugly head and I display my my "old self" instead the the Spirit of the Living CHRIST.
The Apostle Paul said in Romans 7:24-25 "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death (sin nature)? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin." Just as Paul had a desire not to sin, so do I hunger to live a holy life and glorify my LORD!
There will come a day when I enter my eternal home and will be removed from this sin nature. "54 YEARS AGO" will then be a day to remember, but the real celebration will only be beginning!
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
"I MUST!"
Matthew 7:3-5 (ESV)
"3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye?
5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."
In an attempt to keep my devotionals with a positive message, I try not to focus on the bad or immoral activities in the surrounding world. But sometimes, you just have to poor one old bucket of water out and draw another clean bucket from the well! Our entire society continues to devolve into one of passing judgement on someone else, while our individual lives continue to spiral into the pits of sin and despair. It seems most would rather discuss what the sins and shortcomings of a neighbor might be rather than observe any ways their own lives may need improvement.
In Matthew 5 through Matthew 7 JESUS spoke to the multitudes a sermon that lasted for three chapters! When one sees that the Son of GOD speaking to this extent it causes me to take note. In Matthew 7:3-5 JESUS lets us know that in order for us to see clearly to help our brother with a speck in his eye, we first must clean our own eye of the LOG that blocks our own vision.
Whenever I have had something in my eye, I feel as though "I MUST" get it out! I usually have to seek some assistance from someone I trust to locate and remove the foreign object that is causing the discomfort. The Holy Spirit (my Spiritual "someone") causes me great discomfort in my Spiritual life at times. Whenever I have sin enter into my life, I feel as though "I MUST" get it out! The more Spiritually mature I become, the more sensitive I am to the Holy Spirit's conviction in my life. HE lets me know that "I MUST" get the sin out of my life.
JESUS said it is difficult to see the minor problems within the eyes of others when we have SO much sin in our own lives. HEAVENLY FATHER, I pray YOUR Holy Spirit would examine my life and convict me of all of the sin in my life. Help me to realize "I MUST" get the sin out of my life so YOU can use me for YOUR glory!!
"3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye?
5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."
In an attempt to keep my devotionals with a positive message, I try not to focus on the bad or immoral activities in the surrounding world. But sometimes, you just have to poor one old bucket of water out and draw another clean bucket from the well! Our entire society continues to devolve into one of passing judgement on someone else, while our individual lives continue to spiral into the pits of sin and despair. It seems most would rather discuss what the sins and shortcomings of a neighbor might be rather than observe any ways their own lives may need improvement.
In Matthew 5 through Matthew 7 JESUS spoke to the multitudes a sermon that lasted for three chapters! When one sees that the Son of GOD speaking to this extent it causes me to take note. In Matthew 7:3-5 JESUS lets us know that in order for us to see clearly to help our brother with a speck in his eye, we first must clean our own eye of the LOG that blocks our own vision.
Whenever I have had something in my eye, I feel as though "I MUST" get it out! I usually have to seek some assistance from someone I trust to locate and remove the foreign object that is causing the discomfort. The Holy Spirit (my Spiritual "someone") causes me great discomfort in my Spiritual life at times. Whenever I have sin enter into my life, I feel as though "I MUST" get it out! The more Spiritually mature I become, the more sensitive I am to the Holy Spirit's conviction in my life. HE lets me know that "I MUST" get the sin out of my life.
JESUS said it is difficult to see the minor problems within the eyes of others when we have SO much sin in our own lives. HEAVENLY FATHER, I pray YOUR Holy Spirit would examine my life and convict me of all of the sin in my life. Help me to realize "I MUST" get the sin out of my life so YOU can use me for YOUR glory!!
Monday, August 18, 2014
"WAIT ON THE LORD!!!"
John 17:23 (KJV)
"I (JESUS) in them, and thou in me, that they (believers) may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."
Psalms 27:14 (KJV)
"WAIT ON THE LORD: be of good courage, and HE shall strengthen thine heart: WAIT, I say, ON THE LORD."
Why am I amazed when GOD works in my life to accomplish HIS purpose? HE has demonstrated HIS ability to work on HIS timetable so many times. Yet I act astonished when everything seems to "work out" in total orchestration to glorify HIM!
Most mornings I awake and just lie in bed for a few minutes talking with The LORD. This morning my mind seemed to be "busy" with today's itinerary and making sure I have allocated my time wisely. The devotional sent by Dr. Charles Stanley early this morning was entitled "The Rewards of Patience". I read his message with great interest. There were two sentences that are really sticking with me. "David didn't receive his blessings because he was special"; he was honored among men because he honored The LORD above all. And since he trusted in GOD's faithfulness, he endured hardship with PATIENCE."
I then sat down to read scripture in Psalms 27:14 and my Bible was opened to John 17. I was reading in John 17 before going to sleep last evening. John 17:23 was highlighted and underlined. So I thought I would take the time to read "one verse" to see why I highlighted and underlined it. I was all focused on "Waiting on The Lord", and then I had to read about JESUS living in me! Only then did the proverbial light come on in my head!
GOD moves at HIS own pace. HIS schedule isn't determined by our predicaments or desires. Since the Spirit of JESUS (GOD in the flesh) lives in me, why then should I be pressured to perform to the worlds standards or timetables? GOD "spoke" the worlds into existence and HE hasn't lost any power. If The LORD lives in me, I might find it better to "WAIT ON THE LORD"!!!
"I (JESUS) in them, and thou in me, that they (believers) may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."
Psalms 27:14 (KJV)
"WAIT ON THE LORD: be of good courage, and HE shall strengthen thine heart: WAIT, I say, ON THE LORD."
Why am I amazed when GOD works in my life to accomplish HIS purpose? HE has demonstrated HIS ability to work on HIS timetable so many times. Yet I act astonished when everything seems to "work out" in total orchestration to glorify HIM!
Most mornings I awake and just lie in bed for a few minutes talking with The LORD. This morning my mind seemed to be "busy" with today's itinerary and making sure I have allocated my time wisely. The devotional sent by Dr. Charles Stanley early this morning was entitled "The Rewards of Patience". I read his message with great interest. There were two sentences that are really sticking with me. "David didn't receive his blessings because he was special"; he was honored among men because he honored The LORD above all. And since he trusted in GOD's faithfulness, he endured hardship with PATIENCE."
I then sat down to read scripture in Psalms 27:14 and my Bible was opened to John 17. I was reading in John 17 before going to sleep last evening. John 17:23 was highlighted and underlined. So I thought I would take the time to read "one verse" to see why I highlighted and underlined it. I was all focused on "Waiting on The Lord", and then I had to read about JESUS living in me! Only then did the proverbial light come on in my head!
GOD moves at HIS own pace. HIS schedule isn't determined by our predicaments or desires. Since the Spirit of JESUS (GOD in the flesh) lives in me, why then should I be pressured to perform to the worlds standards or timetables? GOD "spoke" the worlds into existence and HE hasn't lost any power. If The LORD lives in me, I might find it better to "WAIT ON THE LORD"!!!
Sunday, August 17, 2014
"KNOW THAT I AM GOD!!!"
Psalms 46:10-11 (KJV)
"10 Be still, and "KNOW THAT I AM GOD": I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah."
Some are aware that The LORD gave me a Non-Profit Ministry named Psalms 46:10 Ministries, Inc. this year. The message GOD has placed on my heart to be delivered by the Ministry is that we not only need to SLOW OUR LIVES DOWN, but we need to acknowledge there is a GOD Who is longing for a relationship with all of us.
Recently there was a political cartoon in the local newspaper where a person is sitting on one side of a table with a table with HAMAS inscribed on his leg and another person sitting across the table with ISRAEL inscribed on his leg. Behind the table is an ancient Egyptian sphinx with a caption of "I am not going anywhere until you two start acting like grownups and work this thing out"!
The Holy Bible is GOD's Word! It is not a book of fables and man-made stories that has been passed down through the ages and grown like some mystery book. In Genesis 12:7 the scripture records "And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto The LORD, who appeared unto him." And in Genesis 13:15 it is written "For all THE LAND which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed FOR EVER." Israel does mot have the authority to give what GOD has given to them. Only GOD can give it to anyone else!
The Israeli nation holds a VERY small portion of the land mass of the earth. The enemies of Israel have recently correctly stated that peace will only come when Israel is annihilated! But GOD has written that HE loves Israel (Jeremiah 31:3 and others). But the verse of scripture that speaks loudest to me is Malachi 3:6 where it is written "For I [am] the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob ARE NOT consumed".
GOD JEHOVAH will not be mocked and HE will not be defeated! If anyone thinks that the events of the world do not have a higher BEING in charge of the outcomes of things, they are terribly mistaken. The phrase and "KNOW THAT I AM GOD" should strengthen our faith and belief that ALMIGHTY GOD is in control of events in our world! The land, the country of Israel, has been given to the children of Jacob/Israel by GOD! No matter what!
"10 Be still, and "KNOW THAT I AM GOD": I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah."
Some are aware that The LORD gave me a Non-Profit Ministry named Psalms 46:10 Ministries, Inc. this year. The message GOD has placed on my heart to be delivered by the Ministry is that we not only need to SLOW OUR LIVES DOWN, but we need to acknowledge there is a GOD Who is longing for a relationship with all of us.
Recently there was a political cartoon in the local newspaper where a person is sitting on one side of a table with a table with HAMAS inscribed on his leg and another person sitting across the table with ISRAEL inscribed on his leg. Behind the table is an ancient Egyptian sphinx with a caption of "I am not going anywhere until you two start acting like grownups and work this thing out"!
The Holy Bible is GOD's Word! It is not a book of fables and man-made stories that has been passed down through the ages and grown like some mystery book. In Genesis 12:7 the scripture records "And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto The LORD, who appeared unto him." And in Genesis 13:15 it is written "For all THE LAND which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed FOR EVER." Israel does mot have the authority to give what GOD has given to them. Only GOD can give it to anyone else!
The Israeli nation holds a VERY small portion of the land mass of the earth. The enemies of Israel have recently correctly stated that peace will only come when Israel is annihilated! But GOD has written that HE loves Israel (Jeremiah 31:3 and others). But the verse of scripture that speaks loudest to me is Malachi 3:6 where it is written "For I [am] the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob ARE NOT consumed".
GOD JEHOVAH will not be mocked and HE will not be defeated! If anyone thinks that the events of the world do not have a higher BEING in charge of the outcomes of things, they are terribly mistaken. The phrase and "KNOW THAT I AM GOD" should strengthen our faith and belief that ALMIGHTY GOD is in control of events in our world! The land, the country of Israel, has been given to the children of Jacob/Israel by GOD! No matter what!
Saturday, August 16, 2014
"BUT DAVID REMAINED!!"
2 Samuel 11:1-5 (ESV)
"1 In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. "BUT DAVID REMAINED" at Jerusalem.
2 It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king's house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful.
3 And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, "Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?"
4 So David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. (Now she had been purifying herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned to her house.
5 And the woman conceived, and she sent and told David, "I am pregnant."
Every man who has ever lived, with the exception of ONE, has been imperfect! King David was "a man after GOD's own heart" (according to 1 Samuel 13:14), yet he submitted himself to fleshly desires with Bathsheba. While her husband Uriah was doing his duty defending the nation of Israel, King David was observing Bathsheba bathing herself. He desired her and summoned her to his quarters and had relations with her. Then to avoid being found out, he had Uriah put on the front lines and Uriah was killed in battle. King David then took Bathsheba to be his wife.
In 1 Samuel 11:1 we are told that the time was in the spring of the year. There was a war that Israel was fighting against the Ammonites in which Israel "ravaged" their enemy. "BUT DAVID REMAINED" in Jerusalem away from the battle. David was a warrior and his place would seem to be where the battle was taking place. Instead, he stayed in Jerusalem and succumbed to temptation and fleshly desires. Rather than fighting for The LORD, he was letting his inner enemy win a spiritual battle!
There have been times when I should be battling for The LORD. Rather than being involved with a conflict, I try to avoid a spiritual battle with the excuse of not wanting to get hurt. Instead of fighting a battle for The LORD, I wind up giving in to temptation or selfish desires!
Numbers 32:23 tells us that our sin WILL find us out! "BUT DAVID REMAINED" and his transgressions wound up finding David out also. While GOD was providing Israel with a "ravaging" victory, their King was away from the battle focused on his desires. But even though he sinned multiple times and multiple ways, King David always came back to a loving, forgiving GOD! I need to be busy about the battles that The LORD has for me to fight and not be guilty of what happened when "DAVID REMAINED"!!
"1 In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. "BUT DAVID REMAINED" at Jerusalem.
2 It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king's house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful.
3 And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, "Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?"
4 So David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. (Now she had been purifying herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned to her house.
5 And the woman conceived, and she sent and told David, "I am pregnant."
Every man who has ever lived, with the exception of ONE, has been imperfect! King David was "a man after GOD's own heart" (according to 1 Samuel 13:14), yet he submitted himself to fleshly desires with Bathsheba. While her husband Uriah was doing his duty defending the nation of Israel, King David was observing Bathsheba bathing herself. He desired her and summoned her to his quarters and had relations with her. Then to avoid being found out, he had Uriah put on the front lines and Uriah was killed in battle. King David then took Bathsheba to be his wife.
In 1 Samuel 11:1 we are told that the time was in the spring of the year. There was a war that Israel was fighting against the Ammonites in which Israel "ravaged" their enemy. "BUT DAVID REMAINED" in Jerusalem away from the battle. David was a warrior and his place would seem to be where the battle was taking place. Instead, he stayed in Jerusalem and succumbed to temptation and fleshly desires. Rather than fighting for The LORD, he was letting his inner enemy win a spiritual battle!
There have been times when I should be battling for The LORD. Rather than being involved with a conflict, I try to avoid a spiritual battle with the excuse of not wanting to get hurt. Instead of fighting a battle for The LORD, I wind up giving in to temptation or selfish desires!
Numbers 32:23 tells us that our sin WILL find us out! "BUT DAVID REMAINED" and his transgressions wound up finding David out also. While GOD was providing Israel with a "ravaging" victory, their King was away from the battle focused on his desires. But even though he sinned multiple times and multiple ways, King David always came back to a loving, forgiving GOD! I need to be busy about the battles that The LORD has for me to fight and not be guilty of what happened when "DAVID REMAINED"!!
Friday, August 15, 2014
"CLEAN HEART!!"
Psalms 51:10-13 (KJV)
"10 Create in me a "CLEAN HEART", O God; and renew a right SPIRIT within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy HOLY SPIRIT from me.
12 Restore unto me the JOY of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and SINNERS shall be CONVERTED unto thee."
A few years ago a friend and I were discussing my recently found propensity to write things down so I wouldn't forget them. He then spoke a comment that I had to write down for memory's sake. "Writing helps crystallize my thoughts and enables me to better articulate my deductions" is something Bishop Robert E. Smith, Jr said that the LORD has used to help transform my life. I find having the Holy Spirit guide my thoughts onto paper is one of the most effective filters to assure haste doesn't prevail when I open my mouth!
This morning when I awoke, the verse from Psalms 51:10 was on my heart. "Create in me a clean heart" is a prayer that I want to live out in my life. It is my desire to have a heart that GOD not only is pleased with, but that HE can work through for HIS glory. The Holy Spirit can, and does, renew a right spirit within me. In Titus 3:5 scripture records "NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and RENEWING of the HOLY GHOST"! I cannot perform enough so-called good deeds to deserve HIS acceptance. Only through the HOLY GHOST renewing my spirit can I come before a Holy GOD!
The phrase "actions speak louder than words" has never been more aptly stated than in Psalms 51:13. "Then will I teach" might be better stated "Then, through my obedience to YOU, may others observe" that I am a vessel rescued by YOUR grace. As I have written before, we should be a "MIRROR" that reflects CHRIST so SINNERS can be CONVERTED for HIS glory!
Reverend Billy Graham says "It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict, GOD's job to judge and my job to love!" The main thing I need to be concerned with is making sure I have a "CLEAN HEART" before my GOD, and letting HIM use my "CLEAN HEART" for HIS glory! The Holy Spirit doesn't need my help convicting and GOD doesn't need my help judging! I need GOD's help in displaying HIS love to a lost and dying world! My part is to LOVE with a "CLEAN HEART"!!!
"10 Create in me a "CLEAN HEART", O God; and renew a right SPIRIT within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy HOLY SPIRIT from me.
12 Restore unto me the JOY of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and SINNERS shall be CONVERTED unto thee."
A few years ago a friend and I were discussing my recently found propensity to write things down so I wouldn't forget them. He then spoke a comment that I had to write down for memory's sake. "Writing helps crystallize my thoughts and enables me to better articulate my deductions" is something Bishop Robert E. Smith, Jr said that the LORD has used to help transform my life. I find having the Holy Spirit guide my thoughts onto paper is one of the most effective filters to assure haste doesn't prevail when I open my mouth!
This morning when I awoke, the verse from Psalms 51:10 was on my heart. "Create in me a clean heart" is a prayer that I want to live out in my life. It is my desire to have a heart that GOD not only is pleased with, but that HE can work through for HIS glory. The Holy Spirit can, and does, renew a right spirit within me. In Titus 3:5 scripture records "NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and RENEWING of the HOLY GHOST"! I cannot perform enough so-called good deeds to deserve HIS acceptance. Only through the HOLY GHOST renewing my spirit can I come before a Holy GOD!
The phrase "actions speak louder than words" has never been more aptly stated than in Psalms 51:13. "Then will I teach" might be better stated "Then, through my obedience to YOU, may others observe" that I am a vessel rescued by YOUR grace. As I have written before, we should be a "MIRROR" that reflects CHRIST so SINNERS can be CONVERTED for HIS glory!
Reverend Billy Graham says "It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict, GOD's job to judge and my job to love!" The main thing I need to be concerned with is making sure I have a "CLEAN HEART" before my GOD, and letting HIM use my "CLEAN HEART" for HIS glory! The Holy Spirit doesn't need my help convicting and GOD doesn't need my help judging! I need GOD's help in displaying HIS love to a lost and dying world! My part is to LOVE with a "CLEAN HEART"!!!
Thursday, August 14, 2014
"MORE SUBTLE!"
Genesis 3:1-7 (KJV)
"3 Now the serpent was "MORE SUBTLE" than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, “Yea, hath God said, ‘Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”
2 And the woman said unto the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden,
3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, ‘Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it,lest ye die.’”
4 And the serpent said unto the woman, “YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE";
5 for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”
6 And WHEN THE WOMAN SAW that the tree was good for food, and that it was PLEASANT TO THE EYES, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof and ate, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he ate.
7 And the EYES of them both WERE OPENED, and they KNEW that they were NAKED; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves things to gird about."
Growing up there was one translation of scripture that I was exposed to, the King James Version. Using a website designed to show various interpretations of the Word is a tool I use to get differing perspectives. This morning I decided to see what other words were used for the word in Genesis 3:1 when scripture declares that the serpent was "MORE SUBTLE". The words I found were shrewdest, cunning, crafty, wiley, feller, clever, astute, sneakier, and more intelligent. The translation that stood out most to me was from the "New Life Version" which said the "snake was more able to fool" than any other creation.
The enemy is a master of disguise and he uses any tool at his disposal to draw glory from GOD JEHOVAH! Ephesians 6:11-12 (ESV) informs us "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the "SCHEMES" of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." The devil uses any means he can to imitate GOD, but HE can only fake it!
A group called Newsong used to sing a song saying you can't fit a square peg in a round hole. In that song it said "you can try to fill your life with anything but Christ, but it just won't work"! The imitation that the devil tries to pass off as the real thing will NOT quench the inner thirst that we are created with. The only thing that can quench that thirst is the Creator HIMSELF, JESUS CHRIST!
The spiritual "eyes" of Adam and Eve were opened when they decided to be like a god. GOD had warned them that "death" would be the penalty for disobedience of HIS Word. The enemy used "deception" to make them think GOD was talking about physical death, when all along GOD was referring to spiritual death. Don't be "deceived" by a spirit that the Bible describes as "MORE SUBTLE" than any other! The only way to quench the thirst that we all have is to allow the Creator to put HIMSELF in you! The enemy can be "MORE SUBTLE" all he wants, but he can't imitate the real thing!
"3 Now the serpent was "MORE SUBTLE" than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, “Yea, hath God said, ‘Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”
2 And the woman said unto the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden,
3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, ‘Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it,lest ye die.’”
4 And the serpent said unto the woman, “YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE";
5 for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”
6 And WHEN THE WOMAN SAW that the tree was good for food, and that it was PLEASANT TO THE EYES, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof and ate, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he ate.
7 And the EYES of them both WERE OPENED, and they KNEW that they were NAKED; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves things to gird about."
Growing up there was one translation of scripture that I was exposed to, the King James Version. Using a website designed to show various interpretations of the Word is a tool I use to get differing perspectives. This morning I decided to see what other words were used for the word in Genesis 3:1 when scripture declares that the serpent was "MORE SUBTLE". The words I found were shrewdest, cunning, crafty, wiley, feller, clever, astute, sneakier, and more intelligent. The translation that stood out most to me was from the "New Life Version" which said the "snake was more able to fool" than any other creation.
The enemy is a master of disguise and he uses any tool at his disposal to draw glory from GOD JEHOVAH! Ephesians 6:11-12 (ESV) informs us "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the "SCHEMES" of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." The devil uses any means he can to imitate GOD, but HE can only fake it!
A group called Newsong used to sing a song saying you can't fit a square peg in a round hole. In that song it said "you can try to fill your life with anything but Christ, but it just won't work"! The imitation that the devil tries to pass off as the real thing will NOT quench the inner thirst that we are created with. The only thing that can quench that thirst is the Creator HIMSELF, JESUS CHRIST!
The spiritual "eyes" of Adam and Eve were opened when they decided to be like a god. GOD had warned them that "death" would be the penalty for disobedience of HIS Word. The enemy used "deception" to make them think GOD was talking about physical death, when all along GOD was referring to spiritual death. Don't be "deceived" by a spirit that the Bible describes as "MORE SUBTLE" than any other! The only way to quench the thirst that we all have is to allow the Creator to put HIMSELF in you! The enemy can be "MORE SUBTLE" all he wants, but he can't imitate the real thing!
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
"DESIRE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT!"
Romans 7:14-20 (ESV)
"14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin.
15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I DO THE VERY THING I HATE.
16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good.
17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but SIN THAT DWELLS IN ME.
18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the DESIRE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT, but NOT THE ABILITY to carry it out.
19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.
20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me."
The Apostle Paul is known as one of the most dedicated followers of JESUS CHRIST ever. His testimony shows many imprisonments and much hardship. He also got to speak before Caesar, arguably the most powerful man of his time. So Paul knew how if felt to be "ABASED" and how to "ABOUND" (Philippians 4:12)!
But, according to Romans 7:18, even though Paul was considered a spiritual giant of his era by most, his opinion of himself was less than stellar. Paul knew that he did "the very thing" he hated. Although he had the "DESIRE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT", he did not have the ability to perform as he should. Paul was flawed, just like the rest of us!
Paul even said in verse 15 that "I do not understand my own actions"! And of ver two thousand years later, neither do I currently understand my actions? Why do I do things that I know are contrary to living as a reflection of JESUS CHRIST? Why can't I simply surrender to what HE would do were HE living in my body!
The Apostle Paul wrote in verse 20 what I have to be aware of. The "sin that dwells within me" causes difficulty in my life that is avoidable. No, I am not perfect and some of those difficulties I am sure I will learn great lessons from. But I so look forward to the day when my "DESIRE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT" controls the actions in my life. The "DESIRE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT" should be what we all strive for!
"14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin.
15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I DO THE VERY THING I HATE.
16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good.
17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but SIN THAT DWELLS IN ME.
18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the DESIRE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT, but NOT THE ABILITY to carry it out.
19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.
20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me."
The Apostle Paul is known as one of the most dedicated followers of JESUS CHRIST ever. His testimony shows many imprisonments and much hardship. He also got to speak before Caesar, arguably the most powerful man of his time. So Paul knew how if felt to be "ABASED" and how to "ABOUND" (Philippians 4:12)!
But, according to Romans 7:18, even though Paul was considered a spiritual giant of his era by most, his opinion of himself was less than stellar. Paul knew that he did "the very thing" he hated. Although he had the "DESIRE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT", he did not have the ability to perform as he should. Paul was flawed, just like the rest of us!
Paul even said in verse 15 that "I do not understand my own actions"! And of ver two thousand years later, neither do I currently understand my actions? Why do I do things that I know are contrary to living as a reflection of JESUS CHRIST? Why can't I simply surrender to what HE would do were HE living in my body!
The Apostle Paul wrote in verse 20 what I have to be aware of. The "sin that dwells within me" causes difficulty in my life that is avoidable. No, I am not perfect and some of those difficulties I am sure I will learn great lessons from. But I so look forward to the day when my "DESIRE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT" controls the actions in my life. The "DESIRE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT" should be what we all strive for!
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
"SEEING IS BELIEVING??"
1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (KJV)
"9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which GOD hath prepared for them that love him.
10 But GOD HATH REVEALED them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of GOD.
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of GOD knoweth no man, but the Spirit of GOD.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of GOD; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of GOD."
How many times have you heard "SEEING IS BELIEVING"? IF you see something with your own eyes you are considered an EYE-WITNESS. An EYE-WITNESS can prove invaluable in a court case. Many court cases have been decided by an EYE-WITNESS telling what they have seen.But, what about those whose vision is impaired? What about the people whose ability to see is not "20/20"? Can they be used as an "EYE-WITNESS"? Can what they have seen be counted on as the real truth because of corrective vision measures taken?
The things GOD HATH REVEALED to us are things that can be trusted more than an EYE-WITNESS account! Don't be upset when others haven't had the same revelation as you have though. GOD may have a purpose for only revealing HIS plan to only you (Noah in Hebrews 11:7). "The things which GOD hath prepared" may benefit many, but GOD may only need to reveal HIS plan to those necessary in order for HIM to receive glory for those plans!
Verse 12 informs us that Believers in The LORD possess the Spirit of GOD, not the spirit of the world. The plans of GOD will not make a lot of sense to the world as they do not SEE the things of the Spirit! GOD reveals HIS plans to HIS people to glorify HIS name before all. The glorification of HIS followers is not something HE promotes.
What we spiritually SEE can be directly attributed to what we believe! While it is true that in our physical beings "SEEING IS BELIEVING", in our Spiritual beings "BELIEVING IS SEEING" is what true reality is based upon. When GOD HATH REVEALED something to you, FAITH (Hebrews 11:6) demands that you act accordingly. Had Noah NOT acted accordingly (Hebrews 11:7), the flood would have consumed his family also. And that would have been "SEEING IS BELIEVING"!!
"9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which GOD hath prepared for them that love him.
10 But GOD HATH REVEALED them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of GOD.
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of GOD knoweth no man, but the Spirit of GOD.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of GOD; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of GOD."
How many times have you heard "SEEING IS BELIEVING"? IF you see something with your own eyes you are considered an EYE-WITNESS. An EYE-WITNESS can prove invaluable in a court case. Many court cases have been decided by an EYE-WITNESS telling what they have seen.But, what about those whose vision is impaired? What about the people whose ability to see is not "20/20"? Can they be used as an "EYE-WITNESS"? Can what they have seen be counted on as the real truth because of corrective vision measures taken?
The things GOD HATH REVEALED to us are things that can be trusted more than an EYE-WITNESS account! Don't be upset when others haven't had the same revelation as you have though. GOD may have a purpose for only revealing HIS plan to only you (Noah in Hebrews 11:7). "The things which GOD hath prepared" may benefit many, but GOD may only need to reveal HIS plan to those necessary in order for HIM to receive glory for those plans!
Verse 12 informs us that Believers in The LORD possess the Spirit of GOD, not the spirit of the world. The plans of GOD will not make a lot of sense to the world as they do not SEE the things of the Spirit! GOD reveals HIS plans to HIS people to glorify HIS name before all. The glorification of HIS followers is not something HE promotes.
What we spiritually SEE can be directly attributed to what we believe! While it is true that in our physical beings "SEEING IS BELIEVING", in our Spiritual beings "BELIEVING IS SEEING" is what true reality is based upon. When GOD HATH REVEALED something to you, FAITH (Hebrews 11:6) demands that you act accordingly. Had Noah NOT acted accordingly (Hebrews 11:7), the flood would have consumed his family also. And that would have been "SEEING IS BELIEVING"!!
Monday, August 11, 2014
"WITHOUT FAITH???"
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)
"6 But "WITHOUT FAITH" IT IS 'IMPOSSIBLE' TO PLEASE HIM: for he that cometh to GOD must believe that HE is, and that HE is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM."
For the past few days this verse has been heavy on my heart and mind. "WITHOUT FAITH" there is no way of pleasing our CREATOR. How many times do we stop after waking from sleep to make sure our legs will hold us up? How many times do we inhale and wait to make sure we are able to exhale? You might say "Those are things that GOD is in control of"! Well, if HE is LORD of our lives, shouldn't HE be in control over our entire lives?
Rick Warren has been quoted as saying "“GOD’s plan for your life isn’t a map you see all at once, but a scroll unrolled a little at a time, requiring FAITH”. I am afraid we don't see as many modern day miracles because we never allow GOD to be put in a position where HE is our only way through a difficulty. We want to see the whole roadmap to determine if we agree with GOD about what may happen! If GOD reveals our scroll only "a little at a time" we won't move because we 'claim' HE hasn't shown us what to do. "WITHOUT FAITH" it is impossible to fully trust in or please HIM! Sometimes we have to begin without the benefit of knowing how something will be finished.
In Matthew 9:9 it is recorded "As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him." Matthew didn't get an explanation of where they were going, or what they were going to be doing. Matthew simply obeyed the command of JESUS! Matthew didn't worry about who was going to collect the taxes, "he rose and followed him."
Our GOD simply 'spoke' the heavens and earth into existence. That same GOD has a plan for my life and yours. Should my desire be to get to Heaven and have GOD declare that I lived a safe, risk free, well thought-out life? Or should I live my life with Hebrews 11:6 in mind? "WITHOUT FAITH" it is IMPOSSIBLE to please HIM???
"6 But "WITHOUT FAITH" IT IS 'IMPOSSIBLE' TO PLEASE HIM: for he that cometh to GOD must believe that HE is, and that HE is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM."
For the past few days this verse has been heavy on my heart and mind. "WITHOUT FAITH" there is no way of pleasing our CREATOR. How many times do we stop after waking from sleep to make sure our legs will hold us up? How many times do we inhale and wait to make sure we are able to exhale? You might say "Those are things that GOD is in control of"! Well, if HE is LORD of our lives, shouldn't HE be in control over our entire lives?
Rick Warren has been quoted as saying "“GOD’s plan for your life isn’t a map you see all at once, but a scroll unrolled a little at a time, requiring FAITH”. I am afraid we don't see as many modern day miracles because we never allow GOD to be put in a position where HE is our only way through a difficulty. We want to see the whole roadmap to determine if we agree with GOD about what may happen! If GOD reveals our scroll only "a little at a time" we won't move because we 'claim' HE hasn't shown us what to do. "WITHOUT FAITH" it is impossible to fully trust in or please HIM! Sometimes we have to begin without the benefit of knowing how something will be finished.
In Matthew 9:9 it is recorded "As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him." Matthew didn't get an explanation of where they were going, or what they were going to be doing. Matthew simply obeyed the command of JESUS! Matthew didn't worry about who was going to collect the taxes, "he rose and followed him."
Our GOD simply 'spoke' the heavens and earth into existence. That same GOD has a plan for my life and yours. Should my desire be to get to Heaven and have GOD declare that I lived a safe, risk free, well thought-out life? Or should I live my life with Hebrews 11:6 in mind? "WITHOUT FAITH" it is IMPOSSIBLE to please HIM???
Sunday, August 10, 2014
"I RECEIVED MY SIGHT!!"
Acts 22:5b-18 (ESV)
"5b From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.
6 "As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me.
7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?'
8 And I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said to me, 'I am JESUS of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.'
9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me.
10 And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.'
11 And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.
12 "And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there,
13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.' And at that very hour "I received my sight" and saw him.
14 And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth;
15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard.
16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.'
17 "When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance
18 and saw him saying to me, 'Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.'
Although the passage above is quite lengthy, the recollection of the conversion of Paul must not be hurried through. To begin with, Saul was headed to Damascus to arrest those a who were following the teachings of JESUS CHRIST. But on his journey he has an encounter with JESUS. Now, surely JESUS knew why Saul was persecuting HIM. JESUS had to make it CLEAR to Saul what he was actually doing.
The next point that sticks out to me is in verse nine. Saul's recollection is that the others who were with him heard the voice of JESUS, but only Saul could understand what was being said. That let's me know that when GOD instructs me about what HE wants me to do, others may not be on the same wavelength. But when GOD gets your attention, such as Saul being blinded, it makes no difference to you if anyone else understands what you are hearing or not! GOD has spoken and you are listening to HIS spoken Word (v.14)!
Finally, Saul/Paul went to the temple to pray and GOD let him know what HIS plans for him were not! "Get out of Jerusalem quickly" were Paul's instructions! In Acts 22:21 GOD said "Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'" GOD did not reveal to Paul what all his future held. GOD only told Paul that he was going to minister to the Gentiles. The journey that Paul would engage in would include many hardships, but those hardships would not be faced alone!
Our destination may be made known to us, but our journey will require FAITH! Once again, I refer to Hebrews 11:6 which to us "without faith, it is IMPOSSIBLE to please HIM"! When Paul was on the Damascus road he was blinded. Paul says there was a time when "I RECEIVED MY SIGHT" and his mission began to become clear to him. He still had to have FAITH for the path of his journey, but his destination was clearly to the Gentiles. Knowing my journey requires FAITH, but my destination is has been set! I am proud to say "I RECEIVED MY SIGHT"!!
"5b From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.
6 "As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me.
7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?'
8 And I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said to me, 'I am JESUS of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.'
9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me.
10 And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.'
11 And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.
12 "And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there,
13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.' And at that very hour "I received my sight" and saw him.
14 And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth;
15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard.
16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.'
17 "When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance
18 and saw him saying to me, 'Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.'
Although the passage above is quite lengthy, the recollection of the conversion of Paul must not be hurried through. To begin with, Saul was headed to Damascus to arrest those a who were following the teachings of JESUS CHRIST. But on his journey he has an encounter with JESUS. Now, surely JESUS knew why Saul was persecuting HIM. JESUS had to make it CLEAR to Saul what he was actually doing.
The next point that sticks out to me is in verse nine. Saul's recollection is that the others who were with him heard the voice of JESUS, but only Saul could understand what was being said. That let's me know that when GOD instructs me about what HE wants me to do, others may not be on the same wavelength. But when GOD gets your attention, such as Saul being blinded, it makes no difference to you if anyone else understands what you are hearing or not! GOD has spoken and you are listening to HIS spoken Word (v.14)!
Finally, Saul/Paul went to the temple to pray and GOD let him know what HIS plans for him were not! "Get out of Jerusalem quickly" were Paul's instructions! In Acts 22:21 GOD said "Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'" GOD did not reveal to Paul what all his future held. GOD only told Paul that he was going to minister to the Gentiles. The journey that Paul would engage in would include many hardships, but those hardships would not be faced alone!
Our destination may be made known to us, but our journey will require FAITH! Once again, I refer to Hebrews 11:6 which to us "without faith, it is IMPOSSIBLE to please HIM"! When Paul was on the Damascus road he was blinded. Paul says there was a time when "I RECEIVED MY SIGHT" and his mission began to become clear to him. He still had to have FAITH for the path of his journey, but his destination was clearly to the Gentiles. Knowing my journey requires FAITH, but my destination is has been set! I am proud to say "I RECEIVED MY SIGHT"!!
Saturday, August 9, 2014
"believe that HE is"!!
Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)
"1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of GOD, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
4 By faith Abel offered unto GOD a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, GOD testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because GOD had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased GOD.
6 But WITHOUT FAITH IT IS 'IMPOSSIBLE' TO PLEASE HIM: for he that cometh to GOD must 'believe that HE is', and that HE is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM."
Every so often I get an email from a minister that just causes me to pause and evaluate things in my life. Today is such a time. Dr. Charles Stanley sends out devotionals every morning, except Sunday's. Today is one of those days that I feel the need to CAPITALIZE all of the words to give the emphasis where I feel they are deserved!
Many sermons have been preached on the FAITH HALL OF FAME! Hebrews 11 exhibits some of the more notable people that knew GOD and "believe that HE is"! Hebrews 11:6 covers it all for me, "without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please HIM"! When a trial or difficulty comes my way and I fear, I am displaying a lack of "believing that HE is"! As you read Dr. Stanley's devotional, remember that we must "believe that HE is"!!
PROVEN FAITH
1 Peter 1:3-9
Faith is perhaps the MOST CENTRAL ELEMENT in the Christian life because it is the means by which we enter into salvation. But that’s only the beginning. From then onward, our faith—or lack of it—shapes our lives and determines what happens to us when the winds of adversity blow. Some Christians never lose their footing even in hurricane-force winds, but others are toppled by the slightest gust. To understand why this is true, we need to examine the source of our faith.
Inherited faith: If you grew up in a Christian home, you probably adopted some of the beliefs of your parents. This kind of godly foundation is a wonderful gift from the Lord, but eventually, EACH PERSON MUST ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR HIS OWN BELIEFS.
Textbook faith: The BIBLE is the ultimate guide for establishing our beliefs. But that’s not the only source of influence. Books, preachers, teachers, and friends all impact our convictions. Our theology MAY in fact be sound, but faith is merely mental acceptance UNTIL IT'S PUT TO THE TEST.
Proven Faith: Only when we trust the LORD through the FIRES OF ADVERSITY will we have faith that can stand. It is no longer based on what others have told us or what we’ve accepted as true but on our firsthand experience of His faithfulness.
To evaluate your faith, consider how you react to adversity. Do you CLING to the LORD or get angry at Him? Is your attitude one of REJOICING because HE’s MAKING YOU MORE LIKE HIS SON, or are you bitter? NO ONE can escape adversity, but those with PROVEN FAITH will benefit from it.
"1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of GOD, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
4 By faith Abel offered unto GOD a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, GOD testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because GOD had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased GOD.
6 But WITHOUT FAITH IT IS 'IMPOSSIBLE' TO PLEASE HIM: for he that cometh to GOD must 'believe that HE is', and that HE is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM."
Every so often I get an email from a minister that just causes me to pause and evaluate things in my life. Today is such a time. Dr. Charles Stanley sends out devotionals every morning, except Sunday's. Today is one of those days that I feel the need to CAPITALIZE all of the words to give the emphasis where I feel they are deserved!
Many sermons have been preached on the FAITH HALL OF FAME! Hebrews 11 exhibits some of the more notable people that knew GOD and "believe that HE is"! Hebrews 11:6 covers it all for me, "without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please HIM"! When a trial or difficulty comes my way and I fear, I am displaying a lack of "believing that HE is"! As you read Dr. Stanley's devotional, remember that we must "believe that HE is"!!
PROVEN FAITH
1 Peter 1:3-9
Faith is perhaps the MOST CENTRAL ELEMENT in the Christian life because it is the means by which we enter into salvation. But that’s only the beginning. From then onward, our faith—or lack of it—shapes our lives and determines what happens to us when the winds of adversity blow. Some Christians never lose their footing even in hurricane-force winds, but others are toppled by the slightest gust. To understand why this is true, we need to examine the source of our faith.
Inherited faith: If you grew up in a Christian home, you probably adopted some of the beliefs of your parents. This kind of godly foundation is a wonderful gift from the Lord, but eventually, EACH PERSON MUST ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR HIS OWN BELIEFS.
Textbook faith: The BIBLE is the ultimate guide for establishing our beliefs. But that’s not the only source of influence. Books, preachers, teachers, and friends all impact our convictions. Our theology MAY in fact be sound, but faith is merely mental acceptance UNTIL IT'S PUT TO THE TEST.
Proven Faith: Only when we trust the LORD through the FIRES OF ADVERSITY will we have faith that can stand. It is no longer based on what others have told us or what we’ve accepted as true but on our firsthand experience of His faithfulness.
To evaluate your faith, consider how you react to adversity. Do you CLING to the LORD or get angry at Him? Is your attitude one of REJOICING because HE’s MAKING YOU MORE LIKE HIS SON, or are you bitter? NO ONE can escape adversity, but those with PROVEN FAITH will benefit from it.
Friday, August 8, 2014
"the VEIL is removed"!
2 Corinthians 3:15-18; 4:1-5 (English Standard Version)
"15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a VEIL lies over their hearts.
16 But when one turns to the Lord, "the VEIL is removed".
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
18 And we all, with unVEILed face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
"1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.
2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.
3 And even if our gospel is VEILed, it is VEILed to those who are perishing.
4 In their case the god of this world (satan) HAS BLINDED THE MINDS OF THE UNBELIEVERS, to KEEP THEM FROM SEEING the LIGHT of the gospel of the glory of CHRIST, who is the IMAGE OF GOD.
5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake."
Have you ever heard someone say "The way I see it........."? The fact that some can SEE things one way and others SEE the "same" thing differently has puzzled many for years. One could even argue that when JESUS walked on earth HE had some who believed that HE was the Son of GOD, but others who refused to believe and thought they would eliminate this problem from the world. Some could see the TRUTH, yet others had the TRUTH hidden from them.
Ephesians 6:12 states "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, AGAINST THE SPIRITUAL FORCES OF EVIL in the heavenly places". Some cannot SEE the TRUTH because they choose to SEE things through their own eyes. Those people can argue they are doing the best they can, and they would be correct. But when "one turns to the LORD" they begin to SEE things differently!
Once "the VEIL is removed" from the eyes of a person they begin to SEE things as they really are. We are free (v.17) to live in CHRIST (and HE in us) and be used by HIM to draw others to HIM. We can not draw them, but HE can use us to draw others to HIM, for HIS glory! GOD is glorified when I realize I am but a tool that HE can use for HIS purpose and glory (v.5).
But the enemy is making sure that what many see is what he desires them to see. Until "the VEIL is removed" from their vision they will not be able to see the TRUTH, even when it is right in front of them. Ephesians 4:4 says that the enemy "has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light" of JESUS CHRIST! To know "the VEIL is removed" from my eyes by a loving and merciful GOD floods my soul with humility and gratitude!
John Newton wrote the lyrics of one of the most recognized songs in the world. "Amazing Grace" has been sung by millions! The first verse of Amazing Grace concludes with these words, "'twas blind but now I see"! John Newton knew what it meant to have "the VEIL is removed" from his eyes. I pray that "the VEIL is removed" from many others before JESUS returns!
"15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a VEIL lies over their hearts.
16 But when one turns to the Lord, "the VEIL is removed".
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
18 And we all, with unVEILed face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
"1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.
2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.
3 And even if our gospel is VEILed, it is VEILed to those who are perishing.
4 In their case the god of this world (satan) HAS BLINDED THE MINDS OF THE UNBELIEVERS, to KEEP THEM FROM SEEING the LIGHT of the gospel of the glory of CHRIST, who is the IMAGE OF GOD.
5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake."
Have you ever heard someone say "The way I see it........."? The fact that some can SEE things one way and others SEE the "same" thing differently has puzzled many for years. One could even argue that when JESUS walked on earth HE had some who believed that HE was the Son of GOD, but others who refused to believe and thought they would eliminate this problem from the world. Some could see the TRUTH, yet others had the TRUTH hidden from them.
Ephesians 6:12 states "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, AGAINST THE SPIRITUAL FORCES OF EVIL in the heavenly places". Some cannot SEE the TRUTH because they choose to SEE things through their own eyes. Those people can argue they are doing the best they can, and they would be correct. But when "one turns to the LORD" they begin to SEE things differently!
Once "the VEIL is removed" from the eyes of a person they begin to SEE things as they really are. We are free (v.17) to live in CHRIST (and HE in us) and be used by HIM to draw others to HIM. We can not draw them, but HE can use us to draw others to HIM, for HIS glory! GOD is glorified when I realize I am but a tool that HE can use for HIS purpose and glory (v.5).
But the enemy is making sure that what many see is what he desires them to see. Until "the VEIL is removed" from their vision they will not be able to see the TRUTH, even when it is right in front of them. Ephesians 4:4 says that the enemy "has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light" of JESUS CHRIST! To know "the VEIL is removed" from my eyes by a loving and merciful GOD floods my soul with humility and gratitude!
John Newton wrote the lyrics of one of the most recognized songs in the world. "Amazing Grace" has been sung by millions! The first verse of Amazing Grace concludes with these words, "'twas blind but now I see"! John Newton knew what it meant to have "the VEIL is removed" from his eyes. I pray that "the VEIL is removed" from many others before JESUS returns!
Thursday, August 7, 2014
"POWER, LOVE, and a SOUND MIND!"
2 Timothy 1:6-8. (KJV)
"6 Wherefore I put thee in REMEMBRANCE that thou stir up the GIFT of GOD, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
7 For GOD hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of POWER, and of LOVE, and of a SOUND MIND.
8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our LORD, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou (willing) partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of GOD;"
Having been brought into the Light when I was 17 years old, I have had a considerable amount of time to grow spiritually. The regrets of living in a state of "spiritual ignorance" is made more palatable when I consider the maturation process I have gone through, and continue going through. I am sure the children of Israel would have preferred their exile in Egypt to not have taken so long. Nor does the 40 years wandering in the dessert on what could have been a one week journey seem something to be something one would relish?
The Spirit of GOD has been dealing with my heart for quite sometime about overcoming fear. Fear of failure, fear of missing the mark of the high calling, fear of being outside of GOD's will? This morning while still laying in bed, 2 Timothy 1:7 came to my mind. "GOD hath NOT given us the spirit of fear"! Well, if GOD hasn't given it to us, it must have originated from the enemy. Genesis 3:10 lets us know where the spirit of fear originates. Adam, GOD's creation, said to his Creator, "and I was afraid"! Was Adam afraid because of his nakedness (as he claimed)? The more acceptable concept to me is Adam was afraid because he knew he had sinned and his relationship with his Creator had been violated.
The Apostle Paul reminds (therefore the word REMEMBRANCE) Timothy of the gift that GOD provides us. He reminds us that GOD did not give us the spirit of fear. Rather a spirit of "POWER, LOVE, and a SOUND MIND"! The Apostle Paul does not strike me as being one who would go to a City Hall with his tail tucked between his legs! Instead he strikes me as one who would LOVINGLY stand before Caesar and proclaim that JESUS was the CHRIST!
"POWER, LOVE, and a SOUND MIND" were traits Paul said that GOD blesses us with. GOD wants us to be a mirror that HE can be reflected from. If we are always building ourselves up, what are we doing for HIM? In a John 3:30, John the Baptist says "HE must increase, but I must decrease". So if JESUS CHRIST increasingly lives in my body, I should exhibit HIS "POWER, LOVE, and SOUND MIND"! The more HE increases in this body, the less room there will remain for fear! The "POWER, LOVE, and a SOUND MIND" of JESUS CHRIST is what I desire to exemplify if my life!!!
"6 Wherefore I put thee in REMEMBRANCE that thou stir up the GIFT of GOD, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
7 For GOD hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of POWER, and of LOVE, and of a SOUND MIND.
8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our LORD, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou (willing) partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of GOD;"
Having been brought into the Light when I was 17 years old, I have had a considerable amount of time to grow spiritually. The regrets of living in a state of "spiritual ignorance" is made more palatable when I consider the maturation process I have gone through, and continue going through. I am sure the children of Israel would have preferred their exile in Egypt to not have taken so long. Nor does the 40 years wandering in the dessert on what could have been a one week journey seem something to be something one would relish?
The Spirit of GOD has been dealing with my heart for quite sometime about overcoming fear. Fear of failure, fear of missing the mark of the high calling, fear of being outside of GOD's will? This morning while still laying in bed, 2 Timothy 1:7 came to my mind. "GOD hath NOT given us the spirit of fear"! Well, if GOD hasn't given it to us, it must have originated from the enemy. Genesis 3:10 lets us know where the spirit of fear originates. Adam, GOD's creation, said to his Creator, "and I was afraid"! Was Adam afraid because of his nakedness (as he claimed)? The more acceptable concept to me is Adam was afraid because he knew he had sinned and his relationship with his Creator had been violated.
The Apostle Paul reminds (therefore the word REMEMBRANCE) Timothy of the gift that GOD provides us. He reminds us that GOD did not give us the spirit of fear. Rather a spirit of "POWER, LOVE, and a SOUND MIND"! The Apostle Paul does not strike me as being one who would go to a City Hall with his tail tucked between his legs! Instead he strikes me as one who would LOVINGLY stand before Caesar and proclaim that JESUS was the CHRIST!
"POWER, LOVE, and a SOUND MIND" were traits Paul said that GOD blesses us with. GOD wants us to be a mirror that HE can be reflected from. If we are always building ourselves up, what are we doing for HIM? In a John 3:30, John the Baptist says "HE must increase, but I must decrease". So if JESUS CHRIST increasingly lives in my body, I should exhibit HIS "POWER, LOVE, and SOUND MIND"! The more HE increases in this body, the less room there will remain for fear! The "POWER, LOVE, and a SOUND MIND" of JESUS CHRIST is what I desire to exemplify if my life!!!
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
"WHO IS LIKE??"
Psalms 113:4-8 (KJV)
"4 The LORD is high above all nations, and HIS glory above the heavens.
5 WHO IS LIKE UNTO THE LORD our GOD, who dwelleth on high,
6 Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!
7 HE raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;
8 That HE may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people."
Many know that my grandfather had "a green thumb" when it came to raising a garden. I grew up watching the miracle of burying a seed in the ground only to watch most of them bring forth new life after a period of time. I was so accustomed to seeing the fruits from his garden, I expected everyone to get the same results.
But not everyone has "a green thumb" in a garden. Even though I grew up planting, hoeing, tending, and harvesting the same crops, I never had the interest in expending the efforts to assure a bountiful return. My patience with waiting on the seeds to turn into plants, and then into reward, was never what it needed to be.
"WHO IS LIKE" our GOD? WHO else can determine which seed that is planted can produce an abundant crop, or fail to produce any fruit? One would think after these thousands of years of planting seeds that the ability to determine which seeds would not produce would bear fruit would have become more learned? The seeds that fail to yield a good return have to be taken away (John 15:2).
My grandfather did not plant seeds and go dig them up everyday to check on their progress. He waited on the unknown increase to come from The LORD! "WHO IS LIKE" our LORD that HE can raise the "poor out of the dust" or make a seed yield thousands of seeds? Or "WHO IS LIKE" our Creator and can know the plans HE has for our lives before we were conceived (Jeremiah 1:5)?
The increase of the seeds we plant is not determined by how well we plant, cultivate, or harvest our crops. As long as moisture is provided with the Water of Life (John 4:14) and I keep the weeds out of my life (Matthew 13:7), the harvest will be left up to the ONE "WHO IS LIKE" none other!
"4 The LORD is high above all nations, and HIS glory above the heavens.
5 WHO IS LIKE UNTO THE LORD our GOD, who dwelleth on high,
6 Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!
7 HE raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;
8 That HE may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people."
Many know that my grandfather had "a green thumb" when it came to raising a garden. I grew up watching the miracle of burying a seed in the ground only to watch most of them bring forth new life after a period of time. I was so accustomed to seeing the fruits from his garden, I expected everyone to get the same results.
But not everyone has "a green thumb" in a garden. Even though I grew up planting, hoeing, tending, and harvesting the same crops, I never had the interest in expending the efforts to assure a bountiful return. My patience with waiting on the seeds to turn into plants, and then into reward, was never what it needed to be.
"WHO IS LIKE" our GOD? WHO else can determine which seed that is planted can produce an abundant crop, or fail to produce any fruit? One would think after these thousands of years of planting seeds that the ability to determine which seeds would not produce would bear fruit would have become more learned? The seeds that fail to yield a good return have to be taken away (John 15:2).
My grandfather did not plant seeds and go dig them up everyday to check on their progress. He waited on the unknown increase to come from The LORD! "WHO IS LIKE" our LORD that HE can raise the "poor out of the dust" or make a seed yield thousands of seeds? Or "WHO IS LIKE" our Creator and can know the plans HE has for our lives before we were conceived (Jeremiah 1:5)?
The increase of the seeds we plant is not determined by how well we plant, cultivate, or harvest our crops. As long as moisture is provided with the Water of Life (John 4:14) and I keep the weeds out of my life (Matthew 13:7), the harvest will be left up to the ONE "WHO IS LIKE" none other!
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
"GOD IS SPIRIT!"
John 4:21-24 (ESV)
"21 Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.
22 YOU WORSHIP WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.
23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the TRUE WORSHIPERS WILL WORSHIP THE FATHER IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.
24 "GOD IS SPIRIT", and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."
Yesterday the photo below was posted on the internet. I sat gazing at the photo in disbelief. Keeping GOD out of the language and geography classes of the six children that are in the photo is NOT the problem. We must instill a need and dependence upon a power so much bigger than ourselves and realize that "GOD IS SPIRIT"!
JESUS told the woman at the well "You worship what you do not know"! We are creatures of faith. You either BELIEVE GOD exists, or you BELIEVE HE doesn't exist! So JESUS was right on target with HIS statement. If HE does exist, we can't keep HIM out of schools no matter how hard we try. If HE doesn't exist, why do we even try to keep HIM out of our schools, courtrooms, public squares, and so on?
The thing that fails to be addressed is the six children in the photo. We have allowed their need for a personal relationship to be replaced with a corporate need for the right to worship "A" god. JESUS said "GOD IS SPIRIT" in verse twenty-four. Since "GOD IS SPIRIT" there is no way we can eliminate HIM from our classrooms unless HE prohibited from entering our spirits. If we fail to allow HIM into our homes (Bible study, prayer, surrendering to HIS will for our lives), why do we want to fight to allow HIM in our schools?
FATHER IN HEAVEN, I pray that YOUR SPIRIT will have total and complete access to my life in everything I do. Although I fail YOU daily and take control over my life, please cause me to become more and more dependent on YOUR guidance and leadership in my life. I know that "GOD IS SPIRIT", but HE will only go where HE is welcome! Help me to welcome "GOD IS SPIRIT" wherever I go.
"21 Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.
22 YOU WORSHIP WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.
23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the TRUE WORSHIPERS WILL WORSHIP THE FATHER IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.
24 "GOD IS SPIRIT", and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."
Yesterday the photo below was posted on the internet. I sat gazing at the photo in disbelief. Keeping GOD out of the language and geography classes of the six children that are in the photo is NOT the problem. We must instill a need and dependence upon a power so much bigger than ourselves and realize that "GOD IS SPIRIT"!
JESUS told the woman at the well "You worship what you do not know"! We are creatures of faith. You either BELIEVE GOD exists, or you BELIEVE HE doesn't exist! So JESUS was right on target with HIS statement. If HE does exist, we can't keep HIM out of schools no matter how hard we try. If HE doesn't exist, why do we even try to keep HIM out of our schools, courtrooms, public squares, and so on?
The thing that fails to be addressed is the six children in the photo. We have allowed their need for a personal relationship to be replaced with a corporate need for the right to worship "A" god. JESUS said "GOD IS SPIRIT" in verse twenty-four. Since "GOD IS SPIRIT" there is no way we can eliminate HIM from our classrooms unless HE prohibited from entering our spirits. If we fail to allow HIM into our homes (Bible study, prayer, surrendering to HIS will for our lives), why do we want to fight to allow HIM in our schools?
FATHER IN HEAVEN, I pray that YOUR SPIRIT will have total and complete access to my life in everything I do. Although I fail YOU daily and take control over my life, please cause me to become more and more dependent on YOUR guidance and leadership in my life. I know that "GOD IS SPIRIT", but HE will only go where HE is welcome! Help me to welcome "GOD IS SPIRIT" wherever I go.
Monday, August 4, 2014
"GOD SPOKE!"
Hebrews 1:1-4 (ESV)
"1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, "GOD SPOKE" to our fathers by the prophets,
2 but in these last days HE has spoken to us by HIS SON, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also HE created the world.
3 HE is the radiance of the glory of GOD and the exact imprint of HIS nature, and HE upholds the universe by the word of HIS power. After making purification for sins, HE sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
4 having become as much superior to angels as the name HE has inherited is more excellent than theirs."
The reverence for Almighty GOD continues to dwindle in today's society. The apparent lack of respect for the ONE who "spoke" the heavens and the earth into existence grows more evident with every passing day. If we REALLY believed that GOD is WHO HE says HE is and has done the things HE says HE has, there would be FEW empty seats in any church every day!
In Hebrews 1:2 scripture points out "in these last days HE has spoken to us by HIS SON", yet we rarely listen to HIS voice trying to instruct us. In Acts 17:11 "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with ALL EAGERNESS, EXAMINING the Scriptures DAILY to see if these things were so."
How many times do I sit down with ALL EAGERNESS and EXAMINE scriptures to see what my CREATOR might be saying to me at that moment? Dr. Charles Stanley says "You say you don't have time for that? GOD can lay you flat of your back for a couple of weeks, then we will see if you have time?" It has been said "you MAKE time for what is important to you"! What is important to you today?
GOD desires a relationship with us. HE so desired a relationship HE became flesh to provide a payment for the sins that I was unable to pay. And all HE requires is that I admit that HE is WHO HE says HE is and that I honor HIM with my whole being! My spirit has the privilege of getting to commune with the CREATOR! How special is that?
On September 02, 2000 my family was selected to visit with then Governor of Texas George W. Bush on his campaign airplane. He was campaigning to become the President of the United States. We had our picture with him made on his airplane that day. As most know, he was subsequently elected as President, so that photo became a keepsake. Having that picture made was a great privilege! But I want EVERYONE to know I have a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with the ONE who "SPOKE" the worlds into existence! Because "GOD SPOKE", the worlds became reality, and because GOD still speaks I have an opportunity to hear HIM today! I need to make a deliberate choice to SLOW DOWN and listen to HIM!
"1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, "GOD SPOKE" to our fathers by the prophets,
2 but in these last days HE has spoken to us by HIS SON, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also HE created the world.
3 HE is the radiance of the glory of GOD and the exact imprint of HIS nature, and HE upholds the universe by the word of HIS power. After making purification for sins, HE sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
4 having become as much superior to angels as the name HE has inherited is more excellent than theirs."
The reverence for Almighty GOD continues to dwindle in today's society. The apparent lack of respect for the ONE who "spoke" the heavens and the earth into existence grows more evident with every passing day. If we REALLY believed that GOD is WHO HE says HE is and has done the things HE says HE has, there would be FEW empty seats in any church every day!
In Hebrews 1:2 scripture points out "in these last days HE has spoken to us by HIS SON", yet we rarely listen to HIS voice trying to instruct us. In Acts 17:11 "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with ALL EAGERNESS, EXAMINING the Scriptures DAILY to see if these things were so."
How many times do I sit down with ALL EAGERNESS and EXAMINE scriptures to see what my CREATOR might be saying to me at that moment? Dr. Charles Stanley says "You say you don't have time for that? GOD can lay you flat of your back for a couple of weeks, then we will see if you have time?" It has been said "you MAKE time for what is important to you"! What is important to you today?
GOD desires a relationship with us. HE so desired a relationship HE became flesh to provide a payment for the sins that I was unable to pay. And all HE requires is that I admit that HE is WHO HE says HE is and that I honor HIM with my whole being! My spirit has the privilege of getting to commune with the CREATOR! How special is that?
On September 02, 2000 my family was selected to visit with then Governor of Texas George W. Bush on his campaign airplane. He was campaigning to become the President of the United States. We had our picture with him made on his airplane that day. As most know, he was subsequently elected as President, so that photo became a keepsake. Having that picture made was a great privilege! But I want EVERYONE to know I have a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with the ONE who "SPOKE" the worlds into existence! Because "GOD SPOKE", the worlds became reality, and because GOD still speaks I have an opportunity to hear HIM today! I need to make a deliberate choice to SLOW DOWN and listen to HIM!
Sunday, August 3, 2014
"ULTIMATE GIFT!"
Numbers 34:20-23 (GNV)
"20 And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, and go armed before the Lord to war:
21 And will go every one of you in harness over Jordan before the Lord, until he have cast out his enemies from his sight:
22 And until the land be subdued before the Lord, then ye shall return and be innocent toward the Lord, and toward Israel: and this land shall be your possession before the Lord.
23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord, and be sure, that YOUR SIN WILL FIND YOU OUT."
Have you ever used a new vacuum cleaner on an older piece of carpet? The new vacuum can pick up dirt that has been left behind for years. Even though the older carpet has been vacuumed many times in the past, the dirt was still there causing problems.
Moses was attempting to tell the Hebrew children that in order for them to be successful going into the Promised Land they had to examine theirselves and make sure they were blameless before a Holy GOD. Moses even went as far as instructing the nation to go into battle in the right spirit, letting "The LORD cast out HIS enemies from HIS sight"!
The instructions of Moses were not the result of a heavy-handed, mean-spirited GOD who wanted everything HIS way. GOD is a Holy GOD and if HE is to defend us and our actions, our actions must be defensible! GOD wants to gain glory by defeating the enemies of HIS WORD, but HIS WORD cannot change to meet our desires! Our desires have to follow HIS WORD!
Recently there was a movie on television about a twenty-something year old grandson whose billionaire grandfather passed away. In his will, the grandfather left several instructions for his grandson to follow. To acquire the "ULTIMATE GIFT" from his grandfather, the grandson ultimately had to prove his life had been changed. Of course, in typical Hollywood form, the grandson eventually was changed and he received the "ULTIMATE GIFT", the entire estate worth nearly $2 billion dollars!
The "ULTIMATE GIFT" that awaits me cannot be measured with a dollar sign. But the same edicts that were pronounced upon the Hebrew Nation years ago still exists today. A HOLY GOD "still" cannot tolerate a sinful lifestyle. HE provided redemption for my sin through JESUS CHRIST on Calvary's tree. My sin will STILL find me out! I must constantly examine my life making sure that my "ULTIMATE GIFT" in JESUS CHRIST is not being taken lightly!
"20 And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, and go armed before the Lord to war:
21 And will go every one of you in harness over Jordan before the Lord, until he have cast out his enemies from his sight:
22 And until the land be subdued before the Lord, then ye shall return and be innocent toward the Lord, and toward Israel: and this land shall be your possession before the Lord.
23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord, and be sure, that YOUR SIN WILL FIND YOU OUT."
Have you ever used a new vacuum cleaner on an older piece of carpet? The new vacuum can pick up dirt that has been left behind for years. Even though the older carpet has been vacuumed many times in the past, the dirt was still there causing problems.
Moses was attempting to tell the Hebrew children that in order for them to be successful going into the Promised Land they had to examine theirselves and make sure they were blameless before a Holy GOD. Moses even went as far as instructing the nation to go into battle in the right spirit, letting "The LORD cast out HIS enemies from HIS sight"!
The instructions of Moses were not the result of a heavy-handed, mean-spirited GOD who wanted everything HIS way. GOD is a Holy GOD and if HE is to defend us and our actions, our actions must be defensible! GOD wants to gain glory by defeating the enemies of HIS WORD, but HIS WORD cannot change to meet our desires! Our desires have to follow HIS WORD!
Recently there was a movie on television about a twenty-something year old grandson whose billionaire grandfather passed away. In his will, the grandfather left several instructions for his grandson to follow. To acquire the "ULTIMATE GIFT" from his grandfather, the grandson ultimately had to prove his life had been changed. Of course, in typical Hollywood form, the grandson eventually was changed and he received the "ULTIMATE GIFT", the entire estate worth nearly $2 billion dollars!
The "ULTIMATE GIFT" that awaits me cannot be measured with a dollar sign. But the same edicts that were pronounced upon the Hebrew Nation years ago still exists today. A HOLY GOD "still" cannot tolerate a sinful lifestyle. HE provided redemption for my sin through JESUS CHRIST on Calvary's tree. My sin will STILL find me out! I must constantly examine my life making sure that my "ULTIMATE GIFT" in JESUS CHRIST is not being taken lightly!
Saturday, August 2, 2014
"a TENTMAKER??"
Acts 18:1-4 (ESV)
"1 After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.
2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them,
3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.
4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks."
The Apostle Paul was a witness of the Lord JESUS CHRIST and HIS resurrection unlike many others that have ever lived. He was always willing to speak and expound on how the LORD JESUS CHRIST had lived, was crucified, and was resurrected, for the sins of mankind. He wanted to let everyone know of the redemption afforded by believing that JESUS was the CHRIST, the Son of the Living GOD!
Paul was blessed with monetary gifts and offerings from many, as exhibited in Philippians 4:14-20. That is while he wasn't in prison for preaching about JESUS! But like most of us, Paul had a "trade", a skill he was blessed with, to earn enough money to sustain himself. Acts 18:3 informs us that trade was being a "TENTMAKER".
When a modern day Christian is asked what the Apostle Paul is known for, very few would say for his "TENTMAKER" abilities? Being a "TENTMAKER" was never something he wanted to make known. The Apostle Paul was known for (when he was named Saul) persecuting Christians. But after his salvation, Paul was known for the zeal and fervor in which he espoused to anyone who would listen that JESUS was the CHRIST, the SON of the living GOD! Being a "TENTMAKER" did not define Paul, rather it only sustained him enabling him to spread the Good News to as many as he could.
I am no "TENTMAKER"! My trade is, and has been since 1992, selling insurance. My prayer is that my legacy will be, if JESUS tarries HIS return to earth, a lot like the Apostle Paul. My prayer is to be known as a believer and follower of JESUS CHRIST and HIS principles. My legacy will probably never match the one left by the Apostle Paul, and my abilities my never include being a "TENTMAKER"! But I pray that people will know me for serving the same JESUS that the Apostle Paul served! And my trade will be as unknown as his!
Friday, August 1, 2014
"HEARETH NOT US!"
1 John 4:1-6 (KJV)
"1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error."
Their have been many people who have been heard saying "GOD never speaks to me". It can be baffling that they can not hear GOD guiding and directing their lives. Have they gone deaf to a Holy GOD or did they just not care to listen to HIM? Maybe they are just so busy thinking they have to make a living, or taking care of children, or playing the game of life that they don't have time for GOD or HIS principles.
1 John 4:6 says "We (believers) are of GOD: he that knoweth GOD heareth us; he that is not of GOD "HEARETH NOT US". Hereby know we the "spirit of truth", and the "spirit of error". Don't you feel a bit uncomfortable when there is a conversation between others who speak a different language than you? They can carry on for minutes and you have no idea what they are saying to each other. You are totally out of the loop as far as their conversation. Frustration can build up rather quickly.
That is what unbelievers feel like when they hear believers talking. They have no idea what we are speaking of. It is as if we know a language that they have never heard. We can be ridiculed and mocked because others cannot understand what is being said, even though they can hear the conversation. They "HEARETH NOT US" because they are controlled by the 'spirit of error'. Believers are submissive to the 'spirit of truth' and are controlled by HIM.
The failure of the unbelievers to understand things of the spirit can be frustrating, I'm sure. But we don't need to concede the freedom we have in CHRIST to them. They are living in captivity and can have their guards up against us because they see us living in FREEDOM. They might try to reason with us, but they "HEARETH NOT US" because they know not GOD! When one understands why the unbelievers "HEARETH NOT US", it is easier to love them more because you now understand they cannot hear what is being said to them.
"1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error."
Their have been many people who have been heard saying "GOD never speaks to me". It can be baffling that they can not hear GOD guiding and directing their lives. Have they gone deaf to a Holy GOD or did they just not care to listen to HIM? Maybe they are just so busy thinking they have to make a living, or taking care of children, or playing the game of life that they don't have time for GOD or HIS principles.
1 John 4:6 says "We (believers) are of GOD: he that knoweth GOD heareth us; he that is not of GOD "HEARETH NOT US". Hereby know we the "spirit of truth", and the "spirit of error". Don't you feel a bit uncomfortable when there is a conversation between others who speak a different language than you? They can carry on for minutes and you have no idea what they are saying to each other. You are totally out of the loop as far as their conversation. Frustration can build up rather quickly.
That is what unbelievers feel like when they hear believers talking. They have no idea what we are speaking of. It is as if we know a language that they have never heard. We can be ridiculed and mocked because others cannot understand what is being said, even though they can hear the conversation. They "HEARETH NOT US" because they are controlled by the 'spirit of error'. Believers are submissive to the 'spirit of truth' and are controlled by HIM.
The failure of the unbelievers to understand things of the spirit can be frustrating, I'm sure. But we don't need to concede the freedom we have in CHRIST to them. They are living in captivity and can have their guards up against us because they see us living in FREEDOM. They might try to reason with us, but they "HEARETH NOT US" because they know not GOD! When one understands why the unbelievers "HEARETH NOT US", it is easier to love them more because you now understand they cannot hear what is being said to them.
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