"WILL HIMSELF FIGHT FOR YOU!"

Deuteronomy 1:29-30a
"29 Then I said to you, 'Do not be in dread or afraid of them.
30 The LORD your GOD who goes before you "WILL HIMSELF FIGHT FOR YOU" ......."

Deuteronomy 31:5-6
"5 And the LORD will give them over to you, and you shall do to them according to the whole commandment that I have commanded you.
6 Be strong and courageous. DO NOT FEAR OR BE IN DREAD of them, for it is the LORD your GOD who goes with you. HE will not leave you or forsake you."



How many times have I "wondered" how GOD was going to work something out that I was going through?  Trying to make sure that I stay out of the LORD's way seems to be my biggest challenge.  It seems we all have a yearning to be involved in the day to day spiritual warfare we are faced with, to have a hand in helping FIGHT our battles.

The biggest FIGHT I have been involved in was in July 2007.  My brain sprung a leak (hemorrhaged) and I was hospitalized for 31 days, 17 of those days in a coma.  Having always been one who wanted to give the appearance of being in control, it was rather frustrating, and extraordinarily humbling, to not even be able to control the words that I was speaking from my own mouth!  A decision was made to medically induce a coma to allow my body a chance to heal.

For me, being in a coma didn't bring about a vision of Heaven, or anything else.  The drug that was used to keep me sedated is known as "the amnesia drug", because you can't remember anything that is happening.  The main accomplishment of the coma was to calm me and let healing take place. There is not a tremendous amount that can be done for someone who has a brain hemorrhage.  That is why the mortality rate of brain hemorrhage patients is over 80%!  To say I was in GOD's Hands has never been so evident.

"The LORD your GOD who goes before you "WILL HIMSELF FIGHT FOR YOU" should be easy for me to submit to?  There was literally NOTHING I could do to help save my life.  Letting GOD FIGHT this battle was not an option, it was done by medication.  Had I been able, I would have probably been trying to assist in my healing and recovery.  To survive a "hemorrhagic stroke" with no physical deficits (disabilities) is as miraculous as it sounds.

To have been shown that GOD "WILL HIMSELF FIGHT FOR YOU" has proven to me that GOD doesn't need my help to do anything!  The best thing I can do is not get in GOD's Way of completing HIS Work in my life.  HE has shown me that HE can cause me to "not be in control" if HE needs to!  Knowing that GOD "WILL HIMSELF FIGHT FOR YOU" brings peace beyond imagination!!

"SON OF GOD!"

Matthew 8:28-34                            (ESV)
"28 And when HE came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met HIM, coming out of the tombs, SO FIERCE that no one could pass that way.
29 And behold, they cried out, "What have YOU to do with us, O "SON OF GOD"? Have YOU come here to torment us before the time?"
30 Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them.
31 And the demons begged HIM, saying, "If YOU cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs."
32 And HE said to them, "Go." So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters.
33 The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men.
34 And behold, all the city came out to meet JESUS, and when they saw him, they begged HIM to leave their region."



The Sunday School Class I attend is studying through the book of Matthew, and recently the above text was what the lesson was taken from.  It is somewhat astonishing to me that "this world", and its evil inhabitants, readily recognize and admit that JESUS is the "SON OF GOD"!  Then you have have those who claim that all of this Spiritual stuff is just for weaklings, weaklings who are searching for answers for questions that don't exist!  But in 1 Corinthians 2:14 the Apostle Paul was used to write "The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of GOD, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned"!

These two demon-possessed men were not weaklings in the spiritual realm.  They were SO FIERCE that no man could their way.  But they saw, AND KNEW JESUS, as the "SON OF GOD" before JESUS ever got to them.  JESUS didn't open a great dialogue with the demons, HE let them do all the talking.  When they literally "begged" to be sent into a herd of pigs, HE simply said "Go"!

The Spirit of HIM WHO raised JESUS from the dead now lives in me (Romans 8:11), and since HE lives in me there should be NO FEAR of the enemy!  All JESUS did to exorcise the demons from these men was to say "Go"!  HE didn't perform some majestic ceremony and glorify HIMSELF before men!  HE forever glorified the FATHER, and in turn,the FATHER glorified HIS SON (John 17:4-5)!

JESUS said in John 14:1 "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in GOD; BELIEVE also in ME".  All we have to do is simply BELIEVE that HE is the "SON OF GOD"!  There are plenty of excuses not to BELIEVE, but the risk of not BELIEVING cannot compare to the reward for what lies ahead for those of us who do BELIEVE in the "SON OF GOD"!  The demon-possessed men coming out of the tombs KNEW WHO JESUS was?  Unless you desire to spend an eternity with them in hades, you too will BELIEVE in the "SON OF GOD"!!!

"YOUR TEACHER!"

Matthew 9:10-13                           (ESV)
"10 And as JESUS reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with JESUS and HIS disciples.
11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to HIS disciples, "Why does "YOUR TEACHER" eat with tax collectors and sinners?"
12 But when HE heard it, HE said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
13 Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."



The Pharisees were constantly attempting to "catch", or "corner" JESUS using their vocabulary to put HIM in an unfavorable light.  In John 8:42-47 JESUS lets them know they are of their father the devil and that they can't help but do the will of their father!  JESUS could see their spirit and knew by observing to whom they belonged.  They wore the outer garments of "the temple", but their hearts were far from being in tune with GOD!

When the Pharisees called the SON of GOD "YOUR TEACHER", they said more than they ever dreamed for those who were so educated and refined.  GOD, the CREATOR, was in their midst and all they could call HIM was "YOUR TEACHER"?  The Pharisees couldn't see the things of the Spirit of GOD (1 Corinthians 2:14), for they are folly to them!  All they could see was a threat to their comfortable lifestyle and they were doing whatever they could to limit HIS influence to those who believed on HIM.

This was a supposed unlearned son of a carpenter before them, when in REALITY the SON of GOD was in their midst!  "YOUR TEACHER" was, and is, calling the sinners, not the righteous!  The humility of a true believer isn't difficult to conceive when one considers the magnitude of a HOLY GOD.  But when all you can "see" is your position among men, pride has probably gotten control of your life and that generally brings disaster!

Lessons need to be learned from the Pharisees in Matthew 9.  Our desire should not be to be part of something that glorifies the things of "this world", rather our efforts should be for the furtherance of HIS Kingdom.  Don't let the "great deceiver" blind you from THE TRUTH (John 14:6)!  What "this world" sees as "YOUR TEACHER" may be  GOD in the flesh!

"GOD IS NOT MOCKED!"

Galatians 6:7-8                    (ESV)
"7 Do not be deceived: "GOD IS NOT MOCKED", for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the SPIRIT will from the SPIRIT reap eternal life."



Some may see current events as a sign that "the end-times" may be nearer than we think.  A former official of the government admittedly lies to Congress and nothing is done about it.  The current leader of this nation, with no majority in either the Senate or House, continues to direct this country into a Godless future with a seeming complicity of the majority leadership from his opposing party.  It is as though the supposed powerful feel they can't be touched by anyone and they will do whatever they please!  "Do not be deceived: "GOD IS NOT MOCKED", for whatever one sows, that will he also reap".

A country that, in reality, was founded on JESUS CHRIST and the precepts of the Holy Bible, has in less than 250 years devolved into a land where GOD and HIS ways are hidden, as best as possible, by those who THINK they are "in charge"!  The blessings that were once acknowledged as being from our Creator are now chalked up to American exceptionalism!  Where we once gave glory to GOD, we now spit in HIS face with our laws and courts.

Unless our country returns to its Godly Foundations, and quickly, we may discover the United States one day in the future like they recently uncovered the ancient ruins of Sodom and Gomorrah!  The sins of our country will not escape the Judgement of GOD!  Our debts will eventually have to be paid, and payment will be painful!

Ecclesiastes 7:5 says "It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools".  You can listen to those who applaud you in your sin and it WILL cost you greatly!  Or you can listen to those who give wise guidance and avoid everlasting judgement!  Rest assured, "GOD IS NOT MOCKED" and the ONE who spoke this world into existence WILL pass judgement.........and soon!!

"WAIT FOR IT!"

Habakkuk 2:2-3                (ESV)
"2 And the LORD answered me: "Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.
3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end-it will not lie. If it seems slow, "WAIT FOR IT"; it will surely come; it will not delay."



"This world" is operating at a pace of its own making.  We desire to operate at a faster pace, seemingly no matter the cost!  The temptation to "do something, even if it's wrong" seems to permeate the actions of mankind more and more the aged I become.  What ever happened to "WAIT FOR IT" being taught to our youth by the ones who are tasked with teaching them?

Evidence of society hearing from "the LORD" has decreased greatly in my adult life.  It seems we desire to arrive first at where we are going, but we aren't sure where it is we are headed?  No one has bothered checking with the Creator to see if our chosen path fits into His Plan.  As long as we finish the race first then we can make adjustments at, or beyond, the finish line.  

GOD's Plan doesn't call for us to finish the race in first place.  For us to have a personal relationship with HIM is what HE desires.  Habakkuk 2:3 says "For still the vision awaits its APPOINTED time; it hastens to the end-it will not lie. If it seems slow, "WAIT FOR IT"; it will surely come; it will not delay."  "The vision awaits its APPOINTED time" doesn't indicate we should try to make tomorrow's happenings occur today.  GOD is promising if we "WAIT FOR IT", it will surely come!  And when it comes on GOD's timetable we see it as being a blessing from HIM!

Playing god and trying to make things happen in my own timing has always been a glaring fault in my life.  When we try to make good things happen outside of GOD's Plan (timing), we show a tendency to deflect HIS glory onto ourselves!  GOD has HIS own unique ways of speaking to us, and HE can get our attention!!  We are here to glorify GOD, not to live this life in comfort and convenience.

HEAVENLY FATHER, cause me to "WAIT FOR IT" in my life, to not try to make "good things" happen in my timing.  My desire is to glorify YOU in all I do!!!

"NOT BECAUSE OF OUR WORKS!"

Deuteronomy. 7:6-8                     (ESV)
"6 "For you are a people holy to the LORD your GOD. The LORD your GOD has chosen you to be a people for HIS treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.
7 IT WAS NOT BECAUSE YOU WERE MORE IN NUMBER THAN ANY OTHER PEOPLE that the LORD set HIS love on you and chose you, for YOU WERE THE FEWEST of all peoples,
8 but it is because the LORD loves you and is keeping the oath that HE swore to your fathers, that the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt."

2 Timothy 1:8-9                             (ESV)
"8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me HIS  prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of GOD,
9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, "NOT BECAUSE OF OUR WORKS" but because of HIS own purpose and grace, which HE gave us in CHRIST JESUS "before the ages began"



GOD has a Plan!  Many times I use this phrase to relate the Sovereignty of Almighty GOD when choosing me to serve HIM.  GOD created us ALL, and in HIS Plan HE "will" be glorified.  When considering historical events, one can see the Sovereignty of GOD woven throughout  the fabric of the ENTIRE world.

Recently I shared how scientists had "discovered" a photo from outer space show "100's of Millions of stars", and that was just one picture of one portion of one galaxy, of which there are over 100 BILLION of!  And GOD simply "spoke" the worlds into existence, and HE didn't use a computer to accomplish it!  Consider that in the Exodus story, Pharaoh resisted allowing the Hebrew children to leave Egypt until the Death Angel visited Egypt, then he gave GOD's children whatever they desired to leave Egypt, and then he chased after them only to meet his judgement at the Red Sea!  "Coincidence" and "GOD's Plan" aren't even spelled similarly, yet that is what "this world" would have you believe is happening.

It was not because the children of Israel were so righteous or holy that GOD loved them.  Scripture states "that the LORD set HIS love on you and chose you" in Deuteronomy 7:7.  HIS love was "set on" us and "HE chose" us for HIS glory!  GOD's Plan calls for ungodly leaders to rule when HIS Children disobey HIM, and when HIS Children "humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, THEN I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  GOD loves in spite of our bad choices.  King David, Moses, Peter...all of us fail!

Romans 8:28 says "And we know that for those who love GOD "ALL THINGS" work together for good, for those who are called according to HIS purpose."  Now I'm not smart enough, nor wise enough, to believe I have it all figured out.  Isaiah 55:8-9 says HIS thoughts are in a different realm that our thoughts.  And the Spirit of GOD, the Creator, lives within me (Romans 8:11) to glorify HIS Name!  Now that is something as hard to imagine as 100 Billion galaxies!  All I am sure about is "before the ages began" HE chose me to serve HIM, "NOT BECAUSE OF OUR WORKS", but because HE is worthy to be worshipped and praised!

"THE SPIRIT OF LIFE!"

Romans 8:8-10
"Those who are in the flesh CANNOT please GOD. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the SPIRIT, if in fact the SPIRIT of GOD dwells in you.  Anyone who "does not" have the SPIRIT of CHRIST "does not" belong to HIM. But if CHRIST is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, "THE SPIRIT IS LIFE" because of righteousness."


All it takes to have eternal life is BELIEVE that JESUS did it ALL for you!  I am not perfect, I fail many times, but I DO BELIEVE that JESUS CHRIST is the SON of GOD and lives today!  "THE SPIRIT OF LIFE" abides in me, and for that I am eternally grateful!

"SET YOUR MINDS!"

Colossians 3:1-4                         (ESV)
"1 If then you have been raised with CHRIST, seek the things that are above, where CHRIST is, seated at the right hand of GOD.
2 "SET YOUR MINDS" on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with CHRIST in GOD.
4 When CHRIST who is your life appears, then you also will appear with HIM in glory."



"This world" continues to amaze me with its total disregard for the things of GOD.  Everyday it seems like some people are so fixated on doing the will 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." according to JESUS in John 8:44!  There is no kind way to call someone a liar, so I just have to quote JESUS and let the HOLY SPIRIT convict them!

So how do we avoid the frustration and defeat of living with SO many who have been "deceived" by the enemy?  JESUS said in John 16:33 "you WILL HAVE tribulations"!  We can't get around it if we are HIS.  Things may get worse before they get better if we live in the natural.  Focusing on the lawlessness and corruption of "this world" is falling into the trap of the enemy and his goal to defeat us.

GOD'S WORD instructs us NOT to focus on the things that are on the earth, but to "SET YOUR MINDS" on things that are above!  Our Spirit (who we are) has died and we are NOW hidden with CHRIST in GOD!  GOD can't see our sins for seeing the glory of JESUS CHRIST, the perfect and Holy substitute!  Keeping our focus, "SET YOUR MINDS" on HIM, will not come easy as the enemy wants to defeat us.  We must realize that this battle will continue unto The LORD returns, or HE calls us home!

To let our minds get distracted by the "things that are on the earth" is to allow the enemy to win.  If we "SET YOUR MINDS" on things that ARE ABOVE we won't allow the things that are of this world to consume us.  Romans 8:11 says "If the SPIRIT of HIM who raised JESUS from the dead dwells in you, HE who raised CHRIST JESUS from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through HIS SPIRIT who dwells in you"!  "SET YOUR MINDS" on that and don't focus on the problems of this world is what I need to remember!!!

"I WILL GET GLORY!"

Exodus 14:1-4                           (ESV)
"1 Then the LORD said to Moses,
2 "Tell the people of Israel to turn back and encamp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, in front of Baal-zephon; you shall encamp facing it, by the sea.
3 For Pharaoh will say of the people of Israel, 'They are wandering in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.'
4 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."




Several years ago I begin a practice of using the "NOTES" App on my phone/tablet to put reminders and things I wanted to remember later, such as business appointments, sermon notes, and Bible verses in a format where I could research them later.  A wise friend, whom I respect and admire deeply, said to me while I was typing a NOTE, "Writing helps crystallize my thoughts and enables me to better articulate my deductions".  There are times I begin writing with no preset conclusion where my thoughts are taking me, and when I get through it seems GOD was leading me through the entire process.

MANY days I begin my Quiet Time with NO IDEA what GOD is saying to me, nor where HE is going.  It seems my mind has been on the word "CHOOSE" the past few days.  When we "CHOOSE" we ultimately have consequences.  The consequences are what often determine if I think I have made wise CHOICES.  But COMFORT and CONVENIENCE should not be the determining factor of whether the CHOICES made were best.  JESUS said in John 16:33 "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world YOU WILL HAVE tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." If we are HIS, tribulation is SURE to follow!  Get ready!!!  But also know HE has overcome the world!!

The children of Israel, I'm sure, thought that they had made a bad CHOICE when they followed Moses to the banks of the Red Sea.  Mountains were to their left and right, a vast sea was before them, and the Egyptian Army was approaching from behind them.  There was no where to turn!  GOD had led them to a place unlike any other in the world SO "HE" COULD BE GLORIFIED!!!  I'm sure their level of COMFORT and CONVENIENCE was not their main concern, rather being delivered from the quandary they were in.

GOD has a uncanny way of taking the random thoughts of a servant and using them to glorify HIM.  It may SEEM like HE is leading me to the edge of destruction, but HE said in Exodus 14:4 "I WILL GET GLORY" over Pharaoh and his hosts, and then my favorite part, "And they did so"!!!  The same GOD WHO led the Children of Israel into the Promised Land continues leading HIS children today.  Whether I am writing a devotional, selling an insurance policy, teaching a Sunday School class, or driving my car down the highway, HE WILL GET GLORY in my life!  I CHOOSE to follow HIM and pray that HE WILL GET GLORY in everything I do!!!

"ONLY SON OF GOD!"

John 3:16-18                            (ESV)
"16 "For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only SON, that whoever believes in HIM should not perish but have eternal life.
17 For GOD did not send his SON into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through HIM.
18 Whoever believes in HIM is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the "ONLY SON OF GOD"."



One of the first memory verses most children are taught is John 3:16.  Many post these words in, or on, various things to gain attention.  Unfortunately, the attention is usually on themselves instead of being on a Holy GOD.  The true meanings of the words of the verses above are often put to memory, therefore spoken without much thought to what is being said.

Should we begin in verse 17, we would find that GOD THE CREATOR provided JESUS (HIS SON) "in order that the world MIGHT be saved"!  JESUS paid the sin DEBT for all of mankind, but according to verse 18 they MUST BELIEVE in the name of the "ONLY  SON OF GOD"!  In Acts 4:11-12 scripture records "This JESUS is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.  And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other NAME under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."  GOD didn't have numerous SON's for us to choose from.  HE only provided ONE possible means of redemption, and that way is JESUS.

Why would GOD sacrifice HIS SON so that I could have eternal life?  John 3:16 says HIS love for us (the world) was so immense that HE sacrificed JESUS because we were corrupted and undone.  To be allowed to enter into HIS PRESENCE (HEAVEN) we had to have our sin removed.  Only by a PERFECT SACRIFICE (JESUS) could I be allowed to enter into eternity with HIM.  It is quite simple, but hard to understand and even harder to believe, that PERFECTION (JESUS) would be sacrificed (given) for someone as vile and hopeless as me!

My value or worth is not determined by anything I have accomplished in "this world".  It is ONLY because I BELIEVE that JESUS paid my way into Heaven that I have hope.  John 4:24 says "GOD IS SPIRIT" and humans also have spirits, therefore we are created in HIS image (Genesis 1:26-27).  We can only get to HEAVEN through the "ONLY SON OF GOD"!  GOD hasn't entrusted any other prophet, angel, nor cosmic being to perform acts of Divinity.  JESUS said "I" have come that you MIGHT have life, IF you believe in the "ONLY SON OF GOD"!!!

"THE FATHER WHO SENT ME!"

John 6:41-45                          (ESV)
"41 So the Jews grumbled about HIM, because HE said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven."
42 They said, "Is not this JESUS, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, 'I have come down from heaven'?"
43 JESUS answered them, "Do not grumble among yourselves.
44 No one can come to ME unless "THE FATHER WHO SENT ME" draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
45 It is written in the Prophets, 'And they will all be taught by GOD.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the FATHER comes to me"



Seeing different people in a state of upheaval over the condition of "this world" can be quite troublesome!  Even I can get caught up in the seeming turmoil the enemy wants to portray as important to our existence.  One of the reasons the local newspaper is no longer part of my morning habits is that I grew weary of being left in a state of depression over the contents that were being reported.  Reading GOD's Word is a much better option!

King Solomon was the wisest man to have lived, according to 1 Kings 4:29-34.  Many believe he was the author of the book of Ecclesiastes.  The last two verses of Ecclesiastes says "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear GOD and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For GOD WILL BRING every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil".  If the wisest man to have ever lived recognized that GOD would bring every deed into judgement, why do I fret over what others do?  Or why do I fret over what others think of my actions?  GOD WILL BRING every deed is a promise we may not want to focus on, for our evil deeds will probably outweigh our good deeds!

JESUS told THE JEWS, not the unchurched, not to grumble amongst themselves. But we want to have "public" sentiment on our side, for OUR good, instead of letting "THE FATHER WHO SENT ME" work things out for HIS good!  We even want to see certain people join our church because of their social status, or conversely, think a needy family might be a drain on the resources of GOD's church!  Don't you think if GOD draws the people to your church, HE has a Plan for them at HIS church?  All we need to do is make sure our own hearts and actions are pleasing in HIS sight.

If GOD IS IN CONTROL, why don't we sit back and enjoy the ride?  GOD can soften a heart (Ezekiel 36:26), and GOD can harden a heart (Exodus 14:4).  We need to make sure our hearts are soft for HIM and be in tune with HIS Spirit.  My biggest challenge is slowing down my Spirit to WAIT ON HIS SPIRIT (Psalms 27:14; Psalms 37:7)!   There can be no greater PEACE than to know "THE FATHER WHO SENT ME" is directing our paths!  In "this world" we are SURE to experience TRIBULATION, but JESUS has overcome "this world"!  HE is seated next to "THE FATHER WHO SENT ME" waiting to hear that it is time to bring us HOME!!!

"CHOOSING??"

Matthew 25:35-40                       (NASB)
"35‘For I was hungry, and you gave ME something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave ME something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited ME in; 36 naked, and you clothed ME; I was sick, and you visited ME; I was in prison, and you came to ME.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer HIM, ‘LORD, when did we see YOU hungry, and feed YOU, or thirsty, and give YOU something to drink? 38 ‘And when did we see YOU a stranger, and invite YOU in, or naked, and clothe YOU? 39 ‘When did we see YOU sick, or in prison, and come to YOU?’ 40 “The KING will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of MINE, even the least of them, you did it to ME."




When JESUS came to earth, HE came to change hearts, not governments!  JESUS wasn't crucified on Calvary's tree for "Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female", HE was sacrificed me individual's LIKE ME!  When we "surrender" to HIM, HIS SPIRIT moves into our bodies to grow us into vessels that glorify THE FATHER.

According to a cursory Internet search, the United States government has spent 22 TRILLION dollars in the so called "War on Poverty"!  One article says it quite succinctly when it says "That was $22 trillion ago. That’s right, trillion with a “t.” A 22 with 12 zeros behind it. To understand how much that is, if you laid a trillion $1 bills end to end, they would reach the sun. Now multiply that by 22. That’s enough for 11 round trips."  So Big Government has tried their best ($22 TRILLION worth!) to be what GOD instructed us to INDIVIDUALLY do, and it has been a colossal failure!  I find it interesting that our national debt is almost $19 Trillion and our government has spent $22 Trillion in an attempt to be a replacement for what GOD intended individual's hearts to become!

JESUS lives in me and desires me to live my life FOR HIM.  HE isn't glorified when the government mandates that its citizenry help the poor and needy!  As a matter of fact, when a government attempts to force people to be benevolent it usually causes strife and discontent.  Following GOD brings joy and peace (Romans 15:13).  Allowing our government to impose godlike mandates brings strife and discontent.  When believers allow godlike individuals to govern them, the godlike begin acting as though there actually are gods with their edicts!

We all must make CHOICES in our lives.  We can "CHOOSE" GOD'S WAY, or we can "CHOOSE" to allow men to try their way!  The Holy Bible is replete many examples of men trying their way, and none of their ways prove successful!  Joshua 24:15 says “If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, CHOOSE for yourselves today WHOM YOU WILL SERVE: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; BUT AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD!"  We can "CHOOSE" to follow GOD'S WORD or we can "CHOOSE" to follow men's edits!  I prefer GOD'S FAVOR as opposed to GOD'S Judgement!  But that's just me!!!

"GET IT, or DIDN'T GET IT!"

Genesis 4:8               (KJV)
"And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. "


With all of the modern day talk regarding guns, drugs, gang violence, and numerous other "tools" used to end a earthly life, nobody seems to want to talk about the root cause of the matter.  Cain slew Abel simply because GOD "preferred" Abel's offering over Cain's.  Cain offered GOD "of the fruit of the ground".  Abel offered GOD "of the FIRSTLINGS of his flock and of the fat thereof".

Cain's heart was to give GOD what was leftover from his blessings.  Abel's heart was to give GOD from the "firstlings", or from initial blessings, of his blessings. GOD sees our "hearts" (1 Samuel 16:7).  GOD doesn't play games, as JESUS as much as said in Matthew 7:22-23 "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

Just as Cain's offering was unacceptable to GOD, any offering that man selects "his best" will not please a Holy GOD.  HE requires our ALL WE HAVE, and then HE can bless us properly.  THAT is FAITH in GOD!  Giving HIM and being dependent upon HIM to sustain us!

Abel "got it", Cain didn't "get it"!  Rather than change to "get it" Cain decided to eliminate the source of the good gift so his unacceptable gift would compare favorably.  But GOD doesn't change and regardless of what people say HIS acceptance isn't based on what man's concepts are.

May I "get it" and give what GOD requires of me, not what I think is BEST of the leftovers!!!

"CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY!"

John 18:2-12                              (ESV)
"2 Now Judas, who betrayed HIM, also knew the place, for JESUS often met there with his disciples.
3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.
4 Then JESUS, knowing all that would happen to HIM, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?"
5 They answered HIM, "JESUS of Nazareth." JESUS said to them, "I AM HE." Judas, who betrayed HIM, was standing with them.
6 When JESUS said to them, "I AM HE," they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 So HE asked them again, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "JESUS of Nazareth."
8 Jesus answered, "I told you that "I AM HE". So, if you seek ME, let these men go."
9 This was to FULFILL THE WORD that HE had spoken: "Of those whom you gave ME I have lost not one."
10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)
11 So JESUS said to Peter, "Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the FATHER has given ME?"
12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested JESUS and bound HIM."



Sometimes I am humbled so much by GOD speaking to me through HIS Word, even when I think I am finished studying!  This passage of scripture was used yesterday for GOD to show me HE has a Plan, and that Plan might (and probably does) involve personal sacrifice, and maybe humiliation, for HIS Glory!

While going back over my "devotional", GOD brought out a couple of things that I didn't mention.  Number one, even Judas was used to fulfill prophecy (Zechariah 11:12-13)!  The thirty pieces of silver didn't just arbitrarily become the price that JESUS  was betrayed for.  It was part of GOD's Plan!  There are something's that I may not understand WHY or WHEN they happen, but GOD is in control and HIS Plan is what I will trust!

Judas "procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees" according to John 18:3.  I'm sure that these were not weaklings drafted from the "rejects" of society, rather the word soldiers brings to mind strength and might.  But scripture points out in John 16:6 "When JESUS said to them, "I AM HE," THEY DREW BACK AND FELL TO THE GROUND".  Had the followers of JESUS been so inclined, they could have easily overtaken them, or at least escaped.  But GOD's Plan wouldn't have been fulfilled then!

How many times do I see a confrontation with the enemy ahead in my future and I avoid it with everything that is within me?  GOD is looking for some people who will let HIM occupy their bodies to fight the enemy.  Am I strong enough Christian to be used of HIM in this manner?  Or am I one of those weaklings left at home to avoid battle?

In Joshua 24:15 (KJV) it is written "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, "CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY" whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, WE WILL serve the LORD".  There is no DRAWING BACK AND FALLING ON THE GROUND when you "CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY" correctly!!

"I AM HE!"

John 18:2-12                              (ESV)
"2 Now Judas, who betrayed HIM, also knew the place, for JESUS often met there with his disciples.
3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.
4 Then JESUS, knowing all that would happen to HIM, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?"
5 They answered HIM, "JESUS of Nazareth." JESUS said to them, "I AM HE." Judas, who betrayed HIM, was standing with them.
6 When JESUS said to them, "I AM HE," they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 So HE asked them again, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "JESUS of Nazareth."
8 Jesus answered, "I told you that "I AM HE". So, if you seek ME, let these men go."
9 This was to FULFILL THE WORD that HE had spoken: "Of those whom you gave ME I have lost not one."
10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)
11 So JESUS said to Peter, "Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the FATHER has given ME?"
12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested JESUS and bound HIM."



From time to time my natural man gets downtrodden by the fallen state of "this world" and some of its inhabitants.  When I am hurt, or fellow believers are hurt by me, as GOD is accomplishing HIS Plan, it is especially hard to accept.  We must understand that GOD is in control and we are created for HIS glory.   GOD uses our weaknesses to glorify HIMSELF (2 Corinthians 12:9).  Realizing that GOD's Plan WILL BE completed, even if it causes us pain, is a humbling notion.  GOD uses my weaknesses to glorify HIS NAME!  How awesome is that??

Simon Peter exhibited great love for JESUS, when in verse 10 above, he cut off the ear of Malchus, a servant of the high priest.  But JESUS told Peter "shall I not drink the cup that the FATHER has given ME?"  JESUS "knew" that GOD's Plan would involve HIM being sacrificed for all.  HE knew the time had come to fulfill that Plan which called on HIM to endure pain, suffering, and death on the cross for all.  Yet, only a few verses later in verse 17, Peter was denying he even knew JESUS, and for the third time in verse 27 and IMMEDIATELY the rooster crowed!  Though JESUS knew that Peter loved HIM, HE also knew GOD's Plan WILL BE fulfilled!

When JESUS asked those sent to arrest HIM "Whom do you seek" HE knew what their answer would be.  Scripture records in verse 4 that "JESUS, knowing all that would happen to HIM"!  HIS response was, once again, scriptural, for HE was THE WORD!  In Exodus 3:14 it is written "GOD said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM."  JESUS' response to them, "I AM HE"!!!  HE could have said that HIS name was JESUS, or said nothing at all.  But HE told them the same words that GOD instructed Moses to tell the children of Israel who HE was, "I AM HE"!

GOD said "I AM WHO I AM".  JESUS said "I AM HE"!  If JESUS knew GOD's Plan involved suffering and sacrificing for GOD's Glory, why should I expect anything less?  Why shouldn't I expect people to reject me because of my stance for HIM?  JESUS was required to pay the price for my salvation, because HE was "I AM HE"!  Peter had to deny JESUS, because JESUS was "I AM HE"!  For GOD's Glory, and in my weaknesses, I will follow HIM through suffering and sacrifice, because HE IS "I AM HE"!!!

"SHOW US THE FATHER!"

John 14:8-11                            (ESV)
"8 Philip said to HIM, "LORD, SHOW US THE FATHER, and it is enough for us."
9 JESUS said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know ME, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, "SHOW US THE  FATHER"?
10 Do you not believe that I am in the FATHER and the FATHER is in ME? The words that I say to you I do NOT speak on MY own authority, but the FATHER who dwells in ME does HIS works.
11 Believe ME that I am in the FATHER and the FATHER is in ME, or else believe on account of the works themselves."



There are times, when observing the actions of one of my sons, it is said "he's his father's son"!  It is generally when some unattractive trait has been displayed and the observer is recognizing that my sons are passing along inherited behaviors.  It is seldom that I glory in the comment, as no one knows but me how truly unholy I am!  I am blessed to have never had to go to the hospital, nor police station, nor jail to get my sons out of trouble!  GRACE is the only thing I can attribute that to!

Our sons have traits of my wife (which I prayed they would get her looks!) and unfortunately, have some traits of their father (which I prayed fervently neither would inherit the my temper!!!).  As they mature, even though they are both their own men, evidence of them being FROM their parents is undeniable.

It is not difficult to understand then why JESUS asked Philip "Do you not believe that I am in the FATHER and the FATHER is in ME?"  JESUS had the FATHER in HIM and HE had no choice but to reflect the FATHER.  In John 8:44, JESUS was speaking to the scribes and Pharisees and said, ".......When he (satan) lies, he 'speaks out of his own character', for he is a liar and the father of lies".  When JESUS was crucified, HIS blood was poured out for ALL mankind, not just for the wealthy, the moral, and the good.  HE suffered and died for the vagrant, the Kings, the righteous, the child murderers, everyone who would call upon the name of the LORD!  HE had no ability NOT to love, even those who crucified HIM, for HIS 'character' was GOD and GOD is love (1 John 4:8)!

Philip was having difficulty grasping how JESUS and GOD could be the same, yet different.  Being of "this world", our mindset and focus is on the things of "this world"!  But JESUS said in John 18:36 "MY kingdom is not of THIS WORLD"!  We feel a need to REASON and EXPLAIN everything in earthly terms, but the things of GOD are not of THIS WORLD and cannot be REASONED nor EXPLAINED!  Looking through the lens of FAITH changes the way things are viewed in "this world".

My sons can't deny some of their traits come from their father, (although I'm sure there are times they would like to)!  JESUS had no ability to do anything but LOVE, for HE was of GOD!  We too have the FATHER living in us.  In the 17th chapter of John, verse 23, JESUS says "I in them, and YOU in ME", that they may BECOME PERFECTLY ONE, so that the world may know that YOU sent ME and loved them even as YOU loved ME".  When Philip asked "SHOW US THE FATHER", little did he know that HE was looking at the FATHER in the person of JESUS CHRIST!  Do I exemplify the FATHER in my life so vividly that others can see HIM in my actions?  Or do they have to inquire "SHOW US THE FATHER"??

"BE STILL!"

Psalms 46:10                             (KJV)
"10 "BE STILL", and know that I am GOD: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."



From recent Bible Study::: Only by choosing NOT TO BE SLAVES to our own reasonings and emotions can we win the BATTLE FOR OUR MINDS and begin hearing the voice of GOD within us.


Recently a friend of mine on a social media website (who by the way is a minister) posted something that was, at best secular, bordering on "things of this world"!   I'm not trying to be judgmental, other than wondering if I do the same?  "This world" continues operating faster and faster with technology becoming more and more advanced.  We must, as a church, return to slowing our lives down enough to be able to "hear the voice of GOD within us"!  

The enemy keeps this world spinning at such a pace that we who "are not of this world" sometimes get caught up in the "things of this world"!  Psalms 46:10 begins with "BE STILL".  It is followed by a colon, not a period.  Oftentimes I find myself pausing for my morning quiet time with a race car "PIT-STOP" mentality!  Not THINKING I have time to commune with the Creator of the Universes, I rush through a time is The WORD, pray for a few minutes, and the get back onto the racetrack of life.

But the "BE STILL" command is followed by "AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD" edict in the same breath!  CHRIST came to earth as a provision for our sins.  Yet how many of us bother receiving anything from HIM?  And then, when "the storms" of our lives come up (Matthew 8:23-27), we start wondering WHERE GOD is??  The "so-called" church isn't tuned in to the frequency of GOD.  We seem to be more interested in the things of "this world" than hearing from  "the voice of GOD within us"!  The "battle for our minds" is being waged, and it's being done at such a pace we MUST PURPOSELY CHOOSE, not only to hear answers to our problems, but directions to avoid those problems!

My Pastor recently spoke of setting aside a SPECIFIC time dedicated to hearing from GOD.  I'm not sure that the modern day Christian is sold-out enough to get alone with GOD and WAIT to hear from HIM?  We tend to want to live in a microwave, give-it-to-me-now society, with no "wars", but the battle for our minds continues whether we realize it or not!  GOD WILL BE EXALTED, regardless of the edicts and ignorance of "this world"!  My prayer is I will continue to know that I MUST "BE STILL" and recognize that HE is GOD, not some school ground principal, but CREATOR OF ALL!!

"IF YOU RETURN!"

Jeremiah 4:1-4                               (ESV)
"1 "IF YOU RETURN", O Israel, declares the LORD, to ME you should return. If you remove your detestable things from MY presence, and do not waver,
2 and if you swear, 'As the LORD lives,' in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then nations shall bless themselves in HIM, and in HIM shall they glory."
3 For thus says the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: "Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.
4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD; remove the foreskin of your hearts, O men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; lest my wrath go forth like fire, and burn with none to quench it, because of the evil of your deeds."



Many times in my life I have said that "If my life were considered a ship, the journey would go something like this.  GOD is the Captain of my ship and HE guides me around some storms, and through other storms, for HIS glory.  From time to time I take over the helm thinking I can do a better job.  Invariably, I drive my ship into tumultuous seas needing GOD's assistance to get my ship back into smooth waters"!  

The Children of Israel seemed to have the same problem as I do.  Once again, GOD is telling HIS children "IF YOU RETURN" to ME, and if you remove your detestable things from MY presence, HE will be their GOD and heal their land!  But we tend to point our fingers at the Israelites and say they have had their chances and "they'll never learn" for they always get right back into trouble!  But Believers in HIM are ALL in the same boat!  We Believers tend to bring our "detestable things" into HIS presence and expect GOD to bless us in spite of our sinful ways!

America is on some rough seas!  When we have The Creator on board to navigate our ship for us, we cannot afford to have a novice (human) guiding our ship. We MUST turn back to GOD.  No earthly leader has the ability to get us out of the storms we have driven ourselves into.  Sometimes it is difficult to let go of the stern when in the midst of a terrible storm that gives every indication of having fatal consequences.  But WHO can be better trusted than JESUS?  And WHO is more experienced to guide our ship?  HE can "cause a storm" or HE can "calm the seas"!

The thing that I find easiest to "see" is the rough sea that OTHERS experience, rather than my own troubles!  Observing the course they have followed (the seemingly bad choices they have made) can be helpful, but their journey is not mine.  One can only speculate if our abilities could have resulted in a smoother sea, or we might have directed them directly into a MAJOR storm!  One thing is certain, "IF YOU RETURN" to the Master, HE can not only get you through the storm, but HE can help you avoid future storms!  That is, "IF YOU RETURN"!!!

"DENY HIMSELF!"

Matthew 16:24-27                             (ESV)
"24 Then JESUS told HIS disciples, "If anyone would come after ME, let him "DENY HIMSELF" and take up his cross and follow ME.
25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for MY sake will find it.
26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
27 For the SON of Man is going to come with HIS angels in the glory of HIS FATHER, and then HE will repay each person according to what he has done."



As I recently stated, last week I found a statement on a Bible Study website that has, quite honestly, captivated me!  Memorization has never been a strong suit for me, and the enemy is battling me on memorizing this sentence/paragraph something fierce.  And the more I study it, the more I find out why he is battling so.  Below is the paragraph of which I refer to:

Only by choosing NOT TO BE SLAVES to our own reasonings and emotions can we win the battle for our minds and begin hearing the voice of GOD within us.

Who in their right MIND would CHOOSE TO BE A SLAVE?  But isn't that what JESUS was speaking about in he above scripture?  JESUS says in John 8:31-32 that HE will set us free! If JESUS sets us free, we must have been enSLAVED before?  What were we enSLAVED to?  It could have been "our own reasonings and emotions"!  If the paragraph above is true, our MINDS can begin "hearing the voice of GOD within us" when we CHOOSE NOT TO BE SLAVES any longer!  We have to CHOOSE not be be a slave.  My MIND goes to Joshua 24:15 where it says ".....CHOOSE this day whom you will serve....."!  There isn't an option to remain neutral, you either have to serve the Gods of your father, or the gods of the world surrounding you!

Our MINDS are a battlefield where the stakes are eternal.  The enemy tries to keep us so busy and "involved" that "we think" we don't have time to listen to "the voice of GOD within us"!  If we "DENY HIMSELF" we are CHOOSING to surrender to the ONE WHO loves us, the ONE WHO Created "this world" in the beginning for HIS glorification!  Even Saul on the road to Damascus had to CHOOSE to listen to the voice of GOD; to BE STILL, and KNOW that I AM GOD!

The thing is, we have to CHOOSE NOT TO BE SLAVES in order to "DENY HIMSELF"!  There is no in between, no middle ground!  Hearing the voice of GOD, the Creator of the Universe, is an incomparable accomplishment, and we generally have to CHOOSE to hear from HIM.  When HE "calls" us are we listening?  Or are we listening "to our own reasonings and emotions"?  When we slow down enough to "DENY HIMSELF" and the things of the flesh, our focus on HIM is a lot clearer!!!

"WE ARE ONE!"

John 17:20-23                              (KJV)
"20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on ME through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as THOU, FATHER, art in ME, and I in THEE, that they also may be one in US: that the world may believe that THOU hast sent ME. 22 And the glory which THOU gavest ME I have given them; that they may be one, even as "WE ARE ONE": 23 I in them, and THOU in ME, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that THOU hast sent ME, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved ME."



John 17 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible.  While the "MODEL" prayer is given by JESUS in other scriptures, the prayer JESUS spoke to GOD in this chapter is a direct communication to GOD in Heaven from HIS SON, WHO is about to sacrifice HIMSELF for my sin!  My heart and mind are in awe as I come to the realization that JESUS' shed blood was for all mankind, but HE would have paid the ransom if it would have only saved me!  HE loves me that much!

To understand that "WE ARE ONE" with CHRIST, the SON of the LIVING GOD, is an unmatched honor that my feeble mind may not fully comprehend until I receive a glorified body.  JESUS says in John 17:23 "I in them, and THOU in ME, that THEY MAY BE MADE PERFECT in one; and that the world may know that THOU hast sent ME, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved ME."  IF I were to TOTALLY SUBMIT to HIS will for my life, JESUS said in John 14:12 "greater works than these shall he do"!

The SPIRIT of GOD, through the power of JESUS CHRIST, lives inside my body.  The responsibility of keeping this tabernacle (referred to as my body) "HOLY and acceptable" (Romans 12:1) rests upon me!  If I become too "carnal" with MY DESIRES, whatever they may be, GOD is relegated to a lesser role and I am limiting HIS ability to be glorified in my life!  So before I consume food that doesn't glorify GOD, drink a drink  that doesn't glorify GOD, or any other foreign substance that doesn't glorify GOD, I have to determine why I am endulging??  If "WE ARE ONE" and I don't allow GOD to guide me in the least of these, how can I expect HIM to guide me through WHEN temptations come my way (James 1:2)!

Last week I was reading a Bible Study and came across a sentence that has since captivated me!  "Only by choosing NOT TO BE A SLAVE to our own reasonings and emotions can we win the battle for our minds and begin hearing the voice of GOD within is"!  The surroundings of "this world", which we are assigned to live in for a period, can cloud our judgement and determination with "our reasonings and emotions"!  Since "WE ARE ONE" we should allow HIS SPIRIT to guide or ship where we should go.  Why would I want to steer when I have the Creator of the UNIVERSES on board?  After all, GOD, JESUS and me, "WE ARE ONE"!!

"ALL SCRIPTURE!"

2 Timothy 3:10-17                               (ESV)
"10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,
11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra-which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the LORD rescued me.
12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in CHRIST JESUS will be persecuted,
13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it
15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in CHRIST JESUS.
16 "ALL SCRIPTURE" is breathed out by GOD and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
17 that the man of GOD may be complete, equipped for every good work."



The practice of capitalizing all references to GOD is something I have tried to do for a number of years.  For me, it shows a distinction and reverence to GOD that takes minimal effort on my part.  While studying this morning something caught my eye that, to me, proved more than interesting.  In 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) scripture records "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,......"! Please take note, the word "Scripture" is capitalized, as well as the name of "God"!  The WORD of GOD capitalizes the Word used to describe the WORD of GOD!  To me, that is no coincidence!

There is no indication, that I am aware of, that any writer of scripture sat down with the express intent of entering a qualified writing into a grand sweepstakes that would qualify as being a part of GOD's WORD?  Writings about, and from, the beginning of time until recent days continue to accumulate, but scripture indicates in Revelation 22:18-19 that we should not ADD nor TAKE AWAY from "this book"!  GOD ordained the DIVINE writings by flawed men to be used by other flawed men to serve a flawless GOD!  Why, because GOD IS HOLY and HIS desire is for us to live HOLY so we can have a relationship with HIM.

One commentary offered this tidbit that I am led to share, "Because of its importance and its claim to be the very Word of God, the Bible has suffered more vicious attacks and attempts to destroy it than any other book in history".  Yet, there are those today who still proclaim that we believers are lunatics with deranged sense of "this world" and its future.  They don't want to accept that "ALL SCRIPTURE" talking about a loving GOD loving them in theirs sinful condition really exists.

To understand that the HOLY BIBLE records historical events for mankind all the way back to GOD speaking the heavens and earth into existence is an awesom, yet humbling thing.  To NOT believe "ALL SCRIPTURE" is from GOD, one would have to argue that all of these writings were kept up with throughout the years, and after Revelations was written, no one else wanted in on the conspiracy of keeping the sect going!

Believing that "ALL SCRIPTURE" was/is breathed by GOD is easier to believe than believing that all of the heavens and the earth just appeared one day out of nothing!  The WORD of GOD should be respected as the LOVE letter to HIS creation.  Instead HIS creation wants to act as though we are too smart and intelligent to believe that we could have been formed from dust, even when we eventually turn back into the same dust!  Wait a minute, isn't "dust to dust" (Genesis 3:19) part of "ALL SCRIPTURE"???

"HE LEFT THEM!"

Mark 8:11-13                           (ESV)
"11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with HIM, seeking from HIM a sign from heaven to test HIM.
12 And HE sighed deeply in HIS Spirit and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation."
13 And "HE LEFT THEM", got into the boat again, and went to the other side."



Sometimes I have to SLOW things down and read them extremely deliberately.  Recently. while I was waiting at a business, I was reading scripture on my iPhone.  I got to Mark 8:11 and it was one of those SLOW down moments!  I had to literally read verse 11 one word at a time!  The reason for this will bear itself rather quickly I pray.

When I read "The Pharisees" my mind immediately thought about the "establishment" church hierarchy.  These people weren't interested in JESUS showing HE was GOD's SON, only that HE was upsetting their apple cart, their self-appointed religious royalty!  The Pharisees "came and began to argue with HIM"!  I have heard of people who don't need a reason to argue, they just need an opportunity!  The Pharisees seemed to fit that category.

Then my mind went to Washington DC.  We have democrats and republicans who act as though they are the "elite" rather than servants they were elected to be!  One is left to wonder if JESUS HIMSELF came to a joint meeting of the House of Representatives and the United States Senate, would HE even be welcomed?   JESUS actually "sighed deeply" in HIS Spirit when the Pharisees began to argue with HIM.

There are those whom we have no choice but to saturate that place with your absence.  When "HE LEFT THEM", JESUS removed their ability of the Pharisees to twist what HE said to fit their agenda.  HE knew they weren't under conviction, but we're only there for their own agenda.   They weren't trying to see what THEY NEEDED to do to satisfy their sin debt, rather they were trying to "test",  or trick HIM!  JESUS could "see" that the Pharisees had bad intentions because HE wasn't blinded by disdain or frustration with their schemes.  HE sighed deeply showing no interest in their arguing!

When one refuses to humble themselves before a HOLY GOD, "it is a fearful thing" (Hebrews 10:31)!  When "HE LEFT THEM" the Pharisees should have known they were not part of GOD's Plan, but their eyes were blinded to The TRUTH!  JESUS humbled HIMSELF (Philippians 2:5-9) to the point of death, yet because the Pharisees refused to humble themselves, "HE LEFT THEM" !

"THE SPIRIT INTERCEDES!"

Romans 8:26-27                        (ESV)
"26 Likewise the SPIRIT helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the SPIRIT HIMSELF intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
27 And HE who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the SPIRIT, because "THE SPIRIT INTERCEDES" for the saints according to the will of GOD."



In "this world" where I live at a pace so busy and confusing, I sometimes hear from GOD in the most opportune, and inopportune, times!  A month or so ago, while on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, I was listening to the birds singing to their Creator with such blissful orchestration.  When I thought that the Creator, WHO spoke this world into existence, not only deserves, but inhabits our praises, it humbled me to understand that HE was speaking to me while the birds were singing to HIM.

Recently, while driving home, I was tired from enjoying a weekend of keeping a grandchild when another driver took exception with my driving skills.  Everyone has flaws, and one of my greatest weaknesses is grasping that not everyone has the same driving abilities that GOD has blessed me with.  It is kind of like this, my wife is an EXCELLENT pastry chef, but I am not.  I tend to allow her to do the baking because she is so good at it.  She doesn't realize how GOOD her pastries are because IT IS A GIFT from GOD that she has!  Anyway, after the other driver "saluted" me and made sure his disdain was made known to me, I realized "the enemy" was attempting to take my joy from my weekend with GOD's gift!  It was if GOD was "using" this person to teach me a subtle lesson, just to see if I was listening to, and for, HIM.

There are times when GOD blatantly reveals HIMSELF to us, and there are times when "THE SPIRIT INTERCEDES" for us with groanings too deep for words!  Writing about an imperfection is not something that is fun to do.  But knowing GOD is working to make me a tool that can glorify HIS name is exciting!  Not everyone can say they have the SPIRIT of the living GOD living in them.  Romans 8:9 says "Anyone who does not have the SPIRIT of CHRIST does not belong to him."  Since I have the SPIRIT living in me, I need to admit it when HE is molding me more into HIS image.

To be able to hear and see GOD speaking to me through difficulties and trials (James 1:1-18) is part of the Spiritual maturation process.  There seems to be a certain  "wavelength" that GOD operates on, and I have always wanted GOD to speak to me on MY wavelength.  But GOD is showing me that true PEACE can only come though being on HIS wavelength.  LORD, cause me to allow YOU to speak to me on YOUR wavelength, but when I miss YOU, I pray "THE SPIRIT INTERCEDES" for me!

"WISDOM OF THE WORLD!"

1 Corinthians 1:20-25                       (ESV)
"20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not GOD made foolish the "WISDOM OF THE WORLD"?
21 For since, in the wisdom of GOD, the world did not know GOD through wisdom, it pleased GOD through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.
22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,
23 but we preach CHRIST crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,
24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, CHRIST the power of GOD and the wisdom of GOD.
25 For the foolishness of GOD is wiser than men, and the weakness of GOD is stronger than men."



Remembering September 11, 2001 is not a comfortable thing to do.  It wasn't as if the enemy used an elaborately detailed, computerized, scientifically amazing monstrosity to bring the most powerful nation to ever exist to its knees!  The enemy used a simple phenomenon known as FEAR to literally bring to a stop our country because we allowed evil to go unchecked in the name of TOLERANCE!

The "WISDOM OF THE WORLD" tells us that THERE IS NO GOD and we don't need to allow HIS precepts and HIS Word into the public arena.  However, when our FAITH is not focused on GOD and the things of GOD, FEAR can run amuck amongst us.  When we TOLERATE evil and the things that make evil flourish, our entire society becomes infected with the disease of TOLERANCE!  In Luke 11:35-36 JESUS says "Therefore BE CAREFUL lest the light in you be darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, HAVING NO PART DARK, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light."  JESUS alerted us to BE CAREFUL, yet we are now TOLERANT!

"This world" would have us believe that the things of GOD is foolishness and antiquated.  Surely the "WISDOM OF THE WORLD" in the time of JESUS' earthly ministry thought HIS precepts and Words were outdated and ancient!  So "this world" attempted to put this light out of view so their lifestyle wouldn't be cramped by HIM.  They were unsuccessful in that attempt, as JESUS overcame death, hell, and the grave and lives even today!

Why does HIS Church let the "WISDOM OF THE WORLD" intimidate us into believing we must follow their rules and be subjugated to their plan?  GOD's Plan is the chart we should be studying and following.  The "WISDOM OF THE WORLD" allows men with primitive tools and a false god cause FEAR and trembling to reign over all.  Joshua said it best in Joshua 24:15 when he spoke "But as for me and my house, WE WILL serve the LORD."  The CHOICE is still our own!  We can CHOOSE to serve the "WISDOM OF THE WORLD", or we can "serve the LORD"!

"GOD ABIDES IN US!"

1 John 4:12-14                         (ESV)
"12 No one has ever seen GOD; if we love one another, "GOD ABIDES IN US" and HIS love is perfected in us.
13 By this we know that we abide in HIM and HE in us, because HE has given us of HIS SPIRIT.
14 And we have seen and testify that the FATHER has sent HIS SON to be the SAVIOR of the world."



When I was 17 1/2 years old I came one from church on Sunday January 08, 1978 with no purpose or direction in my life.  To say I was miserable would not begin to describe how desperate my situation was.  The way I remember things, I laid in my bed and literally begged GOD to remove the turmoil and strife from my life, and to replace it with PEACE!  That was the wisest decision I ever made!

Since that day, it seems my life has been a "poster-child" for what NOT to do as far as serving HIM.  Failing HIM has been a regular occurrence in my life, but HIS love for me has never failed!  The SPIRIT OF GOD has prevented me from some unwise choices that I was dead set on making.  It is often spoken about someone having tremendous "will power"!  Well I never had great "will power", but I did have "GOD ABIDES IN US" to guide me out of some choices that I was set on making!

"GOD ABIDES IN US" to steer us into situations that HE will be glorified in.  It seems I sometimes get myself into some situations and circumstances that cause me to wonder what I was thinking?  The Bible also indicates that things in "this world" are only going to get worse!  In 2 Timothy 3:12-13 scripture records "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in CHRIST JESUS "WILL BE" persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from BAD TO WORSE, deceiving and being deceived."

Knowing that "GOD ABIDES IN US" gives me peace and comfort, removing all STRIFE from my life, as GOD has given us of HIS SPIRIT!  No one has ever seen GOD, but we can make sure our lives display HIM as much as we can "if we love one another"!  We are to "separate" ourselves from the world, but we can love them at the same time!  JESUS loved AND healed many lepers during HIS earthly ministry, but HE didn't live with them.  If we better displayed "GOD ABIDES IN US" there might be more who would be drawn to The FATHER.

HOLY GOD, I pray that I will be a better example of "GOD ABIDES IN US" and "this world" will see YOU living in me!