Philippians 3:3-8 (ESV)
"3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the SPIRIT of GOD and glory in CHRIST JESUS and put no confidence in the flesh-
4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:
5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;
6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of CHRIST.
8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing CHRIST JESUS my LORD. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may "GAIN CHRIST"
From time to time I hear of people, claiming to believe that JESUS is their LORD, yet still clinging to a "fleshly" trait. They can claim to be wealthier, more intelligent than others, Caucasian, Black, Chinese, financially limited, a Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, or any other "label" one prefers to be known by, but they are using "fleshly" traits to identify themselves.
2 Corinthians 5:17 plainly states "Therefore, if anyone is in CHRIST, he is a new creation. The old (fleshly traits) has passed away; behold, the new (Spirit man) has come." Since I have been "born-again" as a new "Spirit man", I must use terminology of the same. Instead, I formerly used "graveyard language", that is language used by those who live in a graveyard. Why would anyone who has been born into "peace" (John 14:27) resort to living in a graveyard with all of their old friends?
We need to be "on guard" (1 Corinthians 16:13-14; 1 Peter 5:8) as the great deceiver will make the temptations of "this world" seem so attractive, or get us so busy doing things we are "convinced" are good things, that we miss what GOD has planned for us. I'm not sure there is a more miserable experience than being outside of GOD's will, especially when you are experiencing worldly success! Success from "this world" can be unwisely used to justify living outside of GOD's Plan for your life!
The great deceiver can get us so consumed with our old, fleshy traits that we can't envision the things of the Spirit that truly satisfy and "complete" us. Don't allow the glitz and glamour of success to get your eyes onto something other than only what GOD has for you. For if we "GAIN CHRIST" we are achieving our purpose, and that is to glorify the FATHER!!
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
"HIS ARMY!"
Joel 2:11 (ESV)
"The LORD utters HIS voice before "HIS ARMY", for HIS camp is exceedingly great; HE who executes HIS word is powerful. For the day of the LORD is great and very awesome; who can endure it?"
Much like the Jewish people in biblical times, modern day Christians are castigated because we have the audacity to believe that YAHWEH is to be praised and adored. We will not necessarily be mocked because of who we are, rather about WHO we serve and recognize as YAHWEH! Ephesians 6:12 says "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."
Don't let the enemy change the focus of the battle! We are only at war because of WHO lives in us, not because we are holy and righteous people. Romans 3:22-24 reminds us that "the righteousness of GOD through faith in JESUS CHRIST for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for ALL HAVE SINNED and fall short of the glory of GOD, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in CHRIST JESUS"
A friend of mine likes to use the analogy of believers being part of the army of GOD. Well, for years I was enlisted, but ill-equipped to fight because of lack of training and preparedness. The enemy didn't have to be too concerned with me being a threat as I was disengaged from the war. Ashamedly, the vast majority of the Church (GOD's fighting force) is AWOL while a fierce battle is taking place. Far too many believers are still in boot camp while the enemy forces are increasingly more mobile and lethal!
GOD is in control and one day SOON HE will give the signal for the archangel to sound the alarm (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). The battle will be over and GOD's Army will be declared victorious, not because of the skill and fierceness of his soldiers, but because of WHO we fight for. So when people start examining my life and how badly I live for HIM, I will have to remind them that it is not about how badly I live my life, but it's about the Army, "HIS ARMY", I serve in!
"The LORD utters HIS voice before "HIS ARMY", for HIS camp is exceedingly great; HE who executes HIS word is powerful. For the day of the LORD is great and very awesome; who can endure it?"
Much like the Jewish people in biblical times, modern day Christians are castigated because we have the audacity to believe that YAHWEH is to be praised and adored. We will not necessarily be mocked because of who we are, rather about WHO we serve and recognize as YAHWEH! Ephesians 6:12 says "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."
Don't let the enemy change the focus of the battle! We are only at war because of WHO lives in us, not because we are holy and righteous people. Romans 3:22-24 reminds us that "the righteousness of GOD through faith in JESUS CHRIST for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for ALL HAVE SINNED and fall short of the glory of GOD, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in CHRIST JESUS"
A friend of mine likes to use the analogy of believers being part of the army of GOD. Well, for years I was enlisted, but ill-equipped to fight because of lack of training and preparedness. The enemy didn't have to be too concerned with me being a threat as I was disengaged from the war. Ashamedly, the vast majority of the Church (GOD's fighting force) is AWOL while a fierce battle is taking place. Far too many believers are still in boot camp while the enemy forces are increasingly more mobile and lethal!
GOD is in control and one day SOON HE will give the signal for the archangel to sound the alarm (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). The battle will be over and GOD's Army will be declared victorious, not because of the skill and fierceness of his soldiers, but because of WHO we fight for. So when people start examining my life and how badly I live for HIM, I will have to remind them that it is not about how badly I live my life, but it's about the Army, "HIS ARMY", I serve in!
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
"DO YOU NOT HEAR?"
Isaiah 40:18-23 (ESV)
"18 To whom then will you liken GOD, or what likeness compare with HIM?
19 An idol! A craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and casts for it silver chains.
20 He who is too impoverished for an offering chooses wood that will not rot; he seeks out a skillful craftsman to set up an idol that will not move.
21 Do you not know? "DO YOU NOT HEAR?" Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
22 It is HE who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;
23 WHO brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness."
To ACCEPT that this entire world, not just the planet earth, but all of the galaxies (known and unknown) moving at speeds that human minds can't fully comprehend, had some other "beginning " than GOD speaking them into existence takes far more faith than ACCEPTING that GOD IS GOD and HE is in control! GOD is so vastly more than anything or being we can fathom, yet HE desires a relationship with each one of us, if we will only submit to HIS Plan for our lives.
Don't let your finite minds try to grasp what GOD can accomplish.......GOD has a Plan! If we trust in HIS Plan for our lives, the path may not be smooth, but it will be easier than our own path. Hosea 10:13 says "You have plowed iniquity; you have reaped injustice; you have eaten the fruit of lies. BECAUSE YOU HAVE TRUSTED IN YOUR OWN WAY and in the multitude of your warriors,". Mankind gets so confident in his imagined abilities that his perceived accomplishments become something for him to glory in, when all the time it is GOD granting the success.
Just as in Exodus 14, GOD eventually got glory over Pharaoh and all his hosts, and HE is still the same GOD today! People can attempt to rewrite history about how GOD has delivered HIS Plan on mankind. In the end, it is only HIS Plan that will come into existence. GOD can elevate the ungodly, and HE can humble HIS servants (or vice-versa), all for HIS Glory! Pharaoh was the most powerful man on earth when he chased the Israelites into the Red Sea. But GOD got Glory over Pharaoh in a way that most apologists would find hard to explain.
If we really understood WHO GOD is, in all of HIS power and might, it would be so much easier to trust in HIM for our everything. The reason most of us "DO YOU NOT HEAR?" is because we won't slow our lives down long enough to hear from a HOLY GOD! Can you imagine getting a phone call from one of the wealthiest, wisest leaders of the world? We all have the opportunity to be a have direct communication with GOD, the Creator of the universe. "DO YOU NOT HEAR?" from HIM? Do you even WANT to hear from HIM?
"18 To whom then will you liken GOD, or what likeness compare with HIM?
19 An idol! A craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and casts for it silver chains.
20 He who is too impoverished for an offering chooses wood that will not rot; he seeks out a skillful craftsman to set up an idol that will not move.
21 Do you not know? "DO YOU NOT HEAR?" Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
22 It is HE who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;
23 WHO brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness."
To ACCEPT that this entire world, not just the planet earth, but all of the galaxies (known and unknown) moving at speeds that human minds can't fully comprehend, had some other "beginning " than GOD speaking them into existence takes far more faith than ACCEPTING that GOD IS GOD and HE is in control! GOD is so vastly more than anything or being we can fathom, yet HE desires a relationship with each one of us, if we will only submit to HIS Plan for our lives.
Don't let your finite minds try to grasp what GOD can accomplish.......GOD has a Plan! If we trust in HIS Plan for our lives, the path may not be smooth, but it will be easier than our own path. Hosea 10:13 says "You have plowed iniquity; you have reaped injustice; you have eaten the fruit of lies. BECAUSE YOU HAVE TRUSTED IN YOUR OWN WAY and in the multitude of your warriors,". Mankind gets so confident in his imagined abilities that his perceived accomplishments become something for him to glory in, when all the time it is GOD granting the success.
Just as in Exodus 14, GOD eventually got glory over Pharaoh and all his hosts, and HE is still the same GOD today! People can attempt to rewrite history about how GOD has delivered HIS Plan on mankind. In the end, it is only HIS Plan that will come into existence. GOD can elevate the ungodly, and HE can humble HIS servants (or vice-versa), all for HIS Glory! Pharaoh was the most powerful man on earth when he chased the Israelites into the Red Sea. But GOD got Glory over Pharaoh in a way that most apologists would find hard to explain.
If we really understood WHO GOD is, in all of HIS power and might, it would be so much easier to trust in HIM for our everything. The reason most of us "DO YOU NOT HEAR?" is because we won't slow our lives down long enough to hear from a HOLY GOD! Can you imagine getting a phone call from one of the wealthiest, wisest leaders of the world? We all have the opportunity to be a have direct communication with GOD, the Creator of the universe. "DO YOU NOT HEAR?" from HIM? Do you even WANT to hear from HIM?
Monday, December 28, 2015
"STAY AWAKE!"
Matthew 24:36-42 (ESV)
"36 "But concerning that day and hour NO ONE KNOWS, not even the angels of heaven, nor the SON, but the FATHER only.
37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the SON of MAN.
38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark,
39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the SON of MAN.
40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left.
41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left.
42 Therefore, "STAY AWAKE", for you do not know on what day your LORD is coming."
Saturday evening there were tornadoes about 150 miles west of my home. Differing news reports place the fatalities of these storms between 11 and 24 people. Sunday evening there have been severe thunderstorms with numerous reports of tornadoes, and we apparently have Warnings for more severe weather until midnight. To my knowledge there have been no reports of casualties for Sunday evening, something we can be thankful for.
Social Media was rampant with reports on the weather Sunday evening. Several friends were keeping others informed of dangerous developments throughout the evening. Obviously the storms were capable of producing fatalities, as was exhibited during Saturday evening storm outbreak. My friends who were alerting others were only concerned with others safety, as the Saturday evening storms were fresh on everyone's mind. Watching weather radar reports a person can keep up with the storms locations and intensity. A storm can hardly sneak up on anybody any longer as we have smartphone "apps" and programs to alert us of inclement weather.
Everyone should be aware that an event of cataclysmic proportions DEFINITELY IS coming, and very soon as Judgement Day WILL occur! If there were an "app" for this event ALERTS would be going off like gangbusters! JESUS said that we need to "STAY AWAKE", for we do not know on what day our LORD is coming, but HE did say we should be able to see when the days were drawing near. JESUS CHRIST will return one day, and very soon! There aren't enough warnings that can be given, as the GOD's WORD is the most authoritative warning system ever developed!
An fail-proof ALERT system like has never been developed has been left for mankind by a HOLY GOD! That ALERT system is known as the HOLY BIBLE and it is filled with passages that call on us to "STAY AWAKE". In Matthew 24:44 JESUS says "Therefore you also must be ready, for the SON of MAN is coming at an hour you do not expect." Your ALERT system should be activated. "STAY AWAKE" should be more than a scare tactic, it should be a way of life!!
"36 "But concerning that day and hour NO ONE KNOWS, not even the angels of heaven, nor the SON, but the FATHER only.
37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the SON of MAN.
38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark,
39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the SON of MAN.
40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left.
41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left.
42 Therefore, "STAY AWAKE", for you do not know on what day your LORD is coming."
Saturday evening there were tornadoes about 150 miles west of my home. Differing news reports place the fatalities of these storms between 11 and 24 people. Sunday evening there have been severe thunderstorms with numerous reports of tornadoes, and we apparently have Warnings for more severe weather until midnight. To my knowledge there have been no reports of casualties for Sunday evening, something we can be thankful for.
Social Media was rampant with reports on the weather Sunday evening. Several friends were keeping others informed of dangerous developments throughout the evening. Obviously the storms were capable of producing fatalities, as was exhibited during Saturday evening storm outbreak. My friends who were alerting others were only concerned with others safety, as the Saturday evening storms were fresh on everyone's mind. Watching weather radar reports a person can keep up with the storms locations and intensity. A storm can hardly sneak up on anybody any longer as we have smartphone "apps" and programs to alert us of inclement weather.
Everyone should be aware that an event of cataclysmic proportions DEFINITELY IS coming, and very soon as Judgement Day WILL occur! If there were an "app" for this event ALERTS would be going off like gangbusters! JESUS said that we need to "STAY AWAKE", for we do not know on what day our LORD is coming, but HE did say we should be able to see when the days were drawing near. JESUS CHRIST will return one day, and very soon! There aren't enough warnings that can be given, as the GOD's WORD is the most authoritative warning system ever developed!
An fail-proof ALERT system like has never been developed has been left for mankind by a HOLY GOD! That ALERT system is known as the HOLY BIBLE and it is filled with passages that call on us to "STAY AWAKE". In Matthew 24:44 JESUS says "Therefore you also must be ready, for the SON of MAN is coming at an hour you do not expect." Your ALERT system should be activated. "STAY AWAKE" should be more than a scare tactic, it should be a way of life!!
Sunday, December 27, 2015
"WHAT IS MAN?"
Psalms 8:3-6 (ESV)
"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?
5 Yet YOU have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 YOU have given him dominion over the works of YOUR hands; YOU have put all things under his feet."
The Spirit of the Living GOD abides in this shell I also call a body (Romans 8:9-11). The same Spirit that spoke Creation into existence now lives inside of my body, all because of the work of JESUS CHRIST on Calvary.
When you consider that GOD the Creator lives in ALL who welcome HIM into their temple, it makes giving up control over our bodies the only feasible option. HE made us, so why wouldn't we allow HIM to guide and control our lives?
The nonsense that we would know more about the direction WE THINK is best for us is part of the deception that the great deceiver uses. Our journey isn't always what mankind would have pictures for our lives. But we can't see the future like HE can, and we can't alter hearts like HE can! Who am I that I think I can give direction to my life? "WHAT IS MAN" that he thinks he knows what is best?
"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?
5 Yet YOU have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 YOU have given him dominion over the works of YOUR hands; YOU have put all things under his feet."
The Spirit of the Living GOD abides in this shell I also call a body (Romans 8:9-11). The same Spirit that spoke Creation into existence now lives inside of my body, all because of the work of JESUS CHRIST on Calvary.
When you consider that GOD the Creator lives in ALL who welcome HIM into their temple, it makes giving up control over our bodies the only feasible option. HE made us, so why wouldn't we allow HIM to guide and control our lives?
The nonsense that we would know more about the direction WE THINK is best for us is part of the deception that the great deceiver uses. Our journey isn't always what mankind would have pictures for our lives. But we can't see the future like HE can, and we can't alter hearts like HE can! Who am I that I think I can give direction to my life? "WHAT IS MAN" that he thinks he knows what is best?
Saturday, December 26, 2015
"CHRISTMAS!"
After a day celebrating "CHRISTMAS", I wanted to share some thoughts about the entire season "this world " has labeled "CHRISTMAS"!
Luke 2:7 says "And she (Mary) gave birth to her firstborn SON and wrapped HIM in swaddling cloths and laid HIM in a manger, because there was NO PLACE for them in the inn." The King James Version says "there was NO ROOM for them". The thing that sticks out in my mind was that GOD was providing a redemptive plan for mankind, and "this world" was too busy, too caught up in their own "rat-race" to acknowledge HIM! Is there any room for HIM in my world? Am I too busy to recognize when HE is trying to do something of great proportions?
John 1:1-5 (ESV)
"1 In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD.
2 "HE WAS" was in the beginning with GOD.
3 All things were made through HIM, and without HIM was not any thing made that was made.
4 In HIM was life, and the life was the LIGHT of men.
5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
Mankind, believers and non-believers alike, has gotten so caught up in the "birth" of a Savior that we sometimes forget to acknowledge that JESUS "has been" with GOD from the beginning. Many places scripture says that GOD "sent" JESUS indicating that JESUS was in Heaven with HIM from the beginning. Just because mankind had JESUS revealed to us at HIS birth, HE has existed from the beginning with the FATHER. Just because my mind can't grasp HIM being at Creation doesn't mean HE wasn't?
John 4:24 "GOD is spirit, and those who worship HIM "MUST" worship in spirit and truth." To fully "worship HIM" we "MUST worship in spirit and truth"! We can't be caught up in the physical (doing STUFF for HIM). We MUST graduate and elevate our worship to spirit and truth, or we aren't doing something right!.
Philippians 2:8 says "And being found in human form, HE humbled HIMSELF by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross". GOD INCARNATE humbled HIMSELF to be crucified on Calvary's cross, and HE knew before the foundations of the world that HE would sacrifice HIMSELF, all out of LOVE for me!
There is MUCH that could be expounded upon regarding the words written above. I choose to leave you only with a quote from President Ronald Reagan when he said, "Some celebrate the day (CHRISTMAS) as marking the birth of a great and good man, a wise teacher and prophet, and they do so sincerely. But for many of us it’s also a holy day, the birthday of the Prince of Peace, a day when “GOD so loved the world” that HE sent us HIS only begotten SON to assure forgiveness of our sins.”
Luke 2:7 says "And she (Mary) gave birth to her firstborn SON and wrapped HIM in swaddling cloths and laid HIM in a manger, because there was NO PLACE for them in the inn." The King James Version says "there was NO ROOM for them". The thing that sticks out in my mind was that GOD was providing a redemptive plan for mankind, and "this world" was too busy, too caught up in their own "rat-race" to acknowledge HIM! Is there any room for HIM in my world? Am I too busy to recognize when HE is trying to do something of great proportions?
John 1:1-5 (ESV)
"1 In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD.
2 "HE WAS" was in the beginning with GOD.
3 All things were made through HIM, and without HIM was not any thing made that was made.
4 In HIM was life, and the life was the LIGHT of men.
5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
Mankind, believers and non-believers alike, has gotten so caught up in the "birth" of a Savior that we sometimes forget to acknowledge that JESUS "has been" with GOD from the beginning. Many places scripture says that GOD "sent" JESUS indicating that JESUS was in Heaven with HIM from the beginning. Just because mankind had JESUS revealed to us at HIS birth, HE has existed from the beginning with the FATHER. Just because my mind can't grasp HIM being at Creation doesn't mean HE wasn't?
John 4:24 "GOD is spirit, and those who worship HIM "MUST" worship in spirit and truth." To fully "worship HIM" we "MUST worship in spirit and truth"! We can't be caught up in the physical (doing STUFF for HIM). We MUST graduate and elevate our worship to spirit and truth, or we aren't doing something right!.
Philippians 2:8 says "And being found in human form, HE humbled HIMSELF by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross". GOD INCARNATE humbled HIMSELF to be crucified on Calvary's cross, and HE knew before the foundations of the world that HE would sacrifice HIMSELF, all out of LOVE for me!
There is MUCH that could be expounded upon regarding the words written above. I choose to leave you only with a quote from President Ronald Reagan when he said, "Some celebrate the day (CHRISTMAS) as marking the birth of a great and good man, a wise teacher and prophet, and they do so sincerely. But for many of us it’s also a holy day, the birthday of the Prince of Peace, a day when “GOD so loved the world” that HE sent us HIS only begotten SON to assure forgiveness of our sins.”
Thursday, December 24, 2015
"THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!"
John 8:12 (ESV)
"Again JESUS spoke to them, saying, "I AM "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD". Whoever follows ME will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
There are those who verbalize that if GOD is such a good god why does HE allow evil to prevail in "this world" we live in? People ask if GOD is in control why do bad things happen, why our leaders are so corrupt, and why disease and illness run amok. GOD still LOVES, but HE will not force us to follow HIM. If mankind chooses to follow other gods (Joshua 24:15), they shall reap the rewards of their choices!
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 says "And even if our gospel is veiled, it is VEILED TO THOSE WHO ARE PERISHING. In their case the "god of this world" 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." When the LIGHT is removed, things cannot be seen as clearly and it can become more difficult to determine which way to proceed. Mankind has chosen to remove any acknowledgement or reference to GOD and HIS Holiness, therefore the line between TRUTH an compromise has become so blurred that real TRUTH seems almost archaic.
When you cover up a LIGHT, only darkness remains! "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD" does not lose it's power for those of us who follow HIM. JESUS says that we who follow HIM "will NOT walk in darkness, but WILL HAVE the LIGHT of life"! The world will try to make us uncomfortable as we walk in "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD", but if we are following HIM we will glorify HIS NAME!
Please, PLEASE note that we aren't talking about just any "LIGHT OF THE WORLD"! This "LIGHT OF THE WORLD" is also known as the "I AM"! To say that it is a coincidence that the words "I AM" come just before "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD" in this passage only serves to cover up HIS GLORY! FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me not to be part of the creation that ignores that "I AM" is "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD"!!
"Again JESUS spoke to them, saying, "I AM "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD". Whoever follows ME will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
There are those who verbalize that if GOD is such a good god why does HE allow evil to prevail in "this world" we live in? People ask if GOD is in control why do bad things happen, why our leaders are so corrupt, and why disease and illness run amok. GOD still LOVES, but HE will not force us to follow HIM. If mankind chooses to follow other gods (Joshua 24:15), they shall reap the rewards of their choices!
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 says "And even if our gospel is veiled, it is VEILED TO THOSE WHO ARE PERISHING. In their case the "god of this world" 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." When the LIGHT is removed, things cannot be seen as clearly and it can become more difficult to determine which way to proceed. Mankind has chosen to remove any acknowledgement or reference to GOD and HIS Holiness, therefore the line between TRUTH an compromise has become so blurred that real TRUTH seems almost archaic.
When you cover up a LIGHT, only darkness remains! "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD" does not lose it's power for those of us who follow HIM. JESUS says that we who follow HIM "will NOT walk in darkness, but WILL HAVE the LIGHT of life"! The world will try to make us uncomfortable as we walk in "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD", but if we are following HIM we will glorify HIS NAME!
Please, PLEASE note that we aren't talking about just any "LIGHT OF THE WORLD"! This "LIGHT OF THE WORLD" is also known as the "I AM"! To say that it is a coincidence that the words "I AM" come just before "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD" in this passage only serves to cover up HIS GLORY! FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me not to be part of the creation that ignores that "I AM" is "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD"!!
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
"SIDING WITH THE MANY!"
Exodus 23:1-3 (ESV)
"1 "You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.
2 You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, "SIDING WITH THE MANY", so as to pervert justice,
3 nor shall you be partial to a poor man in his lawsuit".
Doing the right thing......does it ever get any easier? When the "majority" is expressing to go one way, or your best friends are leaning in a direction, or a spiritual "elder" has a desire to make something happen, and the Holy Spirit is leading you to stand alone on a matter only HE can receive glory on, what do you do? Before you say the noble thing and proclaim that you would do what the LORD was leading you to do, please know that often HE will place you in a situation to demonstrate your obedience rather than proclaim your obedience! Crossing the Red Sea after the LORD has completed supernaturally holding back the waters doesn't require the same faith as while the walls of water are actually being held back!
An online Bible Study that I frequent on occasion offers these words:
Bottom line -- God is our Shepherd, and we as His sheep are to fully follow Him in this life and every single directive and command that He will be giving us along the way. The Bible tells us that we are to be led by the Holy Spirit in this life – not by our own wants and our own desires.
This directive sounds like a good piece of advice....until we have to put it into practice! When the Holy Spirit is leading us to go against the tide and make a stand for what is right, it isn't always the easiest thing to surrender to. Conversely, making certain that it truly is the Holy Spirit leading you to make a decision can be a tricky thing to accomplish. Remember, the enemy is referred to as the "great deceiver" with plenty of credence (Genesis 3:1)!
GOD has a way of putting us into circumstances where we BELIEVE we stand on our own, where there is no one else who cares or supports us. When you find yourself in a situation where only GOD can receive glory, a decision will be required of you. Will you be "SIDING WITH THE MANY", or will you stand with the LORD and HIS PURPOSE?
"1 "You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.
2 You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, "SIDING WITH THE MANY", so as to pervert justice,
3 nor shall you be partial to a poor man in his lawsuit".
Doing the right thing......does it ever get any easier? When the "majority" is expressing to go one way, or your best friends are leaning in a direction, or a spiritual "elder" has a desire to make something happen, and the Holy Spirit is leading you to stand alone on a matter only HE can receive glory on, what do you do? Before you say the noble thing and proclaim that you would do what the LORD was leading you to do, please know that often HE will place you in a situation to demonstrate your obedience rather than proclaim your obedience! Crossing the Red Sea after the LORD has completed supernaturally holding back the waters doesn't require the same faith as while the walls of water are actually being held back!
An online Bible Study that I frequent on occasion offers these words:
Bottom line -- God is our Shepherd, and we as His sheep are to fully follow Him in this life and every single directive and command that He will be giving us along the way. The Bible tells us that we are to be led by the Holy Spirit in this life – not by our own wants and our own desires.
This directive sounds like a good piece of advice....until we have to put it into practice! When the Holy Spirit is leading us to go against the tide and make a stand for what is right, it isn't always the easiest thing to surrender to. Conversely, making certain that it truly is the Holy Spirit leading you to make a decision can be a tricky thing to accomplish. Remember, the enemy is referred to as the "great deceiver" with plenty of credence (Genesis 3:1)!
GOD has a way of putting us into circumstances where we BELIEVE we stand on our own, where there is no one else who cares or supports us. When you find yourself in a situation where only GOD can receive glory, a decision will be required of you. Will you be "SIDING WITH THE MANY", or will you stand with the LORD and HIS PURPOSE?
Monday, December 21, 2015
"OUR GOSPEL IS VEILED??"
2 Corinthians 4:3-6 (ESV)
"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 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.
6 For GOD, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of GOD in the face of JESUS CHRIST."
Sometimes frustration with those who don't SEE things according to the Holy Bible can become so severe, it may appear as anger, or even be considered hate. What they may SEE is "the god of this world 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"! A point can be made that unbelievers "choose" to SEE sin in a different light than we believers, but in 1 Peter 5:10 scripture records "And after you have suffered a little while, the GOD of all grace, WHO HAS CALLED YOU to his eternal glory in CHRIST, will HIMSELF restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you". We would probably see things a lot differently if we were not called by GOD to be HIS children? It is only by HIS grace that we can SEE the TRUTH and respond with the love and mercy of CHRIST!
Keep in mind, the enemy has been defeated, so the only people he has any success with are the people who welcome him into "their world". Much like a person who chooses to slowly allow poison to be put into their body, then when the poison has its full effect on their bodily functions, they act as though they are shocked by the results? A person may claim "I didn't know", but you can't claim ignorance while pouring water into an oil reservoir of an automobile and expect the engine to not suffer the consequences!
If you are not seeing anything wrong with things that the Holy Bible declares to be sinful in the eyes of GOD, you should make absolutely certain "the god of this world has blinded" your mind! The devil isn't referred to in the Bible as the great deceiver undeservedly. Although he has been defeated, the fact that "OUR GOSPEL IS VEILED" by his deceitful antics can be a tremendous tool in his favor. One day SOON the trumpet will sound and it will be TOO late to claim "OUR GOSPEL IS VEILED"!
James 1:12-16 (ESV)
"12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which GOD has promised to those who love HIM.
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by GOD," for GOD cannot be tempted with evil, and HE HIMSELF tempts no one.
14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed BY HIS OWN DESIRE.
15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin WHEN IT IS FULLY GROWN BRINGS FORTH DEATH.
16 DO NOT BE DECEIVED, my beloved brothers."
"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 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.
6 For GOD, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of GOD in the face of JESUS CHRIST."
Sometimes frustration with those who don't SEE things according to the Holy Bible can become so severe, it may appear as anger, or even be considered hate. What they may SEE is "the god of this world 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"! A point can be made that unbelievers "choose" to SEE sin in a different light than we believers, but in 1 Peter 5:10 scripture records "And after you have suffered a little while, the GOD of all grace, WHO HAS CALLED YOU to his eternal glory in CHRIST, will HIMSELF restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you". We would probably see things a lot differently if we were not called by GOD to be HIS children? It is only by HIS grace that we can SEE the TRUTH and respond with the love and mercy of CHRIST!
Keep in mind, the enemy has been defeated, so the only people he has any success with are the people who welcome him into "their world". Much like a person who chooses to slowly allow poison to be put into their body, then when the poison has its full effect on their bodily functions, they act as though they are shocked by the results? A person may claim "I didn't know", but you can't claim ignorance while pouring water into an oil reservoir of an automobile and expect the engine to not suffer the consequences!
If you are not seeing anything wrong with things that the Holy Bible declares to be sinful in the eyes of GOD, you should make absolutely certain "the god of this world has blinded" your mind! The devil isn't referred to in the Bible as the great deceiver undeservedly. Although he has been defeated, the fact that "OUR GOSPEL IS VEILED" by his deceitful antics can be a tremendous tool in his favor. One day SOON the trumpet will sound and it will be TOO late to claim "OUR GOSPEL IS VEILED"!
James 1:12-16 (ESV)
"12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which GOD has promised to those who love HIM.
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by GOD," for GOD cannot be tempted with evil, and HE HIMSELF tempts no one.
14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed BY HIS OWN DESIRE.
15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin WHEN IT IS FULLY GROWN BRINGS FORTH DEATH.
16 DO NOT BE DECEIVED, my beloved brothers."
Saturday, December 19, 2015
"BEHOLD THE WORKS OF THE LORD!"
Psalms 46:8-11 (ESV)
"8 Come, "BEHOLD THE WORKS OF THE LORD", how HE has brought desolations on the earth.
9 HE makes wars cease to the end of the earth; HE breaks the bow and shatters the spear; HE burns the chariots with fire.
10 BE STILL, and know that I am GOD. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the GOD of Jacob is our fortress. Selah"
It amazes me when I look back over my life how GOD uses things I THOUGHT was put into my life for a certain purpose for an entirely different ends. One of the most difficult times in the lives of my family had to have been when my brain hemorrhaged several years ago. I say "the lives of my family" for I was put into a drug-induced coma and had absolutely no CONTROL over anything in my life.
For at least since I graduated from high school I had been guiding the ship of my life on a path that I THOUGHT was of my choosing. Looking back, the life of this wretch of a man was following a path orchestrated by the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob down a journey only HE could receive honor and glory for! Just as the children of Israel were led by the Spirit of the living GOD to the banks of the Red Sea with the Egyptians chasing after them AND GOD saying in Exodus 14:4 "I WILL GET GLORY OVER PHARAOH AND ALL HIS HOSTS", GOD has directed my life's path through some scary situations where only HE can receive honor and glory!
While recovering from the brain hemorrhage for almost two years, GOD revealed Psalms 46:10 to me. When HE led me to buy the insurance agency back (a miracle in itself), that HE had me found from scratch in 1999, I THOUGHT HE was going to lead me directly to tremendous prosperity where HE would receive glory. Little did I know and understand GOD would use owning an agency in my "brain damaged" mindset as a tool to grow me to EXPERIENCE both BE STILL and now "BEHOLD THE WORKS OF THE LORD"!
PSALMS 46:10 Ministries was began to be set up on March 01, 2013 with grand ideas in mind, but GOD has worked in my life to slow me down and recognize that HE is in CONTROL, even if we think we are doing everything for HIM! The final approval from the Internal Revenue Service was received on June 06, 2014, but once again, GOD wasn't carrying me down the imagined path I THOUGHT HE would lead me down.
The Spiritual growth that has come to my life over the past eight years has been nothing short of phenomenal, an Exodus 14 encounter! Even while I write this, it is 2:30AM and after a day/evening of keeping my granddaughters, GOD sent me to bed early, only to wake me at 1:00AM to write these words! To see HIS Hand in, and on, my life in the manner HE has been involved over my entire life, is a story that one has to experience to believe.
Psalms 46:10 begins with the words BE STILL! Being in a coma for 17 days is about as STILL as one can get! But as I have grown, I now see GOD working to achieve SO much more than I could have possibly seen in 2013 when HE directed me to start the ministry. "BEHOLD THE WORKS OF THE LORD" in Psalms 46:8 is a verse that requires us to "BE STILL" (in Psalms 46:10) to accomplish. How can we "BEHOLD THE WORKS OF THE LORD" at the pace "this world" tries to make us think we MUST operate in? The methods of the enemy is to do whatever he can to keep our focus off of Heaven and the things of GOD!
GOD has used my life's journey, including those 17 days in a coma, to get me to slow down enough to "BEHOLD THE WORKS OF THE LORD"! To recognize that only the same GOD WHO caused King David to write Psalms 46 would direct my life down the journey I have traveled is more than amazing! How can I doubt anything HE has promised when I "BEHOLD THE WORKS OF THE LORD"??
"8 Come, "BEHOLD THE WORKS OF THE LORD", how HE has brought desolations on the earth.
9 HE makes wars cease to the end of the earth; HE breaks the bow and shatters the spear; HE burns the chariots with fire.
10 BE STILL, and know that I am GOD. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the GOD of Jacob is our fortress. Selah"
It amazes me when I look back over my life how GOD uses things I THOUGHT was put into my life for a certain purpose for an entirely different ends. One of the most difficult times in the lives of my family had to have been when my brain hemorrhaged several years ago. I say "the lives of my family" for I was put into a drug-induced coma and had absolutely no CONTROL over anything in my life.
For at least since I graduated from high school I had been guiding the ship of my life on a path that I THOUGHT was of my choosing. Looking back, the life of this wretch of a man was following a path orchestrated by the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob down a journey only HE could receive honor and glory for! Just as the children of Israel were led by the Spirit of the living GOD to the banks of the Red Sea with the Egyptians chasing after them AND GOD saying in Exodus 14:4 "I WILL GET GLORY OVER PHARAOH AND ALL HIS HOSTS", GOD has directed my life's path through some scary situations where only HE can receive honor and glory!
While recovering from the brain hemorrhage for almost two years, GOD revealed Psalms 46:10 to me. When HE led me to buy the insurance agency back (a miracle in itself), that HE had me found from scratch in 1999, I THOUGHT HE was going to lead me directly to tremendous prosperity where HE would receive glory. Little did I know and understand GOD would use owning an agency in my "brain damaged" mindset as a tool to grow me to EXPERIENCE both BE STILL and now "BEHOLD THE WORKS OF THE LORD"!
PSALMS 46:10 Ministries was began to be set up on March 01, 2013 with grand ideas in mind, but GOD has worked in my life to slow me down and recognize that HE is in CONTROL, even if we think we are doing everything for HIM! The final approval from the Internal Revenue Service was received on June 06, 2014, but once again, GOD wasn't carrying me down the imagined path I THOUGHT HE would lead me down.
The Spiritual growth that has come to my life over the past eight years has been nothing short of phenomenal, an Exodus 14 encounter! Even while I write this, it is 2:30AM and after a day/evening of keeping my granddaughters, GOD sent me to bed early, only to wake me at 1:00AM to write these words! To see HIS Hand in, and on, my life in the manner HE has been involved over my entire life, is a story that one has to experience to believe.
Psalms 46:10 begins with the words BE STILL! Being in a coma for 17 days is about as STILL as one can get! But as I have grown, I now see GOD working to achieve SO much more than I could have possibly seen in 2013 when HE directed me to start the ministry. "BEHOLD THE WORKS OF THE LORD" in Psalms 46:8 is a verse that requires us to "BE STILL" (in Psalms 46:10) to accomplish. How can we "BEHOLD THE WORKS OF THE LORD" at the pace "this world" tries to make us think we MUST operate in? The methods of the enemy is to do whatever he can to keep our focus off of Heaven and the things of GOD!
GOD has used my life's journey, including those 17 days in a coma, to get me to slow down enough to "BEHOLD THE WORKS OF THE LORD"! To recognize that only the same GOD WHO caused King David to write Psalms 46 would direct my life down the journey I have traveled is more than amazing! How can I doubt anything HE has promised when I "BEHOLD THE WORKS OF THE LORD"??
Thursday, December 17, 2015
"FATHER!"
John 8:42-45 (ESV)
"42 JESUS said to them, "If GOD were your "FATHER", you would love ME, for I came from GOD and I am here. I came not of MY own accord, but HE sent ME.
43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word TRUTH.
44 You are of your "FATHER" the devil, and your will is to do your "FATHER"'s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the TRUTH, because THERE IS NO TRUTH IN HIM. When he lies, he SPEAKS OUT OF HIS OWN CHARACTER speaks out of his own character, for HE IS A LIAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES.
45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe ME."
GOD blessed my wife and I with two sons that are definitely our sons! Each of them show traits of their mom, which endears them to their dad, and each of the bear resemblances of the dad, which they have to struggle to overcome! They didn't have to work on being like either of us, they simply exhibit what their DNA produces. Whenever I see imperfections in their lives, I have to admit that imperfection probably came from one of their parents, more than likely from me!!
In the book of John, chapter 8, JESUS was talking to the "scribes and the Pharisees". HE wasn't talking to a sect of "infidels" or outcasts. The Scribes were the educated of the day while the Pharisees were the self-prescribed "nobles" who considered themselves just a little better than the everyday person. Keep in mind, not every scribe, and not every Pharisee, was "bad", just like every Jew is "good"! "The Jews" we're ultimately credited with crucifying JESUS on Calvary's tree! Don't get caught up in classifying people because of where they were born or what their parents do. JESUS said in Matthew 7:20 "you will recognize them by THEIR fruits."
These particular "scribes and Pharisees" were identified by JESUS (GOD's Son) as being of "your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires"! In John 8:38 JESUS said rather plainly "I speak of what I have seen with my "FATHER", and you do what you have heard from your father". Unless we are "born again" and supernaturally gain a new "FATHER", we can never exhibit Godly characteristics, and we will never enter into heaven to see the "FATHER". We can't do that because it is not in us. We can attempt to imitate it, we can "pretend" to be something we are not, but unless we allow HIM to do the work in our lives for us we are doomed to what we deserve!
My sons are relatively good young men, husbands, and "FATHERs", but I know they have faults, simply because they are my sons. Whether a person is Jewish, Arab, or just a southern red-neck like me, unless they have been "born again" by the sacrifice of JESUS CHRIST they cannot see the "FATHER"! Who is your "FATHER"???
"42 JESUS said to them, "If GOD were your "FATHER", you would love ME, for I came from GOD and I am here. I came not of MY own accord, but HE sent ME.
43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word TRUTH.
44 You are of your "FATHER" the devil, and your will is to do your "FATHER"'s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the TRUTH, because THERE IS NO TRUTH IN HIM. When he lies, he SPEAKS OUT OF HIS OWN CHARACTER speaks out of his own character, for HE IS A LIAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES.
45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe ME."
GOD blessed my wife and I with two sons that are definitely our sons! Each of them show traits of their mom, which endears them to their dad, and each of the bear resemblances of the dad, which they have to struggle to overcome! They didn't have to work on being like either of us, they simply exhibit what their DNA produces. Whenever I see imperfections in their lives, I have to admit that imperfection probably came from one of their parents, more than likely from me!!
In the book of John, chapter 8, JESUS was talking to the "scribes and the Pharisees". HE wasn't talking to a sect of "infidels" or outcasts. The Scribes were the educated of the day while the Pharisees were the self-prescribed "nobles" who considered themselves just a little better than the everyday person. Keep in mind, not every scribe, and not every Pharisee, was "bad", just like every Jew is "good"! "The Jews" we're ultimately credited with crucifying JESUS on Calvary's tree! Don't get caught up in classifying people because of where they were born or what their parents do. JESUS said in Matthew 7:20 "you will recognize them by THEIR fruits."
These particular "scribes and Pharisees" were identified by JESUS (GOD's Son) as being of "your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires"! In John 8:38 JESUS said rather plainly "I speak of what I have seen with my "FATHER", and you do what you have heard from your father". Unless we are "born again" and supernaturally gain a new "FATHER", we can never exhibit Godly characteristics, and we will never enter into heaven to see the "FATHER". We can't do that because it is not in us. We can attempt to imitate it, we can "pretend" to be something we are not, but unless we allow HIM to do the work in our lives for us we are doomed to what we deserve!
My sons are relatively good young men, husbands, and "FATHERs", but I know they have faults, simply because they are my sons. Whether a person is Jewish, Arab, or just a southern red-neck like me, unless they have been "born again" by the sacrifice of JESUS CHRIST they cannot see the "FATHER"! Who is your "FATHER"???
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
"VICTORY!"
1 Corinthians 15:50-58 (ESV)
"50 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of GOD, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.
51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.
53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.
54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."
55 "O death, where is your "VICTORY"? O death, where is your sting?"
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to GOD, who gives us the "VICTORY" through our LORD JESUS CHRIST.
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that in the LORD your labor is not in vain."
November 11, 1918 is the date most recognize as the date "the war to end all war" (World War 1) was ceased. Of course, on September 01, 1939 those words were proven to be a myth as World War II began. Since, a seemingly continuous battle, in some part of the world, continues as mankind will incessantly "debate" right and wrong. Yet somehow we don't see a large amount of people submitting themselves to the oppression and rules that the defeated supported and defended before their ways were overcame.
Our real enemy, the devil, has been defeated and we mark his defeat every year on Easter when we celebrate JESUS CHRIST overcoming the grave. Yet the church is constantly surrendering to a defeated foe, "this world", by allowing death and evil to continually be kept alive by being tolerant and politically correct! Evil is living among us folks and we have a calling and responsibility to live victorious before our enemy, as he was defeated on the cross of Calvary.
The enemy wants to make the world think he and his demons are not able to be defeated, but he has already been defeated! Keep in mind, he is the master of deceit and he loves giving false impressions! Everything that is of "this world " cannot "inherit the kingdom of GOD"! John 4:24 says "GOD is Spirit", yet the enemy wants us to focus on the physical, the things of "this world", that will all pass away! If his focus remains on his future, then he must live in defeat!
There is a song titled "IT IS FINISHED" that says "It is finished the battle is over......"! The war between good and evil has been won, but remnants of the enemy can still be found as he can't accept his defeat! The war isn't a physical battle, it is a Spiritual battle, a battle where "the enemy" has been defeated by the invisible GOD! There is another part of this song that says "In my heart the battle was still raging.....I didn't know that the war had been won"!! Although the battle has been won by the invisible GOD, the great deceiver desires to make us think he still has a chance of "VICTORY"!
Are we so blind of a society that we refuse to live in "VICTORY" in CHRIST? GOD forbid! JESUS CHRIST came to earth and paid an unbelievable price for our "VICTORY"! We cannot, and MUST NOT, live our lives in surrender to a defeated foe and live in a proverbial graveyard. Being able to identify your enemy is important, but being able to have a personal relationship with the VICTOR of LIFE is really what "VICTORY" in LIFE is all about!!!
"50 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of GOD, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.
51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.
53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.
54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."
55 "O death, where is your "VICTORY"? O death, where is your sting?"
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to GOD, who gives us the "VICTORY" through our LORD JESUS CHRIST.
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that in the LORD your labor is not in vain."
November 11, 1918 is the date most recognize as the date "the war to end all war" (World War 1) was ceased. Of course, on September 01, 1939 those words were proven to be a myth as World War II began. Since, a seemingly continuous battle, in some part of the world, continues as mankind will incessantly "debate" right and wrong. Yet somehow we don't see a large amount of people submitting themselves to the oppression and rules that the defeated supported and defended before their ways were overcame.
Our real enemy, the devil, has been defeated and we mark his defeat every year on Easter when we celebrate JESUS CHRIST overcoming the grave. Yet the church is constantly surrendering to a defeated foe, "this world", by allowing death and evil to continually be kept alive by being tolerant and politically correct! Evil is living among us folks and we have a calling and responsibility to live victorious before our enemy, as he was defeated on the cross of Calvary.
The enemy wants to make the world think he and his demons are not able to be defeated, but he has already been defeated! Keep in mind, he is the master of deceit and he loves giving false impressions! Everything that is of "this world " cannot "inherit the kingdom of GOD"! John 4:24 says "GOD is Spirit", yet the enemy wants us to focus on the physical, the things of "this world", that will all pass away! If his focus remains on his future, then he must live in defeat!
There is a song titled "IT IS FINISHED" that says "It is finished the battle is over......"! The war between good and evil has been won, but remnants of the enemy can still be found as he can't accept his defeat! The war isn't a physical battle, it is a Spiritual battle, a battle where "the enemy" has been defeated by the invisible GOD! There is another part of this song that says "In my heart the battle was still raging.....I didn't know that the war had been won"!! Although the battle has been won by the invisible GOD, the great deceiver desires to make us think he still has a chance of "VICTORY"!
Are we so blind of a society that we refuse to live in "VICTORY" in CHRIST? GOD forbid! JESUS CHRIST came to earth and paid an unbelievable price for our "VICTORY"! We cannot, and MUST NOT, live our lives in surrender to a defeated foe and live in a proverbial graveyard. Being able to identify your enemy is important, but being able to have a personal relationship with the VICTOR of LIFE is really what "VICTORY" in LIFE is all about!!!
Monday, December 14, 2015
"WE ARE NOT IGNORANT!"
2 Corinthians 2:5-11 (ESV)
"5 Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure-not to put it too severely-to all of you.
6 For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough,
7 so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
8 So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him.
9 For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything.
10 Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of CHRIST,
11 so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for "WE ARE NOT IGNORANT" of his designs."
One of the most painful days in my life occurred while visiting my Spiritual father, the man who was my pastor when I was called by the LORD. My mentor had been moved to another church and we were visiting he and his wife for a couple of days. My youngest son was around 2 years old and was walking around their house. Their cook stove was electric and my son couldn't SEE the elements were still HOT! He mildly burned his little finger tips while reaching to feel on the countertop that he couldn't even see! I would have gladly taken the pain for my son, but he learned an invaluable lesson about the dangers of what you look at, but cannot SEE!
The enemy is described in Genesis 3:1 as the "most crafty" of all creatures ever created. When he tempted Eve he twisted what GOD had declared and so began the fall of man. GOD IS TRUTH (John 14:6) and satan is a liar (John 8:44-45) and we need to get an understanding of who we are serving. As the Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:11 "so that we would not be OUTWITTED by satan", we need to be on guard for his deceit (1 Corinthians 15:29-34)! Satan's desire is to "sift us like wheat" (Luke 22:31), to get us so busy we can't SEE his tricks. But our objective should be that "WE ARE NOT IGNORANT" of his schemes.
My young son hadn't been told that by his dad of the danger putting his hand on an electric stove, whether it looked hot or not! He was ignorant of the way an electric cook stove worked. Conversely, "WE ARE NOT IGNORANT" of the devil and his deceit, for we have the WORD to alert us of his tactics! If we are too "busy" to read GOD's WORD about the schemes of the devil, we have only ourselves to blame. You can't expect to drive onto a flooded road and not experience consequences. Reading, and KNOWING, GOD's WORD, assures us that "WE ARE NOT IGNORANT" of the wiles of the enemy, and we are vessels to be used for GOD's GLORY!
"5 Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure-not to put it too severely-to all of you.
6 For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough,
7 so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
8 So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him.
9 For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything.
10 Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of CHRIST,
11 so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for "WE ARE NOT IGNORANT" of his designs."
One of the most painful days in my life occurred while visiting my Spiritual father, the man who was my pastor when I was called by the LORD. My mentor had been moved to another church and we were visiting he and his wife for a couple of days. My youngest son was around 2 years old and was walking around their house. Their cook stove was electric and my son couldn't SEE the elements were still HOT! He mildly burned his little finger tips while reaching to feel on the countertop that he couldn't even see! I would have gladly taken the pain for my son, but he learned an invaluable lesson about the dangers of what you look at, but cannot SEE!
The enemy is described in Genesis 3:1 as the "most crafty" of all creatures ever created. When he tempted Eve he twisted what GOD had declared and so began the fall of man. GOD IS TRUTH (John 14:6) and satan is a liar (John 8:44-45) and we need to get an understanding of who we are serving. As the Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:11 "so that we would not be OUTWITTED by satan", we need to be on guard for his deceit (1 Corinthians 15:29-34)! Satan's desire is to "sift us like wheat" (Luke 22:31), to get us so busy we can't SEE his tricks. But our objective should be that "WE ARE NOT IGNORANT" of his schemes.
My young son hadn't been told that by his dad of the danger putting his hand on an electric stove, whether it looked hot or not! He was ignorant of the way an electric cook stove worked. Conversely, "WE ARE NOT IGNORANT" of the devil and his deceit, for we have the WORD to alert us of his tactics! If we are too "busy" to read GOD's WORD about the schemes of the devil, we have only ourselves to blame. You can't expect to drive onto a flooded road and not experience consequences. Reading, and KNOWING, GOD's WORD, assures us that "WE ARE NOT IGNORANT" of the wiles of the enemy, and we are vessels to be used for GOD's GLORY!
Saturday, December 12, 2015
"SET THEIR MINDS!"
Romans 8:5-9 (ESV)
"5 For those who live according to the flesh "SET THEIR MINDS" on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the SPIRIT "SET THEIR MINDS" on the things of the SPIRIT.
6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the SPIRIT is life and peace.
7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to GOD, for it does not submit to GOD's law; indeed, it cannot.
8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please GOD.
9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the SPIRIT, if in fact the SPIRIT of GOD dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the SPIRIT of CHRIST does not belong to HIM."
There are those in "this world" who seem to be obsessed with the temporal things that will fade away. There are also those who have "SET THEIR MINDS" on the things of death and strife. There are a few of us (Believers) who have "SET OUR MINDS) on the things of the SPIRIT, things that are eternal.
The word "zealots" can be used to describe those who are avid supporters of a cause. The term is described in one dictionary as a "fanatic"! Being referred to as a "zealot" is not a bad thing if you are connected to the right thing. However, when someone isn't connected to the right thing, being known as a "zealot" usually is not a desired label. The "things of the flesh" is death, while the things of the SPIRIT" is life and peace!
Making sure we are those who "SET THEIR MINDS" on the things of the SPIRIT is paramount in our lives. There have been far more times than there should have been that I have been swept up by the crowd, and gone along, just to get along! Had I "SET THEIR MINDS" on the things of the SPIRIT, maybe I wouldn't have been swayed so easily. The enemy was recognized by JESUS in John 8:43-44 when HE said to the scribes and Pharisees "Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear MY word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies". Now the scribes and Pharisees were of Jewish descent, so being born of the SPIRIT has nothing to do with what nationality we are born into, or what race we are, or whether we are rich or poor, rather whether or not we have been BORN AGAIN (John 3:3)!
When our eyes have been opened to see the TRUTH and we "SET OUR MINDS" on the things of the SPIRIT, then we know that we are connected to the right thing. Revelation 20:13-14 plainly states who wins in the end. FEAR should never enter our vocabulary as we serve the LORD JESUS CHRIST! Now that is something to "SET YOUR MINDS" on!!!
"5 For those who live according to the flesh "SET THEIR MINDS" on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the SPIRIT "SET THEIR MINDS" on the things of the SPIRIT.
6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the SPIRIT is life and peace.
7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to GOD, for it does not submit to GOD's law; indeed, it cannot.
8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please GOD.
9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the SPIRIT, if in fact the SPIRIT of GOD dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the SPIRIT of CHRIST does not belong to HIM."
There are those in "this world" who seem to be obsessed with the temporal things that will fade away. There are also those who have "SET THEIR MINDS" on the things of death and strife. There are a few of us (Believers) who have "SET OUR MINDS) on the things of the SPIRIT, things that are eternal.
The word "zealots" can be used to describe those who are avid supporters of a cause. The term is described in one dictionary as a "fanatic"! Being referred to as a "zealot" is not a bad thing if you are connected to the right thing. However, when someone isn't connected to the right thing, being known as a "zealot" usually is not a desired label. The "things of the flesh" is death, while the things of the SPIRIT" is life and peace!
Making sure we are those who "SET THEIR MINDS" on the things of the SPIRIT is paramount in our lives. There have been far more times than there should have been that I have been swept up by the crowd, and gone along, just to get along! Had I "SET THEIR MINDS" on the things of the SPIRIT, maybe I wouldn't have been swayed so easily. The enemy was recognized by JESUS in John 8:43-44 when HE said to the scribes and Pharisees "Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear MY word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies". Now the scribes and Pharisees were of Jewish descent, so being born of the SPIRIT has nothing to do with what nationality we are born into, or what race we are, or whether we are rich or poor, rather whether or not we have been BORN AGAIN (John 3:3)!
When our eyes have been opened to see the TRUTH and we "SET OUR MINDS" on the things of the SPIRIT, then we know that we are connected to the right thing. Revelation 20:13-14 plainly states who wins in the end. FEAR should never enter our vocabulary as we serve the LORD JESUS CHRIST! Now that is something to "SET YOUR MINDS" on!!!
Friday, December 11, 2015
"THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD!"
1 Peter 5:6-11 (ESV)
"6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under "THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD" so that AT THE PROPER TIME HE MAY EXALT YOU,
7 casting all your anxieties on HIM, because HE cares for you.
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
10 And after you have suffered a little while, the GOD of all grace, WHO has called you to HIS eternal glory in CHRIST, will HIMSELF restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
11 To HIM be the dominion forever and ever. Amen."
A few days ago I was studying this same EXACT passage of scripture, except my focus was on AT THE PROPER TIME. Then this morning I observed a social media post where a young lady (anyone who is younger than me is young!) who has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis was parking in a handicap parking space, even though on this day she didn't exhibit a tremendous amount of symptoms. She had received a note questioning her "disability".
Seeing someone, with seemingly no physical disabilities abscond with a right reserved for those who are suffering from some condition that requires they receive special attention, can be irritating, to put it mildly. My mind goes back to my "recovery time" from the brain hemorrhage. My condition was such that I didn't necessarily need a wheelchair, but I probably didn't need to be walking long distances across a parking lot. I remember thinking that everyone must be pitying me because I had to walk with a "walker" for a couple of months. When I regained my strength and mobility, I MADE A POINT to park in the farthermost spots to allow those with disabilities the handicap spots.
"THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD" can touch your life with very little time to prepare. We can HUMBLE OURSELVES on our own, or GOD can HUMBLE us to a degree we could have never imagined! Sometimes I need to be reminded that "after you have SUFFERED A LITTLE WHILE, the GOD of all grace, WHO has called you to HIS eternal glory in CHRIST, will HIMSELF restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you".
In Esther 4:14 Mordecai tells Esther that GOD put her where she was "for such a time as this"! GOD can get glory out of even my sin and disobedience. GOD was glorified when Pharaoh chased the Israelites into the Red Sea! Can GOD be glorified by me walking across a parking lot leaving closer parking spots for others? "THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD" is not something to try and barter with. My prayer is that I will honor and respect that "THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD" rules the universe!
"6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under "THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD" so that AT THE PROPER TIME HE MAY EXALT YOU,
7 casting all your anxieties on HIM, because HE cares for you.
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
10 And after you have suffered a little while, the GOD of all grace, WHO has called you to HIS eternal glory in CHRIST, will HIMSELF restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
11 To HIM be the dominion forever and ever. Amen."
A few days ago I was studying this same EXACT passage of scripture, except my focus was on AT THE PROPER TIME. Then this morning I observed a social media post where a young lady (anyone who is younger than me is young!) who has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis was parking in a handicap parking space, even though on this day she didn't exhibit a tremendous amount of symptoms. She had received a note questioning her "disability".
Seeing someone, with seemingly no physical disabilities abscond with a right reserved for those who are suffering from some condition that requires they receive special attention, can be irritating, to put it mildly. My mind goes back to my "recovery time" from the brain hemorrhage. My condition was such that I didn't necessarily need a wheelchair, but I probably didn't need to be walking long distances across a parking lot. I remember thinking that everyone must be pitying me because I had to walk with a "walker" for a couple of months. When I regained my strength and mobility, I MADE A POINT to park in the farthermost spots to allow those with disabilities the handicap spots.
"THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD" can touch your life with very little time to prepare. We can HUMBLE OURSELVES on our own, or GOD can HUMBLE us to a degree we could have never imagined! Sometimes I need to be reminded that "after you have SUFFERED A LITTLE WHILE, the GOD of all grace, WHO has called you to HIS eternal glory in CHRIST, will HIMSELF restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you".
In Esther 4:14 Mordecai tells Esther that GOD put her where she was "for such a time as this"! GOD can get glory out of even my sin and disobedience. GOD was glorified when Pharaoh chased the Israelites into the Red Sea! Can GOD be glorified by me walking across a parking lot leaving closer parking spots for others? "THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD" is not something to try and barter with. My prayer is that I will honor and respect that "THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD" rules the universe!
Thursday, December 10, 2015
"THIS IS MY NAME FOREVER!"
Exodus 3:15 (ESV)
"GOD also said to Moses, "Say this to the people of Israel, 'The LORD, the GOD of your fathers, the GOD of Abraham, the GOD of Isaac, and the GOD of Jacob, has sent me to you.' "THIS IS MY NAME FOREVER" name forever, and thus "I AM" to be remembered throughout all generations."
There are many different "religions" in this world that have come and gone over the ages. A "religion" is "a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe" according to one definition. Many names, or labels, have been used to describe these sets of beliefs over the years. Most recently, Buddha, Confucius, Hare Krishna, Mohammed, Scientology, Unitarian and a host of others have been used by "the enemy" to masquerade as "I AM"!
In Exodus 34:14 GOD states "for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous GOD". Joshua 24:15 states "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, CHOOSE this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD." There are, and have been, many different gods to CHOOSE from over the years, but there is only one "I AM"!
But aren't there other gods worthy our praise, honor, and respect? Isaiah 45:5, among numerous other verses in scripture, says "I AM the LORD, and there is no other, besides me there is no God"! In 1 John 4:2-3 scripture records "By this you know the Spirit of GOD: every spirit that confesses that JESUS CHRIST has come in the flesh is from GOD, and every spirit that does not confess JESUS is not from GOD. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already".
"I AM" will NOT share HIS glory with anyone or anything! In Isaiah 42:8 it is stated "I AM the LORD; that is MY name; MY glory I give to no other, nor MY praise to carved idols"! There are many who will CHOOSE to follow a cunningly disguised counterfeit that the enemy veils himself in. My prayer is that their eyes will be opened (Acts 26:18) and they will see the TRUTH! "I AM" has not changed HIS identity, and "THIS IS HIS NAME FOREVER"!!!
"GOD also said to Moses, "Say this to the people of Israel, 'The LORD, the GOD of your fathers, the GOD of Abraham, the GOD of Isaac, and the GOD of Jacob, has sent me to you.' "THIS IS MY NAME FOREVER" name forever, and thus "I AM" to be remembered throughout all generations."
There are many different "religions" in this world that have come and gone over the ages. A "religion" is "a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe" according to one definition. Many names, or labels, have been used to describe these sets of beliefs over the years. Most recently, Buddha, Confucius, Hare Krishna, Mohammed, Scientology, Unitarian and a host of others have been used by "the enemy" to masquerade as "I AM"!
In Exodus 34:14 GOD states "for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous GOD". Joshua 24:15 states "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, CHOOSE this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD." There are, and have been, many different gods to CHOOSE from over the years, but there is only one "I AM"!
But aren't there other gods worthy our praise, honor, and respect? Isaiah 45:5, among numerous other verses in scripture, says "I AM the LORD, and there is no other, besides me there is no God"! In 1 John 4:2-3 scripture records "By this you know the Spirit of GOD: every spirit that confesses that JESUS CHRIST has come in the flesh is from GOD, and every spirit that does not confess JESUS is not from GOD. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already".
"I AM" will NOT share HIS glory with anyone or anything! In Isaiah 42:8 it is stated "I AM the LORD; that is MY name; MY glory I give to no other, nor MY praise to carved idols"! There are many who will CHOOSE to follow a cunningly disguised counterfeit that the enemy veils himself in. My prayer is that their eyes will be opened (Acts 26:18) and they will see the TRUTH! "I AM" has not changed HIS identity, and "THIS IS HIS NAME FOREVER"!!!
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
"AT THE PROPER TIME!"
1 Peter 5:6-11 (ESV)
"6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of GOD so that "AT THE PROPER TIME" HE MAY EXALT YOU,
7 casting all your anxieties on HIM, because HE cares for you.
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
10 And after you have suffered a little while, the GOD of all grace, WHO has called you to HIS eternal glory in CHRIST, will HIMSELF restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
11 To HIM be the dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Leaving the office one day I was a bit dejected, feeling I was not doing enough to make GOD's Plan for my life to come about. When I got home I began reading a devotional and there was a reference to the scriptures above. I went to the passage and read through the verses, and then started to read them again SLOWLY!
One trouble I have in hearing from GOD is I want to hear from GOD at the precise time I am asking to hear from HIM. When I SLOWLY read the verses above I understood to "Humble yourselves" meant to allow the mighty hand of GOD to exalt me "AT THE PROPER TIME"! If I am constantly worried that not enough is happening toward my perceived plan, I am living a testimony that GOD's Plan (and HIS timing) aren't good enough for my wellbeing. When I "humble" myself I have to submit to HIS Plan to exalt me "AT THE PROPER TIME"!
Verse 9 reminds us that our "adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour". The next two words are a premise I have a huge problem with.....RESIST HIM! The enemy continually bombards me with"fear and doubt" that I am missing the mark in my service to the KING. GOD has to constantly remind me that HE has a Plan and HIS ways are not my ways (Isaiah 55:8-9) so I need to WAIT on HIM (Psalms 27:14)!
Scripture states that "after a little while" our CREATOR will "restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you". The children of Israel, I'm sure, would have preferred that GOD not let Pharaoh and the Egyptian army "overtake" them at the Red Sea. But GOD had already said in Exodus 14:4 that HE "will get glory over Pharaoh and all his hosts", and the object was not for the Israelites to be comfortable, but for GOD to be glorified! HIS promise is not to make sure my timeline is satisfied, but that HE work things out "AT THE PROPER TIME"!!
"6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of GOD so that "AT THE PROPER TIME" HE MAY EXALT YOU,
7 casting all your anxieties on HIM, because HE cares for you.
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
10 And after you have suffered a little while, the GOD of all grace, WHO has called you to HIS eternal glory in CHRIST, will HIMSELF restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
11 To HIM be the dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Leaving the office one day I was a bit dejected, feeling I was not doing enough to make GOD's Plan for my life to come about. When I got home I began reading a devotional and there was a reference to the scriptures above. I went to the passage and read through the verses, and then started to read them again SLOWLY!
One trouble I have in hearing from GOD is I want to hear from GOD at the precise time I am asking to hear from HIM. When I SLOWLY read the verses above I understood to "Humble yourselves" meant to allow the mighty hand of GOD to exalt me "AT THE PROPER TIME"! If I am constantly worried that not enough is happening toward my perceived plan, I am living a testimony that GOD's Plan (and HIS timing) aren't good enough for my wellbeing. When I "humble" myself I have to submit to HIS Plan to exalt me "AT THE PROPER TIME"!
Verse 9 reminds us that our "adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour". The next two words are a premise I have a huge problem with.....RESIST HIM! The enemy continually bombards me with"fear and doubt" that I am missing the mark in my service to the KING. GOD has to constantly remind me that HE has a Plan and HIS ways are not my ways (Isaiah 55:8-9) so I need to WAIT on HIM (Psalms 27:14)!
Scripture states that "after a little while" our CREATOR will "restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you". The children of Israel, I'm sure, would have preferred that GOD not let Pharaoh and the Egyptian army "overtake" them at the Red Sea. But GOD had already said in Exodus 14:4 that HE "will get glory over Pharaoh and all his hosts", and the object was not for the Israelites to be comfortable, but for GOD to be glorified! HIS promise is not to make sure my timeline is satisfied, but that HE work things out "AT THE PROPER TIME"!!
Sunday, December 6, 2015
"SET YOUR MINDS!"
Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)
"1 If then you have been raised with CHRIST, seek the things that are above, where CHRIST is, seated at the right hand of GOD.
2 "SET YOUR MINDS" on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
3 For YOU HAVE DIED, and YOUR LIFE is HIDDEN with CHRIST in GOD.
4 When CHRIST who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
Yesterday I wrote about the SPIRIT of GOD living inside of my body and allowing HIM to guide my steps in life. Today GOD is directing me to "SET YOUR MINDS" on HIM and the things that are above! In reading commentaries on Colossians 3:2 many words are used help us better understand the premise of "SET YOUR MINDS". Some of these words are worthy of further probing to assure that I am doing what GOD has directed me to do in HIS Word.
To "SET YOUR MINDS" can mean to TRAIN our minds to respond in a certain manner. Whenever we TRAIN our minds we focus on getting our minds to react in a way to specific words that will glorify GOD. When I hear about actions that sicken me, or make me fearful, or anything that draws my focus to anything that is on the things that are of "this world" my reaction should be to focus on things that are above. Just as an athlete has to train his body to respond to adverse conditions, Believers are told to TRAIN our minds to respond to adverse thoughts when the enemy bombards our minds.
Another word used by some commentaries is to RELISH, or desire, something. The dictionary uses words such as "liking or enjoyment of the taste of something", or "pleasurable appreciation of anything". We are to "SET YOUR MINDS" on things that are above, because those are the things that are real and have substance. When we "SET OUR MINDS" on things above we tend to do things that only HE can receive glory for.
When we "SET OUR MINDS" on heavenly things it is similar to connecting to a Wifi connection on a laptop or cellular phone. We can perform all kinds of tasks WITHOUT being connected to Wifi, but when we are connected to Wifi the tasks are completed because we are "in tune" with the FATHER! JESUS spoke about this is John 15:5 when HE said "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in ME and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from ME you can do nothing". My desire is for everything I do to come from the FATHER through GOD's Wifi!
Continuing with the Wifi example, there are those who don't have access to the internet because they don't think something like that exists. Even though they can see evidence of things accomplished by the internet, they can't see, touch, or feel the internet so, IN THEIR MINDS the internet doesn't exist. Where FAITH comes into play is when we "SET YOUR MINDS" on things above, making a decision to TRUST that GOD IS IN CONTROL and HE will be glorified! FAITH is an extremely simple, yet complex thing that is made simpler when we "SET YOUR MINDS" on things above!!!
"1 If then you have been raised with CHRIST, seek the things that are above, where CHRIST is, seated at the right hand of GOD.
2 "SET YOUR MINDS" on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
3 For YOU HAVE DIED, and YOUR LIFE is HIDDEN with CHRIST in GOD.
4 When CHRIST who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
Yesterday I wrote about the SPIRIT of GOD living inside of my body and allowing HIM to guide my steps in life. Today GOD is directing me to "SET YOUR MINDS" on HIM and the things that are above! In reading commentaries on Colossians 3:2 many words are used help us better understand the premise of "SET YOUR MINDS". Some of these words are worthy of further probing to assure that I am doing what GOD has directed me to do in HIS Word.
To "SET YOUR MINDS" can mean to TRAIN our minds to respond in a certain manner. Whenever we TRAIN our minds we focus on getting our minds to react in a way to specific words that will glorify GOD. When I hear about actions that sicken me, or make me fearful, or anything that draws my focus to anything that is on the things that are of "this world" my reaction should be to focus on things that are above. Just as an athlete has to train his body to respond to adverse conditions, Believers are told to TRAIN our minds to respond to adverse thoughts when the enemy bombards our minds.
Another word used by some commentaries is to RELISH, or desire, something. The dictionary uses words such as "liking or enjoyment of the taste of something", or "pleasurable appreciation of anything". We are to "SET YOUR MINDS" on things that are above, because those are the things that are real and have substance. When we "SET OUR MINDS" on things above we tend to do things that only HE can receive glory for.
When we "SET OUR MINDS" on heavenly things it is similar to connecting to a Wifi connection on a laptop or cellular phone. We can perform all kinds of tasks WITHOUT being connected to Wifi, but when we are connected to Wifi the tasks are completed because we are "in tune" with the FATHER! JESUS spoke about this is John 15:5 when HE said "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in ME and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from ME you can do nothing". My desire is for everything I do to come from the FATHER through GOD's Wifi!
Continuing with the Wifi example, there are those who don't have access to the internet because they don't think something like that exists. Even though they can see evidence of things accomplished by the internet, they can't see, touch, or feel the internet so, IN THEIR MINDS the internet doesn't exist. Where FAITH comes into play is when we "SET YOUR MINDS" on things above, making a decision to TRUST that GOD IS IN CONTROL and HE will be glorified! FAITH is an extremely simple, yet complex thing that is made simpler when we "SET YOUR MINDS" on things above!!!
Saturday, December 5, 2015
"DO YOU NOT KNOW?"
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)
"19 Or "DO YOU NOT KNOW" that your body is a temple of the HOLY SPIRIT within you, WHOM you have from GOD? YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN,
20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify GOD in your body."
Knowing that GOD ALMIGHTY occupies this shell commonly referred to as my body is an extremely humbling idea, but one that the Apostle Paul was very plain about. In the same letter to the church in Corinth Paul wrote in chapter 3:16 "Do you not know that you are GOD's temple and that GOD's Spirit dwells in you"?
There is MUCH that can be said about the two verses above. When we "accept" GOD's offer of grace we allow HIM to sit on the Throne of our lives. YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN means that we belong to someone else. JESUS CHRIST "bought" our souls, AND OUR BODIES, when HE paid our sin-debt on Calvary. When we allow HIM to guide and direct our lives we give up all right to complain about where HE directs our paths as HE can (and will) overcome all obstacles in our way.
From time to time I need to be reminded that GOD has control of my life. "DO YOU NOT KNOW" should never be asked of me, but sometimes my life doesn't reflect that HE is leading me! Worry and strife should never enter my mind when The CREATOR of the universe has written in HIS Word that HE is guiding my life. My testimony should be "DO YOU NOT KNOW" that the great I AM lives in my heart and HE gets all glory for any good from my life.
Maybe you "DO YOU NOT KNOW" that HE can live inside of your body and guide your life? You need to prepare yourself, because there are no guarantees that HE will guide you to comfort and solace! As a matter of fact, JESUS promised in John 16:33 that we"will have tribulation", so don't be looking for a "comfortable cruise" in life. But remember "DO YOU NOT KNOW" that JESUS can live inside of you and all your battles will belong to HIM!!!
"19 Or "DO YOU NOT KNOW" that your body is a temple of the HOLY SPIRIT within you, WHOM you have from GOD? YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN,
20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify GOD in your body."
Knowing that GOD ALMIGHTY occupies this shell commonly referred to as my body is an extremely humbling idea, but one that the Apostle Paul was very plain about. In the same letter to the church in Corinth Paul wrote in chapter 3:16 "Do you not know that you are GOD's temple and that GOD's Spirit dwells in you"?
There is MUCH that can be said about the two verses above. When we "accept" GOD's offer of grace we allow HIM to sit on the Throne of our lives. YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN means that we belong to someone else. JESUS CHRIST "bought" our souls, AND OUR BODIES, when HE paid our sin-debt on Calvary. When we allow HIM to guide and direct our lives we give up all right to complain about where HE directs our paths as HE can (and will) overcome all obstacles in our way.
From time to time I need to be reminded that GOD has control of my life. "DO YOU NOT KNOW" should never be asked of me, but sometimes my life doesn't reflect that HE is leading me! Worry and strife should never enter my mind when The CREATOR of the universe has written in HIS Word that HE is guiding my life. My testimony should be "DO YOU NOT KNOW" that the great I AM lives in my heart and HE gets all glory for any good from my life.
Maybe you "DO YOU NOT KNOW" that HE can live inside of your body and guide your life? You need to prepare yourself, because there are no guarantees that HE will guide you to comfort and solace! As a matter of fact, JESUS promised in John 16:33 that we"will have tribulation", so don't be looking for a "comfortable cruise" in life. But remember "DO YOU NOT KNOW" that JESUS can live inside of you and all your battles will belong to HIM!!!
Thursday, December 3, 2015
"MAKE ME TO KNOW YOUR WAYS!"
Psalms 25:1-5 (ESV)
"1 To YOU, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
2 O my GOD, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me.
3 Indeed, NONE WHO WAIT FOR YOU shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4 "MAKE ME TO KNOW YOUR WAYS", O LORD; TEACH ME YOUR PATHS.
5 Lead me in YOUR truth and teach me, for YOU are the GOD of my salvation; for YOU I wait all the day long."
Yesterday I had the privilege of visiting with a family member (by marriage) who lives in another city. She is a few years older than I, thus she has more experience in life to draw from. We talked for hours and I had to make myself leave to drive home. The time I spent with her was truly enjoyed by this man and I look forward to visiting her again.
One topic we discussed at length was being able to IDENTIFY OUR ENEMY! My recollection was of a city where the occult is seemingly praised and revered. In my Spirit I promised The LORD if HE got me out of where I was, I would never return! Her observation was of a city closer to home where a particular establishment housed unscrupulous dealings. We both commented how a person who is OF THE SPIRIT can discern when evil is in our presence and were so thankful for knowing that we should leave those places!
There are some who cannot SEE the things of the Spirit, as they are NATURAL people (1 Corinthians 2:14-15). Not being able to IDENTIFY THE ENEMY is a gift not possessed by all. Knowing THE ENEMY (error, opposite of truth) has been defeated is something we must remember, as he is the master of deceit. We don't need to focus on the fear of what the enemy can do, rather we need to focus on the VICTORY we have in CHRIST JESUS!
GOD wants us to trust in HIM and live for HIM. As we know HIM more and recognize HIS power, our ineptness becomes more and more evident. "MAKE ME TO KNOW YOUR WAYS" involves us following HIM and HIM LEADING US IN HIS TRUTH. Knowing when HIS TRUTH is not present is a gift not possessed by all, only by believers. HEAVENLY FATHER, "MAKE ME TO KNOW YOUR WAYS" in everything I do!!
"1 To YOU, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
2 O my GOD, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me.
3 Indeed, NONE WHO WAIT FOR YOU shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4 "MAKE ME TO KNOW YOUR WAYS", O LORD; TEACH ME YOUR PATHS.
5 Lead me in YOUR truth and teach me, for YOU are the GOD of my salvation; for YOU I wait all the day long."
Yesterday I had the privilege of visiting with a family member (by marriage) who lives in another city. She is a few years older than I, thus she has more experience in life to draw from. We talked for hours and I had to make myself leave to drive home. The time I spent with her was truly enjoyed by this man and I look forward to visiting her again.
One topic we discussed at length was being able to IDENTIFY OUR ENEMY! My recollection was of a city where the occult is seemingly praised and revered. In my Spirit I promised The LORD if HE got me out of where I was, I would never return! Her observation was of a city closer to home where a particular establishment housed unscrupulous dealings. We both commented how a person who is OF THE SPIRIT can discern when evil is in our presence and were so thankful for knowing that we should leave those places!
There are some who cannot SEE the things of the Spirit, as they are NATURAL people (1 Corinthians 2:14-15). Not being able to IDENTIFY THE ENEMY is a gift not possessed by all. Knowing THE ENEMY (error, opposite of truth) has been defeated is something we must remember, as he is the master of deceit. We don't need to focus on the fear of what the enemy can do, rather we need to focus on the VICTORY we have in CHRIST JESUS!
GOD wants us to trust in HIM and live for HIM. As we know HIM more and recognize HIS power, our ineptness becomes more and more evident. "MAKE ME TO KNOW YOUR WAYS" involves us following HIM and HIM LEADING US IN HIS TRUTH. Knowing when HIS TRUTH is not present is a gift not possessed by all, only by believers. HEAVENLY FATHER, "MAKE ME TO KNOW YOUR WAYS" in everything I do!!
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
"FOR EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON!"
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (ESV)
"1 "FOR EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON", and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace."
Many times in my life, and in my studies of life in general, I come across the premise that GOD is in control of life. If I didn't believe that there would be so many things that we would have no explanation for. There seems to be continuing evidence that no human entity, or being, has the intellect or wisdom to avoid what most would consider as "tragedy" in the lives? If you accept the notion that somethings just happen by chance, then I will respect that. But is there evidence that that train of thought might be flawed?
A number of years ago a friend of mine was working on the local police force. A man shot at him from across a small room AND MISSED! No one can give a reason for my friend to be alive today, but that was almost 40 years ago and he is in great health today! My own doctors marvel at the fact that I survived the brain hemorrhage in 2007 with such amazing results. When GOD intervenes we tend to call it a miracle.
But not everyone has results that are as pleasant to our earthly eyes. My sister was as physically fit as anyone I knew. One August she played on a coed softball team. The day after Christmas of the same year she succumbed to cancer! A dear friend of mine's wife is battling dementia, and she is only in her early fifties! Another dear friend of mine was 37 years old when he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle and was killed. Only yesterday, a friend lost his wife in her mid 40's from cancer.
"FOR EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON" is not just a good metaphor we use when we don't have an answer to life's questions. The Bible is the standard Believers cling to and trust in. Unless we have FAITH that GOD is in control we will be relegated to trying to figure out why things happen when there is no earthly explanation for them? GOD's ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9) and GOD IS IN CONTROL! We must remember that "FOR EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON"!!!
"1 "FOR EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON", and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace."
Many times in my life, and in my studies of life in general, I come across the premise that GOD is in control of life. If I didn't believe that there would be so many things that we would have no explanation for. There seems to be continuing evidence that no human entity, or being, has the intellect or wisdom to avoid what most would consider as "tragedy" in the lives? If you accept the notion that somethings just happen by chance, then I will respect that. But is there evidence that that train of thought might be flawed?
A number of years ago a friend of mine was working on the local police force. A man shot at him from across a small room AND MISSED! No one can give a reason for my friend to be alive today, but that was almost 40 years ago and he is in great health today! My own doctors marvel at the fact that I survived the brain hemorrhage in 2007 with such amazing results. When GOD intervenes we tend to call it a miracle.
But not everyone has results that are as pleasant to our earthly eyes. My sister was as physically fit as anyone I knew. One August she played on a coed softball team. The day after Christmas of the same year she succumbed to cancer! A dear friend of mine's wife is battling dementia, and she is only in her early fifties! Another dear friend of mine was 37 years old when he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle and was killed. Only yesterday, a friend lost his wife in her mid 40's from cancer.
"FOR EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON" is not just a good metaphor we use when we don't have an answer to life's questions. The Bible is the standard Believers cling to and trust in. Unless we have FAITH that GOD is in control we will be relegated to trying to figure out why things happen when there is no earthly explanation for them? GOD's ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9) and GOD IS IN CONTROL! We must remember that "FOR EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON"!!!
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
"BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN EYES!"
Proverbs 3:1-7 (KJV)
"1 MY son, FORGET NOT MY LAW; but let thine heart keep MY commandments: 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of GOD and man. 5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and LEAN NOT unto THINE OWN UNDERSTANDING. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct thy paths. 7 "BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN EYES": fear the LORD, and depart from evil."
One of the devils most effective tools is to make us think we are too busy for the things of GOD. Upon awaking this morning my mind seemingly immediately began thinking of the things I think needs to be done today. There are things at work that I feel need to be accomplished. However, the LORD's Plan for our lives is what matters and we need to remember that Isaiah 55:8-9 says "For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways, and MY thoughts than your thoughts!"
As I thought what THE LORD would have my mind thinking on this morning when I was waking, my thoughts went to Proverbs 3:5-6. Looking these verses up caused me to read the verses surrounding them, and Proverbs 3:7 caught my attention.
"BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN EYES" I don't think is an command to do things that are unwise in our own minds, but rather to allow GOD "direct thy paths" in the ways HE would have us go. Humility must be exhibited as a proud person has a tendency to think pretty highly of himself. Getting an "attitude adjustment" may be GOD's way of showing us we should not "BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN EYES" lest HE demonstrates how unwise we truly are?
If we fail to "keep MY commandments" then that is a pretty good sign we think our ways are better than GOD's ways. Until we realize we we are not GOD and cannot make our own commandments we are doomed to the consequences of our choices. Understanding that our bodies are just temporary and that our Spirits are eternal is a good place to begin to "BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN EYES"! GOD has a Plan and HE doesn't need my help! HE needs me to "BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN EYES"!!!
"1 MY son, FORGET NOT MY LAW; but let thine heart keep MY commandments: 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of GOD and man. 5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and LEAN NOT unto THINE OWN UNDERSTANDING. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct thy paths. 7 "BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN EYES": fear the LORD, and depart from evil."
One of the devils most effective tools is to make us think we are too busy for the things of GOD. Upon awaking this morning my mind seemingly immediately began thinking of the things I think needs to be done today. There are things at work that I feel need to be accomplished. However, the LORD's Plan for our lives is what matters and we need to remember that Isaiah 55:8-9 says "For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways, and MY thoughts than your thoughts!"
As I thought what THE LORD would have my mind thinking on this morning when I was waking, my thoughts went to Proverbs 3:5-6. Looking these verses up caused me to read the verses surrounding them, and Proverbs 3:7 caught my attention.
"BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN EYES" I don't think is an command to do things that are unwise in our own minds, but rather to allow GOD "direct thy paths" in the ways HE would have us go. Humility must be exhibited as a proud person has a tendency to think pretty highly of himself. Getting an "attitude adjustment" may be GOD's way of showing us we should not "BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN EYES" lest HE demonstrates how unwise we truly are?
If we fail to "keep MY commandments" then that is a pretty good sign we think our ways are better than GOD's ways. Until we realize we we are not GOD and cannot make our own commandments we are doomed to the consequences of our choices. Understanding that our bodies are just temporary and that our Spirits are eternal is a good place to begin to "BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN EYES"! GOD has a Plan and HE doesn't need my help! HE needs me to "BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN EYES"!!!
Monday, November 30, 2015
"NO ONE CAN COME TO ME!"
John 6:41:45 (ESV)
"41 So the Jews grumbled about HIM, because HE said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven."
42 They said, "Is not this JESUS, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does HE now say, 'I have come down from heaven'?"
43 JESUS answered them, "Do not grumble among yourselves.
44 "NO ONE CAN COME TO ME" unless the FATHER WHO sent ME draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
45 It is written in the Prophets, 'And they will all be taught by GOD.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the FATHER comes to ME."
Many times I see items that can be described as no more than marketing ploys to get people of "this world" to see things from a Heavenly point of view. Many "ministries" (and that term is used in a grossly loose sense) want to develop a certain plan or pattern with a self acclaimed track record of success and let the masses follow their lead right to the bank. Riches or wealth may not be their initial goal, but when they are blessed by GOD they seem to assume all they need to do is work a little harder and the results will follow!
The Jewish leaders, otherwise known as Scribes and Pharisees, were convinced that they were better than others because of who they were, not WHO they served! In 2 Corinthians 3:14 scripture records "their minds were hardened". Psalms 25:9 ("HE leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble HIS way") was not a part of their marketing plan! 1 Corinthians 2:14 says "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"! GOD's Plan usually doesn't fit what "this world" thinks as a successful marketing plan!
The ONLY way one can see the Kingdom of GOD is for the FATHER to draw us/them. John 6:44 begins with "NO ONE CAN COME TO ME" unless the FATHER WHO sent ME draws him. JESUS HIMSELF spoke these words. Now some preachers may say that JESUS didn't graduate with a marketing degree from the University of Jerusalem so HE couldn't know what they know, but the Scribes and Pharisees did go to school and we see the wisdom that brought them!
Trusting in GOD, and HIS results, on HIS timetable, is one of the most humbling things a person can experience. GOD has a Plan and I don't think anything I can interject can improve upon that Plan! Sure, I must be obedient to HIS guidance and direction in my life, but I don't need to develop a seven-step plan to grow a church and become what "this world" deems a success! If we truly trust in GOD, we must trust that "NO ONE CAN COME TO ME" unless the FATHER WHO sent ME draws him!!!
"41 So the Jews grumbled about HIM, because HE said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven."
42 They said, "Is not this JESUS, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does HE now say, 'I have come down from heaven'?"
43 JESUS answered them, "Do not grumble among yourselves.
44 "NO ONE CAN COME TO ME" unless the FATHER WHO sent ME draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
45 It is written in the Prophets, 'And they will all be taught by GOD.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the FATHER comes to ME."
Many times I see items that can be described as no more than marketing ploys to get people of "this world" to see things from a Heavenly point of view. Many "ministries" (and that term is used in a grossly loose sense) want to develop a certain plan or pattern with a self acclaimed track record of success and let the masses follow their lead right to the bank. Riches or wealth may not be their initial goal, but when they are blessed by GOD they seem to assume all they need to do is work a little harder and the results will follow!
The Jewish leaders, otherwise known as Scribes and Pharisees, were convinced that they were better than others because of who they were, not WHO they served! In 2 Corinthians 3:14 scripture records "their minds were hardened". Psalms 25:9 ("HE leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble HIS way") was not a part of their marketing plan! 1 Corinthians 2:14 says "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"! GOD's Plan usually doesn't fit what "this world" thinks as a successful marketing plan!
The ONLY way one can see the Kingdom of GOD is for the FATHER to draw us/them. John 6:44 begins with "NO ONE CAN COME TO ME" unless the FATHER WHO sent ME draws him. JESUS HIMSELF spoke these words. Now some preachers may say that JESUS didn't graduate with a marketing degree from the University of Jerusalem so HE couldn't know what they know, but the Scribes and Pharisees did go to school and we see the wisdom that brought them!
Trusting in GOD, and HIS results, on HIS timetable, is one of the most humbling things a person can experience. GOD has a Plan and I don't think anything I can interject can improve upon that Plan! Sure, I must be obedient to HIS guidance and direction in my life, but I don't need to develop a seven-step plan to grow a church and become what "this world" deems a success! If we truly trust in GOD, we must trust that "NO ONE CAN COME TO ME" unless the FATHER WHO sent ME draws him!!!
Saturday, November 28, 2015
"AND HE SAW!"
2 Kings 6:17-19 (ESV)
"17 Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, please OPEN HIS EYES THAT HE MAY SEE." So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, "AND HE SAW", and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
18 And when the Syrians came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD and said, "Please strike this people with blindness." So HE struck them with blindness in accordance with the prayer of Elisha.
19 And Elisha said to them, "This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek." And he led them to Samaria.
Many times in my life I have not seen things "eye to eye" with an adversary regarding a certain item we were dealing with. Looking at things from my viewpoint I certainly could have been correct. But from another viewpoint, they thought they were correct. To be brutally honest, the times I was wrong were not easy admitting to, and the times I wasn't wrong was only by the grace of GOD.
In the scripture above, Elisha humbly begged GOD to open the eyes of a man so he could see the protection surrounding Elisha. In verse 17 Elisha said "O LORD, please......", and the verse concludes with "AND HE SAW", and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha". Now in my selfishness, I might have let those who couldn't SEE the protection around me become aware at the end of the sword, but Elisha understood that GOD being glorified was more important than him being judged as being right, and his desire was GOD being glorified first!
Maybe our struggle really is NOT with flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12), "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". Elisha could see his protection, yet when the Syrians came down against him he prayed for their eyes to be blinded! 2 Corinthians 4:4 says "In their case the god of this world 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". The god of this world blinds those who are satisfied with what he offers.
GOD has the capability of opening eyes to see and allowing eyes not to see! In Exodus 14:4 Pharaoh was blinded by his own hardened heart, and GOD got glory over him and all his army. In the end, the Egyptians knew that I AM was THE LORD! Elisha prayed that the young man eyes may see, "AND HE SAW"! GOD can reveal, or GOD can blind! My prayer is that GOD reveal to me the things needed for HIM to get glory in my life, and it will be said of me "AND HE SAW"!!!
"17 Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, please OPEN HIS EYES THAT HE MAY SEE." So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, "AND HE SAW", and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
18 And when the Syrians came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD and said, "Please strike this people with blindness." So HE struck them with blindness in accordance with the prayer of Elisha.
19 And Elisha said to them, "This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek." And he led them to Samaria.
Many times in my life I have not seen things "eye to eye" with an adversary regarding a certain item we were dealing with. Looking at things from my viewpoint I certainly could have been correct. But from another viewpoint, they thought they were correct. To be brutally honest, the times I was wrong were not easy admitting to, and the times I wasn't wrong was only by the grace of GOD.
In the scripture above, Elisha humbly begged GOD to open the eyes of a man so he could see the protection surrounding Elisha. In verse 17 Elisha said "O LORD, please......", and the verse concludes with "AND HE SAW", and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha". Now in my selfishness, I might have let those who couldn't SEE the protection around me become aware at the end of the sword, but Elisha understood that GOD being glorified was more important than him being judged as being right, and his desire was GOD being glorified first!
Maybe our struggle really is NOT with flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12), "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". Elisha could see his protection, yet when the Syrians came down against him he prayed for their eyes to be blinded! 2 Corinthians 4:4 says "In their case the god of this world 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". The god of this world blinds those who are satisfied with what he offers.
GOD has the capability of opening eyes to see and allowing eyes not to see! In Exodus 14:4 Pharaoh was blinded by his own hardened heart, and GOD got glory over him and all his army. In the end, the Egyptians knew that I AM was THE LORD! Elisha prayed that the young man eyes may see, "AND HE SAW"! GOD can reveal, or GOD can blind! My prayer is that GOD reveal to me the things needed for HIM to get glory in my life, and it will be said of me "AND HE SAW"!!!
Friday, November 27, 2015
"BUT TO FULFILL!"
Matthew 5:17-19 (NASB)
"17“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish "BUT TO FULFILL". 18“For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19“Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
While reading a devotional this morning I saw these words that I felt led to share:
There have been many religious leaders--men such as Mohammed, Buddha, Confucius, Bahaullah, Zoroaster, Joseph Smith, Charles Taze Russell, etc., but Jesus of Nazareth stands uniquely apart from all of them. There are four basic reasons why this is so:
Jesus Christ Is Unique and Above ALL
1. He alone fulfilled Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah (Psa. 22; Isa. 53; etc.),
2. He alone lived a perfectly sinless life (2 Cor. 5:21 cf. Rom. 3:23),
3. He alone resurrected from the grave in a glorified body of flesh and
4. Jesus is also declared to be God by nature, according to Scripture (Isa. 9:6; 40:3 cf. Mt. 3:3,11; Jn. 20:28; Col. 2:9; Phil. 2:6; Titus 2:13; Acts 20:28; Rom. 9:5; etc.)
These four truths set Him infinitely above all other religious leaders. Because of His unique credentials and ultimate authority, we must, therefore, view the Word of God to be whatever He says.
I only share the commentary above to let it be known that my understanding of scripture isn't unique, although GOD's Word needs no validation outside of Itself! The WORD of GOD "IS" the undeniable authority that all truth is based upon. JESUS, in John 1:1-2, is described as "In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. 2 HE was in the beginning with GOD!"
Verse 19 above begins with "Whoever then annuls", but the English Standard Version says "Therefore whoever RELAXES one of the least of these commandments"! To RELAX one of the commandments is to lessen the sacrifice JESUS paid for mine and your sins, something I can never over appreciate! James 2:10 says "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles IN ONE POINT, he has become guilty of all." Since JESUS paid a price we could never have paid, to RELAX the requirements would cheapen the payment JESUS has already made for us. It took GOD coming in flesh (JESUS) to fulfill HIS Plan for salvation for mankind.
The devil (the great deceiver) has concocted many different "look-a-like" religions to confuse and demagogue the real issue, and that is that JESUS CHRIST came into "this world" to save sinners, of whom I am chief (1 Timothy 1:15)! JESUS didn't come to condemn our sins, "BUT TO FULFILL" the law! In believing on HIM we can receive HIS gift of eternal life because of GOD's Grace! I don't deserve it, but I'm glad HE came, not to RELAX the law, "BUT TO FULFILL" it!!!
"17“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish "BUT TO FULFILL". 18“For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19“Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
While reading a devotional this morning I saw these words that I felt led to share:
There have been many religious leaders--men such as Mohammed, Buddha, Confucius, Bahaullah, Zoroaster, Joseph Smith, Charles Taze Russell, etc., but Jesus of Nazareth stands uniquely apart from all of them. There are four basic reasons why this is so:
Jesus Christ Is Unique and Above ALL
1. He alone fulfilled Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah (Psa. 22; Isa. 53; etc.),
2. He alone lived a perfectly sinless life (2 Cor. 5:21 cf. Rom. 3:23),
3. He alone resurrected from the grave in a glorified body of flesh and
4. Jesus is also declared to be God by nature, according to Scripture (Isa. 9:6; 40:3 cf. Mt. 3:3,11; Jn. 20:28; Col. 2:9; Phil. 2:6; Titus 2:13; Acts 20:28; Rom. 9:5; etc.)
These four truths set Him infinitely above all other religious leaders. Because of His unique credentials and ultimate authority, we must, therefore, view the Word of God to be whatever He says.
I only share the commentary above to let it be known that my understanding of scripture isn't unique, although GOD's Word needs no validation outside of Itself! The WORD of GOD "IS" the undeniable authority that all truth is based upon. JESUS, in John 1:1-2, is described as "In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. 2 HE was in the beginning with GOD!"
Verse 19 above begins with "Whoever then annuls", but the English Standard Version says "Therefore whoever RELAXES one of the least of these commandments"! To RELAX one of the commandments is to lessen the sacrifice JESUS paid for mine and your sins, something I can never over appreciate! James 2:10 says "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles IN ONE POINT, he has become guilty of all." Since JESUS paid a price we could never have paid, to RELAX the requirements would cheapen the payment JESUS has already made for us. It took GOD coming in flesh (JESUS) to fulfill HIS Plan for salvation for mankind.
The devil (the great deceiver) has concocted many different "look-a-like" religions to confuse and demagogue the real issue, and that is that JESUS CHRIST came into "this world" to save sinners, of whom I am chief (1 Timothy 1:15)! JESUS didn't come to condemn our sins, "BUT TO FULFILL" the law! In believing on HIM we can receive HIS gift of eternal life because of GOD's Grace! I don't deserve it, but I'm glad HE came, not to RELAX the law, "BUT TO FULFILL" it!!!
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
"DO YOU NOT REMEMBER?"
Mark 8:14-21 (ESV)
"14 Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat.
15 And HE cautioned them, saying, "Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod."
16 And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread.
17 And JESUS, aware of this, said to them, "Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened?
18 Having EYES do you not SEE, and having EARS do you not HEAR? And "DO YOU NOT REMEMBER?"
19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" They said to him, "Twelve."
20 "And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" And they said to him, "Seven."
21 And he said to them, "Do you not yet understand?"
Because the brain hemorrhage I experienced in 2007 was SO real and vivid to me, relating to how things were that morning is almost second nature. It is difficult to "see" things the way they happened/were when you can't picture in your mind how certain things could possibly be that way? Not being able to speak what you are thinking is still a memory that haunts me. Knowing GOD can deliver from that trauma is something I will never forget!
JESUS had to remind the disciples of the times HE had provided for them previously, and how HE had done so in great measure! HE had fed five thousand with five loaves and then fed four thousand with seven loaves, and both times the leftovers were more than they began with! The NATURAL man cannot "see" things of the SPIRIT (1 Corinthians 2:14) for they are "folly" to him. Seeing, and believing such miraculous occurrences, usually cannot be experienced by unbelievers as they don't "see" the things of GOD!
It is easy to get frustrated, almost put out, with unbelievers who cannot "see" the things of GOD, especially when they seem so plain to me! JESUS has to remind me, just as HE did HIS disciples in the scripture above, of how HIS provisions are not of this world! Just because things appear to this world to be rather bleak with no hope, JESUS has a tendency to show up and show out in situations like that! Remembering that HE is not limited by the things of this world is the only way to live victoriously in HIM!
THIS WORLD cannot SEE the things of the Spirit, and we can't hold that against them. However, it is imperative that we choose leaders who aren't of THIS WORLD, leaders who can see the things of the SPIRIT of GOD, and who will lead accordingly. The trials and tribulations we have experienced should not be repeated. JESUS asked HIS disciples "DO YOU NOT REMEMBER" in Mark 8:18. We don't need to have HIM asking of us "DO YOU NOT REMEMBER "???
"14 Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat.
15 And HE cautioned them, saying, "Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod."
16 And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread.
17 And JESUS, aware of this, said to them, "Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened?
18 Having EYES do you not SEE, and having EARS do you not HEAR? And "DO YOU NOT REMEMBER?"
19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" They said to him, "Twelve."
20 "And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" And they said to him, "Seven."
21 And he said to them, "Do you not yet understand?"
Because the brain hemorrhage I experienced in 2007 was SO real and vivid to me, relating to how things were that morning is almost second nature. It is difficult to "see" things the way they happened/were when you can't picture in your mind how certain things could possibly be that way? Not being able to speak what you are thinking is still a memory that haunts me. Knowing GOD can deliver from that trauma is something I will never forget!
JESUS had to remind the disciples of the times HE had provided for them previously, and how HE had done so in great measure! HE had fed five thousand with five loaves and then fed four thousand with seven loaves, and both times the leftovers were more than they began with! The NATURAL man cannot "see" things of the SPIRIT (1 Corinthians 2:14) for they are "folly" to him. Seeing, and believing such miraculous occurrences, usually cannot be experienced by unbelievers as they don't "see" the things of GOD!
It is easy to get frustrated, almost put out, with unbelievers who cannot "see" the things of GOD, especially when they seem so plain to me! JESUS has to remind me, just as HE did HIS disciples in the scripture above, of how HIS provisions are not of this world! Just because things appear to this world to be rather bleak with no hope, JESUS has a tendency to show up and show out in situations like that! Remembering that HE is not limited by the things of this world is the only way to live victoriously in HIM!
THIS WORLD cannot SEE the things of the Spirit, and we can't hold that against them. However, it is imperative that we choose leaders who aren't of THIS WORLD, leaders who can see the things of the SPIRIT of GOD, and who will lead accordingly. The trials and tribulations we have experienced should not be repeated. JESUS asked HIS disciples "DO YOU NOT REMEMBER" in Mark 8:18. We don't need to have HIM asking of us "DO YOU NOT REMEMBER "???
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
"All the LORD has spoken we will do!"
Exodus 19:3-8 (ESV)
"3 while Moses went up to GOD. The LORD called to him out of the mountain, saying, "Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel:
4 You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to MYSELF.
5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey MY voice and keep my covenant, you shall be MY treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is MINE;
6 and you shall be to ME a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel."
7 So Moses came and called the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the LORD had commanded him.
8 All the people answered together and said, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do." And Moses reported the words of the people to the LORD."
From time to time there is something the LORD puts in my path that HE will use to impact me for HIS glory, something I know must have been from GOD ALMIGHTY! A devotional by Francis Chan came to my attention a few days ago and the thought crossed my mind that I needed to read that! Later I opened my iPad and the devotional was there so I read it, and boy am I glad I did! The following paragraphs are excerpts from the devotional:
Imagine walking up a mountain alone. But it’s no ordinary mountain. The ground beneath you is shaking, and the entire mountain is covered in smoke. At its peak is a thick cloud with lightning and thunder. God descends onto the mountain in fire, and each time you speak to him, he responds in thunder. This is what Moses experienced in Exodus 19.
Now compare that experience to your last time in prayer.
Distracted, obligatory, ordinary — I doubt any such words came across Moses’s mind as he ascended the mountain. But some three thousand years later, we rarely marvel that God permits imperfect humans into his presence.
How did the shocking become so ordinary to us? Is it even possible for our experiences with God to be that fascinating?
Going Up the Mountain
A mentor of mine lives in India. Last year, he called me on the phone crying, distraught over the state of the church in America. “It seems like the people in America would be content to take a selfie with Moses. Don’t they know they can go up the mountain themselves? Why don’t they want to go up the mountain?”
When was the last time you enjoyed meaningful time alone with God? Time so good that you didn’t want to leave. It was just you, reading God’s words, in his holy presence.
As most are aware, the book of Exodus is one of my favorites as GOD displays HIS power, Mercy and Grace in Majestic fashion for the Hebrew nation and the Egyptian nation, at least those who would pay attention! GOD spoke to the Israelites and told them HE had delivered them from the Egyptians and HE had great Plans for them, IF they would obey HIS VOICE! The Israelites responded "All that the LORD has spoken we will do." And they did.......until times got hard and then they started looking at their problems again instead of looking at their Deliverer!
My life is remarkably familiar to the children of Israel! GOD has delivered me through SO many trials and tribulations that I should KNOW HE is going to come through for me! But I constantly want to "see" how HE is going to work things out instead of TRUSTING in HIM, not only for HIS provision, but also to provide in HIS timing!!!
FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to trust in YOU for my everything, to depend on YOU not only to provide my needs, but rest in YOU for the needs to be met on YOUR timetable!!!
"3 while Moses went up to GOD. The LORD called to him out of the mountain, saying, "Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel:
4 You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to MYSELF.
5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey MY voice and keep my covenant, you shall be MY treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is MINE;
6 and you shall be to ME a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel."
7 So Moses came and called the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the LORD had commanded him.
8 All the people answered together and said, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do." And Moses reported the words of the people to the LORD."
From time to time there is something the LORD puts in my path that HE will use to impact me for HIS glory, something I know must have been from GOD ALMIGHTY! A devotional by Francis Chan came to my attention a few days ago and the thought crossed my mind that I needed to read that! Later I opened my iPad and the devotional was there so I read it, and boy am I glad I did! The following paragraphs are excerpts from the devotional:
Imagine walking up a mountain alone. But it’s no ordinary mountain. The ground beneath you is shaking, and the entire mountain is covered in smoke. At its peak is a thick cloud with lightning and thunder. God descends onto the mountain in fire, and each time you speak to him, he responds in thunder. This is what Moses experienced in Exodus 19.
Now compare that experience to your last time in prayer.
Distracted, obligatory, ordinary — I doubt any such words came across Moses’s mind as he ascended the mountain. But some three thousand years later, we rarely marvel that God permits imperfect humans into his presence.
How did the shocking become so ordinary to us? Is it even possible for our experiences with God to be that fascinating?
Going Up the Mountain
A mentor of mine lives in India. Last year, he called me on the phone crying, distraught over the state of the church in America. “It seems like the people in America would be content to take a selfie with Moses. Don’t they know they can go up the mountain themselves? Why don’t they want to go up the mountain?”
When was the last time you enjoyed meaningful time alone with God? Time so good that you didn’t want to leave. It was just you, reading God’s words, in his holy presence.
As most are aware, the book of Exodus is one of my favorites as GOD displays HIS power, Mercy and Grace in Majestic fashion for the Hebrew nation and the Egyptian nation, at least those who would pay attention! GOD spoke to the Israelites and told them HE had delivered them from the Egyptians and HE had great Plans for them, IF they would obey HIS VOICE! The Israelites responded "All that the LORD has spoken we will do." And they did.......until times got hard and then they started looking at their problems again instead of looking at their Deliverer!
My life is remarkably familiar to the children of Israel! GOD has delivered me through SO many trials and tribulations that I should KNOW HE is going to come through for me! But I constantly want to "see" how HE is going to work things out instead of TRUSTING in HIM, not only for HIS provision, but also to provide in HIS timing!!!
FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to trust in YOU for my everything, to depend on YOU not only to provide my needs, but rest in YOU for the needs to be met on YOUR timetable!!!
Monday, November 23, 2015
"BE STILL!"
Psalms 46:8-11 (ESV)
"8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, how HE has brought desolations on the earth.
9 HE makes wars cease to the end of the earth; HE breaks the bow and shatters the spear; HE burns the chariots with fire.
10 "BE STILL", and know that I am GOD. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the GOD of Jacob is our fortress."
This morning I began my day desiring to hear "a word" from GOD. My desire is to have the course my life in traveling be so controlled by the SPIRIT of GOD that I am moved by the slightest breath of wind!
As winter approaches and colder weather follows, my mind goes to December 25, 2000 when severe ice storm occurred in the area I live in. The electricity was disabled in some places for over a month and life as we had known it came to a halt! Everything that mankind held to be so important was put on hold by an event that man had absolutely no control over! GOD was in control!
The memory of me sitting on our front porch Christmas night hearing the tree limbs breaking, but with no traffic noises nor any other noises in the background, remains so vivid in my mind. "BE STILL" was never more authentic, more real, than it was at that particular time in my life. Most everyone will say that the ice storm was devastating, but Psalms 46:8 says "HE has brought desolations on the earth" and HE doesn't make mistakes! GOD has a Plan and all I need to do is allow HIM to be glorified in my life whether in sunshine or ice storms!
The peace and quiet immediately following the Christmas 2000 Ice Storm is something that I do not have words to describe. The time devoted to GOD (called by some a "quiet time") should cause us to "BE STILL" much like the ice storm did in my life! Being alone with GOD can change a life dramatically as in Genesis 32:24! The nation of Israel got its name from Jacob struggling with GOD and having his life changed by the struggle!
There is no substitute for spending time with GOD. When life gets so hectic and busy GOD is capable of letting us know that HE IS GOD! HE can cause circumstances to slow your life down, or HE can make you "BE STILL"! Will you voluntarily spend time with HIM, or will HE have to make you "BE STILL"?
"8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, how HE has brought desolations on the earth.
9 HE makes wars cease to the end of the earth; HE breaks the bow and shatters the spear; HE burns the chariots with fire.
10 "BE STILL", and know that I am GOD. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the GOD of Jacob is our fortress."
This morning I began my day desiring to hear "a word" from GOD. My desire is to have the course my life in traveling be so controlled by the SPIRIT of GOD that I am moved by the slightest breath of wind!
As winter approaches and colder weather follows, my mind goes to December 25, 2000 when severe ice storm occurred in the area I live in. The electricity was disabled in some places for over a month and life as we had known it came to a halt! Everything that mankind held to be so important was put on hold by an event that man had absolutely no control over! GOD was in control!
The memory of me sitting on our front porch Christmas night hearing the tree limbs breaking, but with no traffic noises nor any other noises in the background, remains so vivid in my mind. "BE STILL" was never more authentic, more real, than it was at that particular time in my life. Most everyone will say that the ice storm was devastating, but Psalms 46:8 says "HE has brought desolations on the earth" and HE doesn't make mistakes! GOD has a Plan and all I need to do is allow HIM to be glorified in my life whether in sunshine or ice storms!
The peace and quiet immediately following the Christmas 2000 Ice Storm is something that I do not have words to describe. The time devoted to GOD (called by some a "quiet time") should cause us to "BE STILL" much like the ice storm did in my life! Being alone with GOD can change a life dramatically as in Genesis 32:24! The nation of Israel got its name from Jacob struggling with GOD and having his life changed by the struggle!
There is no substitute for spending time with GOD. When life gets so hectic and busy GOD is capable of letting us know that HE IS GOD! HE can cause circumstances to slow your life down, or HE can make you "BE STILL"! Will you voluntarily spend time with HIM, or will HE have to make you "BE STILL"?
Friday, November 20, 2015
"NATURAL vs. SPIRITUAL MAN!"
1 Corinthians 2:12-3:1 (ESV)
"12 Now we have received NOT the spirit of the world, but the SPIRIT who is from GOD, that we might understand the things freely given us by GOD.
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.
1 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in CHRIST."
Mankind seems to be captivated by this physical (or natural) world we live in, the here and now, which is what the "natural man" is wired to do. The "natural man" does NOT accept the things of the SPIRIT of GOD and often ridicule the SPIRIT man because the SPIRIT man sees things the "natural man" thinks (and believes) are folly. The SPIRIT man is akin to an alien in "this world", as he operates on "words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the SPIRIT"!
The premise of not being able to "see" where and how things are happening is not something that is so far fetched, when you think about it. When I was a child in the 1960's one of my earliest childhood possessions was a transistor radio. A person can't see the radio waves being transmitted, nor can they feel them, but they are real just the same! There are some who can hear what is being broadcast by a radio station, and there are some who can't pick up the signal. Some have better "reception", while some, who are usually far away from the transmitter, can barely pick up the signal and tell what is being broadcast.
The message being sent by the Apostle Paul in the scripture above is strikingly similar. Some people can't pick up the signal being transmitted by the SPIRIT at all, for they don't have a receiver to pick up Spiritual signals. Some people are so far away from the Holy SPIRIT and have to be addressed in extraordinary means. Some are relatively close to the transmitter and can get a signal loud and clear. Just because the signal can't be received by all doesn't mean anything us wrong with the transmitter, it may indicate not all have adequate receivers. 1 Corinthians 2:14 says " 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." Can you see the similarities now?
The SPIRIT OF GOD lives within those who have invited HIM to be LORD of their life. The "natural man" has yet to invite HIM into their life. They think the things of the Spiritual man is foolish, or "folly"! Some are a part of the family, but their relationship is so disconnected that they find it uncomfortable to communicate with their loved ONE. To use the transistor radio analogy, they won't even turn their radio on! My desire is to be so IN TUNE with the SPIRIT that HE comes in LOUD and CLEAR in my life!
"12 Now we have received NOT the spirit of the world, but the SPIRIT who is from GOD, that we might understand the things freely given us by GOD.
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.
1 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in CHRIST."
Mankind seems to be captivated by this physical (or natural) world we live in, the here and now, which is what the "natural man" is wired to do. The "natural man" does NOT accept the things of the SPIRIT of GOD and often ridicule the SPIRIT man because the SPIRIT man sees things the "natural man" thinks (and believes) are folly. The SPIRIT man is akin to an alien in "this world", as he operates on "words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the SPIRIT"!
The premise of not being able to "see" where and how things are happening is not something that is so far fetched, when you think about it. When I was a child in the 1960's one of my earliest childhood possessions was a transistor radio. A person can't see the radio waves being transmitted, nor can they feel them, but they are real just the same! There are some who can hear what is being broadcast by a radio station, and there are some who can't pick up the signal. Some have better "reception", while some, who are usually far away from the transmitter, can barely pick up the signal and tell what is being broadcast.
The message being sent by the Apostle Paul in the scripture above is strikingly similar. Some people can't pick up the signal being transmitted by the SPIRIT at all, for they don't have a receiver to pick up Spiritual signals. Some people are so far away from the Holy SPIRIT and have to be addressed in extraordinary means. Some are relatively close to the transmitter and can get a signal loud and clear. Just because the signal can't be received by all doesn't mean anything us wrong with the transmitter, it may indicate not all have adequate receivers. 1 Corinthians 2:14 says " 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." Can you see the similarities now?
The SPIRIT OF GOD lives within those who have invited HIM to be LORD of their life. The "natural man" has yet to invite HIM into their life. They think the things of the Spiritual man is foolish, or "folly"! Some are a part of the family, but their relationship is so disconnected that they find it uncomfortable to communicate with their loved ONE. To use the transistor radio analogy, they won't even turn their radio on! My desire is to be so IN TUNE with the SPIRIT that HE comes in LOUD and CLEAR in my life!
Thursday, November 19, 2015
"THE DAYS OF NOAH!"
Matthew 24:36-39 (ESV)
"36 "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the SON, but the FATHER only.
37 For as were "THE DAYS OF NOAH", so will be the coming of the SON of MAN.
38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark,
39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the SON of MAN."
There is a song from the 1990's that says "The only hope for America is JESUS"! No person or political party has the answers to the issues facing our nation (and the world) except JESUS! There was recently a meme of a presidential candidate with a former president saying that the candidate wasn't going to "save" America. I'm afraid the thoughts are misguided.
Folks, I am no rocket scientist, nor brain surgeon, and certainly not a holier than thou politician, but I'm here to inform you, that as just Paul Revere alerted people on April 18, 1775 that "the British" were coming, our enemy is not flesh and blood, but the demonic spirits that have been for too long ignored by Americans who are focused on our economy, or anything other than the REAL problem.
Satan is known as the great deceiver (Genesis 3:1) and he wants to make us think that the problem is "flesh and blood". But the problem is too many people are focused on anything other than worshipping the CREATOR! America is not alone in this struggle, the entire world must recognize that "evil" only comes from the evil one and he has been defeated and one day soon will reap his reward!
Paul Revere alerted people the British were coming and they listened. Noah alerted people that GOD was not being honored by their lifestyles and they didn't listen! The results of not listening during "THE DAYS OF NOAH" turned out to be catastrophic for the people who were "eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark". The message today is eerily similar to the message in "THE DAYS OF NOAH". Will you listen???
"36 "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the SON, but the FATHER only.
37 For as were "THE DAYS OF NOAH", so will be the coming of the SON of MAN.
38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark,
39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the SON of MAN."
There is a song from the 1990's that says "The only hope for America is JESUS"! No person or political party has the answers to the issues facing our nation (and the world) except JESUS! There was recently a meme of a presidential candidate with a former president saying that the candidate wasn't going to "save" America. I'm afraid the thoughts are misguided.
Folks, I am no rocket scientist, nor brain surgeon, and certainly not a holier than thou politician, but I'm here to inform you, that as just Paul Revere alerted people on April 18, 1775 that "the British" were coming, our enemy is not flesh and blood, but the demonic spirits that have been for too long ignored by Americans who are focused on our economy, or anything other than the REAL problem.
Satan is known as the great deceiver (Genesis 3:1) and he wants to make us think that the problem is "flesh and blood". But the problem is too many people are focused on anything other than worshipping the CREATOR! America is not alone in this struggle, the entire world must recognize that "evil" only comes from the evil one and he has been defeated and one day soon will reap his reward!
Paul Revere alerted people the British were coming and they listened. Noah alerted people that GOD was not being honored by their lifestyles and they didn't listen! The results of not listening during "THE DAYS OF NOAH" turned out to be catastrophic for the people who were "eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark". The message today is eerily similar to the message in "THE DAYS OF NOAH". Will you listen???
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
"HE WHO HAS EARS, LET HIM HEAR!"
Matthew 13:24-43 (ESV)
"24 HE put another parable before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field,
25 but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away.
26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also.
27 And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?'
28 He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' So the servants said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?'
29 But he said, 'No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them.
30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'"
31 HE put another parable before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field.
32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches."
33 HE told them another parable. "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened."
34 All these things JESUS said to the crowds in parables; indeed, HE said nothing to them without a parable.
35 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world."
36 Then HE left the crowds and went into the house. And HIS disciples came to HIM, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field."
37 HE answered, "The one who sows the good seed is the SON of Man.
38 The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one,
39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels.
40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age.
41 The SON of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers,
42 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. "HE WHO HAS EARS, LET HIM HEAR".
Because the scripture today is so voluminous, the commentary will be brief. A good farmer doesn't plant weeds with his "good seed"! "HE WHO HAS EARS, LET HIM HEAR"!
"24 HE put another parable before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field,
25 but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away.
26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also.
27 And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?'
28 He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' So the servants said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?'
29 But he said, 'No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them.
30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'"
31 HE put another parable before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field.
32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches."
33 HE told them another parable. "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened."
34 All these things JESUS said to the crowds in parables; indeed, HE said nothing to them without a parable.
35 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world."
36 Then HE left the crowds and went into the house. And HIS disciples came to HIM, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field."
37 HE answered, "The one who sows the good seed is the SON of Man.
38 The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one,
39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels.
40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age.
41 The SON of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers,
42 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. "HE WHO HAS EARS, LET HIM HEAR".
Because the scripture today is so voluminous, the commentary will be brief. A good farmer doesn't plant weeds with his "good seed"! "HE WHO HAS EARS, LET HIM HEAR"!
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
"BY FAITH!"
Galatians 5:1-6 (ESV)
"1 For freedom CHRIST has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, CHRIST WILL BE OF NO ADVANTAGE TO YOU.
3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law.
4 You are severed from CHRIST, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.
5 For through the SPIRIT, "BY FAITH", we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.
6 For in CHRIST JESUS neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love."
For some, accepting a gift might prove to be a bit humbling, as one must accept that you did not earn the rewards being given to you. The gift of our salvation is a tremendously example of that premise. Most of us have something built inside of us that makes us want to believe we did something to merit our worth, or success. The words "BY FAITH", however, categorically removes all works from the equation.
My mind always goes back to July 2007 when my brain hemorrhaged. The first three days I was so heavily medicated I hardly remember anything. The next 17 days I was put into a medically induced coma of which I remember nothing. Medical records indicate that miraculous happenings occurred in those 21 days and nobody can take credit for them. My neurologist called me "GOD-THING" for a few years after, for he knew that my healing was something no man had control over, nor can take credit for!
There is nothing any of us can do to improve the work JESUS CHRIST performed for all during HIS earthly ministry. The Apostle Paul told the Galatians that circumcision would only return them to the "yoke of slavery" that THE LAW had them bound under. Giving more money to the church, teaching more Bible Study classes, nor any other list of honorable things will not assist you in getting into Heaven. Only "BY FAITH", if we believe, that JESUS did enough on the cross to pay for our salvation will we enter into eternal life.
Nobody can act good enough, nor can give enough money, nor can build enough buildings to impress the GOD who simply spoke the worlds into existence. The only thing we can do to merit any reward is "BY FAITH" trust that JESUS is GOD's SON and HE is our ONLY hope of salvation! There is a song titled "NO OTHER NAME BUT THE NAME OF JESUS". If we believe in HIS name, "BY FAITH" we have eternal life!!!
"1 For freedom CHRIST has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, CHRIST WILL BE OF NO ADVANTAGE TO YOU.
3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law.
4 You are severed from CHRIST, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.
5 For through the SPIRIT, "BY FAITH", we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.
6 For in CHRIST JESUS neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love."
For some, accepting a gift might prove to be a bit humbling, as one must accept that you did not earn the rewards being given to you. The gift of our salvation is a tremendously example of that premise. Most of us have something built inside of us that makes us want to believe we did something to merit our worth, or success. The words "BY FAITH", however, categorically removes all works from the equation.
My mind always goes back to July 2007 when my brain hemorrhaged. The first three days I was so heavily medicated I hardly remember anything. The next 17 days I was put into a medically induced coma of which I remember nothing. Medical records indicate that miraculous happenings occurred in those 21 days and nobody can take credit for them. My neurologist called me "GOD-THING" for a few years after, for he knew that my healing was something no man had control over, nor can take credit for!
There is nothing any of us can do to improve the work JESUS CHRIST performed for all during HIS earthly ministry. The Apostle Paul told the Galatians that circumcision would only return them to the "yoke of slavery" that THE LAW had them bound under. Giving more money to the church, teaching more Bible Study classes, nor any other list of honorable things will not assist you in getting into Heaven. Only "BY FAITH", if we believe, that JESUS did enough on the cross to pay for our salvation will we enter into eternal life.
Nobody can act good enough, nor can give enough money, nor can build enough buildings to impress the GOD who simply spoke the worlds into existence. The only thing we can do to merit any reward is "BY FAITH" trust that JESUS is GOD's SON and HE is our ONLY hope of salvation! There is a song titled "NO OTHER NAME BUT THE NAME OF JESUS". If we believe in HIS name, "BY FAITH" we have eternal life!!!
Monday, November 16, 2015
"I PUT MY TRUST IN YOU!"
Psalms 56:1-4 (ESV)
"1 Be gracious to me, O GOD, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me;
2 my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly.
3 When I am afraid, "I PUT MY TRUST IN YOU".
4 In GOD, whose word I praise, in GOD I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?"
Most people in civilized society used some sort of bank accounts to transact business. The public generally evaluates banks by their assets and abilities to accept risks. A really strong bank usually has enough reserves to generate adequate TRUST, therefore generating more reserves. However, the larger the bank grows the less risk they tend to accept leaving smaller clients with seemingly little hope at times. Putting our trust in GOD will not leave you in such a predicament.
The writer of this Psalm, King David, didn't have a lot of financial concerns. His problems generally came when he failed to keep his eyes on GOD and HIS divine plan. David was keeper of the sheep until he slew Goliath when he, BY FAITH, used a slingshot to kill the enemy of the LORD. GOD then directed HIS prophet Samuel to anoint David king when Saul continually disobeyed GOD's directives.
So why should King David be afraid of anything? GOD HIMSELF had called him to lead HIS children, so who could cause him tribulations? The enemy uses all kinds of disguises to get our eyes off of GOD's Glory. Whether we see a Bathsheba on a rooftop, or a fancy new vehicle, or a great deal of money, whatever gets our attention off of GOD's Plan for our lives is most likely from the enemy! When King David was afraid, he probably had his eyes off of GOD!
Today we can get our eyes on things that have no place in GOD's Plan for our lives. We have schemes and plans we think are something GOD can use, but Isaiah 55:8-9 says "For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways and MY thoughts than your thoughts". GOD wants us to be obedient and TRUST HIS Plan!
Following GOD's Plan isn't as easy as it would appear. Actually KNOWING GOD's Plan can be my biggest challenge. I can think I'm headed where GOD wants me to go, and then all doors close and it appears I have been abandoned in the wilderness? But GOD is in control of the wilderness, as well as the Temple, and HE has a Plan! HE is just wanting me to say "I PUT MY TRUST IN YOU "!
"1 Be gracious to me, O GOD, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me;
2 my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly.
3 When I am afraid, "I PUT MY TRUST IN YOU".
4 In GOD, whose word I praise, in GOD I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?"
Most people in civilized society used some sort of bank accounts to transact business. The public generally evaluates banks by their assets and abilities to accept risks. A really strong bank usually has enough reserves to generate adequate TRUST, therefore generating more reserves. However, the larger the bank grows the less risk they tend to accept leaving smaller clients with seemingly little hope at times. Putting our trust in GOD will not leave you in such a predicament.
The writer of this Psalm, King David, didn't have a lot of financial concerns. His problems generally came when he failed to keep his eyes on GOD and HIS divine plan. David was keeper of the sheep until he slew Goliath when he, BY FAITH, used a slingshot to kill the enemy of the LORD. GOD then directed HIS prophet Samuel to anoint David king when Saul continually disobeyed GOD's directives.
So why should King David be afraid of anything? GOD HIMSELF had called him to lead HIS children, so who could cause him tribulations? The enemy uses all kinds of disguises to get our eyes off of GOD's Glory. Whether we see a Bathsheba on a rooftop, or a fancy new vehicle, or a great deal of money, whatever gets our attention off of GOD's Plan for our lives is most likely from the enemy! When King David was afraid, he probably had his eyes off of GOD!
Today we can get our eyes on things that have no place in GOD's Plan for our lives. We have schemes and plans we think are something GOD can use, but Isaiah 55:8-9 says "For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways and MY thoughts than your thoughts". GOD wants us to be obedient and TRUST HIS Plan!
Following GOD's Plan isn't as easy as it would appear. Actually KNOWING GOD's Plan can be my biggest challenge. I can think I'm headed where GOD wants me to go, and then all doors close and it appears I have been abandoned in the wilderness? But GOD is in control of the wilderness, as well as the Temple, and HE has a Plan! HE is just wanting me to say "I PUT MY TRUST IN YOU "!
Sunday, November 15, 2015
"I AM CHIEF!"
1 Timothy 1:12-15 (KJV)
"12 And I thank CHRIST JESUS our LORD, WHO hath enabled me, for that HE counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our LORD was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in CHRIST JESUS.15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners; of whom "I AM CHIEF"!
The Apostle Paul is bound to go down as one of the most dedicated believers in the New Testament, if not the entire Holy Bible. He is credited with taking "at least four" missionary journeys, was imprisoned numerous times for a total of almost six years, and eventually had his head cut off for the sake of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul, while he was known as Saul, persecuted Christians until he met up with JESUS on the road to Damascus.
As bad as Saul was in his former days, he was as committed a Believer after his conversion. It seems most the most detestable "sinners" become the most effective witnesses for the Kingdom. Paul says he was "before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious", BUT he obtained mercy!
When examining my life's history I am left feeling that "I AM CHIEF" among the ones that have been accepted into eternal life! There are no murders, drug dealings, or other horrific "illegal" activities in my past, but when you consider how HOLY GOD is I am left feeling as though I am "filthy rags"! It takes just as much grace to save me as it takes to save a criminal of the worst magnitude. Now that is mercy!
There aren't enough words in the English language to describe the feelings of thanks and admiration I have for being called by GOD to be a Believer in JESUS CHRIST! All I can do is live my remaining days in this world displaying HIS love and mercy through my life to a world who hates HIM and HIS followers. There is no room for me to judge others, for as far as sinners go, "I AM CHIEF"!
"12 And I thank CHRIST JESUS our LORD, WHO hath enabled me, for that HE counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our LORD was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in CHRIST JESUS.15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners; of whom "I AM CHIEF"!
The Apostle Paul is bound to go down as one of the most dedicated believers in the New Testament, if not the entire Holy Bible. He is credited with taking "at least four" missionary journeys, was imprisoned numerous times for a total of almost six years, and eventually had his head cut off for the sake of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul, while he was known as Saul, persecuted Christians until he met up with JESUS on the road to Damascus.
As bad as Saul was in his former days, he was as committed a Believer after his conversion. It seems most the most detestable "sinners" become the most effective witnesses for the Kingdom. Paul says he was "before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious", BUT he obtained mercy!
When examining my life's history I am left feeling that "I AM CHIEF" among the ones that have been accepted into eternal life! There are no murders, drug dealings, or other horrific "illegal" activities in my past, but when you consider how HOLY GOD is I am left feeling as though I am "filthy rags"! It takes just as much grace to save me as it takes to save a criminal of the worst magnitude. Now that is mercy!
There aren't enough words in the English language to describe the feelings of thanks and admiration I have for being called by GOD to be a Believer in JESUS CHRIST! All I can do is live my remaining days in this world displaying HIS love and mercy through my life to a world who hates HIM and HIS followers. There is no room for me to judge others, for as far as sinners go, "I AM CHIEF"!
Saturday, November 14, 2015
"PERILOUS TIMES!"
2 Timothy 3:1 (KJV)
" This know also, that in the last days "PERILOUS TIMES" shall come."
Despite the current happenings in this world (like Paris, France) I try to not get tremendously upset or bothered. It seems that I do have to constantly remind myself of what JESUS said in John 16:33 "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD!" The entire world seems to not want to push their faith on others. Then when their FAITH is adequately hidden, the forces are darkness reveal themselves, and we act like GOD doesn't care that HIS LIGHT is not evident?
GOD HAS A PLAN! Sometimes I don't understand why bad things happen to seemingly good people, nor when unscrupulous people prosper? But I do know that GOD is in control and HIS Plan will be accomplished! Psalms 18:30 says "As for GOD, HIS WAY IS PERFECT: the word of the LORD is tried: HE is a buckler to all those that trust in HIM."
To understand that GOD is in control, even when evil seemingly prospers, is a faith lesson that has to be experienced! Perhaps you have heard it said "You just have to have been there"? Until you have experienced GOD being in control, when you can look back and KNOW there is no way you should have gotten through that which you came through, ONLY THEN can you truly KNOW that GOD is in control!
"PERILOUS TIMES" are coming, and are here! JESUS said in Matthew 5:14-16 that we can't hide our light from others! We will be persecuted (Matthew 24:9) so don't think that GOD has abandoned you when "this world" tries to put out your light! JESUS has overcome "this world" and HE will reign victorious, even in "PERILOUS TIMES"!!!
" This know also, that in the last days "PERILOUS TIMES" shall come."
Despite the current happenings in this world (like Paris, France) I try to not get tremendously upset or bothered. It seems that I do have to constantly remind myself of what JESUS said in John 16:33 "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD!" The entire world seems to not want to push their faith on others. Then when their FAITH is adequately hidden, the forces are darkness reveal themselves, and we act like GOD doesn't care that HIS LIGHT is not evident?
GOD HAS A PLAN! Sometimes I don't understand why bad things happen to seemingly good people, nor when unscrupulous people prosper? But I do know that GOD is in control and HIS Plan will be accomplished! Psalms 18:30 says "As for GOD, HIS WAY IS PERFECT: the word of the LORD is tried: HE is a buckler to all those that trust in HIM."
To understand that GOD is in control, even when evil seemingly prospers, is a faith lesson that has to be experienced! Perhaps you have heard it said "You just have to have been there"? Until you have experienced GOD being in control, when you can look back and KNOW there is no way you should have gotten through that which you came through, ONLY THEN can you truly KNOW that GOD is in control!
"PERILOUS TIMES" are coming, and are here! JESUS said in Matthew 5:14-16 that we can't hide our light from others! We will be persecuted (Matthew 24:9) so don't think that GOD has abandoned you when "this world" tries to put out your light! JESUS has overcome "this world" and HE will reign victorious, even in "PERILOUS TIMES"!!!
Friday, November 13, 2015
"GIVE GRACE!"
Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
"29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may "GIVE GRACE" to those who hear."
Just this one verse is enough to cause my Spirit to humbly evaluate my actions for quite some time. The WORDS we speak can be used to build people up, or they can be used to brutally tear people down! We choose to be kind, and we choose to be "not so kind"! Even when we are delivering an unpleasant message it can be done in a respectful manner.
Allowing our emotions to control the words that proceed from our lips is one of the least responsible things we can do. And from past experience, it seems when you get started it is hard to stop being critical. Why should we desire to bury someone when we are delivering unpleasant words? In my past I have been guilty of being less than kind where I could have "GIVEN GRACE" to others.
A few years back I was delivered some news at my office from a business acquaintance. He was very straight to the point and almost belligerent! I was left feeling almost less than human as the oration was completed. It has taken me quite sometime to get over the humiliation dealt to me that day. But everything has its purpose and GOD is showing me where I might have been a little less than compassionate in my dealings with people in my past. Matthew 7:2, "For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you"; has a completely new meaning for me!
If we "GIVE GRACE" that same grace could be extended to us when we are un need of it. I don't want to ever make people feel the way I felt that day in my office. My desire is to display the love of CHRIST in my life and "GIVE GRACE" in my dealings with others!!!
"29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may "GIVE GRACE" to those who hear."
Just this one verse is enough to cause my Spirit to humbly evaluate my actions for quite some time. The WORDS we speak can be used to build people up, or they can be used to brutally tear people down! We choose to be kind, and we choose to be "not so kind"! Even when we are delivering an unpleasant message it can be done in a respectful manner.
Allowing our emotions to control the words that proceed from our lips is one of the least responsible things we can do. And from past experience, it seems when you get started it is hard to stop being critical. Why should we desire to bury someone when we are delivering unpleasant words? In my past I have been guilty of being less than kind where I could have "GIVEN GRACE" to others.
A few years back I was delivered some news at my office from a business acquaintance. He was very straight to the point and almost belligerent! I was left feeling almost less than human as the oration was completed. It has taken me quite sometime to get over the humiliation dealt to me that day. But everything has its purpose and GOD is showing me where I might have been a little less than compassionate in my dealings with people in my past. Matthew 7:2, "For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you"; has a completely new meaning for me!
If we "GIVE GRACE" that same grace could be extended to us when we are un need of it. I don't want to ever make people feel the way I felt that day in my office. My desire is to display the love of CHRIST in my life and "GIVE GRACE" in my dealings with others!!!
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