"JESUS CHRIST as LORD!"

2 Corinthians 4:3-6                        (ESV)

"3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.

4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of CHRIST, who is the image of GOD.

5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but "JESUS CHRIST as LORD", with ourselves as your servants for JESUS' sake.

6 For GOD, WHO said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of GOD in the face of JESUS CHRIST."

It seems there is a "ministry" for every occasion under the sun.  Wherever a need is found, no matter the severity, a "ministry" is began to compensate the need in an effort to show how gracious and helping a people we are.  Fulfilling needs can be a calling, but those needs could be there for GOD to do a work in those peoples lives?  But how do we know the difference?  How can we make sure we are walking the the Light?

In verse four above it says "the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of CHRIST".  The enemy (god of this world) wants to "blind the minds" to the true needs afflicting the lives of many so they can glory in their efforts while the needs of the afflicted continue!  The enemy isn't interested in needs being remedied, only continued turmoil and strife!

The Apostle Paul understood that ALL needs were ultimately fulfilled by acknowledging "JESUS CHRIST as LORD" in our lives.  In Philippians 4:19 Paul wrote "And my GOD will supply EVERY NEED of yours according to HIS riches in glory in CHRIST JESUS"!  Realizing that physical needs are sometimes used to accentuate a Spiritual need is something that mature Believers understand.  Not every physical need is meant to be met, as the person with the need may be in the midst of a "learning experience"!  

As I began this devotional I commented there seems to be a ministry for any and everything these days!  On June 6, 2014 another "ministry" was approved by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) entity named Psalms 46:10 Ministries, Inc.  "BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD" is how Psalms 46:10 begins.  Until humanity is willing to "BE STILL" and recognize that "JESUS CHRIST as LORD" is the answer we are needing, our need for light will continue!

"I SHALL NOT BE SHAKEN!"

Psalms 16:7-11                     (ESV)

"7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 

8 I have set the LORD always before me; because HE is at my right hand, "I SHALL NOT BE SHAKEN". 

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 

10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. 

11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

With all of the turmoil and strife going on in our world today it becomes easy to lose our focus on who we are and what has been done for us!  Our attention can be battled for by evil, but the KEEPER of our soul has already won the struggle for our souls.  Although turmoil and strife can bring unstableness to our lives, the Spirit of the Living GOD calms and soothes us when the enemy brings his confusion around!

King David knew a bit about turmoil and unsettledness.  He ran from his enemies a multitude of times yet he always knew he was being watched over by his Shepherd!  As said in verse 11 above, "in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore!"  Understanding that GOD, the Creator and Sustainer of life, is STILL in control of everything in our lives, regardless of how bad things appear, is something that gives me joy! 

In verse nine of Psalms 16 King David writes "Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure".  Although we may all walk through the "valley of the shadow of death" (Psalms 23:4) we can be assured that HE is always with us!  

But in verse eight of Psalms 16 King David writes the words that give the most assurance we can hope for, "I SHALL NOT BE SHAKEN"!  Even though things may appear as bleak and dismal as can be, knowing that "I SHALL NOT BE SHAKEN" because HE is at my right hand brings comfort and peace unimaginable!  

Knowing that GOD is not only at my right hand, but is at the right hand of ALL who love HIM, helps put the turmoil and strife offered by the enemy in perspective!  If the Spiritual Warfare is identified for what it is, an attempt by the enemy to draw Glory from JEHOVAH by causing the turmoil and strife in the world, then the enemy is doing a good job.  The church needs to keep its eyes on JESUS know that "I SHALL NOT BE SHAKEN"!  

"THE LORD!"

Psalms 23:1                         (KJV)

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."

Being blessed to have a mother who raised me being in church, around the nurture and admonition of the LORD, was one of the biggest influences in my life.  And one of the first "memory verses" I was taught as a child was Psalms 23:1.  Not being old enough to know anything about using scripture to enhance my life, I didn't attempt to apply any principle to make me walk closer to the LORD.  But the teachers "planted the seed" and trusted GOD for the harvest!

"THE LORD" is a hugely misunderstood statement!  Just WHO is "THE LORD" and what is it HE does for people?  "THE LORD" is, was, and always has been the giver and sustainer of life.  Therefore, "THE LORD" provides us with the air we breathe and the ability to walk and talk AND COMMUNICATE to others we come in contact with.  HE is LIFE and I need to not only remember that, I need to display that to others as a witness of HIS mercy and grace.

But "THE LORD" is not just some cosmic genie who provides us with whatever we desire and dream of.  As my shepherd, HE is the one that guides me in my daily life so that I walk in The Plan HE has for me, that draws GLORY to HIM!  Sometimes I do things that make no sense to me, but GOD has a Plan and purpose for our lives and I need to TRUST my Shepherd that HE is leading me where HIS Plan will bring HIM Glory!

When we realize that we are in HIS Plan bringing HIM glory, it becomes easier as time goes on to say 'I shall not want'!  If we understand that GOD is WHO HE says HE is, and we are part of HIS Plan that draws Glory to HIM, it will be a lot easier to not to try to improve upon that Plan!  Even JESUS fasted and prayed far more than we do, and HE was GOD INCARNATE!  JESUS wanted to make sure HE was in The Plan GOD had for HIM.  Why shouldn't I do the same!

HEAVENLY FATHER, cause me to understand that YOU are "THE LORD" and YOU have a Plan for my life.  Nothing happens from chance or circumstance as "ALL things work together" (Romans 8:28-29) for those who love "THE LORD" and are called according to HIS Purpose!

"HE sent ME!"

John 8:39-47                                  (ESV)

"39 They answered him, "Abraham is our father." JESUS said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did,

40 but now you seek to kill ME, a MAN who has told you the truth that I heard from GOD. This is not what Abraham did.

41 You are doing the works your father did." They said to him, "We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one FATHER-even GOD."

42 JESUS said to them, "If GOD were your FATHER, you would love ME, for I came from GOD and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but "HE sent ME".

43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear MY word.

44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe ME.

46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?

47 Whoever is of GOD hears the words of GOD. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of GOD."

Recently I began reading a book named "Strong Words about Deception" written many years ago by an acquaintance of mine.  One sentence from the book jumped out at me, "If you would rather see a miracle than hear GOD's Word being taught, you are a candidate for being deceived"!  JESUS "IS" the WORD of GOD (John 1:1), yet some are either too busy or "choose" to not believe in or on HIM!  Frequently, even my Bible study is hurried, as I envision time constraints as limiting my time in the WORD!

Many today are "deceived" into believing and living lies.  The devil will disguise, emulate, camouflage, and trick anyone to prevent people from following TRUTH.  Whether he convinces us that we don't have time, resources, or connection to Divine Intervention, whatever the enemy can do remove our focus from the TRUTH, which IS JESUS.  In John 14:6 JESUS says "I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life"!  If the enemy can distract us into combatting sin and evil lifestyles, he has our attention off of worshipping the Creator of the Universe and is accomplishing his evil objective.  

In John 8:44 JESUS says "Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear MY word".  Why do people not hear HIS word!  JESUS said they cannot bear to hear the WORD.  In Matthew 14:7 JESUS tells us that the way is hard and FEW will enter in!  There will not be a huge flock of people entering Heaven.  If we are "too busy" to listen to, and for HIM, the enemy is deceiving us from the TRUTH!

But that doesn't mean we should stop spreading the TRUTH!  Making sure all see and hear the TRUTH that "HE sent ME" is what we are called to do.  The enemy is all about "deceiving" anyone who is convinced they are too busy, or too interested in making money, or anything else they CHOOSE to avoid worshipping our Creator.  To deflect our attention from "HE sent ME" is the biggest lie and deception that satan can pull off.  In fact, the enemy was defeated when "HE sent ME" to save souls from an eternity separated from GOD!  Don't be one who listens to the deception of the enemy, but know the TRUTH that "HE sent ME"!!!

"AND HAVE SEEN HIM!!"

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"." 

The more I desire to know JESUS, the more of HIMSELF that it revealed to my searching soul.  This is not an arrogant statement on my part as Jeremiah 29:13 says "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with ALL your heart" and Deuteronomy 4:29 states "But from there you will seek the LORD your GOD and YOU WILL FIND HIM, if you search after HIM with ALL your heart and with all your soul".  GOD desires to reveal HIMSELF to us, but we have to display a sincere desire to know HIM!

Mankind was created in the likeness of GOD, the Creator (Genesis 1:26).  Our bodies are "rentals", as our permanent dwellings are our 'Spirits', in the image and likeness of GOD.  The real 'JESUS' was/is HIS SPIRIT, which most aren't looking for!  JESUS came in the flesh so ALL could physically SEE HIM.  HE has always been here Spiritually for those who "seek me with ALL your heart"!  

Even HIS disciples had to have HIS Spiritual self revealed to them.  The disciples had to wait for the indwelling and empowerment of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2) to do wondrous things.  The Holy Spirit, by definition, does not have a body, therefore cannot be physically seen.  Not being able to physically SEE, yet knowing GOD is, displays an amount of FAITH that is required for salvation! 

Believers have always been known as "people of FAITH"!  When HE is revealed to us we can either choose to serve HIM, or we can elect to NOT serve HIM.  There is no HOPE SO, or MAYBE SO when choosing to follow CHRIST.  For some of us, we know "AND HAVE SEEN HIM" and we choose to follow HIM with our lives!  Our physical lives will be but a short span, but our Spiritual lives will be FOREVER!  My prayer is you can say that you know HIM "AND HAVE SEEN HIM"!!

"LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT!"

Hebrews 12:1-2                            (ESV)

"1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also "LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT", and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

2 looking to JESUS, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of GOD."

There are several people who "pick and choose" a particular sin to bemoan and criticize others about.  Naming a sin would only contribute to the alienation and divisiveness that even I have been guilty of in the past.  I could list all of the things I don't do because of my love for the LORD, but I don't want to list all of the things that I STILL fail HIM in!  

The writer of Hebrews instructs us to "LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT" and run the race that is set before us!  The Bible, to my knowledge, doesn't instruct us to be judgmental with those who choose to live their own lives with no guidance from the Spirit of GOD.  Instead, JESUS (our example), drank water with the woman at the well, went to dinner with Zacchaeus, and even mentored faithfully Judas, KNOWING he would betray HIM!  

In 1 Corinthians 7:17 scripture says we should "let each person lead the life that the LORD has assigned to him, and to which GOD has called him".  GOD will not "assign" to you a life that violates HIS Word.  However, JESUS came to earth to be our "High Priest" (Hebrews 4:14-16) and to provide mercy and grace in time of need.  GOD is the ONE who convicts of sin.  As believers, we should live a examples of GOD's love and forgiveness.  We can't demand that others go to heaven anymore than we demand they NOT go to heaven!  The choice is theirs!

Reverend Billy Graham says "It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict, GOD's job to judge and my job to love!"  I have enough faults to ask forgiveness for in my life that I don't have time to be consumed by what others are doing.  Let us "LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT" that we have between us and GOD and leave everyone else's burdens for their judgement!  

"POWER OF GOD!"

1 Corinthians 2:1-5                    (ESV)

"1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of GOD with lofty speech or wisdom.

2 For I decided to know nothing among you except JESUS CHRIST and HIM crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling,

4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the "POWER OF GOD!"

My use of the English language has never been up to the level of my high school speech teacher.  "Mrs. H" was so articulate and precise in her speech that sometimes I think of her when computer generated speech is being heard.  Not only did she use the proper words in forming sentences, she enunciated those words precisely when communicating.  I was always "too busy" to worry with correct language being used, as long as my point was made!

The Apostle Paul, although well educated, chose not to use his mastery of the language in speaking to the church at Corinth.  Paul understood, and lived the premise, that unless GOD does a work in a heart, the labor would be in vain (Psalms 127:1)!  JESUS even said in John 6:44 "NO ONE can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him".  To humbly debase yourself to acknowledge the power of ALMIGHTY GOD is not a bad thing, rather a submissive action.  Paul did not desire to grow the numbers of his ministry, but to see lives changed by only GOD!

There seems to be a current mindset of so-called "ministers" to enlarge their own flock, regardless of whether people grow and mature in the LORD.  GOD doesn't need a minister or ministry to draw attention to themselves, but to glorify HIM!  HE desires men to worship HIM in Spirit and truth and to recognize that HE IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS!  The ministry that glorifies itself, rather than the GOD WHO created that ministry, is missing the mark, whether intentionally or not.

The words we use can identify who and what we appear to be.  But the "POWER OF GOD" upon our lives reveals whether we are part of the true vine (John 15).  Using words that display "our" intellect instead of GOD's glory can be a vain attempt at self-glorification.  The Apostle Paul understood that, and did his best to avoid that.  My prayer is that my life will not glorify anything to do with self or ministry, but be used to demonstrate the "POWER OF GOD" 

"MANY WORDS!"

"Proverbs 10:19     Where there are many words, sin is not lacking!"
Kirk Jernigan




I saw this post this morning and I was stopped in my tracks!  I have searched and cannot find the exact translation, but most have the same gist.  It seems some people, of which I used to be one, have a tremendous sense of needing to express their view of matters to anyone who will listen.  Whether they are right or wrong isn't the issue, but whether their point is heard.  

In my earlier years I was exposed to a saying that went something like "It is hard to learn anything while you are talking"!  The reported author of most of the Proverbs is King Solomon, the wisest man to have ever lived, according to 1 Kings 4:30.  If King Solomon in his wisdom knew that "MANY WORDS" brought about sin, transgressions, and strife, why can't I learn from his teachings?

GOD used a brain hemorrhage in 2007 to show me that HE is the ONE in control, not me doing stuff for HIM!  The English Standard Version of Proverbs 10:19 says "When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent."  The brain hemorrhage, and resulting word recall problem I deal with, has taught me that GOD doesn't need me to be HIS orator, nor does HE need me to do ANYTHING for HIM.  In Exodus 14:14 GOD tells Moses and the children of Israel "The LORD will fight for you, and YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT!"  Restraining my lips is something HE made abundant clear to me!  I don't need to be exposed to further lessons!

GOD, YOU have displayed to me YOUR power and might in Heavenly proportions!  My prayer is that I will never again be caught up with "MANY WORDS", but will listen to, and for, YOU!  

"Consider the work of GOD"!!

Ecclesiastes 7:13-14                  (ESV)

"13 Consider the work of GOD: WHO can make straight what HE has made crooked? 

14 In the day of PROSPERITY be joyful, and in the day of ADVERSITY consider: GOD has made the one as well as the other, so that man may NOT find out anything that will be after HIM."

There are some things that that cause one to "Consider the work of GOD"!  Not knowing what drives decisions made has proven to be beyond my expertise.  But when we understand that GOD is loving and prudent, yet holy and just, we SHOULD glorify HIM beyond everything imaginable!  Instead, I find myself at times "searching" for a reason or explanation for something when we just sometimes have to proclaim that we must "Consider the work of GOD"!  

Trying to understand why someone is successful when they appear to be ruthless and without morals can be frustrating.  Why do some enjoy PROSPERITY even though they seem to engage in less than scrupulous behavior?  We, as humans, seem to "rate" things as miraculous or impossible when JESUS said in Matthew 19:26 "With man this is impossible, but with GOD all things are possible."  We aren't GOD and we can't grasp everything HE does or allows.  

At the same time, ADVERSITY can be a useful tool, especially if we understand that GOD is able to control everything.  Ecclesiastes 7:13 says "who can make straight what HE has made crooked?" indicating that GOD can use seemingly bad situations to get glory for HIMSELF!  When GOD is revealed to humans we usually call it a miracle!  I just have to look for HIM in all things! GOD will be glorified (1 Peter 4:11) in all things!

To understand WHO GOD is and what HE can do is beyond our imaginations.  Ephesians 3:20 says "Now to HIM who is able to do FAR MORE abundantly than all that we ask or think...."   In the latter portion of Ecclesiastes 7:14 scripture says "so that man may NOT find out anything that will be after HIM"!  For us to "Consider the work of GOD" may be to realize that we cannot comprehend the awesomeness and omnipotence of a SPIRIT WHO simply "spoke" the world's into existence?  That HE loved me so that HIS only SON would sacrifice HIS LIFE for my sinful existence is unfathomable?  It seems all we can do is "Consider the work of GOD"!!

"WALK IN THE LIGHT"!

1 John 1:5-10                          (ESV)

"5 This is the message we have heard from HIM and proclaim to you, that GOD is light, and in HIM is NO DARKNESS AT ALL.

6 If we say we have fellowship with HIM while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

7 But if we "WALK IN THE LIGHT", as HE is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of JESUS HIS SON cleanses us from all sin.

8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say we have not sinned, we make HIM a liar, and HIS word is not in us."

Most mornings my routine is pretty similar.  I wake up, pray for a few minutes, go into the kitchen to begin breakfast, then sit down and do a pretty extensive Bible Study and meditation.  But this morning was a little different.  My wife has cleaned dishes last night and the only thing "dirty" was the dishes we had used at breakfast this morning.  I washed those dishes and it only took a few minutes as the left-over scrambled eggs in the skillet weren't dried yet!  There evidence of the dirtiness was easily removed.

My thoughts immediately went to CONFESSING OUR SINS and if we don't allow the sin to HARDEN OUR HEARTS it would be easier to confess and turn from them.  1 John 1:8 says "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us".  ALL have sinned (Romans 3:23) so there are none who don't have to be concerned with asking for forgiveness.  We ALL have to CONFESS our failures, shortcomings and impurities to a HOLY GOD!  

My mind went to 1 John 1:9 and "If we CONFESS"!  When I went to 1 John chapter 1 the subtitle on that paragraph was WALKING IN THE LIGHT!  To walk in darkness can be an exhilarating thing, but it can also be an extremely painful experience!  Have you ever hit your shin on something you couldn't see because you didn't "WALK IN THE LIGHT"?  The memory of that pain is something I STILL remember!  I do my best to "WALK IN THE LIGHT" to avoid that painful experience again!

Getting back to my breakfast dishes, the skillet is now clean with no residue of scrambled eggs anywhere to be seen.  The remnants of breakfast was easily removed as it had not settled in and hardened.  When I "confess" my sins as soon as the Holy Spirit convicts me of them, they don't get a chance to "harden" my heart and let the devil play with my mind about how GOD SURELY wouldn't hold that against me?  Psalms 103:12 says HE removes our transgressions as far as the east is from the west!  If we "WALK IN THE LIGHT" and confess our sins as they are revealed to us, the pain of hitting our shins in the dark will not be as frequent!  

"OBEY MY VOICE"

Jeremiah 7:23-26                      (ESV)

"23 But this command I (GOD) gave them: 'OBEY MY VOICE", and I will be your GOD, and you shall be MY people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.'

24 But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward.

25 From the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt to this day, I have persistently sent all MY servants the prophets to them, day after day.

26 Yet they did not listen to ME or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck. They did worse than their fathers."

Being a Prophet from GOD must be a humbling position.  You are told by the LORD the things HE directs you to say, but when the message isn't pleasant to hear you can easily be labeled a "gloom and doom" preacher with a pessimistic outlook.  When your message contains good things you are labeled a "wealth and prosperity" preacher disconnected from reality. If your message is truly coming from GOD you can rest assured it will offend and alienate the world, for "this world" is of the devil and he "blinds" everyone he can!

One of my favorite verses of scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 that says "For I (GOD) know the plans I (GOD) have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope".  That verse has brought me through some deep valley's and has displayed a tremendous amount of encouragement for me.  It is reassuring to know that the Creator of the Universe has my future planned out and my rewards await!

But earlier in Jeremiah the message was not so hopeful.  GOD instructs HIS children to "OBEY MY VOICE" and do the things HE commands them "that it may be well with you".  GOD wants to bless us greatly (Deuteronomy 8:18: 28:8), but HE cannot be a part of sin and iniquity.  When we walk "in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts" GOD's only option is to NOT BLESS our efforts.  While wealth is certainly no measuring stick for spiritual growth, "this world" will attempt to label the "successful" by their bank accounts or stock portfolios.  GOD uses a different measuring stick.  Whether not not we GLORIFY HIS name is the charge I want to be found guilty of!  

When "this world" comes to an end for me there will more than likely not be a great deal to squabble over.  The only thing of lasting value that I can leave my heirs is showing how to "OBEY MY VOICE " and doing what HE commands!  One point that "this world" would like for us to believe is that we have AN OPTION when it comes to whether or not we "OBEY MY VOICE"!  Deuteronomy 7:23 says GOD "commands", not requests us, to "OBEY MY VOICE"! Do you even KNOW HIS VOICE?  Or are you TOO BUSY to hear the STILL, SMALL VOICE (1 Kings 19:11-13) that Elijah heard?  It might behoove us to slow down and listen for and "OBEY MY VOICE"!!

"WHAT THE USA NEEDS TO HEAR!"

The next presidential election is scheduled for November 08, 2016 and contestants to be nominated are ALREADY saying what they believe the United States needs to do.  From social programs to tax reform to immigration reform and so on, all candidates seem to have an issue or issues that they claim to be paramount to our future!

But you seldom, almost never, hear the TRUE statement that the United States needs to hear!  2 Chronicles 7:12-14 says "Then the LORD appeared to Solomon (reported to be the wisest man to have ever lived) in the night and said to him: "I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice. When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, IF MY PEOPLE WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME HUMBLE THEMSELVES, AND PRAY AND SEEK MY FACE AND TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS, THEN I WILL HEAR FROM HEAVEN AND WILL FORGIVE THEIR SIN AND HEAL THEIR LAND!"

Since Solomon was the WISEST man to have lived (1 Kings 4:30) it would seem we should follow the same LORD gave him to restore Israel from their sinful debacle!  People seem to desire to be blessed physically THEN, if we get around to it, honor GOD when we get time.  

GOD's instructions are rather clear concerning how HE will bless.  "IF my people" is not negotiable.  We must HUMBLE ourselves, PRAY, SEEK HIS FACE, and TURN FROM OUR SINFUL WAYS before we can expect GOD to bless anything we do!  

After we do these things THEN GOD WILL HEAR FROM HEAVEN!  Then HE will forgive our sin! And THEN HE will heal our land!  GOD desires to bless HIS children.  Psalms 128:4 says "Behold, thus shall the MAN BE BLESSED who fears the LORD."  GOD cannot bless those who reject HIM and HIS principles though.  We (the United States) cannot be successful outside of GOD's grace.  

Politicians and pundits can make all of the speeches with all kinds of promises.  But until we HUMBLE ourselves, PRAY, SEEK HIS FACE, and TURN FROM OUR SINFUL WAYS we will continue on our down slide toward destruction.  Only GOD can save our land!  

My name is Ray Nelson, and I not only approve of this message, I humbly beseech ALL to adhere to it!

"THE TIME CAME!"

Luke 2:1-7                                  (ESV)

"1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,

5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

6 And while they were there, "THE TIME CAME" for her to give birth.

7 And she gave birth to her firstborn SON and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid HIM in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn."

My first grandchild was recently born, and my second grandchild is due this summer.  It has been said a multitude of times, but there is no greater feeling than to hold a child of your child!  Remembering when my first child was born, the anticipation of everything being just perfect was greater for me with my children.  I wanted things ALL to be perfect for my child, but my grandchildren ARE perfect (in my eyes) and knowing that GOD IS IN CONTROL relaxes me!

GOD's ways are HIGHER than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-8).  The flaws my children have (and that I have) are by design of the Creator!  To admit my children have flaws is not a slight on my children, because ALL humans are imperfect (Romans 3:23) except ONE (1 Peter 2:22)!  My flaws (weaknesses) only show how magnificent HE is (2 Corinthians 12:9-11).  To "claim" we have NO SIN is akin to declaring NO NEED for a Savior, therefore CHRST would have come to earth in vain!

There is no such thing as chance or circumstance.  GOD has a plan and we are tools in that plan!  JESUS fulfilled over 350 prophecies by coming to earth and living a perfect life for my salvation.  One of those prophesies was that HE would be born in Bethlehem.  Now Joseph's hometown was Nazareth, but "coincidentally" Caesar Augustus declared that ALL must go to their native town to "be registered"!   JESUS was born in Bethlehem by divine appointment, not by accident!  There is NOTHING outside of GOD's plan and watchful eye!  WHEN we grasp that concept it becomes easier to not be so anxious and uptight.  

Knowing when a child will be born is certainly not an exact science.  Even when delivered by Cesarean Section, there are so many variables that can play into WHEN "THE TIME COMES"!  JESUS could have been born in Nazareth, or anywhere between Bethlehem and Nazareth.  But when "THE TIME CAME" for HIM to be delivered, JESUS fulfilled ALL prophecies surrounding HIS birth to a tee!  GOD has a plan (Jeremiah 29:11) for each of us, and that plan ultimately will bring HIM glory!  Almost two-thousand years ago "THE TIME CAME" for JESUS to come the first time!  Don't be caught unready when HE comes the second time!

"BECAUSE YOU DID NOT BELIEVE MY WORDS!"

Luke 1:8-25                  (ESV)

"8 Now while he (Zechariah) was serving as priest before GOD when his division was on duty,

9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the LORD and burn incense.

10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

11 And there appeared to him an angel of the LORD standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.

13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth,

15 for he will be great before the LORD. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT, even from his mother's womb.

16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the LORD their GOD,

17 and he will go before HIM in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the LORD a people prepared."

18 And Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years."

19 And the angel answered him, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of GOD, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.

20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, "BECAUSE YOU DID NOT BELIEVE MY WORDS", which WILL BE fulfilled in their time."

21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple.

22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute.

23 And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home.

24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying,

25 "Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people." 

The faithfulness of Zechariah and Elizabeth is recorded in Like 1:6, yet GOD had YET to bless their marriage with children.  One day when Zechariah was serving GOD in the Temple, an angel of the LORD came to him saying "your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John".  Now Zechariah and Elizabeth were well advanced in years and, in man's eyes, were too old to have children.  BUT GOD doesn't rely on physical eyesight!

Their son, John, was born to them to be a forerunner of JESUS CHRIST (v. 17), whose birth was spoken of by the angel some 6 months later.  That same angel, Gabriel, spoke then to Mary, mother of JESUS, and told her that she had "found favor with GOD" and she would bear a son a name HIM JESUS!  GOD brought John forth from a woman who WAS THOUGHT by the world to be past her time, and GOD brought forth JESUS from a woman who was a virgin!  Both were miracles from GOD, but we always tend to believe that when mankind is used to accomplish the miracle that there is an explanation for the miraculous?  

GOD is most readily recognized when mankind cannot EXPLAIN why, or what, has occurred.  Although it has happened billions of times since Creation, no one can explain to me HOW a baby is formed within the womb of a woman?  Although we seem to overlook most flaws when a baby is born, ALL of us have imperfections, because we are human!  The ONLY ONE who had no imperfections was crucified on Calvary for mine and your sins almost two thousand years ago!  Zechariah, as faithful as he was, was told that John and JESUS CHRIST was coming, but "BECAUSE YOU DID NOT BELIEVE MY WORDS" was muted by the angel until John was born!  

I probably would have been just as skeptical as Zechariah.  Proof that GOD is WHO HE says HE is, and HE is in control, and that GOD hasn't lost any of HIS power, had to be demonstrated to Zechariah for him to believe!  GOD demonstrated to me just WHO was in control in July and August 2007, with NO DOUBT in my mind!  HE can STILL demonstrate today that HE is STILL in control of ALL things!  Will GOD say of you "BECAUSE YOU DID NOT BELIEVE MY WORDS"?  Don't think that things are ever too desperate for GOD ALMIGHTY!  Just when it looks like there is NO HOPE, "BECAUSE YOU DID NOT BELIEVE MY WORDS", that is when GOD delights in displaying HIS might!!!

"MUST WORSHIP!"

John 4:24-25 

"23 But the hour is coming, and IS NOW HERE, when the true worshipers will worship the FATHER in Spirit and Truth, for the FATHER is seeking such people to worship HIM.

24 GOD is Spirit, and those who worship HIM "MUST WORSHIP" in Spirit and Truth".  

My finite, limited mind seems to be incapable of seeing through a purely Spiritual manner.  It seems I continually am adjusting my vision to see things from THE MASTER's point of view.  My desire is to see things with Heavenly eyesight!  If GOD is Spirit, and we are Created IN HIS IMAGE (Genesis 1:27), why do we focus most of our energies on things that are "physical"?  The enemy attempts to have us focus on anything that isn't of the SPIRIT just to get our attention on something other than GOD in Heaven.  

Maybe we are closest to GOD when we PROCREATE and bring life into this world. Maybe when we are in the SPIRITUAL BIRTHING ROOM of a NEW CREATION we are more IN HIS IMAGE than we can ever realize?  Maybe we are MOST LIKE HIM when we are WEAK and HE IS STRONG?  Maybe HE desires us to die to our own will and desires and to totally sell out to the things HE has for us?  Maybe we can only be what GOD desires us to be when we yield to JESUS with our lives?

CHRIST said "unless you turn and become" (Matthew 18:2-4) as little children "you will NEVER enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  It seems when we SUBMIT TO HIM and become, like JESUS did when HE came from heaven to become a baby, then GROW IN SPIRIT under HIS guidance, then we are truly becoming STRONG IN HIM!  Anything we do "in the flesh" is not of GOD and will be burned up!  

The church has a terminal disease, and the only known cure is we "MUST WORSHIP" in Spirit and Truth!  We have to realize that we can do nothing outside of CHRIST!  All of the platitudes and ornate buildings will not facilitate the Spirit of GOD to come into our presence and abide with us.  Only being in a mindset that we "MUST WORSHIP" will bring the HOLY SPIRIT into our hearts.  Shouldn't that be our goal?  To welcome HIM into our presence so we can truly WORSHIP HIM???

"I AM THE LORD!"

Exodus 14:15-18                       (ESV)

"15 The LORD said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward.

16 Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground.

17 And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they shall go in after them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his chariots, and his horsemen.

18 And the Egyptians shall know that "I AM THE LORD", when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen."

The Exodus of the children of Israel from Egyptian captivity is one of my favorite displays of GOD's providence in the Bible.  The Egyptian Army was recognized as one of the fiercest of its time.  And the children of Israel were not known for their warrior mentality.  So when the Israelites were trapped at the Red Sea they understandably "cried out to GOD"in verse 10!  

Moses did not have a lot of options!  He was leading a reported 3 million people and they were trapped with mountains on the right and left, the Red Sea in front of them, and the charging Egyptian Army behind them!  The Bible doesn't say, but I'm sure Moses didn't question GOD's directions.  GOD promised to let the Israelis cross "on dry ground", and so they did.  The Egyptians chariots bogged down, according to Exodus 14:24-25!  To understand anything than GOD caused this is to TRY to limit what my GOD is capable of doing.

In verse 17 above GOD says "I will HARDEN the hearts of the Egyptians".  Now if Pharaoh was such a brilliant warrior and leader he might have seen the trap before him.  But he was overcome with anger and malice as his own son was killed during the Passover, and he wanted to get his slaves back.  His anger and malice would drive him and his hosts to a watery grave as GOD got GLORY over ALL of them!  

The children of Israel were not well prepared, well armed, nor well positioned to defend themselves.  In Exodus 14:14 Moses told the people "The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."  There are times in our lives when it may appear that ALL hope may be lost.  But GOD wants to be GLORIFIED in our lives, and we need only to be silent.  Whatever your predicament GOD is aware of it.  HE even planned for it (Jeremiah 29:11)!  HE may be wanting to show the world "I AM THE LORD"!  Or HE may be showing us that "I AM THE LORD"!  Regardless, there is no doubt, "I AM THE LORD" takes good care of me!!!

"WITHOUT THE SHEDDING OF BLOOD!"

Hebrews 9:15-22                          (ESV)

"15 Therefore HE is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, SINCE A DEATH HAS OCCURRED THAT REDEEMS them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

16 For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established.

17 For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive.

18 Therefore not even the FIRST COVENANT WAS INAUGURATED WITH BLOOD.

19 For when every commandment of the law had been declared by Moses to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people,

20 saying, "This is the blood of the covenant that GOD commanded for you."

21 And in the same way HE sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship.

22 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and "WITHOUT THE SHEDDING OF BLOOD" there is no forgiveness of sin."

What makes you think you will get into Heaven?  Why don't you deserve hell?  What is it about some who try to WORK their way into Heaven when scripture tells us in Isaiah 64:6 that "our righteousnesses are but filthy rags" (KJV) before the LORD.  We can do NOTHING worthy of anything but death and separation from GOD's peace and perfection. Dr. Charles Stanley's recent devotional made this abundantly clear in my mind!

In a recent conference I attended, one speaker offered that when Adam and Eve brought sin to mankind, GOD took "garments of skins" to cover their nakedness, or sin (Genesis 3:21).  Adam and Eve sinned and "WITHOUT THE SHEDDING OF BLOOD" there was no covering, or forgiveness, for their sin!  When GOD made "garments of skins", animals HAD to die!  Those animals had done NOTHING worthy of death, yet "WITHOUT THE SHEDDING OF BLOOD", their blood, Adam and Eve's sin would have ever been before them.  

GOD's Redemptive Plan involved an ULTIMATE BLOOD SACRIFICE for the sins of mankind!  GOD knew, before the foundations of the world, that HIS SON would be required to pay for my transgressions.  Yet HE Created us anyway so that we can worship HIM.  Our worship of HIM is SO important to HIM that HE "gave" a part of HIMSELF to forgive our sins!  "WITHOUT THE SHEDDING OF BLOOD", GOD's own blood through JESUS CHRIST, the price was paid to redeem my soul!  WORTHY IS THE LAMB!!

"READY ON YOUR LIPS!"

Proverbs 22:17-18

"17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to MY knowledge, 

18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are "READY ON YOUR LIPS!"

Many times a question is raised and my mind goes to a scripture for a response.  Now sharing that scripture is not something that I always find the courage to do, but the ANSWER to the question being raised is within scripture!  President Ronald Reagan once said "Within the covers of the BIBLE  are the answers for all the problems men face".  How our lives would be changed if we would seek answers from our Creator, rather than trying to figure things out on our own!

My ability to memorize scripture is not what I desire it to be.  Constantly I find myself trying to find methods of recalling scripture verses when I need them.  It seems I try to use "my" intellect instead of trusting in GOD to provide what HE wants me to say!  In Luke 12:11-12 JESUS says "And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the HOLY SPIRIT will teach you IN THAT VERY HOUR what you ought to say."  What could be better than having the HOLY SPIRIT direct your conversation, having HIM developing our WORD RECALL?

The WORD of GOD is to be used to change MY LIFE, not for me to try and change everyone else's life!  Seeing the faults of others is a tool used by the enemy to prevent us from observing our own situation.  Proverbs 22:18 says "for it will be pleasant if you keep them WITHIN YOU" and finishes up with keeping "keeping ALL of them are "READY ON YOUR LIPS"!  Only GOD can change a heart, and only GOD can draw a person to HIM.  HIS WORD, the HOLY BIBLE, has been trivialized to the point of not having the impact it should because of not being accepted as HIS instruction manual for ME!  Even though I may not be able to recall book, chapter, and verse, I can keep HIS principles "READY ON MY LIPS" and guiding my actions to be more like JESUS!  HE will change others as HE sees fit!

Did you ever stop to think why the founders of the United States ALWAYS used the Holy Bible as a measuring stick when giving an oath?  Whether in a court room, or swearing into office, or whatever else, when we pledge on HIS WORD we are taking the ultimate oath!  Regardless of what modern pundits may say, our founders knew that our Creator, and HIS WORD, is more powerful and able (Hebrews 4:12) than any other WORD.  GOD s in control of ALL things, and it would behoove us to keep HIS WORD "READY ON YOUR LIPS" as the time draws near!!

"RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND!"

Romans 12:1-2                                  (ESV)

"1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of GOD, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to GOD, which is your spiritual worship.

2 Do not BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, but be transformed by the "RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND", that by testing you may discern what is the will of GOD, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Memories of my childhood are some of the most influential in my "database".  Remembering the lessons learned from my formative years demonstrates vividly Proverbs 22:6 which says "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."  One of the "lessons" I learned while growing up was in my grandfathers garden, hoeing weeds from the plants.  Now hoeing weeds was one of the most unpleasant chores I was assigned.  It seemed I was never as good at hoeing as my grandfather and was frequently being corrected on my technique!  The thing I realized later in life, if I didn't hoe the weeds out of the plants, they would "choke out" the plants and limit the productivity of the garden!

Our lives reflect similar principles.  If we just allow whatever "springs up" to grow, our life will be grown up with whatever the enemy can do to occupy OUR MINDS!  THIS WORLD that we are journeying through is has an evil influence upon it (John 12:31), and we must "weed out" the weeds and unwanted plants that spring up in our minds!  Evil thoughts and intentions can be identified and replaced with GODLY thoughts (3 John 1:11).  If anything is NOT from GOD it is from the enemy and must be removed from "our garden" or our crops will not grow adequately.  

The "RENEWING OF YOUR MIND" is just like hoeing a garden.  If we do not allow every evil thought and intention from the enemy to mature and flourish in our minds, our garden will become strong and beneficial to The LORD!  The enemy will not be happy with GOD getting glory, to us NOT conforming to this world, and will flood our MINDS with evil thoughts to drag us down!  It is IMPERATIVE that we DAILY have a "RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND" to overcome the enemy in his attempt to derail our Spiritual growth!