"COUNT IT ALL JOY!"

James 1:2-4                          (ESV)

"2 "COUNT IT ALL JOY", my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

There is very little to be happy about when you are going through trials or temptations.  Remembering the guilt and shame of my younger years, wallowing in muck and mire of sinful desires, did not seem very productive at the time.  I had a pastor friend who used to say that "Sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay"!  The truth in those words cannot be overstated as proven in many obituaries over the years.  

The author of the book of James is believed to have been the half-brother of JESUS.  One would think that if anyone would have believed that JESUS was the CHRIST it would have been those who grew up with HIM.  But James reportedly was not a "believer" until AFTER the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of JESUS.  James had to go through unbelief just like everyone else.  But his period of unbelief brought about a strong resolve that JESUS was the CHRIST, WHO came into the world as a propitiation for all the sins of mankind.

To "COUNT IT ALL JOY" when you are in the midst of trials and temptations is not the "natural" thing to do.  It is quiet easy to welcome the "woe is me" syndrome as we are faced with difficulties.  But James instructs us to "COUNT IT ALL JOY" because the struggles we experience will develop us into vessels that will ultimately glorify GOD in all we do.  When we "COUNT IT ALL JOY" in the face of various kinds of trials we are acknowledging that GOD is in control and we are only here to glorify HIM!

Being worthy to glorify GOD is not something that any of us should gloat in.  To have been CHOSEN to be a Child of the KING is an honor above all other honors, but none of us have done anything deserving of this honor!  When we are being put through the purifying fire we need to remember to "COUNT IT ALL JOY", as we are demonstrating that GOD's grace is enough!  We are not called be elevated in "this world" that will pass away (1 John 2:16-17).  We are called to "COUNT IT ALL JOY" when we have the opportunity to suffer for HIS sake!!

"EYE HATH NOT SEEN!"

1 Corinthians 2:7-9                       (KJV)

"7 But we speak the wisdom of GOD in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which GOD ordained before the world unto our glory:

8 Which none of the princes of "this world" knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the LORD of Glory.

9 But as it is written, "EYE HATH NOT SEEN", nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which GOD hath prepared for them that love HIM."

Eight years ago today my mom celebrated what would be her last birthday on this earth.  The woman who gave birth to me, changed my diapers, nursed me when I was ill, and nurtured me like no other, didn't even know she was ill until February 05, 2008.  On that day my doctor turned to her and said "Miss Alice, I don't have as good of news for you.  You have stage 4 Breast Cancer"!  She slipped out of "this world" 22 days later with very little fanfare from "this world".  But in the next world her eyes were made to see things she had never seen before!  

Eight years ago today I was brought out of a 17-day medically induced coma!  Since waking on July 09, 2007, my brain had experienced a hemorrhage that statistics show are 80% fatal!  Most of you have heard this story before and are familiar with my recovery that includes no physical "deficits".  But you have to understand that this is a story that never gets old FOR ME! 

You see, I see this as GOD working in my life an indescribable WORK, a WORK that only HE can receive glory for.  The same physician who told my mom she had cancer wrote in my medical records in September 2007 "However, he has had a remarkable recovery that can only be defined as a miracle from GOD"!  A few years later when I inquired of my doctor how he would have PROJECTED the outcome would play out, he said he thought "IF" I made it out of the hospital that I would live in a nursing home for a period of time and eventually die there.  My doctor is a great man of faith, but the "evidence" he was presented with painted a pretty bleak prognosis!  

Just as my doctor would have NEVER dreamed my recovery would be so complete eight years later, mankind cannot SEE how GOD can do the things HE does!  If they could HE wouldn't be much of a GOD to celebrate!  My doctor of 29 years is a devout Christian and he has seen GOD work many miracles, but he didn't SEE me recovering nearly as well as I have.  I didn't work any harder at my rehabilitation than others, but GOD had HIS HAND on me and that makes all the difference in the world.  No my friends, "EYE HATH NOT SEEN" what GOD is capable of, so don't ever limit what you think GOD can accomplish!  

"AND I WILL DO IT!"

Isaiah 46:8-11                 (ESV)

"8 REMEMBER THIS AND STAND FIRM, recall it to mind, you transgressors, 

9 remember the former things of old; FOR I AM GOD, and THERE IS NO OTHER; I am GOD, and THERE IS NONE LIKE ME, 

10 declaring the end from the  beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'MY counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all MY purpose,' 

11 calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, "AND I WILL DO IT!"

Isaiah 41:-10                  (ESV)

"fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your GOD; I WILL STRENGTHEN YOU, I will help you, I will uphold you with MY righteous right hand."

One of the hardest verses in the Holy Bible for me to read is Psalms 27:14, "Wait for the LORD"!    Patience has never been a virtue of mine.  The phrase "making something happen" should have been my part of my name as I have always had a tendency to be doing something, "even if it's wrong"!  The thing is, when GOD desires to do a work in your life, HE generally requires no assistance!

When the children of Israel were about to cross the Red Sea in Exodus 14:14, GOD told them "The LORD will fight for you, and YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT!"  GOD will not share HIS glory with anything or anyone (Isaiah 42:8)!  HE only requires us to be obedient to HIM.  One of my biggest challenges has been moving TOO FAST to be able to hear from GOD.  Sometimes GOD uses strange and drastic things in our lives to accomplish HIS Plan.  Being able to recognize HIM, and HIS working in our lives, is a vital part of following HIM.

GOD is GOD and the only thing HE cannot do is be unholy.  In everything HE is Holy and good.  The thing is, mankind sometimes can't see HIS Holiness because we are inherently wicked (Jeremiah 17:9).  But we can't be "good enough" on our own, we have to TRUST IN HIM and HIS saving abilities.  No matter what GOD assigns you to perform, know that with HIM "ALL THINGS" are possible (Matthew 19:26) and HE doesn't require assistance from me!

"AND I WILL DO IT" is not a conditional promise.  The fact is in the next two verses GOD declares ""Listen to me, YOU STUBBORN OF HEART, you who are far from righteousness: I bring near MY righteousness; it is not far off, and MY salvation will not delay; I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel MY glory."  Not because Israel was worthy of anything, but because of HIS glory did GOD choose to show HIMSELF to Israel.  

Wanting to see GOD do a work isn't a bad thing.  However, waiting for GOD to work in HIS timing is something we MUST become comfortable with.  When GOD says "AND I WILL DO IT" we don't have to be concerned that HE will not remember.   When the a Creator of the Universes says "AND I WILL DO IT" you can rest assured it will happen.......in HIS timing!!! 

"WHY DO YOU STARE AT US?"

Acts 3:9-16                      (ESV)

"9 And all the people saw him walking and praising GOD,

10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's.

12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: "Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or "WHY DO YOU STARE AT US", as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?

13 The GOD of Abraham, the GOD of Isaac, and the GOD of Jacob, the GOD of our fathers, glorified HIS servant JESUS, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he (Pilate) had decided to release HIM.

14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,

15 and you killed the Author of life, whom GOD raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.

16 And his name-by faith in HIS name-has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through JESUS has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all."

The Jews, nor Romans, nor any other man, killed JESUS.  HE sacrificed HIMSELF on the altar of Calvary as atonement for my sins, for your sins, and the sins of all mankind.  To believe that JESUS was "murdered" would dictate that mankind either was more powerful than GOD or the devil might have won a victory over GOD at sometime in history.  

You have heard me state in my writings that GOD has a Plan.  If this FACT were not true then "fate" or "chance" might play a roll in life's happenings.  We don't have to understand GOD's Plan.  As a matter of fact, HE wouldn't be much of a GOD if humans could figure HIM out and know why HE does everything HE does?  Scripture doesn't tell us to try and figure out why GOD does everything HE does.  However, many times in scripture we are told to TRUST HIM!

Peter and John didn't go to the "Beautiful Gate" of the temple on a mission to show off their healing powers.  As a matter of fact, Peter said I verse 12 that they DIDN'T heal him.  GOD healed this man for HIS OWN Glory!  Peter and John didn't have to understand how or why, only that GOD directed them to assist the man and he was made whole!  

 "WHY DO YOU STARE AT US" was not an indictment on the Jews lack of faith in Peter or John's ability to heal, rather the Jews lack of faith in an invisible GOD being ready and able to work miracles for HIS glory!  GOD is GOD and only HE can do what HE wishes.  Isaiah 46:9-10 says "remember the former things of old; for I am GOD, and there is no other; I am GOD, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I WILL ACCOMPLISH ALL MY PURPOSE".

In the hospital waiting room last Saturday morning a family was waiting for their grandchild to be born, just like we were waiting for ours to be born.  Around mid-day the grandmother walked by and told us their grandchild "did not make it"!  We were dumbfounded!  Sadness, hurt, grief, pity.......a flood of emotions swamped me as I searched for "words" to comfort, but what could I say?  If I had been a Multi-Billionaire I could not have given the family enough money to fill the gaping hole in their hearts and lives!  

Just like Peter and John were being stared upon by the Jews, I found myself JUST STARING upon this grandmother in her position.  WORDS weren't adequate.  When GOD's Plan does fit into our narrative should we try to find a reason or explanation for it?  Should we attempt to find comforting WORDS to aid those in need?  No one wants to be the one saying "WHY DO YOU STARE AT US", and most prefer NOT being the one staring at others!  Sometimes we just have to realize we aren't GOD and we don't have the answer to life's questions.  We might have to just have faith in HIM that HE knows what HE is doing.  HE didn't consult with me before Creating the Universes, and HE doesn't need help from me running HIS Creation!  HE just needs me to worship HIM!!!

"THEY DID NOT HONOR HIM!"

Romans 1:21-23                     (ESV)
"21 For although they knew GOD, "THEY DID NOT HONOR HIM" as GOD or give thanks to HIM, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools,
23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal GOD for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things."



It seems this passage of scripture comes to my mind with a regrettable frequency lately.  Decisions that are being made around "this world" are in direct defiance of the Word of GOD, and the people making these decisions act like they believe they are doing what is best for those involved?  Thus, "they became futile in their in their thinking" makes a bit of sense, although a "sad" sense.

It is really heartbreaking to know that some actually "knew GOD" but have chosen to trust in their own talents and abilities.  GOD gave us all an ability to steer clear of certain problems, but some of our "hearts were darkened" and our actions reflect NO Godly direction.  "THEY DID NOT HONOR HIM" as GOD or give thanks to HIM for even the air they breathe, the water they drank, nor the ability to walk and talk!  Especially our reasoning skills are a blessing that cannot be taken lightly.

If we "claim to be wise" and we "become fools", our decisions may reflect our relationship with The FATHER, and that is a humbling thought!  What becomes more frightful is when when we "become fools" we actually "claim to be wise" THINKING all the time we are doing what is best!  Leading with "no guidance" from ABOVE can be one the the most dangerous and humbling actions known to man.

The main thing that "this world" doesn't do is "THEY DID NOT HONOR HIM" with their actions. GOD is not Honor Bound to bless our actions no matter our intentions.  This may come as a newsflash to some, but we are created to glorify HIM, not glorify ourselves!  GOD WILL BE GLORIFIED!  Isaiah 42:8 says "I am the LORD; that is MY name; MY GLORY I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols".  HEAVENLY FATHER, cause me to GLORIFY YOUR NAME and let YOU be honored by my words.  I pray that "THEY DID NOT HONOR HIM" will never be said of me!

"I WILL BE LIKE THE MOST HIGH!"

Isaiah 14:12-15                       (KJV)

"12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of GOD: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; "I WILL BE LIKE THE MOST HIGH".

15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

"

The enemy, Satan himself, thought he would conquer "this world" and set his eternal domain "into heaven" and be worshipped by those he deceived for ever and ever.  He THOUGHT he would ascend to heaven and assume his kingdom which he imagined to be the biggest and best.  Can you fathom thinking "I WILL BE LIKE THE MOST HIGH", only to be "brought down to hell"? 

Keeping our focus on the things of Heaven would seem to be an easy task.  Hebrew 12:2 instructs us that we should be "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".  To understand that the CREATOR of these Universes actually desired to have a personal relationship with a "wretch" like me though sometimes seems a bit far fetched.  To keep our focus off the things of "this world" and on heavenly rewards is even more difficult when we consider who is trying to gain our attention?

The enemy, in all of his craftiness (Genesis 3:1), would like nothing better than to get us to buy into his lie that "I WILL BE LIKE THE MOST HIGH".  He wants to carry as many with him to hell as he can, and he is being pretty successful!  Yet we make his job easier when we desire to have our will placed above GOD's will in our lives.  Surrendering to the will of GOD in our lives entails giving up what we want in favor of letting GOD direct our paths.

There are those who believe that they can make wise enough decisions to get them through this life?  "I WILL BE LIKE THE MOST HIGH" is the mentality they live with, that is until their bodies become vulnerable to death, disease, or illness.  When we are exposed to the TRUTH and find out that HE is "THE MOST HIGH" then it could be too late.  My prayer is that I continue yielding to JESUS and live a life that acknowledges that HE IS THE MOST HIGH!!!

"CALAMITY!"

Isaiah 45:5-7                      (ESV)

"5 I am the LORD, and there is no other, besides me there is no GOD; I equip you, though you do not know ME, 

6 that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides ME; I am the LORD, AND THERE IS NO OTHER. 

7 I form light and create darkness, I MAKE WELL-BEING AND CREATE "CALAMITY", I am the LORD, WHO does all these things."

There seems to be a misconception that GOD would not cause anything that humans believe is bad for them.  We seem to think that a loving GOD would never do anything we perceive as not good.  But later on in Isaiah 55:8-9 scripture reports "For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways and MY thoughts than your thoughts".  To understand that GOD's way are so far beyond what humans consider as "good" is probably beyond even our comprehension.  

We want to believe we know and do what is best in our lives.  But who are we to say what is best when GOD says HE can MAKE WELL-BEING AND CREAT "CALAMITY"!  The word "CALAMITY" has been described as "a disaster; grievous affliction; adversity; misery".  We try to plan for whatever may be ahead in our lives, but when we exclude GOD from our plans we risk "CALAMITY" with no plan!  "CALAMITY" with no plan causes people to either trust in the LORD or trust in themselves.  "CALAMITY" with a plan (and Planner) simply becomes a inconvenience!  

When our trust is in the LORD "CALAMITY" only means GOD has an opportunity to display HIS power and might, for us to believe "I am the LORD, and there is NO OTHER, besides me there is NO GOD"!  GOD forms light and HE creates darkness.  When we can't see the way we should go, our GOD can create Light to direct us in the way we should go (Psalms 119:105).  When there is NO LIGHT, it is hard to take a step for fear of walking in the dark!  

The darkness comes at times to remind us of Who is the LIGHT!  JESUS HIMSELF said in John 8:12 "I AM the Light of the world"!  Yet we want to remove JESUS from everything we do to display how intelligent we think we are.  But in Romans 1:22 scripture records "Claiming to be wise, they became fools"!  We think we can see more clearly by removing the Light that guides and directs us?  We are acting as fools and creating our own "CALAMITY"!!!

"A REVELATION!!"

Galatians 1:11-15                 (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,"

There is a distinct and memorable happening when something is supernaturally revealed to us.  When the ONE revealing is the SON of GOD the "REVELATION" can be earth shattering!  The Apostle Paul had an unmistakable "REVELATION" of JESUS CHRIST!  On the road to Damascus (Acts 9) Paul was blinded by a "light from Heaven" for three days.   Ananias was sent by GOD, not only to open Paul's eyes, but let Paul know "how much he must suffer for the sake of MY (JESUS') name." 

Saul (Paul's given name) had been caught up in his "earthly" wisdom and "the tradition of my fathers"!  His "father's" (the Jew's) had rejected JESUS and thought they had put HIM to death on Calvary's cross.  But while Saul was physically blinded by a light from Heaven, his "father's" were spiritually blinded by refusing to accept that GOD was far more than anything they could perceive in their finite minds, yet GOD was/is able to limit HIMSELF to living inside a man's body!  

What Paul preached was not what he thought to be TRUTH.  He preached what he KNEW to be TRUTH......from experience.  Had HE not been blinded by the LORD, and had the LORD not spoken to him directly from Heaven, Paul may have been convinced by "the Jews" that he had eaten something that didn't set well with him!  But Paul experienced "A REVELATION" from Heaven.  It was more than "bad sushi"!  It was HEAVENLY and couldn't be explained away.  When GOD gives us "A REVELATION", HE doesn't need any help.  After Paul "confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that JESUS was the CHRIST" he "went away to Arabia" (Galatians 1:17) for three years.  

The Apostle Paul was called by GOD's grace, not because of all the good things he had accomplished in his life, but because GOD knew he would be obedient to proclaim TRUTH to the world for his remaining years.  GOD still makes HIMSELF known through "A REVELATION"! The Bible says in MANY places that GOD SEEKS MAN, one of them in Psalms 14:2 where scripture records "The LORD looks down from heaven ON THE CHILDREN OF MAN, to see if there are any who understand, WHO SEEK AFTER GOD"!!   I pray that GOD continues to see this man looking into Heaven seeking "A REVELATION" from HIM to be shared with those who are blind!

"NEITHER JEW NOR GREEK!"

Galatians 3:23-29                               (ESV)

"23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed.

24 So then, the law was our guardian UNTIL CHRIST CAME, in order that we might be justified by faith.

25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian,

26 for in CHRIST JESUS you are all sons of GOD, through faith.

27 For as many of you as were baptized into CHRIST have put on CHRIST.

28 There is "NEITHER JEW NOR GREEK", there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in CHRIST JESUS.

29 And if you are CHRIST's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise."

Perfection is what our goal should be, but we ALL FALL SHORT, according to Romans 3:23.  Among my many FAILURES in life was when my little sister fell in love with a man of a different skin color.  I acted like the immature young man I was and opposed their marriage.  They eventually got married and loved each other.  I eventually supported them, but I had to have my heart changed by GOD ALMIGHTY!  

The Jews and Greeks of yesteryear were staunch adversaries.  Jews, as a whole, were GOD's "chosen" people and may have thought that made them better than everyone else.  Greeks, as a whole, were affluent and maybe refined than Jews and probably thought they were definitely equal to Jews, if not better!  

The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the church at Galatia that when JESUS CHRIST came old things were passed away (2 Corinthians 5:17) and now being under CHRIST w were no longer under the law!  Paul even went so far as to say "There is "NEITHER JEW NO GREEK" since JESUS brought grace into our lives.  Now later on the the same verse Paul writes "there is no male and female" and we know that is not the case as procreation depends on this.  When  JESUS CHRIST, GOD IN FLESH, came to earth HE not only brought us direct access to GOD, HE leveled the playing field for all!  We are ALL equal before ALMIGHTY GOD!

My ignorance in my younger years was forgiven by my sister.  Our ignorance of thinking we are better than others, Jew or Greek, bond or free, make or female, was also forgiven by JESUS by the same shedding of HIS blood!  The enemy desires to fan the flames of racism and strife so the harmony and peace of JESUS will not be realized.  "This world" will continue to be divided until we realize we are under grace.  Under grace there is "NEITHER JEW NOR GREEK", there is only blood bought saints of GOD!

"I SHALL NOT BE SHAKEN!"

Psalms 16:7-9                  (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."

Throughout my lifetime I have tended to have a tendency to be involved with many tasks.  Many times I have been instructed to "keep my eyes" on the goal.  The enemy can get us SO BUSY that we become less effective than GOD's Perfect Plan for our lives.  We don't have to be doing bad things, just doing good things outside of GOD's will is fine with the enemy!  

Distractions can come from the enemy from anywhere.  Many years ago a friend of mine was asked by a family member to loan money to his family because of some tough times they were going through.  My friend didn't have a peace about this, but felt he needed to help the family out because of children being involved.  When he went to deliver the money to the house the Spirit of GOD would not allow him to give the money to his family member.  Later that evening the family member was arrested in a gambling establishment and carried to jail!  My friend was relieved that he listened to the Spirit of GOD and didn't facilitate his family member going to jail.

Psalms 16:8 says "I have set the LORD ALWAYS before me; because HE is at my right hand, "I SHALL NOT BE SHAKEN"!  If we keep our eyes fixed upon the things of GOD, HE will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).  Just like my friends path was directed by the LORD, HE will also direct our paths!  Many times I get involved with so many 'GOOD' things that I don't have time to focus on worshipping and honoring GOD for Who HE is. One of GOD's Precepts that I constantly have to refer to is to LET GOD DO IT!  Exodus 14:14 (KJV) says "The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace".  

It can be a lot easier to totally trust GOD when we understand and accept Who HE and what HE has in store for our lives.  When we come to grips with the fact that the CREATOR of the Universe has a PLAN for our INDIVIDUAL LIVES it makes things a lot easier to trust in HIM.  One can truly live "I SHALL NOT BE SHAKEN" if they understand Who is in control!  Knowing the Spirit of GOD lives in me (1 Corinthians 3:16) is very comforting and let's me know "I SHALL NOT BE SHAKEN"!!!

"TEST THE SPIRITS!"

1 John 4:1-6                  (ESV)

"1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but "TEST THE SPIRITS" to see whether they are from GOD, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 By this you know the Spirit of GOD: every spirit that confesses that JESUS CHRIST has come in the flesh is from GOD,

3 and every spirit that does not confess JESUS is not from GOD. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.

4 Little children, you are from GOD and have overcome them, for HE who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.

6 We are from GOD. Whoever knows GOD listens to us; whoever is not from GOD does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of TRUTH and the spirit of error."

Messages can, and regularly do, come from evil spirits disguised as the Spirit of GOD.  The enemy has been described as early as Genesis 3:1 as "Now the serpent was MORE CRAFTY than any other beast of the field that the LORD GOD had made.....", so it is his nature (what he does) to deceive everyone he can.  Evil spirits are just as real as Godly Spirits, as is their warfare.  If spirits are anything but Spirits who testify "JESUS CHRIST has come in the flesh is from GOD" they are from the devil!  

Most don't recognize evil spirits when they make themselves known because they aren't aware that evil spirits really exist as abundantly as they do.  In 1 Timothy 4:1-5 says "Now the SPIRIT 'expressly says' that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to DECEITFUL SPIRITS and teachings....".  Since we are alerted to evil, deceitful spirits, we should be on guard for them.  If we "TEST THE SPIRITS" to make sure they confess "JESUS CHRIST has come in the flesh is from GOD" we are way ahead of the deceit game they play!

Scripture records in verse 4 above that "you are from GOD"!  James 2:19  says "the demons believe-and shudder!".  The Spirit of GOD lives in me (1 Corinthians 3:16) and so demons will "shudder" if I am in the Spirit!  We have within us the Spirit of GOD so why do we fear anything?  If we "TEST THE SPIRITS" to see if they confess JESUS CHRIST, the evil spirits should run scared at the mention of JESUS CHRIST!  

It is true that the enemy can strike FEAR into all of us.  Fear is of the devil (2 Timothy 1:7).  We are "from GOD" so the enemy should FEAR US!  Don't let your guard down and fall into the enemy's trap of fearing him.  "TEST THE SPIRITS" and see if they confess JESUS CHRIST and when they hear the name of JESUS, they will flee!  "TEST THE SPIRITS!"

"BEGINNING OF BIRTH PAINS!"

Matthew 24:3-14                              (ESV)

"3 As HE sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to HIM privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of YOUR coming and of the end of the age?"

4 And JESUS answered them, "See that no one leads you astray.

5 For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray.

6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.

7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

8 All these are but the "BEGINNING OF BIRTH PAINS".

9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for MY name's sake.

10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.

11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.

12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.

13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

My second granddaughter is set to be born before the end of the month.  Remembering when my sons were born and the joy experienced from their appearance is something that will never be forgotten.  Seeing that joy reflected in my own sons and knowing the untold happiness that awaits them is something I don't have the vocabulary to describe.  The pleasure of seeing your kids holding their kids cannot explained!  I guess that is why they are called "grand" children?

Some births can occur rather quickly.  I was barely able to get into the delivery room with my second child before he was born.  But some births take a little while longer!  My oldest son took an extended amount of time getting here.  

JESUS told HIS disciples that when HE was come to earth again what to be looking for.  When HE said the "BEGINNING OF BIRTH PAINS" HE was not speaking of coming back that day.  I am told some women experience "contractions" for days, even weeks, prior to the birth of their child.  JESUS wanted us to be aware that the "contractions" may be unpleasant at times, but to FEAR NOT, that HE was coming back!  Matthew 24:14 says "and then the end will come"!!!

We have not experienced this kind of childbirth before.  We don't know what to expect nor exactly how to prepare!  The more familiar we are with GOD's Word and HIS revelations to us, the more comfortable we will be when the "BEGINNING OF BIRTH PAINS" start to occur.  "See that you are NOT ALARMED, for this must take place, but the end is NOT YET" is JESUS' way of telling us HE's got this and everything will be okay!  Child birth is GOD's way of allowing us to experience new life, and most times it is preceded by the "BEGINNING OF BIRTH PAINS"!  JESUS says "I've got this" and everything is going to be okay!!! 

"INFLICTING VENGEANCE!"

2 Thessalonians 1:4-12                   (ESV)

"4 Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of GOD for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.

5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of GOD, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of GOD, for which you are also suffering-

6 since indeed GOD CONSIDERS IT JUST TO REPAY WITH AFFLICTION THOSE WHO AFFLICT YOU,

7 and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the LORD JESUS is revealed from heaven with HIS mighty angels

8 in flaming fire, "INFLICTING VENGEANCE" on those who do not know GOD and on those who do not obey the gospel of our LORD JESUS.

9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the LORD and from the glory of HIS might,

10 when HE comes on that day to be glorified in HIS saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.

11 To this end we always pray for you, that our GOD may make you worthy of HIS calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by HIS power,

12 so that the name of our LORD JESUS may be glorified in you, and you in HIM, according to the grace of our GOD and the LORD JESUS CHRIST."

There appears to exists very little respect and admiration for the things of GOD any longer in our society.  GOD cannot be limited to mortal words.  GOD cannot be accurately described. However, GOD does exist and JESUS came as an "image of the invisible GOD" and by HIM and for HIM were ALL THINGS created (Colossians 1:15-16) !  Just because we can't SEE, TOUCH, and physically FEEL HIM doesn't mean HE doesn't exist!  HE is made REAL to those who seek after HIM with all their hearts (Deuteronomy 4:29; Jeremiah 29:13).  

JESUS instructed in Mark 11:22 to "Have faith in GOD"!  In Exodus 14:13-14 it is written "13 And Moses said to the people, "FEAR NOT, STAND FIRM, and see the salvation of the LORD, which HE will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.  The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."  Why is it that I want to "fight for the LORD" instead of letting the "LORD fight for me"?  It is hard to fight when you are being silent!

When Moses was speaking to the children of Israel he told them "you have only to be silent"!  Maybe the reasoning behind the Israelites being silent was so GOD could get ALL of the glory for delivering them from the pursuing Egyptians?  GOD is a jealous GOD (Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 6:15), but GOD created us and HE deserves nothing less than our devotion and absolute admiration to HIM!  

Since GOD created us (and everything) then only HE has the authority to "INFLICT VENGEANCE" on those who refuse to acknowledge HIM.  HE doesn't delegate HIS authority to anyone else, for apart from HIM we are ALL unholy and wicked.  I should not judge (Matthew 7:1), but I am called to warn people that GOD WILL JUDGE THEM, not because I'm better than them, but because GOD loves them and HE wants us ALL to be saved from HIS wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9; Romans 5:9)!  Yes, GOD is a loving GOD, so much so that HE SENT JESUS for our redemption!  But HE is a Holy GOD and HE WILL "INFLICT VENGEANCE" on those who do not know GOD!!!

"THEY BECAME FOOLS!"

Romans 1:18-32                           (NASB)
"18 For the wrath of GOD is revealed from heaven against ALL ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,  19 because that which is known about GOD is evident within them; for GOD made it evident to them.  20 For SINCE THE CREATION OF THE WORLD HIS invisible attributes, HIS eternal power and divine nature, HAVE BEEN CLEARLY SEEN, being understood through what has been made, so that they are WITHOUT EXCUSE.  21 For even though THEY KNEW   GOD, they did not honor HIM as GOD or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and THEIR FOOLISH HEART WAS DARKENED.  22 PROFESSING TO BE WISE, "THEY BECAME FOOLS",  23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible GOD for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. 24 Therefore GOD GAVE THEM OVER IN THE LUSTS OF THEIR HEARTS to IMPURITY, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them.  25 For they EXCHANGED the TRUTH of GOD for a LIE, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.  26 For this reason GOD gave them over to DEGRADING PASSIONS; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. 28 And just as they did not see fit to ACKNOWLEDGE GOD any longer, GOD GAVE THEM OVER to a DEPRAVED MIND, to do those things which are NOT PROPER,  29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of GOD, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; 32 and although they know the ordinance of GOD, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them."



For this day I will abstain from a lot of commentary, as GOD's Word speaks rather plainly here! GOD help us all!

"EVIL SHALL COME!"

Isaiah 47:10-11                                (ESV)

"10 You felt secure in your wickedness, you said, "No one sees me"; your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray, and you said in your heart, "I am, and there is no one besides me." 

11 But "EVIL SHALL COME" upon you, which you will not know how to charm away; disaster shall fall upon you, for which you will not be able to atone; and ruin shall come upon you suddenly, of which you know nothing."

It has been said by many that the United States cannot be found in end time prophecies, that there is no mention of any nation being of so great in military strength falling to some their country.  But when reading this passage, my mind immediately went to the United States of America and the fact that we have turned our back on GOD and HIS principles!  

Humility, as a nation, isn't something most of us want to experience.  But when GOD's Word so many times points out that "pride comes before destruction" (Proverbs 16:8) and you read the verses above you can't help but wonder if those were meant for the United States?  

"EVIL SHALL COME" might have become the National Motto of the United States?  While IN GOD WE TRUST still is on the currency, there is little mention of serving a HOLY GOD from anyone serving our country in national public office.  Our "wisdom and knowledge" has led us astray and our leaders live as though "I am, and there is no one besides me"!  In less than 300 years we have risen to a military might that has never before been experienced.  

But scripture is warning us that "EVIL SHALL COME"!  Disaster shall fall fall upon us, for which you will not be able to atone!  RUIN SHALL COME UPON YOU, of which you know nothing!  September 11, 2001 may have been a slight precursor of what is to come.  It is not pleasant to see the United States of America in such a negative light, but Galatians 6:7 says "DO NOT BE DECEIVED: GOD IS NOT MOCKED, for whatever one sows, that WILL HE ALSO REAP."  

The United States of America continually ventures further and further into the cesspool of sin.  Pornography, drug abuse, homosexuality, abortion, lying spirits, the list goes on and on!  We feel "secure in our wickedness" and act like nothing will be done about our sinful acts!  But GOD 'STILL' will not be mocked, and "EVIL SHALL COME"!  

"FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS!"

Matthew 3:13-17                   (ESV)

"13 Then JESUS came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.

14 John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"

15 But JESUS answered him, "Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to "FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS"." Then he consented.

16 And when JESUS was baptized, immediately HE went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to HIM, and HE saw the SPIRIT of GOD descending like a dove and coming to rest on HIM;

17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved SON, with whom I am well pleased." 

The life of John the Baptist bore remarkable similarities to the life of JESUS.  The birth's were both separately announced by the angel Gabriel.  Both of their lives glorified GOD.  John was born approximately six months prior to JESUS, and John predeceased JESUS by approximately six months when the daughter of Herodius requested his head on a platter after being told by Herod she could have anything she wanted.  While the earthly lives of John and JESUS were remarkably similar, John "knew" that JESUS was GOD in flesh, and his mission was to bear witness of that!

How did the baptism of JESUS help "FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS" as JESUS spoke of in the above verses?  The mission of JESUS was multi-faceted, as HE came to "seek and save the lost" (Luke 19:10), to serve, not to be served (Matthew 20:28), but MAINLY "I glorified YOU on earth, having accomplished the work that YOU gave ME to do" (John 17:4)!  

Other than providing us an avenue for salvation, JESUS lived a PERFECT life, an example for ALL to follow.  HIS baptism was part of that "example", as HE never sinned and had no need to display the "old man" dying and the "new man" being raised from his sin.  GOD has a Plan for all of our lives, and HIS plan (righteousness) had to be fulfilled by a WORTHY Servant.  The objective of JESUS was to "FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS" according to GOD's Plan.

John the Baptist and JESUS' lives were short in terms of the number of years they walked on earth.  Physical lives that lasted less than 34 years are generally not thought to be that magnanimous.  But GOD's Plan for both lives to "FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS" was perfected and GOD received glory!  Let HIM be glorified in all that I do!

"NOW YOU ARE GOD's PEOPLE!"

1 Peter 2:7-10        (ESV)

"7 So the honor is for YOU WHO BELIEVE, but for those who do not believe, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone," 

8 and "A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense." They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for HIS own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of HIM who called you out of darkness into HIS marvelous light.

10 Once you were not a people, but "NOW YOU ARE GOD's PEOPLE"; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

There is a lot of discussion these days about celebrating, or not celebrating a flag, one that wasn't even used for what it is being claimed to have been used for.  Being perceived as "a chosen race" is a status NOT accepted by most, but easily accepted by others. There is no joy to be found in celebrating racial divides in any culture, especially the Christian culture.  But when you understand being selected by GOD as HIS child it elevates your STATUS to a whole NEW perspective!  

JESUS CHRIST completed many tasks in HIS life, including creating a NEW RACE!  The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Peter 2:9-10 that Believers are "NOW YOU ARE GOD's PEOPLE", called out of "darkness" into HIS marvelous light!  Remembering who we are IN CHRIST is something the enemy doesn't want us to do.  Whether we get treated correctly by others has no bearing on who we are. Don't get caught up in the lies of the enemy (John 8:44) and be robbed of your joy.  

But the one of the most overlooked statements is the one that says "They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do"!  A recent truth was shared that said "Satan's greatest weapon is man's IGNORANCE of GOD's Word"!  And this ignorance causes self-inflicted wounds.  There is no room for racial tensions at the foot of the cross!  The enemy gains strongholds when people don't realize who they are in JESUS CHRIST!  When I understood that I wasn't the same person I was while growing up, my whole perspective in life changed.  "NOW YOU ARE GOD's PEOPLE" is a whole new race that I am blessed to be a part of, not by anything I have done, but only by the mercy and grace provided through the death, burial and resurrection of JESUS CHRIST!  To accept anything less is to buy into the enemies lie!  Accepting the free gift of salvation means I must also accept I am part of the NEW RACE that JESUS brings!  When I allow the enemy to convince me that I am less than others, I am allowing myself to remain in the "darkness" that JESUS gave HIS life to get me out of!   

"NOW YOU ARE GOD's PEOPLE" is a status that we mustn't allow to be hidden from ourselves!  Knowing WHO we are in JESUS CHRIST is akin to setting ourselves free (John 8:32) from the "darkness", into HIS marvelous light!  Finding out who we are in JESUS CHRIST can only be done by getting to know HIM through HIS Word!  Don't allow the enemy to bring "darkness" back into your life.  "NOW YOU ARE GOD's PEOPLE"!   Let's live like it!!!

"KNOW THE TRUTH!"

John 8:31-33                    (ESV)

"31 So JESUS said to the Jews who had believed HIM, "If you abide in MY word, you are truly MY disciples,

32 and you will "KNOW THE TRUTH", and the truth will set you free."

33 They answered HIM, "We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that YOU say, 'You will become free'?"

There are many people with their "own version" of the truth.  It seems there are ALL kinds of people, and a LARGE AMOUNT of politicians these days, who twist and turn words in an attempt to find the smallest amount of truth.  Modern day courtrooms are filled with people attempting to find truth about a subject.  News outlets- print media, television, radio, Internet, and anything else you can imagine- all desire to be known as a source for truth!

JESUS told the "Jews who believed HIM" that "if you ABIDE in MY word, you are truly MY disciples, and you will "KNOW THE TRUTH", and the truth will set you free"!  Seeking the truth can be a frustrating, even perplexing, thing!  The enemy, the great deceiver, was called out by JESUS, in John 8:44 in speaking to the same Jews, when HE said "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".  

Many people today are similar to the Jews in John 8.  In verse 31 JESUS said to the 'Jews who had believe HIM.'  In verse 44 JESUS says 'you are of your father the devil'!  How could they believe HIM, yet be of their father the devil?  In James 2:19 scripture records "You believe that GOD is one; you do well. Even the demons believe-and shudder"!  JESUS said in John 8:31 "if you ABIDE in MY word".  The word ABIDE is defined as "to remain; continue; stay".  It doesn't mean you can have a family bible on a table collecting dust in a house!  "To remain; continue; stay" means you literally LIVE in HIS Word, developing an addiction to HIS guidance and direction.  The TRUTH will set you free, but first you must "KNOW THE TRUTH"!

President Ronald Reagan is quoted as saying "Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for ALL the problems men face."  JESUS instructed us to "ABIDE in HIS Word"! In Joshua 1:8 it is written "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".  It seems our desire for truth should be rather simple to quench!  JESUS said "you shall "KNOW THE TRUTH", and the truth will set you free"!!!