"THE LORD IS AN AVENGER!"

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8                    (ESV)

"3 For this is the will of GOD, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;

4 that EACH ONE OF YOU know how to CONTROL HIS OWN his own body in HOLINESS and HONOR,

5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know GOD;

6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because "THE LORD IS AN AVENGER" in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.

7 For GOD has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.

8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but GOD, who gives his HOLY SPIRIT to you."

When I was a YOUNG man, maybe 10-11 years old, my church carried a group to Texas Stadium in Irving Texas to hear Rev. Billy Graham speak.  The trip was long and hot, as air conditioning was not as widely used in those days.  Rev. Billy Graham is known for many good sayings, but one that I want to expound on today is "I think the Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin, but the Bible also teaches that pride is a sin, jealousy is a sin, hate is a sin, and evil thoughts are a sin.  So I don't think that homosexuality should be chosen as the overwhelming sin we are doing today"!  

The Apostle Paul eluded exactly to this point in the scripture passage above.  He writes "THE LORD IS AN AVENGER" to let us know that GOD is capable of dealing with sin on HIS own timetable!  I am called to live my life HOLY, not to make sure others live their lives HOLY.  Sure, my life is to be an example for those who are lost, but as best as I can tell, that doesn't include trying to run their lives for them.  NOR does it mean they should dictate me adhering to their beliefs!  

We all will have to answer to GOD for OUR OWN actions at THE JUDGEMENT.  Rev. Billy Graham has a more commonly referred to quote that comes to mind, “It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict, GOD's job to judge and my job to love”!  "THE LORD IS AN AVENGER" let's me know that Rev. Billy Graham's previous quote has some pretty scriptural foundations!  Although I am called to live HOLY, I am not called to convict or judge people who choose not to live HOLY.   "THE LORD IS AN AVENGER" and HE doesn't need my help doing HIS job!

"THE SPIRIT"

Galatians 5:16-26                (ESV)
"16 But I say, walk by "THE SPIRIT", and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
17 For the desires of the flesh are against "THE SPIRIT", and the desires of "THE SPIRIT" are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
18 But if you are led by "THE SPIRIT", you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of "THE SPIRIT" is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
24 And those who belong to CHRIST JESUS  have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by "THE SPIRIT", let us also keep in step with "THE SPIRIT".
26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."



"THE SPIRIT" of the LIVING GOD is alive and well for those who recognize and seek "THE SPIRIT"!keep in mind, "THE SPIRIT" is not a person or physical being.  It is, quite simply, "THE SPIRIT"!!!

"NO CONDEMNATION!"

Romans 8:1-11                    (ESV)

"1 There is therefore now "NO CONDEMNATION" for those who are in CHRIST JESUS.

2 For the law of the SPIRIT of life has SET YOU FREE in CHRIST JESUS from the law of sin and death.

3 For GOD has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending HIS own SON in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, HE condemned sin in the flesh,

4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the SPIRIT.

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.

10 But if CHRIST is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the SPIRIT is life because of righteousness.

11 If the SPIRIT of HIM who raised JESUS from the dead dwells in you, HE who raised CHRIST JESUS from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his SPIRIT who dwells in you."

A few years ago our church had a summer book study.  The study was on a book about being "set free" from the bondage that sin, even for believers who the enemy entraps with guilt and condemnation.  The study opened my eyes to the freedom believers experience in JESUS CHRIST.  To know that JESUS CHRIST became flesh, lived a perfect life, and sacrificed HIMSELF so I could be SET FREE from the law causes me great joy!  

The great deceiver used to constantly attack me with guilt and condemnation because I am imperfect.  But as one who had been SET FREE in CHRIST JESUS there is "NO CONDEMNATION" because of my sins!  When GOD looks at me all HE sees is the righteousness of JESUS CHRIST shining through!  GOD loves me so much that HE allowed HIS one and only SON to offer HIMSELF as a replacement for my punishment for my sins, past, present and future!  

JESUS CHRIST is the SON OF GOD.  There is no doubt that HE was, is, and forever will be. Since my FAITH is in HIM there is "NO CONDEMNATION" that can be assigned on my behalf!  JESUS paid for ALL my sins, past, present, and future.  I have to continually admit, and repent (turn from) for my failures.  But to know that HE loves me, even though I am far from what I need to be, is GRACE INDESCRIBABLE!  

Don't be deceived into believing that you aren't worthy of HIS love and forgiveness.  No matter how many times you come up short of the glory of GOD, because of what JESUS did on Calvary, there is "NO CONDEMNATION" for us who are in HIM!!

"IN HIS PRESENCE!"

1 Corinthians 1:29-31      (KJV)

"29 That no flesh should glory "IN HIS PRESENCE ".

30 But of him are ye in CHRIST JESUS, who of GOD is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the LORD."

A few years ago I worked at at aluminum processing plant.  Recyclers would sell scrap aluminum to the plant and we would melt the scrap into ingots to be remade into can again.  When the aluminum was hot enough, "dross" would be skimmed off the top and removed from the pit and the purified aluminum would proceed through the process. 

GOD chooses to reveal HIMSELF to those who HE preordains to serve HIM.  We are not better than other, only chosen by HIM.  We should not think we are special because GOD has revealed HIMSELF or HIS truths to us!  Scripture tells us that HE "chooses" to whom HE reveals HIMSELF.  Not because we are holier than others!  No, it is because of HIS mercy and grace that I am saved from the cesspool of sin!   

When HE chose me HE had to dip way down deep into the pit to remove me from the dross!  To say I am blessed to be "IN HIS PRESENCE" is a vast understatement.  HE CHOSE ME!

"DAY AND NIGHT!"

Joshua 1:5-9                        (ESV)

"5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.

6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.

7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.

8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it "DAY AND NIGHT", so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your GOD is with you wherever you go."

“Within the covers of the BIBLE are the answers for ALL THE PROBLEMS men face.”   ―Former President Ronald Reagan

There is no "magic cure" or "hidden recipe" for having a successful life, family, or country!  GOD instructed Joshua THREE times in the first chapter of Joshua to be "strong and courageous".  But GOD also told Joshua "Do not turn from it (God's Law) to the right hand or to the left, THAT YOU MAY HAVE GOOD SUCCESS WHEREVER YOU GO"!  No great recipe, other than following The Creators written instructions!  

It should be recognized that the EMPHASIS is not on GOOD SUCCESS, but on meditating GOD's Word "DAY AND NIGHT"!  We have a tendency of judging someone's WALK by their bank account.  If there is an abundance of resources, we assume there is a path we should follow.  The path each person should follow is different.  Only The Creator can determine what path should be taken for each life.  

No one wants to follow those successful people when they are going through some trials, even if it is on their way to the success.  No journey is without its detours and pitfalls. The key to being a SUCCESS is keeping your focus on where you are headed.  GOD's Word is a roadmap for life.  Keeping its precepts and practices constantly before us, "DAY AND NIGHT", is the most sure way "you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success".  

From Joshua's time, to Ronald Reagan's time, and even today, the prescription has never changed.  Proverbs 3:5-6 says to "TRUST in the LORD with ALL YOUR HEART, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE will make straight your paths."  If we trust HIM with ALL our heart, it should follow that we will obey HIS Word "DAY AND NIGHT"!

"GIVE GOD THE GLORY!"

Acts 12:18-24                                  (ESV)

"18 Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter.

19 And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.

20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food.

21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them.

22 And the people were shouting, "The voice of a god, and not of a man!"

23 Immediately an angel of the LORD struck him down, because he did not "GIVE GOD THE GLORY", and he was eaten by worms and BREATHED HIS LAST.

24 But THE WORD OF GOD INCREASED AND MULTIPLIED."

Many times people who are "elevated" by peers get lost in the celebration of their perceived status.  They seem to get caught up in all of the praise and adoration they are receiving and lose perspective of reality!  In the 12th chapter of Acts Herod was CAUGHT up in the misguided adoration so much that "immediately an angel of the LORD struck him down" and ended his celebrated status!  Herod did not "GIVE GOD THE GLORY", and it proved to be fatal for him!

Why do I GLORY in some earthly accomplishment when I know it is GOD who lets me even breathe the air to live (Isaiah 42:5-9)?  There is nothing I can do outside of GOD's Providence, yet there is a selfish desire to be elevated among fellow humans?  There is no greater joy than serving others, yet if done outside of HIS Plan, the acts become empty, with no purpose!  

In the scripture above GOD had just miraculously provided Peter freedom from captivity.  The guards assigned to guard him were chastised and then put to death.  There was nothing they could do to prevent Peter's escape.  There was nothing they could do to facilitate Peter's release!  It is DIVINE INTERVENTION ALONE that caused Peter to be freed.  GOD set him free and GOD got glory for it! 

The provisions and supplications from GOD cannot be matched.  The government, with all of its perceived power, cannot give you one extra minute of life!  Great wealth cannot purchase one moment of good health!  There are no guarantees that the world can give, except that one day you are going to die (Hebrews 9:27)!  When that day comes, what will be said of you?  Will they be singing your praises?  Or will they say that you "GIVE GOD THE GLORY"??

"LET ME HEAR!"

Psalms 85:7-9                            (ESV)

"7 Show us YOUR steadfast love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation. 

8 "LET ME HEAR" what GOD the LORD will speak, for HE will speak peace to HIS people, to HIS saints; but let them not turn back to folly. 

9 Surely HIS salvation is near to those who fear HIM, that glory may dwell in our land."

To hear from GOD a person must be listening!  But how do you listen to a Spirit when you are human?  C.S. Lewis has a quote that I look at numerous times daily, "You don't have a Soul; You are a Soul.  You have a Body!"  The enemy, the master of disguise, makes us believe and accept that our physical bodies are all that really matters.  We get so caught up with the physical aspects of our lives that we seem to totally minimize, or completely overlook, the Spiritual!

To listen to, and for, GOD we must slow our lives down and get on HIS divine wavelength!  HE STILL SPEAKS is a song that begins "Amidst the hustling, clamoring world it's sometimes hard to hear the voice of GOD speaking to my Soul, But in my quiet time alone, when I approach HIS Holy Throne, HIS tender Words fall gently on my ears."  The enemy would like nothing more than for us to be so BUSY on things that we see as good that we don't have time to praise and worship GOD ALMIGHTY!   When GOD's Words "fall gently on my ears" there is no sweeter sound!  Sure, we want to PRAISE and ADORE HIM for everything HE does in our lives!  But when we listen for, and receive, a Word from HIM, our world is fundamentally changed!

We don't always get to hear the answer we want to hear WHEN we want to hear it.  Sometimes we need to listen a while longer.   Sometimes we need to remove ALL outside interference!  We need to just be alone with GOD and wait for HIS direction.  When we get to where we can say "LET ME HEAR" from GOD without ulterior motives, then we are getting near HIS THRONE.  GOD doesn't need our help (Exodus 14:14), HE only requires us to "LET ME HEAR" from HIM!

"THE TRUTH!"

John 14:1-7                           (ESV)

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

2 In my FATHER's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to MYSELF, that where I am you may be also.

4 And you know the way to where I am going."

5 Thomas said to HIM, "LORD, we do not know where YOU are going. How can we know the way?"

6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and "THE TRUTH", and the life. No one comes to the FATHER except through ME.

7 If you had known ME, you would have known MY FATHER also. From now on you do know HIM and have seen HIM."

There was recently an online video that was contained something similar to the phrase "They were never looking for the Truth"!   It was from a Conservative website, but when I saw it my mind immediately went to John 14:6 where JESUS says "I am the way, "THE TRUTH", a and the life". Whenever I hear the words "THE TRUTH" my mind always go to JESUS telling HIS disciples the content in verse six and letting them know that NO ONE comes to the FATHER except through HIM!

My reason for letting you know the video was from a Conservative website was to let you know that most people, liberal or conservative, do not know "THE TRUTH" even when they are looking for it!  Even JESUS's disciples didn't fully grasp that HE was GOD in flesh, as of yet.  As a matter of fact, Peter had just been told in the preceding verses that he would deny JESUS THREE TIMES!  JESUS let them know in Acts 1:8 that the HOLY SPIRIT would empower them, but only in the FATHER's timing.  

Those who think they know "THE TRUTH" outside of JESUS are terribly mistaken.  For outside of shedding of the blood (JESUS CHRIST's blood in Hebrews 9:22) there is no remission of sin! JESUS declared in John 14:1 to "Let not your hearts be troubled."  When we understand that HE has taken our sins upon HIMSELF on Calvary, there is nothing to be troubled about!  Since HE is the way, and "THE TRUTH", and the life for each and every believer, our hearts should not be troubled in the least!

The fact that the website said "They were never looking for the Truth" should not surprise any of us!  The world doesn't want to see "THE TRUTH", as to do so shines LIGHT on their sin.  My sin was paid for by JESUS on Calvary (1 Peter 2:24) and it is removed as far as the east from the west (Psalms 103:11-12).  JESUS is "THE TRUTH" and unless your sins are covered by HIM, you can't handle "THE TRUTH"!!

"WALK IN WISDOM!"

Colossians 4:5-6                              (ESV)

"5 "WALK IN WISDOM" toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.

6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

There are those who attempt to "WALK IN WISDOM" without knowing THE HEAVENLY FATHER.  Their attempts can be comical, but can also prove to be FATAL!  Hebrews 10:30-31 says this about trying to operate without GOD's leadership, "For we know him who said, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge his people." IT IS A FEARFUL THING TO FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THE LIVING GOD." 

GOD is a just GOD, but HE is also a merciful GOD.  In James 1:5-8 scripture records "If any of you LACKS WISDOM, LET HIM ASK GOD, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. but let him ask in faith, with no doubting, FOR THE ONE WHO DOUBTS is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.  For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, UNSTABLE IN ALL HIS WAYS."  All we need to do is HUMBLE OURSELVES (and ask) before a HOLY GOD and HIS WORD declares HE will give WISDOM to us.

But what about those who fail to "WALK IN WISDOM"?  Those who believe they are wise enough, strong enough, or powerful enough to make decisions outside of GOD's plan and direction?  Exodus 14:28 records an instance of this when it says "of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained."  Pharaoh's Empire was considered one of the most lethal in history.  Yet GOD was NO MATCH for them.  As a matter of fact, in Exodus 14:14 it is written "The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." Just walk forward and let GOD fight your battles!

When we "WALK IN WISDOM" we sometimes have to walk into grave circumstances!  Moses led the people to the banks of the Red Sea where they murmured and complained that they had been led into a hopeless situation.  Moses had listened to GOD and he trusted GOD's direction.  As he led the Israelites, they followed, and GOD got GLORY (Exodus 14:18) over Pharaoh and his armies!  

Sometimes we have to follow GOD into a Red Sea moment so HE will get glory in our lives.  However, when we "WALK IN WISDOM" we can rest assured that HE has us set up to glorify HIM before our enemies!  We can't attempt to show how mighty, intelligent, or bold we are, or we can humbly submit to a GOD who directs us as we "WALK IN WISDOM"!!

"THE FATHER!"

John 6:41-51                                   (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-

46 not that anyone has seen the FATHER except HE who is from GOD; HE has seen the FATHER.

47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.

48 I am the bread of life.

49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died.

50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of IT and not die.

51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this BREAD, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh."

While reading local newspaper recently I noticed an advertisement to recognize your athletes for their accomplishments by placing their photo within the publication.  As humans, we have a NATURAL desire to be recognized for excelling at our chosen tasks.  We desire for our loved ones to have their accomplishments adored by all, thus the reasoning behind the offer to place their picture for all to see!  

The devil wants you to do ANYTHING BUT worship and honor GOD ALMIGHTY!  If we are "busy" worshipping each other and promoting our achievements, then our focus and attention is not on our Creator.   Possibly, in an attempt to be as Holy at they could,  "The Jews" were grumbling among themselves that JESUS was a heretic and NOT from GOD!  They had GOD IN THE FLESH right before their eye's and they couldn't even recognize HIM.  JESUS told them in verse 44 that "NO ONE CAN COME TO ME UNLESS "THE FATHER" WHO SENT ME DRAWS HIM".  

We get so caught up in our fleshly lives that we tend to miss JESUS when HE is walking right before us.  We have allowed our lives to become so "fast-lane" oriented that we BELIEVE we DON'T HAVE TIME for the things of GOD.  The enemy, the master of disguise, camouflages himself as a timesaver, a thing of beauty, something to make our lives easier, anything to remove GOD from HIS throne!  

When will we, in our pharisaical mindsets, begin to understand that even the possibility of us doing good isn't possible with GOD instilling that desire in us?  If we do anything worthy of acknowledgment it came from HIM!  GOD must even "DRAW" you into serving HIM.  You can't just decide to be a child of HIS.  If you have a desire to be a follower of JESUS CHRIST, that desire was placed by "THE FATHER"!   Remember, although "THE FATHER" is patient and long-suffering, HIS Spirit will not always continue to DRAW us!  If you wait too long, it may be too late!

"ALL SCRIPTURE!"

2 Timothy 3:10-17                        (ESV)

"10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,

11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra-which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me.

12 Indeed, ALL WHO DESIRE to live a godly life in CHRIST JESUS WILL BE PERSECUTED,

13 WHILE EVIL PEOPLE AND IMPOSTORS WILL GO ON FROM BAD TO WORSE, DECEIVING AND BEING DECEIVED.

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it

15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in CHRIST JESUS.

16 "ALL SCRIPTURE" is breathed out by GOD and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

17 THAT THE MAN OF GOD MAY BE COMPLETE, equipped for every good work." 

Let me begin by saying that I believe GOD is WHO HE claims to be, that JESUS CHRIST is HIS SON, and that the HOLY SPIRIT is an equal portion of the Holy Trinity AND the Holy Bible is HIS WORD!  There is NO DOUBT about the authentication or validity of those statement in my book!  But playing "devils advocate" can  sometimes be a useful tool.  With that in mind, there are some questions that we will address.

Let's just SUPPOSE that there is no God, nor any of the godhead, and that the holy bible is just a compilation of writings from zealots throughout history that were a little "off in the head"!  There are some things that are just a little difficult to comprehend.  How a god could part the Red Sea and allow his chosen people to cross it on dry ground?  How a shepherd boy could slay a GIANT of a man with a rock from a slingshot!  How Shadrach, Meshac, and Abednego could survive and furnace so hot that the people who through them in the fire died from the heat?  How an entire city could be destroyed JUST by a group of people walking around their city walls?  And HOW could a man fulfill hundreds of prophecies, be crucified, buried, and three days later overcome death, hell, and the grace??

Conversely, what IF all of this holy roller stuff IS true and we ARE Divinely Created and GOD is WHO HE says HE is, the GOD Head exists, and "ALL SCRIPTURE" is true?  What IF GOD desired to have a Creation that exalts and praises HIS name while living in the Divinely Created (earth) existence ruled by one who IS a fraud and counterfeit (the devil)?  And what IF HE gave HIS Creation where "ALL SCRIPTURE" was inspired by HIM and was "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, THAT THE MAN OF GOD MAY BE COMPLETE, equipped for every good work."  And what IF HE chose that those "who believed" would spend ETERNITY with HIM?

This same BOOK of "ALL SCRIPTURE" says in Hebrews 11:6 that "without FAITH it is IMPOSSIBLE" to please HIM!  GOD desires a people who will believe "that HE exists" and that HE is in control.  But when we fail to follow the instructions from "ALL SCRIPTURE" we are in general proclaiming that GOD isn't in control and we have no faith that HE can work out the difficulties we find ourselves faced with!  

As I began this writing by saying, "GOD is WHO HE claims to be, that JESUS CHRIST is HIS SON, and that the HOLY SPIRIT is an equal portion of the Holy Trinity AND the Holy Bible is HIS WORD"!  You can choose to BELIEVE in HIM, or you can choose to NOT BELIEVE in him?  The choice is yours!  Either "ALL SCRIPTURE" is true, or "ALL SCRIPTURE" isn't true?  

"FAITH!"

Matthew 21:18-22                             (ESV)
"18 In the morning, as HE was returning to the city, HE became hungry.
19 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, HE went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And HE said to it, "May NO FRUIT ever come from you again!" And the fig tree withered at once.
20 When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, "How did the fig tree wither at once?"
21 And JESUS answered them, "Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' it will happen.
22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, IF YOU HAVE "FAITH."


There are many people who are have a "legalistic" or "prove it" point of view when considering things of GOD.  They want to have "proof" or evidence that their beliefs are well grounded. But GOD desires "believers" who come as "little children" (Matthew 18:1-6).  In John 3 Nicodemus asked JESUS if he needed to enter into his mothers womb again to be born again?  But JESUS was speaking "SPIRITUALLY" and Nicodemus was hearing "physically" and missed the point.

The Word of GOD says in Hebrews 11:6 "And without "FAITH" it is impossible to please HIM, for whoever would draw near to GOD must believe that HE exists and that HE rewards those who seek HIM."  GOD desires to have us (believers) draw closer to HIM by studying HIS Word, but in order for us to become believers in the first place we MUST come without reservations believing "that HE exists and that HE rewards those who seek HIM"!  And if we TRULY BELIEVE, then we can't help but live John 13:34-35 which says "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.  By this all people will know that you are MY disciples, if you have love for one another."

If we really believed GOD is WHO HE says HE is, ("FAITH), then we would have NO PROBLEM filling our churches with people wanting to serve HIM!  Cursing a fig tree would be the smallest of miracles we would work, IN HIS NAME.  We get SO caught up in trying to "legalistically" prove a point when ALL JESUS said to do was "love one another"!

Whether you believe like I do or we disagree on some theological intricacies, we MUST love one another!  If we do not show our love for one another, even through our differences, then there is no evidence (proof) that we believe in, and have "FAITH" in, HIM!  GOD's power has not lost ANY strength, nor HIS grace any favor!  Our "FAITH" in HIM, and WHO HE is, is the only variable that could have possibly changed!  I pray that I will refocus my life on my "FAITH" "that HE exists and that HE rewards those who seek HIM" and LOVING ONE ANOTHER!

"WAIT FOR THE LORD!"

Psalms 27:14                       (ESV)

"WAIT FOR THE LORD"; be strong, and let your heart take courage; WAIT FOR THE LORD!"

The faster the enemy can "spin our top" the less time we BELIEVE we have for anything Spiritual in our lives.  Satan desires to DECEIVE us into believing that we HAVE to perform at a certain level, that we HAVE to live in a more comfortable home or drive the latest model vehicle, basically live a little higher on the hog than we should so we can amass MORE stuff!

There was recently something shared with me that made me reconsider my priorities .  It said "The devil wants you to WORRY about your future so you can't enjoy your life right now!  He is a liar!  Enjoy every minute of your life because it is a gift from GOD!"  My Bible study yesterday began with 2 Peter 3:14-15a that says "14 Therefore, beloved, since you are WAITING for these, be diligent to be found by HIM without spot or blemish, and at peace.  15 And count the PATIENCE of our LORD as salvation..."  When the enemy gets our focus onto the problems of THIS WORLD, of which he is the Prince of (John 12:31; John 14:30; 2 Corinthians 4:4.....), we are unable to Rest and "WAIT FOR THE LORD"! 

Deceit has always been the devil's trademark.  JESUS said in John 8:44 that the enemy is "the father of lies" and that his very character is built from a lie!  If my mind can BELIEVE that I must perform up to a standard THIS WORLD world dictates then I am operating under false pretenses...under deceit!  IF he gets us to believe in his timeframe we will live a defeated life. 

Scripture is filled with instructions to "WAIT FOR THE LORD"!  So many times I want to assist GOD in the battle planning!  I want to have some input into how things will "work out"!  But when we "WAIT FOR THE LORD", listen for HIM, and we trust in HIM all glory HAS to go TO HIM!  How many people could have parted the Red Sea?  How did Shadrach, Meshac and Abednego survive the fiery furnace?  HOW DID JESUS SURVIVE CALVARY?  They ALL, and we MUST, "WAIT FOR THE LORD"!  

"GROW!"

2 Peter 3:14-18                                   (ESV)

"14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by HIM without spot or blemish, and at peace.

15 And count the patience of our LORD as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,

16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.

17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.

18 But "GROW" in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. To HIM be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."

Being a man of LARGE stature has certain advantages.  But there are times when being 6'6" tall is not the most enjoyable!  I remember being at an amusement park in my latter teen years riding inside a cramped carnival ride.  I developed a leg cramp midway through the ride and could NOT get relief.  It took hours before my leg stopped hurting!  All because I was cramped up inside of a small compartment that I should have had enough sense to not have gotten into!

In the scripture above Peter was writing for Believers to "GROW", not physically, but Spiritually!   Verse 18 says "but "GROW" in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST"!  Being a fitness freak or exercise maniac won't accomplish anything Spiritually!  1 Corinthians 13:11 says "When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways."  If we are "GROW"ing in the grace and knowledge of the LORD, the path we travel can have some challenges.  Those challenges in my life have wound up being the times when I have experienced the most growth!  Giving up the "childish ways" is not always enjoyable, but enjoying the freedoms and privileges of adulthood is generally worthwhile!  

We are not created for our own pleasure, rather to Praise and Worship our Creator!  To accomplish this we must "GROW" Spiritually.  It has been said that the plants in a garden do their growing at night, when things are darkest!  The heat and sunshine determine how STRONG and vibrant the crops become.  To become a STRONG Spiritual plant we must grow during the dark times so we can produce fruit when the sunshine comes. Unlike a child who has childish ways, we must develop an ability to survive the heat and droughts to become a glorification to our Creator, for HIS glory!

Rain storms, droughts, wind, hail, and other phenomenons can be used in the life of a garden. Various trials and tribulations can be used to "GROW" our Spiritual lives into what GOD desires us to be.  We can't all be the tallest corn stalk in the garden, but we can be the best crops that GOD has called us to be!  Being 6'6" tall, I do not need to physically "GROW" any taller!  But I can ALWAYS continue to "GROW" Spiritually as I serve HIM!

"MY IMPRISONMENT!"

Philippians 1:12-14                       (ESV)

"12 I want you to know, brothers, that WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME HAS REALLY SERVED TO ADVANCE THE GOSPEL,

13 so that it has become known throughout the WHOLE IMPERIAL GUARD and to ALL THE REST that my imprisonment IS FOR CHRIST.

14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the LORD by "MY IMPRISONMENT", are MUCH MORE BOLD TO SPEAK THE WORD WITHOUT FEAR."

The Apostle Paul found himself imprisoned when he penned the letters to AT LEAST the churches of Philemon, Colossae, Ephesus, and Philippi.  Being imprisoned is certainly not on a great many peoples "things to do list"!  But Paul understood that serving GOD sometimes entailed being out into situations where he could "BE STILL" and listen for GOD's voice and direction.  

The busyness of the world can be a subtle, sneaky thing!  We can get so caught up in what, or how, we desire things to transpire that we can't get THE message from GOD we desire to hear!  We are entrapped in "MY IMPRISONMENT" of schedules, appointments, maybe even serving others, that we neglect to LISTEN to our Creator speaking to our hearts!  According to Philippians 1:13, Paul was put into prison FOR CHRIST.  Not as much for punishment, but so JESUS CHRIST could be glorified.

Paul was imprisoned around 2000 years ago.  Yet I have grown exponentially because of the writings he offered.  GOD continues to be glorified because of the "MY IMPRISONMENT" Paul experienced FOR CHRIST!  Imagine what our lives would be if we didn't whine and cry every time we had to experience difficulties in life, but rather we understood WHAT WAS HAPPENING TO ME HAS REALLY SERVED TO ADVANCE THE GOSPEL!  You never know, what I am writing today may be used for years to come to benefit someone needing to be encouraged.  

GOD has a plan and purpose for each of our lives!  Like Paul, we may need experience "MY IMPRISONMENT" for GOD to be glorified!  GOD can use any method to SLOW YOU DOWN.  HE chose for my brain to hemorrhage in 2007.  HE has chosen to physically imprison others.  HE can choose to any method HE likes to SLOW YOU DOWN.  "MY IMPRISONMENT" was a way HE could speak to and through the Apostle Paul.  Will you be forced to experience "MY IMPRISONMENT"?  It is better to listen to HIM without having HIM intervene, if you know what I mean!  

"AGAINST!"

Ephesians 6:12                            (KJV)

"For we wrestle not "AGAINST" flesh and blood, but AGAINST principalities, AGAINST powers,  AGAINST the rulers of the darkness of this world, AGAINST spiritual wickedness in high places."

1 John 4:2-4                                (KJV)

"2 Hereby know ye the SPIRIT of GOD: Every spirit that confesseth that JESUS CHRIST is come in the flesh is of GOD:

3 And every spirit that confesseth not that JESUS CHRIST is come in the flesh is not of GOD: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

4 Ye are of GOD, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is HE that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Most believers know WHO they stand with for their salvation.  JESUS CHRIST is who we identify WITH as being our LORD and SAVIOUR!  But do we understand who we fight "AGAINST" in the Spiritual warfare we find ourselves in?  Can we identify the enemy in his worldly beauty and glamor?  Are we able to recognize the enemy when he is camouflaged as "an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:4)?   

Many so-called leaders in churches today pose no danger to the enemy because they are not prepared to battle (wrestle, struggle, fight, or be in conflict with) a spiritual enemy, one that they can't see, feel or touch.  But Paul informs us "we wrestle not "AGAINST" flesh and blood" in our earthly battles, but "AGAINST" principalities (a prince), powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places!  Our battle is with an enemy that will masquerade himself as something good, when his intent is Evil all along!

1 John tells us "Every spirit that confesseth that JESUS CHRIST is come in the flesh is of GOD".  If a spirit is proclaiming any other name but JESUS CHRIST the next verse proclaims "that spirit of antichrist"!  Acts 4 says that the "name of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth" is the only "name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved".  If a spirit is ashamed of, or embarrassed by the name of JESUS CHRIST, there is a STRONG signal that we need to disassociate ourselves with it.  Separation from the world can prove to be a painful experience, but PEACE can only come through JESUS CHRIST and HE will not share space with another spirit!

Being a believer in JESUS CHRIST is all about LOVING HIM.  We also must LOVE our enemy (Matthew 5:44).  We can and should love the enemy while rejecting his premise of us doing whatever WE want.  Surrendering to JESUS CHRIST and HIS will for our lives is what we are called to do.  The enemy made everything APPEAR "physical" in the Garden of Eden and caused man to sin.  The enemy continues to keep the focus off of the "Spiritual" because the war for our Spirits has already been fought and the winner determined!  The only thing we have to determine is who we are "AGAINST"???

"I AM THE FOREMOST!"

1 Timothy 1:12-16                    (ESV)

"12 I thank HIM who has given me strength, CHRIST JESUS our LORD, because HE judged me faithful, appointing me to HIS service,

13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had ACTED IGNORANTLY in unbelief,

14 and the grace of our LORD overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in CHRIST JESUS.

15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners, of whom "I AM THE FOREMOST".  

16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, JESUS CHRIST might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life."

Sometimes in observing the words and actions of others I am left wondering how they could be so misguided?  The position taken by them is so controversial to the way I see things that I have to re-evaluate how I arrived at my point of view.  The Word of GOD is a measuring stick that cannot be manipulated to fit our wishes or desires.  The Apostle Paul certainly didn't hold himself too favorably when he wrote "I AM THE FOREMOST"!

We ALL are not what we need to become in life!  Paul indicated that even though "I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent", GOD still could use him for HIS glory and purpose.  Most of the examples we observe in scripture have documented failures in their lives of trying to serve HIM faithfully.  If my failures were written in scripture, the Bible would be a LOT longer!!

It is easy to find fault within the lives of others.  Judging others seems to be the easiest thing we can do.  If I compare someone else's life to what I SEE as what scripture directs, I usually don't have time to inventory my own life!  And when I don't take the time to evaluate my own life, I can't make the changes required to draw me closer to The LORD JESUS CHRIST!  Now who else, other than the enemy, could benefit from me critiquing others so closely?

FATHER IN HEAVEN, I pray that I will be more focused on becoming the person YOU are desiring me to be and not let my attention be distracted to look at others!  Cause me to be more concerned about the thoughts and actions of MY OWN LIFE, and not so focused on the actions of others.  As far as sinners, "I AM THE FOREMOST" and help me to remember that!

"FREELY GIVEN!"

1 Corinthians 2:10-16                              (ESV)

"10 These things GOD has "revealed" to us through the SPIRIT. For the SPIRIT searches everything, even the depths of GOD.

11 For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of GOD except the SPIRIT of GOD.

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."

There are times in life when I need help!  A significant question was posed to me recently and my day was already hectic beyond belief!  I needed a "time-out" from the pressures and problems of the office, but everyone seemed to need help "right now"!!  During the midst of the onslaught of "fiery darts" being fired by the enemy, I received a phone call from a friend who requested some help delivering a "word" at a meeting........in about two hours!  Realizing that the enemy had been attacking me all day, I recognized that GOD was trying to deliver a blessing to me and the enemy was trying to prevent that!

GOD has a knack, a DIVINE way, of giving HIS children the things they need at EXACTLY the RIGHT TIME they need them to accomplish HIS purpose.  The "natural person" does not accept, nor understand, Spiritual things so they tend to minimize, even ridicule, the provision of those Spiritual things as "luck" or "coincidence"!  Recognizing the enemy, even when he is disguised, is something that every Spiritual soldier must develop.  A person who realizes that Exodus 14:14 is more than a memory verse has a huge advantage in Spiritual warfare!  If GOD is fighting a battle, my help is not required!  Trusting HIM to provide deliverance is paramount in a believers life.

While driving to the meeting where I was to share a "word" with people, I began to inquire of the LORD what it was I was being led to do.  A scripture came to mind that "seemed" out-of-the-blue!  Upon arriving at the meeting I turned in my Bible to the scripture and wouldn't you know, it was EXACTLY what I needed to share that evening, AND it answered the question posed to me earlier in the day!  GOD delivered in my time of need, but only when I was at a time where I couldn't receive credit or glory for bringing the "word"!  

To understand Spiritual things you have to be a Spiritual person.  If your spirit has not been regenerated (Born-Again), then you don't have the ability to grasp or understand the things of the Spirit!  They are "folly" to you.  Believers needs to realize and accept that unbelievers can't "see" things of the Spirit.  Unbelievers will NEVER understand the things of the Spirit!  If their "eyes were opened" to see Spiritual things that are "FREELY GIVEN" to those who believe there would be fewer unbelievers!  I am blessed beyond measure to have been "FREELY GIVEN" salvation by grace by GOD above!  For those who have yet to be called, you too will be one to whom Spiritual things are "FREELY GIVEN" soon!

"WE MUST GIVE ACCOUNT!"

Hebrews 4:11-13                              (ESV)

"11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.

12 For the Word of GOD is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

13 And NO CREATURE is hidden from HIS sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of HIM to whom "WE MUST GIVE ACCOUNT"!

From time to time I am led to NOT add a lot of commentary to GOD's Word, just letting HIM speak with no hyperbole!  GOD is GOD (Isaiah 46:9-10) and HE doesn't need my explanations and points of view to get a point across!  HIS Word is here for ALL to discern!  And make no mistake..........one day "WE MUST GIVE ACCOUNT" for following, or ignoring, HIS direction!!

"FOREVER!"

Joshua 4:23-24 - Joshua 5:1

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

24 so that all the peoples of the earth MAY KNOW that the hand of the LORD is mighty, that YOU MAY FEAR the LORD your GOD "FOREVER"."

"1 As soon as all the kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan to the west, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan for the people of Israel until they had crossed over, THEIR HEARTS MELTED and there was no longer any spirit in them because of the people of Israel."

There is much debate about whether the Israelites were actually held captive by the Egyptians for 400 years.  Of course, the Egyptians who were chasing them have NO DOUBTS, as they are the ones the waters overcame that day!  There those who now DOUBT that GOD even exists, and 'IF' HE does, why would HE be so cruel as to kill the ones chasing after a nation who doubted and whined about HIS deliverance!

The nation of Israel didn't live more "Righteous" than most others.  Ecclesiastes 7:20 (repeated in Romans 3:10) says "there is NONE righteous, no not one"!  The Israelis were CHOSEN by GOD though, not because of their Holiness, but because it was GOD's Plan!  There is nothing that makes Israelis less sinful than anyone else, but GOD chose their blood line to deliver mercy and grace through JESUS CHRIST.  Deuteronomy 7:7 tell us they were the "fewest of all the peoples", yet GOD "CHOSE" them!  

The reason the LORD GOD "dried up" the Red Sea was not to save the children of Israel, but "so that ALL the PEOPLES OF THE EARTH MAY KNOW that the hand of the LORD is mighty" and that the children of Israel would fear their LORD GOD "FOREVER"!  And as soon as "the kings" hear that the LORD had dried up the sea THEIR HEARTS MELTED and their spirits were fearful, for they saw that JEHOVAH GOD was the ONE behind, and in front, of Israel.

GOD "chose" the children of Israel (Jacob) to deliver HIS salvation plan into the world.  JESUS CHRIST (GOD in flesh) came to provide atonement for ALL who BELIEVED that HE was/is the Son of GOD!  The children of Israel are CHOSEN, but they must still individually accept JESUS for WHO HE is!  GOD's promises have been, still are, and always will be intact!  HE was, is, and always will be GOD JEHOVAH and I will proclaim that "FOREVER"!!!