"WALK IN WISDOM!"

Proverbs 28:26                  (ESV)

"WHOEVER TRUSTS IN HIS OWN MIND IS A FOOL, but he who "WALK IN WISDOM" will be delivered."

Many times in life we have to ask "What were they thinking?"  Someone does something that, in hindsight, proves to be a "not so wise" decision and most around them question their intelligence.  There have been many times fellow church members have told me "GOD gave us minds to make good decisions".  I have even used that reasoning myself before.  We want to THINK we have the best interest of all concerned, yet we can't know the hearts and minds of ALL parties concerned regarding an issue.  But GOD's word tells us that OUR MINDS cannot be trusted to guide and direct us to "WALK IN WISDOM".

True WISDOM comes from The LORD!  Proverbs 2:6-7 "For the LORD gives wisdom; from HIS  mouth come knowledge and understanding; HE stores up sound wisdom for the upright; HE is a shield to those who walk in integrity,"   However, trusting in our own minds is a very dangerous path to journey down.  Our minds are a battlefield.  In Romans 8:6-8 we are told to "set our minds on the Spirit", and not "on the flesh"!  One must realize that "An idol mind is the devil's workshop" is not just a catchy phrase.  

I have become more and more careful about what I allow into my mind.  I use to blame my losing aggressiveness on the brain hemorrhage I experienced.  But I am beginning to understand that it may be Spiritual maturity, not allowing the enemy to keep my mind so "busy" that I don't have time for the things of the Spirit!  In retrospect, I wonder how many times I have made decisions based on what my mind thought rather than what GOD directed me to do?  Could some of those decisions have drawn the question "What were they thinking?"  

I prefer not to call someone a FOOL, but the Bible says WHOEVER TRUSTS IN HIS OWN MIND IS A FOOL!  The Bible is calling someone a FOOL, not me.  If we "WALK IN WISDOM" we are  not trusting in our own mind.  If we can't trust in our own mind, what can we trust in?  Proverbs 3:5-6 says "TRUST in the LORD with ALL your heart, and do not lean on your OWN  understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."  To enable your MIND to be controlled by GOD, you must surrender to HIS Spirit.  Only then will you "WALK IN WISDOM"! 

"FEAR GOD!!"

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14                      (KJV)

"13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: "FEAR GOD", and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

14 For GOD shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Much has been said and written about our country and the way our neighbors are treated, or mistreated, within the past few days.  To declare myself to be on one side or the other is not something I choose to do.  I am a large person by almost any standard and I fear very few people.  But, I have been SO close to death that I realize just how quickly things can happen, whether you are ready for it to happen or not!

One thing I do FEAR greatly......... I do "FEAR GOD"!  I am not scared of GOD, but I have a respect for HIM beyond description.  GOD has demonstrated to me in an up close and personal way HIS awesome power and might.  HE can take away an ability to walk and talk without so much as a headache and restore your ability to walk within a half hour with no fanfare!  HE can baffle the best doctors for three weeks, and then, without notice, cause healing to unexplainably occur without notice!

In verse 14 above scripture reads "For GOD shall bring every work into judgment"!  The good and the bad, EVERY WORK will be judged no matter how secret we seem to think the things have been!  Man, am I going to be embarrassed to have my sins exposed at the Judgement Seat!  A smooth talking lawyer won't suffice when GOD is doing the judging.  GOD will see right through any scheme or trick to hide the truth!  Only TRUTH (John 14:6) will be allowed to be presented.

How can anyone say that they don't "FEAR GOD"?  How does one plan to stand before a HOLY GOD and say they didn't know the Judgement Seat was real?  If you are reading this, you have been exposed to the truth.  There will be no excuse good enough on that day.  The only plea that can be made on my behalf is when JESUS says "he's one of mine FATHER"!  If you don't know JESUS, you had better get to know HIM quickly!  You may not "FEAR GOD" today, but on Judgement Day we will all "FEAR GOD"!!!

Original Thanksgiving Address

I shared this a few days back, but it seems appropriate on THIS day to once again share with the world how relevant George Washington considered GOD ALMIGHTY to be in the foundation and preservation of these United States of America! 

Thanksgiving Proclamation

Issued by President George Washington, at the request of Congress, on October 3, 1789

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of ALMIGHTY GOD, to obey HIS will, to be grateful for HIS benefits, and humbly to implore HIS protection and favor; and—Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of ALMIGHTY GOD, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:” 

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto HIM our sincere and humble thanks for HIS kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favor, able interpositions of HIS providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which HE has been pleased to confer upon us. 

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great LORD and Ruler of Nations, and beseech HIM to pardon our national and other trangressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as HE alone knows to be best. 

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Go. Washington

GOD ALMIGHTY, I humbly come before YOUR throne begging for mercy on this nation that seems to have lost sight that it is from YOU that ALL blessings flow!  I pray that there would be a turning back, a humbled request of YOUR grace to saturate this land.  The United States of America cannot survive without YOU protecting and guiding our way.  My prayer is that we humbly return to acknowledging YOU and YOUR goodness while there is still time!

"IMPRISONED!"

Galatians 3:23-30                    (ESV)

"23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, "IMPRISONED" until the coming faith would be revealed.

24 So then, the law was our guardian until CHRIST came, in order that we might be justified by faith.

25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian,

26 for in CHRIST JESUS you are all sons of GOD, through faith.

27 For as many of you as were baptized into CHRIST have put on CHRIST.

28 There is neither JEW nor GREEK, there is neither SLAVE nor FREE, there is no MALE and FEMALE, for you are ALL ONE in CHRIST JESUS.

29 And if you are CHRIST's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.

Galatians 4:1-5 

"1 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything,

2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father.

3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.

4 But when the fullness of time had come, GOD sent forth his SON, born of woman, born under the law,

5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

6 And because you are sons, GOD has sent the SPIRIT of his SON into our hearts, crying, "Abba! FATHER!"

7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through GOD."

In the mid 1990's Promise Keeper's was going strong and a rally was held in Dallas, Texas.  As I recall, one of the speakers one year was Rev. E.V. Hill of California.  He was speaking about race relations in the United States.  E.V. Hill said something like "We don't have a SKIN problem in America, we have a SIN problem!"  That saying stuck with me and has been used to mold my thinking over the years.

The Apostle Paul could have used the same statement when writing his letter to the churches of Galatia.  Paul wrote that ALL believers are no longer slaves to sin, but sons of GOD because of the sacrifice of JESUS CHRIST on Calvary!  Galatians 4:6 says "you are sons, GOD has sent the SPIRIT of his SON into our hearts, crying, "Abba! FATHER!"  

In John 4:24 JESUS says "GOD is SPIRIT".  Genesis 1:27 says "GOD created man in HIS own image".  If GOD is SPIRIT and man is created in HIS image, that must mean that we all are Spirit's?  C.S. Lewis says "You don't have a Soul.  You ARE a Soul.  You HAVE a body!"  If I am a Spirit/Soul, then any physical attributes I have are temporal.  All of this talk about race relations and equality is an facade to say what JESUS did for us on Calvary was not enough.  According to what Paul wrote in Galatians 3:23 we WERE held captive under the law, "IMPRISONED" by the rules and regiment that the law carried with it.  But FAITH in JESUS CHRIST releases us from the bonds of the law.

There is NO RACE, NO BOND or FREE, and NO MALE or FEMALE in CHRIST!  JESUS frees us ALL from being "IMPRISONED" by by skin color, by social status, by denomination, or by any other man-made classification.  Galatians 3:28 says "you are ALL ONE in CHRIST JESUS".  If we have been delivered from the bondage of sin by JESUS CHRIST, why would we desire to return to the old bondage?  Why would we desire to return to being a slave?  

It is true that not all people have been delivered from being "captive under the law".  A number of people relish in being a Jew or Greek, a Slave or Free, or a Male or Female!  But it cost JESUS CHRIST a heavy price to ransom me from the bondage and schemes of the enemy. Your ransom was paid at the same time mine was.  It is as if you are choosing to remain a slave if you let your bonds keep you "IMPRISONED"!  Your freedom has already been purchased!  All you have to do is accept the free gift!  

"GOD DOES NOT CHANGE"!

Malachi 3:6           (ESV)

"For I the LORD DO NOT CHANGE; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed."

The LORD is really impressing on my heart today how HE has ALWAYS been and ALWAYS will be!  The WORLD is constantly changing, coming up with new inventions and gadgets to improve our way of living.  And a lot of those changes are enjoyed by many.  Electricity, Air Conditioning, automobiles, microwave ovens, and on and on, "improvements" are all around us, and most "improvements" are taken for granted.  We are of the belief we are so self-sufficient we require no assistance from a higher being!  We think we can dictate or mandate whatever we wish to accomplish our desires.

All throughout scripture mankind has experienced GOD being glorified by HIS own creation.  In Luke 19:37-40 the Pharisees had requested that JESUS ask HIS disciples to tone things down just a bit.  They were embarrassing some who didn't want to believe that HE was the Son of GOD.  But JESUS told them that if HIS disciples were silenced that "the rocks" would cry out.  What would "the rocks" cry out?  In verse 38 HIS disciples were proclaiming "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and GLORY IN THE HIGHEST!".  

We were created to give GOD glory.  The enemy would have us live and believe that "WE" are the focal point, and that we should work to draw glory to ourselves.  Thankfully GOD is merciful and longsuffering.  2 Chronicles 30:9b says "For the LORD your GOD is gracious and merciful and will not turn away HIS face from you, IF YOU RETURN TO HIM."  

"GOD DOES NOT CHANGE"!  The only hope of mankind is that we RETURN TO HIM!  We can invent and improve our lifestyle's to where the entire world has wealth and comfort.  We can rid the world of sickness and disease.  We can eliminate wars and conflicts.  But until we fulfill our purpose of PRAISING HIM, we will not be satisfied.  Since "GOD DOES NOT CHANGE", we may need to RETURN TO HIM and praise HIM more and stop focusing on ourselves?!?!?

"THE LORD VISITED SARAH!"

Genesis 21:1-7                   (ESV)

"1 "THE LORD VISITED SARAH" as HE had said, and the LORD did to Sarah as HE HAD PROMISED.

2 And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which GOD had spoken to him.

3 Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac.

4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as GOD had commanded him.

5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.

6 And Sarah said, "GOD has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me."

7 And she said, "Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age."

Abraham and Sarah were promised a son by none other than GOD ALMIGHTY in Genesis 17:16.  Abraham was 100 years old, and Sarah 90 years old, when Isaac was born.  Sarah had been unable to conceive her entire life.  Surely all must have thought Sarah was being punished by GOD since she had not been able to have children?  There is NO greater joy than to have a child!  Why would GOD not allow Abraham and Sarah to have any children?  Could it be that GOD was showing us the value of waiting on HIM?

The LORD HAD PROMISED a son to Abraham from Sarah.  Abraham laughed at GOD because Sarah was beyond child bearing years.  But life comes from GOD, and GOD is not limited by man's understanding.  When "THE LORD VISITED SARAH" HE supernaturally gave her life in the form of Isaac.  The fact that Isaac was born to a woman beyond the years of what man thought was possible let ALL know that his birth had to have been Divinely orchestrated. 

When GOD does a work there is little doubt to those who choose to SEE that there has been something MIRACULOUS transpire.  GOD has a plan, and HIS plan sometimes requires us to wait until HE gets glory for working HIS plan!  We may have to endure what we SEE as hardship, maybe even torment.  But waiting on GOD to get glory is always better than trying to accomplish things outside of HIS plan!  

In verse 6 Sarah said "GOD has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me."  Sarah was overjoyed to have been blessed by GOD with a son.  The LORD HAD PROMISED a son to Abraham from Sarah.  GOD was faithful with HIS promise.  Even though the year before the birth of Isaac brought the destruction of Sodom and Gomorra and an encounter with Abimelech, GOD's plan would not be interrupted.  When "THE LORD VISITED SARAH" in HIS timing it was OVER JOYOUS for Sarah and all those around her!  

One of the easiest things to overlook and under appreciate in the above scripture is in verse 2.   GOD's promise came to be "at the time of which GOD had spoken to him".  GOD's timing is part of HIS plan.  "THE LORD VISITED SARAH" when it was time, not early, not late, but just when it was time!  HEAVENLY FATHER, cause me to SEE that YOUR plan is best for my life and that YOUR timing is best, no matter my impatience!  

"WHAT DO THESE STONES MEAN??"

Joshua 4:19-25                     (ESV)

"19 The people came up out of the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and they encamped at Gilgal on the east border of Jericho.

20 And those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal.

21 And he said to the people of Israel, "When your children ask their fathers in times to come, 'WHAT DO THESE STONES MEAN?'

22 then you shall let your children know, 'Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.'

23 For the LORD your GOD dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the LORD your GOD did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over,

24 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your GOD forever."

The children of Israel were crossing over, not the Red Sea, but the Jordan River.  To me, crossing over the Red Sea was leaving captivity.  But crossing the Jordan River signified entering the Promised Land!   Enjoying GOD's Promise does not mean all will be easy or smooth!  But to know The CREATOR is watching over you should bring a peace and joy that is unexplainable.  There was plenty of joy for both crossing the Red Sea and Jordan River, but entering the Promised Land was something that brought much joy and satisfaction to the Israelites.  On the other hand, the enemy and his followers have enjoyed great tumult over the years.  

After Moses was given the commandments by YHWH, the Ark of the Covenant hosted the two tablets containing the commandments.  The Ark was said to have the Spirit of GOD inside of it. There was the time that someone touched the Ark (Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6) and he died!  It is a dangerous thing to not follow instructions when you are in HIS presence!  

GOD's presence was with the children of Israel during the Exodus just like HE is with us today! In chapters 14 through chapter 16 of the book of John, JESUS speaks of the COMFORTER coming to direct, console and indwell believers.  The Comforter would give evidence that GOD is alive and JESUS CHRIST is HIS SON!  The disciples were actually in the presence of GOD's SON, yet how would they have truly reacted if they had truly BELIEVED that HE was GOD INCARNATE?  Could the same Spirit that inhabited the Ark thousands of years ago indwell our lives today?  Could we have the same Spirit living in us that led the Israelites across the Red Sea and Jprdan River?

To be in GOD's presence is a privilege many, if not most, don't appreciate until HIS presence  has vacated their surroundings.  "WHAT DO THESE STONES MEAN" is a reminder that GOD's Spirit led them through some dark times.  It is something me must continue to ask to this day!  We need to cherish and remember when the "presence" of GOD ALMIGHTY is in our midst!  HE desires for each of us to inquire "WHAT DO THESE STONES MEAN" and to seek HIS presence today in our lives.  

"WHAT IS MAN??"

Psalms 8:1-4                   (ESV)

"1 O LORD, our LORD, how majestic is YOUR name in all the earth! YOU  have set your glory above the heavens. 

2 Out of the mouth of babies and infants, YOU have established strength because of YOUR foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. 

3 When I look at YOUR heavens, the work of YOUR fingers, the moon and the stars, which YOU have set in place, 

4 "WHAT IS MAN" that YOU are mindful of him, and the son of man that YOU care for him?"

Having been larger than most people my age my entire life, I have become accustomed to considering myself as the biggest in my circles.  My current height is over six foot six inches tall. There are relatively few people who are taller than me.  But every now and then there is someone who I have to look up to. I have a nephew that is seven feet one inch tall!  Even he is not the tallest person I know!

But when one stops to think about how big GOD is, the vastness is beyond my comprehension.  The earth is one of nine planets in our solar system.  There are four much larger planets and four smaller ones.  There are said to be a number of other solar systems besides ours.  Yet GOD holds our "ALL THINGS" (Colossians 1:17) together!  HE is so VAST that HE rules universes, yet HE cared for me enough to allow HIS SON to be sacrificed as a ransom for my soul!

Slowing our lives down enough to consider the vastness and purity of our HEAVENLY FATHER is something the enemy is definitely not interested in.  One of the enemies biggest deceptions is to keep us so busy with making money, or solving problems, or our health concerns, or anything other than how magnificent our GOD is!  When we are thinking of how GLORIOUS our GOD is, our fears and doubts vanish!   The enemy wants us to focus on our problems.  GOD wants us to focus on HIM!

Two songs come to mind when deliberating this devotional.  "How Big is GOD" and "Who am I".  "How Big is GOD" has a line that says "He's big enough to rule the mighty universe, yet small enough to live within my heart"!  "Who am I" simply asks "Who am I that a KING would bleed and die for?"  The words "WHAT IS MAN" in Psalms 8 was written by King David over 3,000 years ago.  Yet David knew even then that man is limited by his natural state, but GOD has no such limitations and HE would come and defeat those natural limitations if we would believe in HIS Spiritual BEING.  

Yes, I know a BEING WHO is a lot bigger than than my six and a half feet tall stature.  My GOD is bigger than I can fathom, yet HE can fit into the smallest of hearts imaginable!  That GOD is a Spirit (John 4:24) allows HIM to enter places the natural man cannot understand or imagine.  "WHAT IS MAN" that a KING would bleed and die for?  The only words I can answer that question with is AMAZING GRACE!!!

"DATE TO COMPARE!!"

2 Corinthians 10:10-12                   (ESV)

"10 For they say, "His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of NO ACCOUNT."

11 Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present.

12 Not that we "DARE TO to classify or COMPARE" ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding."

Wealth is something that a lot of people use to compare themselves with others. It is a common misconception that the size of one's bank account determines one's social status or acceptance.  A person in a political position can be mistaken to be better than they really are.  Even I can can judge myself against a fellow person and determine myself to be as good, or bad, as they are.  

When one is hospitalized with a terminal illness, their wealth or status doesn't mean a whole lot to them.  Would you COMPARE yourself to someone who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness that will take their life within the next few weeks?  Or would you wish to go through the financial difficulties of someone living in abstract poverty?  When we "DARE TO COMPARE" ourselves to others don't we attempt to make ourselves look better than we really are?

But when we compare ourselves to JESUS CHRIST all comparisons seem futile.  Our wealth, our health, our spiritual condition, our social status.......nothing measures up to the PERFECT LAMB OF GOD!  2 Corinthians 10:17 instructs us "Let the one who boasts, boast in the LORD"! If we COMPARE ourselves to anything other than JESUS CHRIST, aren't we essentially saying that person or thing is our god?  Aren't we elevating ourselves, or that person, to a higher status than we/they deserve?  What have we/they accomplished outside of CHRIST to merit any recognition?   

We should slow our lives down, and take the time to pray about who/what we "DARE TO COMPARE" ourselves to!  In 2 Corinthians verse 13 Paul writes "but will boast only with regard to the area of influence GOD ASSIGNED TO US".  If we do anything that others think praiseworthy, it is only because GOD placed that inside us ("good, acceptable and perfect" Romans 12:2).  Matthew 15:19 reveals what our "hearts" would do on their own (evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander).  Now, if you desire, you may "DARE TO COMPARE"!!

"PEACE, BE STILL!"

Mark 4:35-41              (ESV)

"35 On that day, when evening had come, HE said to them, "Let us go across to the other side."

36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as HE was. And other boats were with him.

37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.

38 But HE was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke HIM and said to HIM, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?"

39 And HE awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "PEACE! BE STILL!" And the wind ceased, and there was a GREAT CALM.

40 HE said to them, "Why are you so afraid? HAVE YOU STILL NO FAITH?"

41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey HIM?"

Most of us have very little understanding of WHO JESUS really is.  All we have time to be concerned with is the latest crisis in our life and 'IF' HE can help us with that crisis.   And when we are through that crisis we conveniently forget about any supernatural assistance that was extended to us on our journey.  

JESUS and HIS disciples were at the end of long, tiring day of Ministry.  Pastors and Evangelists will relate to you that there is a physical demand from preaching and teaching, but the REAL drain on them is the spiritual and emotional cavern that they are left with following a message from GOD.  JESUS was GOD, but HE still was clothed in a physical body.  His body was exhausted and needed rest.  HE went to the stern of the vessel and fell fast asleep.  

The disciples thought they were on their own to get JESUS and themselves across "to the other side".  JESUS had just told them "Let US go across to the other side", yet they felt HE wasn't concerned with their dilemma!  Awakened by FEARFUL followers, JESUS simply spoke "PEACE, BE STILL", and the wind ceased and there was a GREAT CALM!!

The disciples were glad that the storm was calmed.  But they were literally ASTONISHED that this man could control the wind and sea simply by speaking commands to them!  'HAVE YOU STILL NO FAITH' may not have been a question of whether they thought HE could calm the storm they were caught in.  The real question may have been "Do you believe I AM GOD in the flesh"?  

Would JESUS have to ask me the same question?  After all the miracles HE had done in the presence of the disciples, they still were amazed and astonished when HE calmed the waters.  Ashamedly, I am no different.  HE has performed many miracles in my life, yet I am still amazed and astonished when HE calms a storm I find myself in.  Just because HE may be in the stern of our ship, but HE has not left you alone.  All HE has to do is speak "PEACE, BE STILL" and your storm will subside and there will be a GREAT CALM!!  

"IN WHOM IS THE SPIRIT OF GOD!"

Genesis 41:37-41                 (ESV)

"37 This proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his servants.

38 And Pharaoh said to his servants, "Can we find a man like this, "IN WHOM IS THE SPIRIT OF GOD?"

39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since GOD has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are.

40 You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you."

41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt."

42 Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph's hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck.

43 And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, "Bow the knee!" Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt.

44 Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no one shall lift up hand or foot in all the land of Egypt."

Joseph had been imprisoned for basically following GOD's law.  For two years he was unjustly confined with criminals.  The only thing he was guilty of was upholding the integrity and beliefs of his faith.  He would not do as most young men would have done with Potiphar's wife, and was imprisoned because of his lifestyle of faithfulness.  He kept living for GOD even during the lean times. 

There was something unmistakable about Joseph.  Why would Pharaoh listen to Joseph's interpretation of his dream when others who were known for their sorcery and witchcraft could come up with nothing?  Could it be that GOD prevented the magicians from having relevant thoughts regarding the dream or its meaning?  Could GOD really be that ALL-KNOWING and PROVIDENTIAL? JESUS seemed to answer these questions in Mark 10:27 when HE said "With man it is impossible, but not with GOD. For ALL things are POSSIBLE with GOD."  In Genesis 41:18 the Bible says "Joseph answered Pharaoh, "It is not in me; GOD will give Pharaoh a favorable answer."  GOD can do things beyond belief and description!  

"IN WHOM IS THE SPIRIT OF GOD" should be the desire of every believer!  There have been people in my life who have exhibited the undeniable traits of the SPIRIT OF GOD in my surroundings.  There is no disputing the aura, or presence, these people displayed in their lives! The SPIRIT OF GOD was not on their lives because they were worthy, rather because they welcomed HIM!   Most people are too prideful, hateful, or mean spirited to allow the SPIRIT OF GOD to dwell in their bodies.  But even though Joseph had been unjustly imprisoned for two years, he exhibited GODLY traits that elevated him to Pharaoh's second in command.  

The thing we must not overlook is that Joseph was not elevated because of his looks, his stature, his wealth, nor any other characteristic that man deems important.  Joseph was where he needed to be in GOD's plan, exactly WHEN he needed to be there!  Had he been released from prison early, his path would not have intersected with the cupbearer of Pharaoh.  GOD had a plan and Joseph was faithful to submit to that plan!  I pray that others will see my life, no matter my circumstances, and testify "IN WHOM IS THE SPIRIT OF GOD" when they see me!

"GOD's SPIRIT DWELLS IN US!"

1 Corinthians 3:16-22                (ESV)

"16 Do you not know that you are GOD's temple and that "GOD's SPIRIT DWELLS IN YOU"?

17 If anyone destroys GOD's temple, GOD will destroy him. For GOD's temple is holy, and you are that temple.

18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.

19 For the wisdom of this world is folly with GOD. For it is written, "HE catches the wise in their craftiness,"

20 and again, "The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile."

21 So let no one boast in men. For all things are YOURS,

22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future-all are YOURS,

23 and you are CHRIST's, and CHRIST is GOD's."

Memories of the January evening of 1978 are as plain to me as if it were last week.  Feeling slightly depressed, without hope or direction in my life, I cried out to GOD to come into my life and give me a purpose.  Don't get me wrong, I have NOT lived a perfect life since!  As a matter of fact, shame and humility would flood the screen playing a movie of things that have transpired since.  But the grace and love of JESUS covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).  

GOD has a plan for each of our lives.  We do not surprise GOD with our rebellion and disobedience.  HE knew King David would be an adulterer, yet HE called David "a man after HIS own heart" in 1 Samuel 14:13.  From time to time GOD can allow us to experience difficulties to draw us closer to HIM.   GOD desires a close relationship with each of us.  Some are called to live our lives at a higher standard than others.  When you choose to disobey, such as King David, your peace and contentment are replaced with anxiety and emptiness until confession of sin is made.  

GOD's Holy Spirit will NEVER leave us once we have invited HIM into our lives.  HIS Spirit is here to guide and correct our actions when we venture off GOD's divine plan.  However, just because we are experience some difficult times doesn't equate to unholy living.  GOD has a way of drawing us closer to HIM so HE can use us for HIS glory!  Matthew 5:16 says "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works AND GIVE GLORY TO YOUR FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN."  

The fact that "GOD's SPIRIT DWELLS IN YOU" should not surprise you if you are living for HIM.   But if you say you don't have time for the Spirit of GOD to dwell inside your body, you need to imagine spending eternity without HIS Spirit in a place of torment.  It is really a choice we all HAVE to make.  You either choose NOT to live for HIM by making your own decisions about where your life is headed, or you allow "GOD's SPIRIT DWELLS IN YOU" to become the focus of your life!  The choice is yours!  

"THE END WILL COME!"

Matthew 24:3-14                    (ESV)

"3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of YOUR coming and of the close of the age?"

4 And JESUS answered them, "See that no one leads you astray.

5 For MANY will come in MY name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray.

6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.

7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be HATED BY ALL by all nations for MY name's sake.

10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.

11 And MANY FALSE PROPHETS will arise and lead many astray.

12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.

13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then "THE END WILL COME"."

CANCEL CHRISTMAS???  There are some members of another faith that are demanding that entire towns not celebrate the birth of CHRIST.  Is celebrating HIS birth of real importance?  Do we acknowledge that JESUS is the SON OF GOD with our lives and actions?  Or is HE just another prophet or religious leader who deserves a holiday named after HIM?    Why do some people treat other faiths as an equal to Christianity?  Has THE CHURCH failed to set an example of recognizing GOD ALMIGHTY for WHO HE is?  

Most non-believers are blinded to the TRUTH and have rejected CHRIST.  Were there no CHRIST, there would be no CHRISTMAS!  And were there no CHRISTMAS, there would be no CHRIST!  Perhaps the goal of the rest of the world is to diminish the light of CHRIST so that nothing will remain but darkness? 

JESUS instructed HIS disciples in Matthew 24 of the turmoil that is imminent.  Many FALSE PROPHETS are being heralded in various settings.   'Lawlessness' is rampant.  And people want to continuously diminish the LIGHT of the world in JESUS CHRIST!  In John 8:12 JESUS says "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."  Where there is NO LIGHT, darkness prevails!

Sure, the world would like to NOT celebrate anything to do with CHRIST!  HIS birth, HIS life, HIS death, and most certainly HIS resurrection!  They would prefer that anything to do with JESUS be forbidden to be discussed.  Just the mention of GOD ALMIGHTY and JESUS CHRIST alienates all who oppose HIM.  It should not come as a huge surprise to us though.  Scripture is very plain that "THE END WILL COME" some day!  When it does we won't CANCEL CHRISTMAS, we will CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS year round as GOD INCARNATE!  

"GOD MEANT IT FOR GOOD!"

Genesis 50:15-20                     (ESV)

"15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him."

16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, "Your father gave this command before he died,

17 'Say to Joseph, Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.' And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father." Joseph wept when they spoke to him.

18 His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, "Behold, we are your servants."

19 But Joseph said to them, "Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?

20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but "GOD MEANT IT FOR GOOD", to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

There have been many things in my life that could be looked upon as injustices.   One of the most glaring was being a four year old son when my parents divorced.  The earliest recollection in my life was in the courtroom with my mom and dad for a custody hearing for me and my two sisters.  My mom was granted custody and my dad moved to Canada the next month to avoid paying child support for three children!  It took many years, but I finally forgave my father for abandoning us.

Joseph wasn't abandoned by his family, rather sold into slavery by his brothers, maybe because they thought he was loved more than them.  Their focus was on themselves rather than the others around them. Joseph was a servant to Potiphar, a subordinate of Pharaoh.  Potiphar's wife lied about Joseph and had him placed in prison.  For two years Joseph served The LORD from an Egyptian prison cell!  Scripture indicates he would be an encouragement to his fellow prisoners.  To avoid focusing on revenge would have probably been a challenge for me!  

But Joseph understood that "GOD MEANT IT FOR GOOD" when his brothers sold him into slavery to Potiphar.  GOD had a plan for his life!  In Genesis 45:5 scripture records Joseph saying to his brothers "And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for GOD sent me before you to preserve life."  Joseph knew that he was a tool to be used by GOD to "preserve life", not only for his family, but for the Egyptians as well!  

GOD loves us just as much as HE did Joseph.  And HE loved Joseph just as much as HE loves us!  If it had been me in an Egyptian prison, would I have been an encouragement to the fellow prisoners?  Or would I have been wallowing in self-pity singing "woe is me" to the top of my lungs?  We need to realize that our whole world doesn't revolve around what WE want to happen.  Our trials may be a result of "GOD MEANT IT FOR GOOD" for a lot more people than we can possibly see?

FATHER GOD, I pray that my focus will be broader than my eyesight reveals!  Cause me to see things from YOUR perspective and recognize that YOUR plan for my life may bring challenges, but "GOD MEANT IT FOR GOOD"!

"SOW MERCY!"

James 2:8-13                (ESV)

"8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well.

9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.

11 For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.

12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.

13 For judgment is without MERCY to one who has shown no MERCY. MERCY triumphs over judgment."

MERCY:    an act of kindness, compassion or favor.

Recently my wife and I went to a concert by the Gaither Vocal Band.  One of the songs performed was "SOW MERCY".  That song has been on my heart and on my mind for the past few days!  It seems I can't get MERCY out of my thoughts!  The definition for MERCY is listed above.  To show KINDNESS, COMPASSION, or FAVOR to someone is one of the greatest feelings one can experience.  

The shortcomings of others are so easy to identify.  Our personal shortcomings are not as easy to admit to.   How much MERCY do we expect from THE FATHER to forgive our sins?  Is there a limit to HIS MERCY?  If so, do I test those limits at times?  

The New American Standard Bible translation says of James 2:13 "For judgment will be MERCILESS to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment..."  Would we desire to have the same MERCY we show people who offend us be exhibited on our transgressions?  Can you imagine GOD withholding dispensation of MERCY in our lives based upon our willingness to forgive?  JESUS said to Peter in Matthew 18 to forgive "Seventy times seven"!  How much MERCY is required to forgive someone 490 times?  How much MERCY is required to forgive all of MY sins?  

It is MUCH easier to complain, accuse, and condemn others than to admit our own faults.  But when we 'SOW MERCY" to others who don't deserve it, we are truly exhibiting what CHRIST did for us to a lost world.  JESUS CHRIST never fails to forgive me for my many, many failures.  Why should I have any reservations about forgiving others for their shortcomings?  

HEAVENLY FATHER, I pray that my focus will be on living my life as JESUS CHRIST lived HIS life here on earth.  Cause me to not be so consumed with how I am treated by others, but how others are treated by me!  I need to "SOW MERCY" to a world that is lost without YOU.   

"REJECTED BY THIS GENERATION!"

Luke 17:22-30                     (ESV)

"22 And HE (JESUS) said to the disciples, "The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it.

23 And they will say to you, 'Look, there!' or 'Look, here!' Do not go out or follow them.

24 For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in HIS day.

25 But first HE must suffer many things and be "REJECTED BY THIS GENERATION".

26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man.

27 They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.

28 Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot-they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building,

29 but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all-

30 so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed."

There is MUCH talk going on about politics, the economy, celebrities, disease, military prowess, and a variety of other subjects.  It seems we all want to discuss the evil and ungodliness going on around us. But there is very little reported about YAHWEH and HIS glory!  There is little doubt on whether GOD is pleased with the actions, or inactions, of mankind.  If a life exhibits any lifestyle that glorifies anybody or anything but GOD, that existence is glorified and celebrated by the mass media like they are gods or goddesses. But let someone mention "GOD" or the name of "JESUS CHRIST" and they are castigated as if they are diseased!

These modern events should come as no surprise as they have been prophesied for thousands of years.  But we have become so engrossed in the pace the enemy has this world moving that we THINK we don't have time for the things of GOD any longer.  The mere mention of JESUS CHRIST has been "REJECTED BY THIS GENERATION" as prude or out of touch by many.  Even THE CHURCH does it's best not to be offensive in how the gospel is presented.  It seems everyone is eating, drinking, and being merry while sinful activities continue to be more grotesque and prevalent.  

As believers that JESUS is The CHRIST, the ONE and ONLY SON OF GOD, we are instructed by HIM in Luke 17:23 to "Do NOT go out or follow them"!  If JESUS was, and is, "REJECTED BY THIS GENERATION", we should not expect our outcome to be no better.  The world will not condone, nor aid, in our cause.   JESUS tells us in John 16:33 that "you WILL have tribulation"!  But later in the same verse HE tells us "I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD"!  

So don't let the reports of evil in this world deflate you.  The enemy and his minions are enthralled with evil and destruction.  The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4 that we should not be "anxious" about anything!  In verse 8 of the same chapter he writes "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."  These good things will not be reported by the mass media, as they have been "REJECTED BY THIS GENERATION"!  But we too will overcome this world by and through the sacrifice of JESUS CHRIST!

"HE does whatever HE pleases!"

Psalms 115:1-3                 (NASB)

"1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, But to YOUR name give glory Because of YOUR lovingkindness, because of YOUR truth. 2 Why should the nations say, “Where, now, is their GOD?” 3 But our GOD is in the heavens; "HE does whatever HE pleases"."

The word 'CONTROL' has been on my heart for a while.  We all believe we are in at least some CONTROL of our lives.  What we eat, where we go, what we say, how we react to situations, and on and on.  We think we CONTROL the things that transpire within our lives.  

But what happens when things are beyond our CONTROL?  What do you do when things are beyond our capabilities to fix them?  There are times GOD displays that "HE does whatever HE pleases" and there is NO DOUBT there has to have been DIVINE intervention.    

My intentions are not to glorify the event, but when my brain hemorrhaged in 2007 my doctors records from September 25, 2007 say "However, he has had an remarkable recovery that can only be described as a miracle from God."  When situations get beyond our CONTROL or explanation, we tend to describe them as miraculous.  But GOD is not limited by our perception of how powerful, or loving, or awesome we think HE is.  GOD is GOD and "HE does whatever HE pleases"!  

Verse one of Psalms 115 says something we constantly overlook.  "To YOUR name give glory" is something that we were created for.  Psalms 66:4 says "All the earth will worship You, And will sing praises to You; They will sing praises to Your name.”  We were formed to sing praises to GOD!  There seems to be people, as I have been in times passed, who want to expound on the bad that earthly leaders are doing.  But as I recently wrote "THEY GLORIFIED GOD", whether by choice or not!  

GOD is not constricted by what we THINK is good or just.  "HE does whatever HE pleases" for HIS glory!  Whenever we start living and believing that we are in CONTROL, our glory tends to be shared with OUR CREATOR.  "HE does whatever HE pleases" should be a loving warning to us all that, apart from HIS mercy and long-suffering, this evil world would receive judgement!  That day when "HE does whatever HE pleases" is coming quickly though!