"GOOD WORKS?"

Ephesians 2:8-10                        (ESV)

"8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is NOT YOUR OWN DOING; it is the GIFT OF GOD,

9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

10 For we are HIS workmanship, created in CHRIST JESUS for "GOOD WORKS", which GOD prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Have you ever heard the phrase "Sometimes it isn't what you do, it is HOW you do it that counts"?  That phrase could have been used in the letter to the Ephesians.  Paul stated in Ephesians 2:8-9 that our salvation was a GIFT OF GOD.  If something is a GIFT, the only thing we have to do is accept that GIFT.  The GIFT GIVER determines which GIFT we should receive AND when that GIFT should be revealed to us.  

Believers do not perform "GOOD WORKS" to gain salvation, rather our "GOOD WORKS" are because of our salvation.  Believers are bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and the Holy Spirit indwells us to glorify JEHOVAH.  One translation declares we are GOD's "masterpiece" created in CHRIST JESUS to perform acts that glorify GOD.  GOD chose some of us "before the foundations of the world" (Ephesians 1:4) to glorify HIM.  HE chose me.  I wasn't smart enough, wise enough, or good enough to choose HIM!

The "GOOD WORKS" we do are all because HE has called us into them.  Verse 10 above clearly states "which GOD prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them".  It is certainly not because I am better than my brother or sister.  GOD "prepared" me to display HIS grace, mercy, long-suffering, and goodness to others.  When I think about myself and my problems all the time I am not displaying HIM, rather displaying my problems!  

GOD could have created beings that had no choice but to serve HIM.  Instead HE created us IN HIS OWN IMAGE (Genesis 1:27) but with a choice to live for HIM or not.  When we choose HIM it is because HE "draws" us to HIM (John 6:44).  HE draws us to HIM and then performs "GOOD WORKS" because of us living for HIM!  My prayer is the "GOOD WORKS" of GOD aren't hidden by my lack of obedience and trusting in HIM.  

"I AM JEHOVAH!"

Isaiah 45:5-6                     (American Standard Version)

"5 "I AM JEHOVAH", and there is none else; BESIDES ME THERE IS NO GOD. I will gird thee, though thou hast not known me;

6 that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none besides me: "I AM JEHOVAH", and there is NONE ELSE.

Some would like to debate about whether or not there is a God?  They have serious doubts about whether an invisible, almighty being could have "spoken" the heavens and earth into existence.  Some like to refer to the "Big Bang Theory" as when everything began.  I am sure that when YAHWEH said "LET THERE BE...." that is created a huge noise!  Just because there is no human explanation for what GOD creates, it doesn't mean that GOD is not real.  I wouldn't think much of a "God" that could be defined or explained by the subjects created by that God?

GOD lets it be known that "I AM JEHOVAH" throughout creation and history.  Mankind can try to explain the acts and decrees from GOD, but HE can never be explained or capsuled into any idea.  An earthquake occurs, a tsunami happens, a monumental snow storm falls, numerous killer tornados on one day.....as intelligent as mankind has become we CANNOT prevent the Hand of ALMIGHTY GOD from carrying out HIS will.  

JEHOVAH literally mean "I AM"!   So Isaiah 45:5 could read "I AM I AM"!  There is nothing else beside "I AM".  There is no other being as Holy or Valid as as JEHOVAH.  All other gods are from the enemy, and attempting to be a replacement for JEHOVAH.   There is no other name WORTHY of mentioning when JEHOVAH is named, for to do so would elevate them beyond their actual value!

"I AM JEHOVAH" will one day be recognized for Who HE is!  Isaiah 45:23 says "Before ME every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear".  In Exodus 14:4 GOD says that HE will harden Pharaohs heart, and the "Egyptians shall know that "I AM JEHOVAH".  AND THEY DID SO".  We ALL will bow before GOD one day and proclaim that HE IS JEHOVAH.  The question for us today is, are we willing to give JEHOVAH HIS glory with our lives NOW?  

Donald C. Barlow 1933-2015

Matthew 6:31-34                            (ESV)

"31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'

32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Today I am a bit subdued.  As some of you know my father-in-law, Don Barlow, passed away Monday morning.  He was 81 years old.  Don was an example of steadiness like few other people I have known.  He almost never seemed angry beyond control.  He had a calming affect on me, even before I even knew I was calming down!

The one thing I always bragged on Don about was, before my wife suckered into marrying me almost 31 years ago, the burner on their cook stove went out.  Don went to the appliance store and was told a new burner would cost $29.95!  Now, I would have gladly paid money to avoid buying a new stove.  But Don said he would pass on the burner!  He went home and melted down an aluminum head from a old push mower, poured the molten aluminum into a mold he built, and built his own burner out of the lawn mower head!  The burner worked fine and Don still had his $29.95!

Don had a way of figuring out a way when the odds were not in his favor.  He always seemed to be in control, even when some hairy, whipper-snapper wanted to marry his 20 year-old daughter!  He ALWAYS was there to help, but never interfered.  The one word I would say that described Don was .......... PROVIDER.  He and his lovely wife Helon, were always there for their children when the need got to be more than we could handle.  Whether financial, emotional, or we just needed advice on how to handle a situation, Don was there every time I asked him for direction.

Our Heavenly Father is like that also.  GOD is always there for us whenever we call upon HIM.  GOD usually waits to hear from us, but HE is ALWAYS there when we call upon HIM.  Why do I try to figure things out on my own?  Why do I want everything to work out in my understanding when GOD already has HIS plan for our lives?  GOD blessed me with a wonderful example of some of HIS greatest characteristics for 30+ years.  My prayer is I will be half the example to my children and grandchildren until HE returns!

"SEEMS RIGHT!"

Proverbs 14:12                         (ESV)

"There is a way that "SEEMS RIGHT" to a man, but its end is the way to death."

Over the weekend there were several items that GOD put on my heart to study more deeply.  But the ONE THING that is central to all of those things is listening to what GOD instructs me to do.  A person can do that which "SEEMS RIGHT" during their entire life, but GOD wants us listening to HIS guidance and direction.  

There are times when the path I am to take seems very clear.  Everything seems to be falling into place at exactly the right time.  There are other times when I seem to be walking in a dark fog, not being able to know which direction to walk in?  It is not as though GOD is instructing me to WAIT, it is more like HE is silent not saying anything.  Could it be that HE is desiring me to more intently listen to and for HIS voice!  

One thing I have learned in my life is that when you don't have clear direction from GOD, you are better off not moving!  Barreling ahead without HIS leadership is a dangerous thing for a novice to do.  GOD loves us TOO much to leave us with no clear direction or instruction in our lives.  In Genesis 26, GOD told Isaac NOT to do the logical thing and go to Egypt during the famine.  Heading to where there was food to feed his family SEEMED to be the thing to do.  But just because a direction "SEEMS RIGHT" doesn't equate to GOD directing that way!

Isaiah 55:8 says "For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, declares the LORD."  When GOD is being quiet, it may mean that I need to become more quiet! HE may be directing me to listen for HIM more earnestly and sincerely.  HE may be seeing if I am willing to WAIT ON HIM?  To be certain, there is one thing I have learned, and that is you don't want to take a path just because it "SEEMS RIGHT"!   

"A NEW CREATURE!"

2 Corinthians 5:16-17         (KJV)

"16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

17 Therefore if ANY MAN be in Christ, he is "A NEW CREATURE": old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

While watching college basketball the "ticker" at bottom of the television screen had the news of a famous baseball player passing away.  In describing the player the network used his given name, his nickname, and the words African-American.  In an online article it had the players "Scouting Report" from the Minor Leagues and it described him as a Negro-American.  I always just thought of him as the greatest shortstop to ever play the game!

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all could use the language GOD uses when describing others?  After all, how many of us are truly the skin color we are called?  Have you ever seen a truly YELLOW, RED, BLACK, or WHITE person?  I am of the belief that the only COLOR that will matter on Judgement Day is the COLOR of the blood of JESUS!!

GOD's Word describes us as "A NEW CREATURE", if we are in CHRIST.  JESUS transforms us to new beings when HE regenerates us.  'Old things' are gone!  'All things' have become new!  When all of the "Old things" are removed from your life, the Old" language must go also.  The new language will be included in the "All things" have become new in your life!

Describing my friends has not always been easy for me.  Using skin color to describe a person has been something I have given up as the maturation process has unfolded in my life.  Using the GOD language of "A NEW CREATURE" is preferable language now.  The joy of being "A NEW CREATURE" is something that is a blessing from GOD!   Why would you want to remind someone of the "Old things"??

"FOR YOU I WAIT!"

Psalms 25:4-5                              (ESV)

"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."

Not only do I need to make sure I am doing exactly WHAT the LORD wants me to do, I need to WAIT on HIS timing to accomplish HIS plan!  Had the children of Israel (Exodus 14) tried crossing the Red Sea to quickly, they most assuredly would have drown.  Had they waited too long to cross, the Egyptians would have overtaken them.  Instead, the Egyptians followed them into the Red Sea and at "precisely" the right time were "consumed" by the waters returning to their banks.  GOD got glory over Pharaoh and his followers while teaching us all a lesson about HIS timing!

For us "to know YOUR ways, O LORD" is a MUST.  If we are not doing what GOD has called us to do, we are like a ship with no rudder.   We must continually stay in HIS Word and before HIS throne for HIS guidance to be exhibited in our lives. Too often I have tried steering "my ship" on my own, and I always end up in a storm!  When that happens, I come running back to HIM wondering what went wrong?  Where did I mess up?  

The lesson of "FOR YOU I WAIT" has NOT been an easy one for me to learn!  My mentality has always been to have to be doing something!  Exodus 14:14 says "The LORD will fight for you, and YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT!" King David, the writer of this Psalm, KNEW that GOD has a timetable and that working outside of that timetable was futile.  King David may have been a "mighty warrior", but he knew that GOD could do FAR more than man could accomplish.  

Waiting on the LORD can be an excruciating thing!  We live in such a fast-paced, hectic lifestyle that says that everything MUST get done by us.  We must recognize that trying to work things out on our own certainly will lead us into danger.  "FOR YOU I WAIT" needs to become my mantra in life.  The experience of me steering my ship has proven to be less than favorable. When my epitaph is written, may it be "FOR YOU I WAIT" from now on!

"I and the FATHER are ONE!"

John 13:34-35                          (ESV)

"34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

John 10:30                                (ESV)

"I and the FATHER are ONE."

Recently I viewed a video about a man named Dr. Mark Gabriel, a convert to Christianity from the Islamic faith.  My bible study teacher called me at lunch and told me I had to see this video. Dr. Gabriel was raised to be a leading professor of Islamic Studies in Egypt.  He had memorized the entire Quran by age 12!  He attended Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, the oldest university in the world.  But GOD........

When I viewed the video I was moved by a statement made by Dr. Gabriel about John 13:34. JESUS, when speaking to HIS disciples, told them "a new commandment "I" give you".  JESUS did not "get" a message from GOD, because HE was GOD in the flesh!   John 10:30 makes it very clear that JESUS is/was GOD.  GOD came to earth IN A BODY to pay a ransom we weren't able to pay for our redemption! 

In John 8 JESUS lets the Jews know that "I AM" was among them!  They picked up stones to kill HIM then, but HE evaded them.  What it took me a long time to understand was, GOD IS SPIRIT (John 4:24) and I was always thinking of things from a flesh (physical body) point of view.  We live inside the temporary temples we know as BODIES for a few short years, then we move to our SPIRITUAL home........mine with GOD!

The Spirit of GOD, through JESUS CHRIST, lives in me (Romans 8:11).  GOD changed the whole dynamic of LIVING when HE sent The HOLY SPIRIT to be our Comforter.  We are created to glorify GOD while we are here on earth, just as JESUS did.  When the earthly ministry of JESUS was completed, HE ascended to Heaven.  Just like JESUS, one day my Spirit will ascend to Heaven and I will worship and praise HIM forever!  My prayer is your spirit will do the same.

THAT THEY MAY KNOW!"

Joshua 3:7                                    (ESV)
"The LORD said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, "THAT THEY MAY KNOW" that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you."



When GOD speaks to a person, or through a person, HE does it for HIS glory.  Scripture is filled with individuals who were used by GOD for HIS glory, and were not interested in self-glorification.  When an individual is humble and gives glory to GOD, there is a distinction about them that is easy to identify.  Likewise, when someone is interested in increasing themselves before men, the arrogance leaves an unmistakable stench that cannot be hidden.

Joshua was given the task of leading an entire nation (some say as many as 3 million people) from the wilderness into Canaan, the Promised Land.  It is called the Promised Land because GOD had promised in Genesis 12:7 to give the land to Abraham and his descendants.  Joshua was "exalted", not because he was worthy, but because GOD knew HE would be glorified through Joshua.   The skills that Joshua possessed were unique because those skills came from GOD.

Just like Moses, his predecessor, Joshua had his faults.  But in his heart, he obeyed GOD and GOD blessed his actions.  When GOD blessed the actions of Joshua, GOD was given the praise.  GOD told Joshua in chapter 3:7 "THAT THEY MAY KNOW" that "I" was with Moses and that "I" will be with you!  GOD did not exalt Joshua because he was self-centered and desired to glorify himself, GOD exalted Joshua so that Israel would know YAHWEH was GOD!

It may be a dangerous thing to take credit for something that GOD has performed.  To accept GOD's glory would indicate that someone thinks they are as important and majestic as the Creator.  GOD has demonstrated HIS power with many so-called leaders throughout history so "THAT THEY MAY KNOW" HIS power.  My prayer is that if GOD exalts me, that I will continually give HIM the glory HE deserves!

"HE WILL!"

Deuteronomy 31:1-6                        (KJV)
"1 And Moses went and spake these words unto all Israel.
2 And he said unto them, I am an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: also the LORD hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.
3 The LORD thy GOD, "HE WILL" GO OVER BEFORE THEE, and "HE WILL" destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: and Joshua, HE shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said.
4 And the LORD shall do unto them as he did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites, and unto the land of them, whom HE destroyed.
5 And the LORD shall give them up before your face, that ye may do unto them according unto all the commandments which I have commanded you.
6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy GOD, HE it is that doth go with thee; "HE WILL" not fail thee, nor forsake thee."




If GOD is everything to us, why do we talk about all evil and turmoil surrounding us?  Why do we say we have the HOLY SPIRIT living inside of us, yet we worry about a medical test, or next month's bills?  Numerous scriptures are filled with HIS promise to go before us and provide all our needs.  But we want to fret and figure out things we really have no control over?

The children of Israel were delivered from the captivity of the Egyptians, the most feared army of that day, by GOD parting the Red Sea.  Not only did GOD save HIS people, HE completely obliterated the dreadful enemy at the same time!  Exodus 14:28 says "not so much as one of them" (Egyptians) remained.  And wouldn't you know it, no sooner than GOD had delivered them from one obstacle, the Israelites started crying because they didn't have food and water for their journey!

Regretfully, I exhibit the same lack of FAITH in my journey of life.  GOD has worked miraculous things in my life, only to have me start wondering how HE is going to get me through the next hardship.  While I should be honoring and praising HIM for the successes HE has allowed me to be a part of, I want to start complaining about the food running short or the water being to warm!  We are created to glorify HIM, not for HIM to be our "piggy-bank" in the sky!

The words "HE WILL", or HE shall, or HE did, fill the six verses above!  GOD desires to fulfill our needs and desires, HE only wants us to praise and honor HIM!  When we start trying to figure out how we can help HIM, it is akin to us saying we don't trust GOD ALMIGHTY!  GOD delivered the Israelites into the Promised Land and HE desires to do the same for me. All I have to do is follow HIM and let fight my battles!  "HE WILL" not fail me, and "HE WILL" not forsake me!!

"FIXING OUR EYES!"

Hebrews 12:2                           (NASB)

"FIXING OUR EYES" on JESUS, the author and perfecter of faith, WHO for the joy set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of GOD.

My eyesight has always been great.  When I was about 40 years old, however, I began to need "readers" (magnifying glasses) as smaller print became more and more out of focus.  The print hadn't changed, my ability to SEE the message hadn't changed, I could see the message was still there, but I couldn't SEE the message that was before me as my eyes could not bring the message into focus.  

As I mature Spiritually, what I SEE when I read scripture continues to CHANGE ME everyday. Yes, the world continues to spiral into Godlessness with everything moving faster and faster.  Maybe the enemy wants us to be so caught up in our lifestyles that we are TOO BUSY to worship the GOD of Creation?  As long as we are "enjoying ourselves" and not worshipping GOD JEHOVAH, the enemy is pleased.

"FIXING OUR EYES" upon the author and perfecter of center-piece of what we believe in is what we are instructed to do in Romans 12.  We can focus on a bigger house, more earthly possessions, being more physically fit, or anything other than "the things of Heaven" and we are fulfilling the enemies purpose.  Revelation 4:11 says “Worthy are YOU, our LORD and our GOD, to receive glory and honor and power; for YOU created all things, and because of YOUR will they existed, AND WERE CREATED.”  In this verse, we are not instructed to admonish the heathen, nor correct the brethren, rather to FIX OUR EYES upon JESUS!  HE is our GOD, and there is no other!  

While it is true the enemy exists and should be recognized, our focus and attention should be "FIXING OUR EYES" upon JESUS, and the things of Heaven!  GOD inhabits our praise!  HE wants nothing more than for us to GLORIFY and MAGNIFY HIS name. When we do that, HE can do what HE promised in Exodus 14:14 when HE told Moses "The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent!!"   GOD doesn't desire us to run around talking about the enemy.  GOD desires us to be "FIXING OUR EYES" upon HIM and let HIM take care of the enemies of our lives!!

"MINE ENEMIES!"

2 Samuel 22:38-42                    (KJV)

"38 I have pursued "MINE ENEMIES", and DESTROYED them; and turned not again until I had consumed them.

39 And I have consumed them, and wounded them, that THEY COUNT NOT ARISE: yea, they are fallen under my feet.

40 For thou hast girded me with strength to battle: them that rose up against me hast thou subdued under me.

41 THOU HAST ALSO GIVEN ME THE NECKS OF "MINE ENEMIES", that I might DESTROY them that hate me.

42 They looked, but there was 

none to save; even unto the LORD, but he answered them not."

King David was one of the mightiest warriors to ever live.  Yet, he was also known as a shepherd boy who tended his fathers sheep.  He was not perfect, and his failures are well documented in scripture.  But he has a heart for GOD that was unmistakable!  GOD blessed HIS children (Israel) while David was their leader.  The tiny nation of Israel conquered "MINE ENEMIES" during King David's reign, not because of King David's superior skills on the battlefield, but because Israel acknowledged GOD for who HE was and is! 

Today the world refuses to identify the enemy for who he really is.  YHWH is a just and righteous GOD and HE will share HIS glory with no other.  Isaiah 42:8 says "I am the LORD: that is my name: and MY GLORY WILL I NOT GIVE TO ANOTHER, neither my praise to graven images."  We cannot allow any other god to be considered equal to I AM, GOD JEHOVAH.  

In 2 Samuel 22:2-4 scripture records "And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The GOD of my rock; in HIM will I trust: HE is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my SAVIOUR; thou savest me from violence.  I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies."  King David not only identified with GOD JEHOVAH, he was friends with HIM.  Because of David's close relationship with GOD, David could identify the enemy and he understood the enemy needed to be destroyed (2 Samuel 22:41)!  

We need to identify the enemy in our lives.  The best way to properly identify the enemy is to be close friends with GOD JEHOVAH!  "MINE ENEMIES" will make themselves readily known when the meet up with GOD (Acts 19:15).  The enemy will be self-identified when he is exposed to TRUTH!  I pray my life will be so friendly with GOD that "MINE ENEMIES" will recognize HIM in everything I say and do.  

 

"WAIT PATIENTLY!"

Psalms 37:3-7                       (ESV)

"3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. 

4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and HE will give you the desires of your heart. 

5 Commit your way to the LORD; TRUST IN HIM, and HE will act. 

6 HE will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. 

7 BE STILL before the LORD and "WAIT PATIENTLY" for HIM; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!"

Most know that one of my favorite verse is Psalms 46:10, "BE STILL, and know that I AM GOD.....".  Another favorite of mine is Psalms 27:14 that says "WAIT ON THE LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; WAIT FOR THE LORD!"  I also like Psalms 37:4 which says "Delight yourself in the LORD, and HE will give you the desires of your heart."  This morning while reading through some of the Psalms, I ran across Psalms 37:7!  There was little doubt GOD had this scripture put into HIS WORD for me!

There seems to be a propensity on my part to assume that the ones put into authority must have done something right or else they wouldn't be where they are?  Why else would the one's in power be where they are?  If someone is elevated above their pay grade, their descent will no doubt be painful.  Pharaoh was in a position of leadership of Egypt.  He released the children of Israel, only to chase after them.  When the children of Israel saw him coming, they began to cry to Moses.  Of course we know that GOD used Pharaoh's position and arrogance to "get glory over Pharaoh and all his hosts" (Exodus 14:17)!  When we TRUST IN HIM (GOD) we not only TRUST HIM for results, but we TRUST HIM for the results to come in HIS TIMING!

GOD used the same words from some of my favorite scriptures to speak to my heart today.  "BE STILL", "WAIT", and PATIENTLY" are almost foreign concepts to my personality.  Maybe my personality has to yield to HIS plan and purpose for my life?  I may have to endure a Pharaoh (Exodus 14) in my life for a period of time, but scripture records Pharaoh's ultimate fate!  Scripture says when we TRUST IN HIM, HE WILL ACT!  HE may not act when we think HE needs to, but HIS plan is always best...........and HE IS GOD!  HE doesn't need to satisfy our agenda!

Our idea of utopia may not be best at all?  GOD's plan for our lives may have prosperity, or HIS plan may have valleys?  But HE has promised to be with us in our valleys (Psalms 23:4), we just have to learn to "WAIT PATIENTLY" for HIM!  

"JUDGE NOT!"

Matthew 7:1-5                      (ESV)

"1 "JUDGE NOT", that you be not judged.

2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.

3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye?

5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."

It is quite easy to condemn others for the perceived wrongs they do with their lives.  The world continues to spiral into a Sodom and Gomorrah-like culture and most in the church want to discuss how evil and bad the world is becoming.  In John 8, the scribes and Pharisees had found a woman in sin.  They questioned him on whether she should be stoned, and HE said "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her."

No one wants to talk about THEIR OWN behavior.  No one wants to say to GOD "look at how good I am".  In James 2:10 scripture records "For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in ONE POINT has become accountable for all of it."  If I am so busy examining other people's shortcomings, I won't have time clean my own house?  The enemy is a master of disguise!  As long as he can get us focused on the sins of others, we will not compare ourselves to OUR CREATOR!  The enemy doesn't want us looking to CHRIST, as when our eyes are on CHRIST they are not on him.  When we are judging others we are usually are comparing them to a standard that WE ourselves can not meet.  

But what about ME?  What makes me think I am not like the Pharisees in the time of JESUS?  The words "JUDGE NOT" that you be not judged' are very humbling.  It has been said that "I am not judging, I'm just fruit inspecting".  Be careful not to "fruit inspect" in a judgemental manner, for GOD knows your heart and thoughts.  HE is the ultimate Judge and I don't want to be accused of trying to be HIM.  

"SLOW TO SPEAK!"

James 1:19-21                             (ESV)

"19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let EVERY PERSON be quick to hear, "SLOW TO SPEAK", slow to anger;

20 FOR THE ANGER OF MAN DOES NOT PRODUCE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD.

21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive WITH MEEKNESS the IMPLANTED WORD, which is able to save your souls."

There is something to be said for being BOLD and and speaking TRUTH to those who will listen!  In 2 Corinthians 3 the Apostle Paul talks about not being like Moses when he put a veil over his face before addressing the nation of Israel.  But a few verses later, in Chapter 4, Paul writes that, in the case of some, the world has been blinded to the truth and they can't SEE or UNDERSTAND TRUTH because the prince of this world has blinded them.  

JESUS said in John 14:6 "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the TRUTH, and the life."  Personally I want everyone to know the TRUTH that I have come to know, the TRUTH that gives joy and peace without measure!  No matter how much we love a person and want them to come to the same saving knowledge of JESUS CHRIST that we know, scripture says in John 6:44 that "NO ONE can come to me unless the FATHER who sent me DRAWS HIM. And I will raise him up on the last day."  We can't force someone to see TRUTH, only pray that the TRUTH will be revealed to them.   

Knowing when to SPEAK WITH BOLDNESS and when to be "SLOW TO SPEAK" is something that GOD is still teaching me!  Maybe it is the HEART that GOD is most concerned with?  If I speak in anger, I probably need to be slower to speak!  If I am speaking out of love and compassion for a persons eternal condition, being BOLD may be called for?  Knowing whether to SPEAK WITH BOLDNESS or to be "SLOW TO SPEAK" can only come from the Spirit of GOD.  The same GOD who wants us to SPEAK WITH BOLDNESS desires for us to, at times, be "SLOW TO SPEAK".  

Being led by the Spirit of GOD should be the desire of every believer.  For me, being "SLOW TO SPEAK" has always been one of GOD's biggest challenges!  GOD has a way of displaying HIS omnipotence in ways that words cannot describe.  There are something's we simply do not have the vocabulary to describe.  GOD is awesome like that.  Yet, HIS word tells us in Romans 10:17 that "...faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of CHRIST".  We need to share the riches of GOD to a lost and dying world, but we must wait for the Spirit of GOD to lead us.  Being "SLOW TO SPEAK" means WAITING upon HIM!  

"a SERVANT"

Romans 1:1                               (KJV)

"Paul, "a SERVANT" of Jesus Christ, CALLED to be an apostle, SEPARATED unto the gospel of GOD."

Recently a brother in CHRIST was conversing online our faith with someone and I added the verse above to the conversation.  The Apostle Paul considered himself nothing more than slave, or a SERVANT, to the ministry he was CALLED to.  Paul continued that he was SEPARATED to be used in the gospel of GOD.  That privilege of being used by the CREATOR to illuminate people's minds cannot be described.  

Not everyone has the ability to SEE the things of GOD.  John 12:37-43 says that "they could not believe" because GOD had "blinded" their eyes and "hardened" their hearts.  Even the Pharisees of that day, thought to be the upper class in the church, were blinded because "they loved the PRAISE OF MEN more than the praise of God."  

Not everyone is interested in SERVING GOD.  They are more interested in making acquaintances at church to grow their business or socialize with friends.   If someone sits in THEIR PEW, or parks in THEIR SPOT, or no one consults them about a change in the order of a worship service they feel as though someone is out to get them!  

The "worship service" is not about me!  WORSHIP means that we are there to adore and celebrate GOD ALMIGHTY!  HE alone is the only ONE worthy of WORSHIP.  SERVICE is all about being a "SERVANT"!  Being upset about someone sitting in our spot, or parking where we ALWAYS park, etc.. is not exactly what Paul was referring to by being SEPARATED.  A believer should not feel SPECIAL because GOD has CALLED them to be SEPARATED.  After all, we are nothing more than "a SERVANT" of The MOST HIGH GOD!  

"ALL THESE THINGS!"

Matthew 7:25-34                (ESV)

"25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,

29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will HE not much more clothe you, O YOU OF LITTLE FAITH?

31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'

32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and "ALL THESE THINGS" will be added to you.

34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Matthew 6:33 has always been one of my favorites.  "ALL THESE THINGS" will be added to you" was the main thing I would see.  Not slowing down long enough to see what JESUS was saying in verses 25-32, my main interest was in "ALL THESE THINGS"!  Earthly desires and possessions always seem to wiggle their way into my thought patterns as I attempt to serve GOD.  And GOD doesn't need earthly possessions for us to glorify HIS name, HE only needs us honor and obey HIM!

The SON OF GOD came to walk a path that NO ONE else would have chosen.  HE left HIS throne in Heaven to come to earth to purchase salvation for all who believed in HIM.  HE knew HE was the only ONE who could pay our sin debt.  And mankind rejected HIM.  They couldn't believe that a KING would manifest HIMSELF as a suffering servant so mankind would have an avenue to Heaven!

Sine JESUS was and is GOD, why didn't HE avoid going to Jerusalem to be arrested during Passover?  Why was it that the rulers of HIS day just happened to capture HIM on the very day they did?   There were over 350 prophecies fulfilled by the life of JESUS CHRIST.  A "conservative" estimate of someone fulfilling just EIGHT of the 350+ prophecies is 1 in 1,000,000,000,000,000,000*!  Imagine what the number would be if all 350 fulfilled prophecies were considered!

In verse 30 of the text above, JESUS says "O YOU OF LITTLE FAITH".  GOD was walking right in front of their eyes and they couldn't even "see" HIM!  But aren't we in a similar condition today?  GOD has manifested HIMSELF in my life in more ways that I care to admit to, yet I still want everything to happen according to MY plan.  When I get into a difficulty and don't know the way out of it, JESUS is there saying "You believe in GOD, believe in me also!"  HE lives in us and desires to guide our lives.  But we (Self) want to run things according to our own plan.  

Until we allow HIM to reign in our life alone, we will live in defeat!  JESUS desires to rule our lives, but HE can't do that from the "co-pilot" seat!  When GOD becomes the ruler of a life, the desires and passions of that life suddenly change to the things that glorify GOD.  "ALL THESE THINGS" that I used to dream of and cherish fade into the reality of making sure HE is glorified in everything I do.  GOD, I pray that YOU will become the focal point of everything I say and do and that I will trust YOU to provide "ALL THESE THINGS" in my life!

*(http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/radio034.htm)

"PAY WHAT YOU VOW!!"

Ecclesiastes 5:3-5                 (NASB)

"3 For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words. 

4 When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. "PAY WHAT YOU VOW"! 

5 It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay."

The Congress of the United States of America consists of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives.  The House has members that are "Representatives" of the people they are elected to SERVE.  "Representatives" are NOT elected to serve a caucus or political party.  "Representatives" are elected to serve constituents of the district they are elected from.

The oath each "Representative" has to repeat each time they are re-elected to the House of "Representatives" is listed below:  “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”

Yesterday was the appointed day that Congress was "sworn in" for this term.  As you can see, our elected officials swear to perform their prescribed duties "So help me God"!  One has to wonder how seriously the aforementioned elected officials take their oath, especially the portion "So help me God"?  The writer of Ecclesiastes (thought by many to be King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live) wrote in chapter 5 verse 4 that "HE (GOD) takes no delight in fools.  PAY WHAT YOU VOW"!

The United States of America was founded upon a belief that The Almighty had his hand upon this nation. The founders witnessed too many instances of The Almighty's providence in our beginnings.  When the United States of America began to believe that this nation had accomplished superiority on its own (without GOD's intervention), we began our decline!  

Perhaps our elected "Representatives" would benefit from studying the "oath" they take?  Perhaps the church would benefit from studying who we claim to be when we say we are "Christians"?  Everyone should understand that our very existence is a gift from GOD, and we are blessed to even have our breath!  We will be expected to "PAY WHAT YOU VOW", especially the OATHS we vow to HIM!!!

"THE JUDGMENT: SO CHRIST!"

Luke 23:42-43                           (KJV)

"42 And he said unto JESUS, LORD, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

43 And JESUS said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with ME in paradise."

Rev. Billy Graham was recently quoted in this article (final three paragraphs) that I feel compelled to share.  Rev. Graham is 96 years old and his time on earth is nearing an end.  But he knows where he is headed, and he knows you can rest in the same peace he does.  

Hebrews 9:27-28 says "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this "THE JUDGMENT: SO CHRIST" was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."  I find it interesting that the words THE JUDGMENT are followed by the words SO CHRIST!  As Rev. Graham so aptly points out, “There is no judgment, no Hell, for those who are in Christ” !!!

“There is no judgment, no Hell, for those who are in Christ,” he said. “You can confess your sins, turn your back on your sins and receive Jesus Christ as your Savior now. At this moment, you can bow your head and say, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ (Luke 18:13). He will hear that simple prayer.”
In concluding his commentary, Rev. Graham said, “You can have the hope of Heaven today, so that if you died tonight, you would be ready to meet your God. You would go straight into His presence!”
Even if you are an elderly man or woman lying on a sickbed and you have never made your peace with God, it is still not too late,” said Graham.  “The dying thief on the cross turned to Christ and said, ‘Lord, remember me.’ And Jesus replied, ‘Today you will be with me in Paradise’ (Luke 23:42-43).”

"THEY DID NOT BELIEVE IN GOD!"

Psalms 78:19-22                            (ESV)

"19 They spoke against GOD, saying, "Can GOD spread a table in the wilderness? 

20 HE struck the rock so that water gushed out and streams overflowed. Can HE also give bread or provide meat for HIS people?" 

21 Therefore, when the LORD heard, HE was full of wrath; a fire was kindled against Jacob; HIS  anger rose against Israel, 

22 Because "THEY DID NOT BELIEVE IN GOD" and did not trust HIS saving power."

There was always a respect for my grandfather when I was growing up.  I did not always agree with him, as he was 50 years my senior.  But I always knew he had experience on his side, and that almost always proved to benefit him........and me!  

Some of the children of Israel didn't trust GOD as much as they needed too.  King David knew his ancestors had doubted the ability of GOD to provide their needs.  King David remembered how GOD had provided for the children of Israel and he trusted that GOD would still do it for him.  

GOD's Word is full of instances of HIM providing the needs of HIS children.  GOD still provides for us today.  There are times we become so fixated on what we THINK we need and think GOD should provide for us.  We pray for GOD to provide our wants and when HE doesn't we think we have not been good enough?  When all along, we may be fitting into the "THEY DID NOT BELIEVE IN GOD" mode and trusting HIM for our needs?  

We are created to glorify GOD (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).  GOD doesn't owe us anything.  HE provides our needs out of HIS mercy and grace and KNOWING what is best for us.  All HE asks of us is to have FAITH in HIM! (Hebrews 11:6).  The LORD was "full of wrath" when HE saw HIS children did not trust HIM to provide for them.  My prayer is that "THEY DID NOT BELIEVE IN GOD" never be used to describe my life!  

"YOU KNOW HIM!"

John 4:24                          (ESV)

"GOD is Spirit, and those who worship HIM must worship in spirit and truth." 

John 14:1                          (ESV)

""Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in GOD; believe also in ME."

John 14:16-17                   (ESV)

"16 And I will ask the Father, and HE will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,

17 even the SPIRIT of TRUTH, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees HIM nor knows HIM. "YOU KNOW HIM", for HE dwells with you and will be in you."

It seems the entire WORLD gets so caught up in what we can see, feel, and touch that we tend to ignore the spirit world.  The spirit world is actually MORE REAL than the things we can see, feel, and touch.  Yet our mentality is so geared to accept the things we can see, feel, and touch by the WORLD that we miss the things that are REAL, and really matter.  

The "Information Age" has brought about a tremendous increase in WORLDLY knowledge.  But it seems the more intelligent mankind becomes, the less time we have to WORSHIP our CREATOR?  We tend to rely on our earthly knowledge rather than what GOD can REVEAL to us (1 Corinthians 2:6-16).  Why would we rely on the knowledge we can gain in our feeble, earthly mentality, when we can have the HOLY SPIRIT dwelling within us?  

JESUS said in John 4:24 "GOD is Spirit"!  In John 14:1 JESUS says "Believe in GOD; believe also in ME."  In John 14:17 JESUS explains "YOU KNOW HIM", for HE dwells with you and will be in you."  We need to humbly realize WHO WE HAVE BECOME through the sacrifice of JESUS CHRIST!  GOD's HOLY SPIRIT tabernacles within my body and I don't need to introduce anything into my body that GOD would not be pleased with.   

JESUS said in John 14:17 "YOU KNOW HIM", for HE dwells with you and will be in you."  That is not something that some old-time preacher or bible thumper said.  When we grieve the HOLY SPIRIT with actions that contrary to the nature of JESUS CHRIST, that SPIRIT living inside us  gets uncomfortable.  Does HE live inside of you!  JESUS said "the world cannot receive" or know HIM!  Do "YOU KNOW HIM"?