"INTO ARABIA!"

Galatians 1:11-17                       (ESV)

"11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel.

12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of JESUS CHRIST

13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of GOD violently and tried to destroy it.

14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.

15 But when HE who had set me apart before I was born, and WHO called me by HIS grace,

16 was pleased to reveal HIS SON to me, in order that I might preach HIM among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;

17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away "INTO ARABIA", and returned again to Damascus."

The Apostle Paul's ministry was special, not only in the way he was called by The LORD, but also in the way GOD instructed and led him after his conversion.  GOD speaks in MANY different ways, we just have to be "in tune" with HIS voice!  There is varied opinions where exactly "ARABIA" is located.  Some say Paul went to Mt. Sinai for three years, the same Mt. Sinai that GOD delivered the Ten Commandments to Moses.  Although we can't be sure of the exact geographic location Paul traveled to, we can be sure that GOD revealed HIMSELF to Paul like few others. 

In Acts 9:16 JESUS tells Ananias "For I will 'show him' (Saul) how much he must suffer for the sake of my name."  Many times I have written that GOD has a plan for each of us and JESUS made it clear in HIS talk with Ananias that Saul/Paul would glorify GOD with the remainder of his life.  Wherever it was that Paul spent three years after his conversion, it is written that GOD was "pleased to reveal HIS SON" to Paul so HE could be glorified by "the Gentiles and kings and children of Israel". 

Saul had been doing his best to destroy the church of GOD prior to his conversion.  He wrote that "you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of GOD violently and tried to destroy it."  I am sure it was not with a lot of pride that Saul/Paul had to report of his deeds before his conversion.  He was most assuredly "EXTREMELY zealous was I for the "traditions of my fathers".  However GOD's Plan for Paul called for him to go "INTO ARABIA" for a time to be molded into a vessel to glorify GOD and be used of HIM.  

There are times when GOD is dealing with us to mold us into vessels that can "glorify GOD and be used of HIM" that seem like we are "INTO ARABIA"?  We have to get alone with HIM and allow HIM to sculpt us into tools that can glorify HIM before all people!  This process will not necessarily be an enjoyable time, but our main objective should be for GOD ALMIGHTY to use us to glorify HIS name.  Whether I am called to go "INTO ARABIA", the ghetto, or into kings mansions, I pray I will be used to glorify GOD!!

"WHATEVER YOU DO!"

1 Corinthians 10:31-33                      (ESV)

"31 So, whether you eat or drink, or "WHATEVER YOU DO", DO ALL to the GLORY of GOD.

32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of GOD,

33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved."

The Apostle Paul was a special person, as his apparent focus was making certain he was used to draw as many people as he could into heaven with him.  Now his "works" were not used to earn his salvation, rather because of his salvation his works were manifested.  In all his deeds it was the aim of Paul to glorify the FATHER to ALL mankind, not just the people he came in contact with.

Although Paul was discussing food and drink, his conversation could be easily considered for anything we say and do.  Don't underestimate what you take into your body, for it can cause you great harm!  But don't be overly concerned with the food and drink, as the things you allow into your mind can grow into a cancer that will DEVOUR you!  We need to be more cognizant of the seeds we allow to grow in our minds and not allow unholy things to mature into unholy deeds!

Paul wrote "WHATEVER YOU DO", DO ALL to the GLORY of GOD.  GOD can "get glory" in our lives whether we want HIM to or not!  In Exodus 14:4 it is written "And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will pursue them, and I WILL GET GLORY over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD." And they did so."  Certainly Pharaoh didn't desire to drown with all of his hosts in the Red Sea?  Sure, that was thousands of years ago, but GOD can get glory TO THIS DAY!  In July 2007 I was put into an almost three week COMA with NO INPUT OF MY OWN to save my life.  Today I am restored physically with NO disabilities, and medical records indicate it was a "miracle from GOD"!  

GOD will be glorified!  We can be an active participant, or we can be a silent observer.  The enemy can cause us to talk about the evil and despair he causes in this world, but we need to realize that GOD is in control and HE deserves to be praised and adored for all HE has done!  Instead of talking about how evil this world is becoming, we need to talk about how good GOD is.  Today make it a point in "WHATEVER YOU DO" to glorify GOD!  

"CRUCIFIED THE FLESH!"

Galatians 5:16-21                  (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."

There are times when it seems my actions are contrary to what I desire for them to be.  Why do I do things that I "REALLY" don't want to do?  Why does the enemy seem to have such control over my actions and cause such agony in my life!  In Romans 7:15 the writer says "For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate."  It seems the very thing I am trying to accomplish sometimes will be the thing I end up NOT doing?  

The "flesh" brings about mistakes, confusion, and ultimately death!  JESUS brings joy, comfort, peace and LIFE for all!  The things we "DESIRE" in life should not surprise us to usually be self-centered and self-serving.  Whether something as major as a new home, or as insignificant as a new t-shirt, unless we are led by the SPIRIT to make such a purchase we are probably succumbing to the flesh!  

Serving the flesh AND serving the SPIRIT are not compatible!  JESUS said in Luke 16:13 "No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve GOD and money."  In Galatians 5:17 scripture dictates "the desires of the flesh are against the SPIRIT, and THE DESIRES OF THE SPIRIT ARE AGAINST THE FLESH"!  No man can satisfy desires of the flesh while growing his SPIRIT, or vice versa.  

A decision has to be made.  Either you are going to serve other gods (flesh), or you will serve the SPIRIT with your life.  Allowing the SPIRIT to guide and direct your life will not always be comfortable or easy.  "This world" is diametrically opposed to the things of the SPIRIT and will be opposed to you living for HIM!  Get ready, to live for HIM with your life you must make a choice to have "CRUCIFIED THE FLESH"!  

"I will continue!"

2 Corinthians 11:12-15             (ESV)

"12 And what I am doing "I will continue" to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do.

13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.

14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds."

Yesterday I had the occasion to find a quote from the 1854 United States Congress.  The writings caused me to wonder if I would recognize the enemy were he to be disguised as a servant of righteousness?  Am I grounded enough to see TRUTH even when the enemy tries to obscure it with deceit?  These words brought me a resolve to not waver from what GOD's word declares.  Read them and see if you can see the TRUTH:

United States House Judiciary Committee of Congress 1854 quotes 

“In this age, there is no substitute for Christianity. That was the religion of the founders of the republic, and they expected it to remain the religion of their descendants. The great, vital and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure, doctrines and divine truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

― United States House Judiciary Committee of Congress 1854

Could it be that the United States House Judiciary Committee of Congress of 1854 didn't have a firm understanding of what our founders based our founding upon only 75-80 years prior?  Or might it be that the TRUTH had not been as colored by deceit as in recent years?  The enemy desires for the TRUTH to be hidden and obscured in every manner.  JESUS said in John 14:6 "I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life"!  

Since JESUS is the TRUTH and the enemy is defeated by the TRUTH, it makes sense that any chance to dilute the TRUTH will be made by the enemy.   The Apostle Paul said "what I am doing "I will continue" to do".  He would not bow to an "in crowd" trying to revise the TRUTH!  He said "I will continue" in order to undermine the story being told by unscrupulous people.  The United States House Judiciary Committee of Congress of 1854 knew the TRUTH.  May my witness be one of the TRUTH and may it be said of me "I will continue" even when deceit is in the majority! 

"Hope in GOD!"

Psalms 42:9-11                          (ESV)

"9 I say to GOD, my rock: "Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?" 

10 As with a deadly wound in my bones, my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me all the day long, "Where is your GOD?" 

11 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? "Hope in GOD"; for I shall again praise HIM, my salvation and my GOD."

We all have those days, days when everything just seems to be in a funk, where a cloud of despair and hopelessness hangs over out very lives, over everything we do.  Why is it that everyday can't be full of sunshine and joy?  Why don't we relish the good times when they are here as much as we dread the bad times when they are on the horizon?  

To recognize our 'adversary', our enemy, the one who is the great deceiver, who robs us of joy and peace is an essential portion of being a child of GOD.  In Genesis 3 some translations of the Bible describes satan as the most crafty, most deceitful, or as the biggest trickster GOD had made!  He generally attempts to camouflage his evilness as something with a hint of "good" and he is pretty good at his antics!  His desire is to be godlike, but his attempts ALWAYS fall woefully short!  

King David was a man after GOD's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14)!  Was he perfect.......NO!  King David had several encounters with the great deceiver in his life where he failed to identify the enemy until the enemy had a stronghold in his life.  One thing King David was seemingly always able to do was, even in the darkest of times, was to "Hope in GOD"!  No matter how much the enemy pursued and hassled him, David always knew his "Hope in GOD" would be enough to sustain him.  

When we get anxious and overly concerned about things going on in our lives, we need to slow down and remember to "Hope in GOD"!  When we have to attend a funeral of a dear friend we should always cling to "Hope in GOD"!  When the enemy is masquerading even as an "Angel of Light" (2 Corinthians 11:4) we should "Hope in GOD"!  The trials and turmoils of "this world" will undoubtedly attempt to bring fear and doubt into our lives, but JESUS says in Mark 11:22-24 to "have faith in GOD"!  HE's got this........., "Hope in GOD"!!

"HE SHALL DIRECT THY PATHS!"

Proverbs 3:5-7                           (KJV)

"5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge HIM, and "HE SHALL DIRECT THY PATHS!".

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."

This verse has been guiding me for many years.  However the phrase I have always focused on has 'Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart"!  It seems as though my mentality was that GOD would NEVER cause me to experience difficult times, they must come from my own disobedience or sinful lifestyle.  GOD would only give me "good" things and any "bad" thing must have been retribution my own decisions?........and I MUST have made plenty of those?

But Proverbs 3:6 doesn't say GOD will direct us into prosperity and abundance!  Consider the Apostle Paul who lived a life that was sold out to glorifying JESUS CHRIST and HIS principles.  Paul spent a vast amount of his ministry IN PRISON!  Eleven of the twelve disciples, Apostle Paul, and numerous others were martyred for the cause of JESUS CHRIST!  GOD was, and is, in Control of Paul's life and "HE SHALL DIRECT THY PATHS" even when Paul was sent to prison!

Since I live in the United States of America we "free-people" always seem to look for the 'easy way out', to avoid conflict or confinement.  But scripture 'promises' numerous places we will, like Saul (later Apostle Paul), SUFFER many things for HIS cause (Acts 9:16)!  JESUS said in John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In "the world" ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome "the world".  "The world" is not a final resting place, but a foreign battle field for us to endure for a time!  Calling eternity our "reward" is one of the most true statements we can make!

"HE SHALL DIRECT THY PATHS" may lead me through a prison or some other difficulty where I have to exhibit CHRIST in some ROUGH circumstances.  "HE SHALL DIRECT THY PATHS" may lead me through some mountain-top experiences that can never be explained.  Whatever lies before me, I pray that I will ever "Trust in the LORD with ALL my heart" and rest assured that "HE SHALL DIRECT THY PATHS!"

"FATHER OF LIGHTS!"

James 1:16-18                       (ESV)

"16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the "FATHER OF LIGHTS" with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

18 Of HIS own will HE brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of HIS creatures."

Knowing that we are introduced to satan in Genesis 3 as 'more deceitful than ANY other creature GOD had made', it should be no surprise to us that the enemy can, and does, use anything he can to trick people into following something other than GOD's perfect plan.  If the enemy can infiltrate our minds in the the slightest, then he has us moving away from GOD.  It doesn't take but a few drops of paint to turn WHITE into BEIGE!

As I age my eyesight is not what it used to be.  However, recently my wife was painting our bedroom and I noticed that a different colored paint lightened the whole room.  I watched the paint be mixed and the clerk only put a few drops of blue and red into the bucket to change the whole outcome of the product!  All it took was a slight improvement in the LIGHT to give the room a completely new look.  If she had used WHITE paint on the walls the illumination would have been interesting to see!  A little color (deception) entirely changed how we saw 

GOD is the "FATHER OF LIGHTS" spoken of by James in the above scripture.  Every good and perfect gift is from HIM.  There is no 'tinting or shadowing' HIS blessings.  When we look at what GOD made by simply "speaking" into existence, we might be, and should be, taken aback!  Sometimes we have to adjust "how we see" the things we are looking at, not so much the things we are looking at!  

It has been said "beauty is in the eye of the beholder".  When the great deceiver tints the walls of the rooms in our house we can see a totally different house.  However, when we allow GOD to reveal the true color HE designed for our lives, HE reveals to us a seemingly NEW CREATION.  The "FATHER OF LIGHTS" can change our eyesight to see things we hadn't seen previously, and even though we are standing in the same room, make it appear as though things are totally new.   I choose The CREATORS plan for my life as opposed to the great deceiver's.  The seeming luxury of "this world" will be exposed as the "FATHER OF LIGHTS" is exposed!

"PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PERSECUTE YOU!"

Matthew 5:43-48                  (ESV)

"43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'

44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and "PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PERSECUTE YOU",

45 so that you may be sons of your FATHER who is in heaven. For HE makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?

48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly FATHER is perfect"

There are times when scripture REALLY convicts me!  A friend recently experienced a major loss in their surroundings.  Although I wasn't one who told my friend that they "hated" people who caused such losses, I have to admit I thought negatively about those who caused the loss.  The word "hate" is one word I try to avoid as the GOD of LOVE, although easily seen, is sometimes hard to find when looking though the lens of "hate"!  

It is easy to fall into the trap of "hating" when you look through earthly eyes.  But when you look through heavenly, GODLY eyes, "hate" is hard to justify.  I know Proverbs 6:16 says "There are six things that the LORD "HATES", seven that are an abomination to him:" and then the writer names those seven things in the following verses.  But the LORD is without fault and I am not!  I sin daily and I can't condemn anyone else because I am too busy confessing my sin!  

When I "PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PERSECUTE YOU" it is hard for me to hold grudges, let alone "hate" someone!  I understand that there are some who choose to "hate", but I choose to be like CHRIST, who died for the people who crucified HIM!  When JESUS spoke in Matthew 5 HE knew that Calvary was in HIS future.  HE chose to forgive those who were responsible for HIS crucifixion in Luke 23:34 even while HE was on the cross!  Imagine being so in control of your emotions that you forgive someone responsible for your own death......while they were performing the act!

As Christians (1. of, relating to, or derived from Jesus Christ or His teachings) we are to follow what HE instructed while here on earth.  To "PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PERSECUTE YOU", whether through lying, cheating, stealing, robbing or any other method, is being what JESUS CHRIST taught us to do!  My prayer is that I will not have to experience a loss such as my friend did, but if I do, may I "PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PERSECUTE ME!".

"PUT ME IN REMEMBRANCE!"

Isaiah 43:25-28                           (ESV)

"25 "I, I am HE who blots out your transgressions for MY own sake, and I will not remember your sins. 

26 "PUT ME IN REMEMBRANCE"; let us argue together; set forth your case, that you may be proved right. 

27 Your first father sinned, and your mediators transgressed against ME. 

28 Therefore I will profane the princes of the sanctuary, and deliver Jacob to utter destruction and Israel to reviling."

One of my favorite verses in the Holy Bible is found in Isaiah 43:25.  ALMIGHTY GOD desires a relationship with us so much that HE "blots out your transgressions" to be able to fellowship with us!  HE even tells us HE will not remember our sins, no matter how vile and reprehensible our actions.  GOD desires people who will honor and praise HIM!

"PUT ME IN REMEMBRANCE" suggests that we keep HIM at the forefront of our hearts and minds as we live our lives.  To know that GOD does not wish to be put on the back of the shelf as we live our lives comforts me.  HE wants to debate our "case" and ultimately be proven "right"!  By following HIS direction, we can be assured that we are following HIS plan for our lives.  

GOD isn't looking for someone to follow a list of rules and statutes.  HE wants those who will "PUT ME IN REMEMBRANCE", loving and adoring HIM for HIS Goodness.  Mankind has exhibited that we cannot fulfill HIS law, so HE sent HIS SON JESUS as a sacrifice for our sins and transgressions.  HE did this not because we are worthy, but because HE loved us so much!

GOD knew before the foundations of the world that for HIM to have a relationship with us that atonement for our sins would have to be made.  That is why HE said in Isaiah 43:25 "for my own sake", HE LOVED US THAT MUCH!  Is it too much to ask that we "PUT ME IN REMEMBRANCE" of the ONE who created AND redeemed us?  We should seek GOD for every decision we make and "PUT ME IN REMEMBRANCE" in all we do!!

"MY WORDS SHALL NOT PASS AWAY!"

Matthew 24:35                             (KJV)

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but "MY WORDS SHALL NOT PASS AWAY."

The Heavens declare the works of the LORD (Psalms 19:1).  If the heavens declare HIS majesty, why can't we do likewise?  All mankind is asked to do is give glory and honor to our Creator, yet a lot of us want to talk about what we have done and how we made things happen.  Proverbs 16:9 says "A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps."  GOD is the ONE who does good through us!

Man can talk about how he has done so much good, and you normally see this when he is wanting something (such as your vote!).  But we must realize that all good things come from GOD (James 1:17).  The government can not give peace.  The government can not give understanding. Mankind, as a whole, is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9) and even the good we try to accomplish can have bad results if we attempt those deeds outside of CHRIST!

When all is said and done and the heavens and earth are no more, JESUS says "MY WORDS SHALL NOT PASS AWAY"!  We get so caught up trying to leave our mark in this world, but unless it is done in the name of JESUS it will be as "wood, hay and stubble"!  We need to understand and realize that we can do nothing outside of GOD's grace, and that "MY WORDS SHALL NOT PASS AWAY"!!!

"GOD IS SPIRIT"!

John 4:23-26                                    (ESV) 

"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."

25 The woman said to HIM, "I know that MESSIAH is coming (he who is called CHRIST). When HE comes, HE will tell us all things."

26 JESUS said to her, "I who speak to you am HE".

In 2007, when I was hospitalized, I asked my wife how she coped during the time I was in a medically induced coma.  She told me that there wasn't anything she could do about it, so she just didn't fret that much.  However, after a particularly rough day, while driving home one night she heard the song playing on the radio by Twila Paris named "GOD IS IN CONTROL"!  If "GOD IS IN CONTROL" what could she do to improve my situation?  

The fact that "GOD IS IN CONTROL" must give Christians everywhere hope beyond measure.  GOD could be allowing the rulers of "this world" to show us how big of a mess they can make.  HE could be allowing things to get SO BAD that Sodom and Gomorrah will be mild comparatively!  Imagine how bad things would become if GOD just removed all heavenly influence from the earth. 

When JESUS sacrificed HIMSELF on Calvary "this world" got a little indication what would happen without GOD.  Matthew 27:45 says "Now from the sixth hour there was DARKNESS OVER ALL THE LAND until the ninth hour."  In John 8:12 scripture records "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."  Yet we are told by "this world" that GOD must be "put into a box" and NOT allowed into our government or public life?  

JESUS HIMSELF said in John 4:24 that "GOD IS SPIRIT". Regardless of how big the government is, or powerful it is, or how much good it does, there is NO authority that can take any power from GOD ALMIGHTY!  We can no more kick GOD out of our schools, our government, our work, even our lives than we can make the wind cease blowing!  Since GOD IS SPIRIT" a spirit would have to limit HIM or HIS influence!  And there has been no known Spirit demonstrate the power or ability to curtail HIS Greatness!  Don't let others tell you that GOD has been kicked out of anywhere, for "GOD IS SPIRIT" and HE lives within my heart!!!

"THEY HAVE REJECTED ME!"

1 Samuel 8:1-9                 (ESV)

"1 When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel.

2 The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba.

3 Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but TURNED ASIDE AFTER GAIN. They took bribes and perverted justice.

4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah

5 and said to him, "Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us LIKE ALL THE NATIONS."

6 But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, "Give us a king to judge us." And Samuel prayed to the LORD.

7 And the LORD said to Samuel, "Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but "THEY HAVE REJECTED ME" from being king over them.

8 According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking ME and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you.

9 Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them."

Rainfall where I live is a topic that most have definite feelings about.  There was a report recently about the local reservoir releasing water rapidly to alleviate recent rainfalls and to prepare for predicted future rainfalls.  Local farmers can't even plant crops because the ground is too wet, and it continues to rain!  Many people comment about no sunshine, as rain generally means overcast and clouds.  On a side note, the "sun" generally brings good feelings, much like the "SON" does!

Man cannot control nearly as much as he thinks he can!  We have gotten SO intelligent that we can send messages around the world with a handheld wireless device, we can't communicate with family members across the same room!!  Yet we want to tell GOD that we know best and our ways are best for us?   

The children of Israel THOUGHT they knew a better way than GOD's way too!  They "desired" a king to judge them, LIKE ALL THE NATIONS.  Samuel had "judged" the children of Israel justly, but his sons, who had been appointed as judges, TURNED ASIDE AFTER GAIN, they wanted to fill their own pockets!  Samuel knew that having a king wasn't in GOD's design for Israel and he prayed and ask GOD what to do about the wishes of HIS people.  GOD graciously told Samuel to "Obey the voice of the people", but that "you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them."  

Samuel could SEE what the results could be for the children of Israel.  GOD told Samuel that he was not being rejected, rather "THEY HAVE REJECTED ME"!  The children of Israel had been delivered from Egyptian captivity, miraculously crossed the Red Sea, defeated numerous enemies, and were GIVEN the Promised Land, yet they didn't trust GOD to deliver leadership after Samuel!  One would think they might have learned their lesson!  

But have WE learned our lesson?  GOD has delivered me from "the valley of the shadow of death" more times than I care to admit, yet I still want to tell GOD how things should be proceeding?  The GOD who causes it to rain can cause it to sunshine in our lives.  HE is more than capable of defeating my enemies and working "all things together for good" in my life!  When GOD thinks of me will HE say "THEY HAVE REJECTED ME" or will HE say "well done, enter into the joy of your Master"!  

"THE SPIRIT IS THE TRUTH!"

1 John 5:6-12                           (ESV)

"6 This is HE who came by water and blood-JESUS CHRIST; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because "THE SPIRIT IS THE TRUTH".

7 For there are three that testify:

8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree.

9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of GOD is greater, for this is the testimony of GOD that he has borne concerning his SON.

10 Whoever believes in the SON of GOD has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe GOD has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that GOD has borne concerning his SON.

11 And this is the testimony, that GOD gave us eternal life, and this life is in his SON.

12 Whoever has the SON has life; whoever does not have the SON of GOD does not have life."  

There are times when we hear words that just don't "add up" and we just can't accept them as truth.  Those words cannot be arranged to make sense or have meaning to formulate a sentence that expounds the truth.  The enemy has always been the master of deceit and he twists words to try to validate his lies.  In John 8:44 JESUS says "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."  

JESUS CHRIST came to earth to provide man his ONLY hope of redemption.  Mankind can not perform anything worthy of Heaven.  Now, the enemy will attempt to get us to believe that GOD is too loving and kind to relinquish anyone to a place of despair such as hell, but keep in mind JESUS said "he is a liar and the father of lies"!  The devil wants us to think "we are not that bad", but when we are compared to GOD's righteousness one blemish of sin leaves us unclean.  We must be TOTALLY clean to enter Heaven.,

The SPIRIT of GOD bears witness that JESUS CHRIST is the Son of GOD.  If you could have anyone testifying on your behalf, who could be better than GOD HIMSELF?  In Mark 1:11 JESUS had just been baptized and the Spirit of GOD said "YOU are my beloved SON; with YOU I am well pleased."  For anyone to deny that "THE SPIRIT IS THE TRUTH" is to call GOD a liar (1 John 5:10).  GOD bears witness that JESUS CHRIST is HIS SON.

We must realize that we live in a "physical" world and that the enemy would have us believe the lie that if we can't see and feel something then it isn't real.  But that is why JESUS said "he is a liar and the father of lies".  Scripture declares "THE SPIRIT IS THE TRUTH" and we need to understand and live that TRUTH!  The choice is ours to make!  You can believe the father of lies, or you can accept "THE SPIRIT IS THE TRUTH"!!!

"LOVE EACH OTHER!" Judge Joe Griffin

Romans 13:7-9                        (ESV)

"7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

8 Owe no one anything, except to "LOVE EACH OTHER", for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

9 For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet," and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 

Very seldom do I find it necessary to espouse grand words about a fellow human being.  We are all created with flaws, and if we look long enough, all have some glaring deficiencies!  As the Apostle Paul said in 1 Timothy 1:15 "...CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost".  But every now and again a person needs to be recognized as someone who sets themselves apart from others, a real good guy!

The earthly body of Judge Joe Griffin will be buried today.  Judge Griffin wasn't perfect, nor was he blameless.  Being a Circuit Judge for the better part of his adult life, I am sure he had his share of enemies.  You seldom sentence people for a crime while making it onto their Christmas present list!  But I never saw him carrying the weight of a grudge or "payback"!  He exhibited "LOVE EACH OTHER" with his life like few others I have had the privilege of knowing. 

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself" is not always the easiest thing to do.  When someone has wronged you, or your family, the first thing most want to do is get even, or pay them back!  Scripture declares "for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law".  Most people don't desire to run afoul of the law.  When we "LOVE EACH OTHER" we don't have to worry about keeping the law, we generally do the right thing.  The current legal system is tremendously burdened because we don't "LOVE EACH OTHER"!

The name Judge Joe Griffin will always bring honesty, integrity, and fairness to my mind.  But the thing I think about most is that Judge Joe Griffin displayed "LOVE EACH OTHER" with his life while passing through his time on earth.  He is my friend and I will miss his gracious smile.  Until I see you again Judge, I will endeavor to "LOVE EACH OTHER"!

"the LORD establishes!"

Proverbs 16:7-9       (ESV)

"When a man's ways please the LORD, HE makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 

Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.  The heart of man plans his way, but "the LORD establishes" his steps."

Oftentimes people are heard referring to others that have influenced their lives to be who they have become.  Your Mom, or Dad, or other people who have influenced the path you have journeyed in your life may have contributed to your journey, but "the LORD establishes" the direction in which we travel.  

Consider King Pharaoh in Exodus 14:4.  It is written "And 'I WILL' will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will pursue them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD." And 'THEY DID SO'."  King Pharaoh, and all his warriors, surely didn't commit suicide, did they?  GOD might have angered King Pharaoh so that he was blinded by his anger and rushed to get the Israelites recaptured and went straight into their grave!

On July 08, 2007 my intentions were to establish a Non-Profit to aid under-funded and misguided students to gain direction and purpose in their lives.  Although a noble effort, I had not bathed my intentions in necessary and adequate prayer to determine if this is what the LORD had established for my life.  On July 09, 2007 my brain hemorrhaged and my life has never been the same!  The LORD established me to recover from the brain hemorrhage and continue my life, only now I would be SOLD OUT to HIM!  

When "the LORD establishes" our steps we can make all the grand plans for our lives we desire.  We can attempt to do "good", but when man adds to what GOD ordains, it becomes "good"!  There is too much man and not enough GOD!  One "O" isn't much, but it is enough for GOD to not bless it.  FATHER, cause me to ever be seeking to follow in the steps that "the LORD establishes" and keep my ways in tune with YOUR ways!  

"DO NOT BE FRIGHTENED!"

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."

When I was a child (around 7 or 8 years old), one afternoon there was a storm that "blew up" at our house and it frightened me severely!  Being just a child, the storm didn't have to do a tremendous amount to cause me frightened AND dismayed.  When things got to bad for my faith, I bolted from our house to my grandparents house about 100 yards away!  As I have matured I have come to understand that the GOD of Moses, Abraham, David, and everyone else who loves HIM "will not leave you or forsake you" when the storms of life begin to get rough.

Last night, when the storms were at their worst, I slept soundly through them with no worries!  I even awoke for a bathroom visit during the tempest and went right back to sleep upon competing my bathroom visit.  Maybe being worn out from traveling this weekend figured into my calmness a bit, but knowing that GOD IS IN CONTROL, no matter the weather report, or stock market report, or doctors report is the most comforting feeling.  HE controls the wind (Luke 8:22-25) and HE loves us TOO MUCH to leave us (Joshua 1:5).  

When you have been through many storms it becomes easier to trust GOD when the winds and lightning get ferocious!  You don't got out looking for a storm, but when a storm appears on your horizon you remember the words "DO NOT BE FRIGHTENED" and proceed!  These words are preceded in verse nine by "Be strong and courageous"!  It is hard to be courageous when when fear has a grip on you!  It is impossible to fear when you realize that the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES lives inside of you (1 Corinthians 3:16)!

If we really believe that GOD is WHO HE says HE is, why should fear have any place to reside in our lives?  For believers "DO NOT BE FRIGHTENED" should be as easy as sleeping was for me last night!  HEAVENLY FATHER, I pray that my life will be completely sold out to believing that YOU are WHO YOU say YOU are and that "DO NOT BE FRIGHTENED" will be exhibited in my life for all to see!  

"BUT NOW MY EYE SEES YOU!"

Job 42:1-6                           (ESV)

"1 Then Job answered the LORD and said:

2 "I know that YOU can do all things, and that no purpose of YOURS can be thwarted."

3 'WHO is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. 

4 'Hear, and I will speak; I will question YOU, and YOU make it known to me.' 

5 I had heard of YOU by the hearing of the ear, "BUT NOW MY EYE SEES YOU"; 

6 therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes."

Recently while studying John 21:1 I became entranced on the words "JESUS revealed HIMSELF"!  The words from Jeremiah 29:13, "You will seek ME and find ME, when you seek ME with all your heart", have encouraged me for years to continue "seeking" HIM.  So why is it that a body cannot "see" HIM when they desire to "see" HIM?  Why can't we determine when we are mature enough, have been hurt enough, or been through enough trials to see HIS MAJESTY?

Job is known in the Bible for the suffering he endured.  In Job 42:2 it is written "I know that YOU can do all things, and that no purpose of YOURS can be thwarted".  Job realized that GOD has the omnipotence to do as HE pleases.  GOD is also ALL-LOVING (1 John 4:7) and wants to bless us (Psalms 35:27-28) so why is it that sometimes we cannot see what it is HE is doing?  

The words from Job 42:5 was in a devotional this morning that spoke CLEARLY to me!  Job says in the first part of the verse that he had heard with his ear of GOD, but in the last part of the verse he says "BUT NOW MY EYE SEES YOU"!  When GOD's Plan has been fulfilled, and ONLY then, will HE reveal HIMSELF to us for HIS glory!  GOD does grow and mature us to become more devout servants, but HE only does so for HIS glory! 

Job said in verse six above that he despised himself, and repented in dust and ashes!  In Romans 5:3-5 the Apostle Paul writes "Not only that, but we REJOICE IN OUR SUFFERINGS, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because GOD's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."  Regardless of seemingly successful prosperity preachers, mega-churches, and ornate buildings, GOD is not attempting to display HIMSELF through health, wealth, and prosperity.  HIS desire is for us to say "BUT NOW MY EYES SEE YOU"! 

"CAST THE NET!"

John 21:4-8                          (ESV)

"4 Just as day was breaking, JESUS stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was JESUS.

5 JESUS said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered HIM, "No."

6 HE said to them, "CAST THE NET" on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.

7 That disciple whom JESUS loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the LORD!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the LORD, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.

8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off."

The disciples, or followers, of JESUS had been in a boat fishing on the Sea of Tiberias all night. Now in the days of JESUS there was no Rods and Reels, luxurious fishing boats, and electronic "fish-finders" to locate the fish that were hopefully caught.  Fishermen of old had to continually "CAST THE NET" into the water in an effort to be rewarded for their labor.  

When JESUS "revealed" HIMSELF to these disciples on this morning (they had been night fishing) they had not had tremendous success in their efforts!  JESUS asked if they had ANY fish, and they responded simply "NO"!  The disciples had followed JESUS and HIS ministry for three years, but still didn't recognize their Savior on the shore.  JESUS instructed the disciples to "CAST THE NET" on the right side of the boat and success would be found!

Now I am no educated fishing guide and do not profess to be, but just changing which side of the boat you "CAST THE NET" from seems a little oversimplified, if you ask me?  The disciples, still not knowing who JESUS was, obeyed HIS Word and their reward was ASTOUNDING!  In John 21:11 scripture indicates there were 153 LARGE fish caught!  There were so many caught that the disciples couldn't pull them into the boat, but had to drag them behind the boat to the shore!  

The disciples didn't use a different method or technique to lure the great reward into their nets!  They simply obeyed the Word of The Master to "CAST THE NET" on the right side of the boat and reaped a MAJESTIC reward!  Sometimes we get so caught up in doing things the way "we've always done them" that we can't hear the Words of The Master instructing us to "CAST THE NET" on the right side of the boat!  My prayer is my Spiritual eyes and ears will be keenly intent on hearing from Heaven and I will hear, if and when, HE instructs to "CAST THE NET"!