Matthew 4:1-11 (ESV)
"1 Then JESUS was led up by the SPIRIT into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, HE was hungry.
3 And the tempter came and said to HIM, "If YOU are the SON of GOD, command these stones to become loaves of bread."
4 But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every WORD that comes from the mouth of GOD.'"
5 Then the devil took HIM to the holy city and set HIM on the pinnacle of the temple
6 and said to HIM, "If you are the SON of GOD, throw YOURSELF down, for it is written, "'HE will command his angels concerning YOU,' and "'On their hands they will bear YOU up, lest YOU strike YOUR foot against a stone.'"
7 JESUS said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the LORD your GOD to the test.'"
8 Again, the devil took HIM to a very high mountain and showed HIMall the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
9 And he said to HIM, ""ALL THESE" I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me."
10 Then JESUS said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, "'You shall worship the LORD your GOD and HIM only shall you serve.'"
11 Then the devil left HIMI, and behold, angels came and were ministering to HIM."
In my writings I try to be as non-offensive as possible, but today's will be uncomfortable to some, maybe even offensive to others. However, the WORD is the WORD and scripture states in Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of GOD is living and active, SHARPER THAN ANY TWO-EDGED SWORD, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart". Going around looking to alienate people is not my goal, but GOD"s WORD will not allow me to cover up this lie that is being broadcast without challenge of the TRUTH!!
In a quiet time today GOD placed on my heart that the devil is once again offering an alternative to HIS Plan, just like satan did in the scripture above. JESUS was the only person to be convinced here, and HE was Deity. JESUS rejected the the chance to get "ALL THESE" because HE could "see" the lie that was trying to be sold to HIM by the devil. "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, "'You shall worship the LORD your GOD and HIM only shall you serve'" was the response from GOD IN THE FLESH.
But America isn't doing so well with its "seeing"! A lot of people who claim to be Christian are being deceived by the antics of the enemy through a Presidential candidate named Donald Trump. I know, he has claimed to be a "good Christian", but JESUS said GOD alone was good (Mark 10:18). I'm not saying Mr. Trump isn't saved because he used the word "good" incorrectly, what I am saying is he has a lifestyle that exemplifies and encourages sinful behavior, (filthy language, supports murder in the womb through Planned Parenthood, same-sex marriages, owns several strip clubs, etc.....) and according to Galatians 5:19-21 people who wallow in the flesh will not inherit the Kingdom of GOD. Satan even entered a man "called" a disciple (John 13:21-30; Luke 22:3-6) named Judas in an attempt to try and derail GOD's Redemptive Plan.
We all know GOD ultimately won the victory three days later when JESUS overcame death, hell, and the grave. GOD alone can save Mr. Trump's soul, and prayers for that day will continue. For the Christian's who are being deceived by Mr. Trump and his promise of "ALL THESE" things, my prayer is that your eyes will be not on a candidate, but on JESUS CHRIST, as HE is the only hope for our great nation!
About 3500 years ago the enemy "thought" he had GOD's chosen people trapped on the banks of the Red Sea. The Egyptian Army was fast approaching, mountains were on the left and right, and the Red Sea was before them! GOD then parted the Red Sea and in Exodus 14:28 scripture records "all the host of Pharaoh that had FOLLOWED them into the sea, not one of them remained"! I'm sure there were a lot of good people who were drowned that day, but they were fighting against GOD ALMIGHTY! I implore you, DO NOT get caught up in "ALL THESE" promises and get swept away with "ALL THESE" good people!
Monday, February 29, 2016
Friday, February 26, 2016
"YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT!"
Exodus 14:13-14
"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.
14 The LORD will fight for you, and "YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT"!!
Sometimes I awake with the LORD trying to speak to me, and sometimes it is the enemy that tries to interject fear and doubt so my faith is shaken. A few minutes ago, at just past midnight, my mind was racing! Last evening was the latest Republican Presidential debate. I try to avoid watching them due to all of the hyperbole and rhetoric displayed, but my social media feeds were lit up with commentary about what PEOPLE thought about the outcome of the evening. My mind wanted to be upset with those who disagreed with what GOD says is the best choice for us and what "this world" thinks! Then my Spirit, which is diametrically opposed to "this world" (Galatians 5:17) calmly remembered one of my favorite scriptures, in Exodus 14:14 where Moses tells his people "The LORD will fight for you, and "YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT"!
Why would GOD not want HIS people to fight for HIM so HE could win an overwhelming victory? Why would HE not direct Moses to develop a game plan where the enemy would be overcome by the 2.5 Million (or more) Israelites waiting to cross the Red Sea? Would they have been any more effective than GOD's Plan? Could they have inflicted more damage than GOD did all by HIS self?
When we are in our darkest hour, when things are totally beyond our control, and when there seems to be NOTHING we can do to save ourselves, watch out! GOD may be getting ready to do something only HE can do! And when HE does there is no mistaking WHO is at work! In 2009, after I developed a Brain Hemorrhage, I was put into medically induced coma. After almost three weeks of me TOTALLY being out of control, GOD stepped in and did a work that only HE could do. I'm not worthy, but HE did it anyway! All I had to do was BE SILENT!
Sometimes GOD directs us to "ONLY TO BE SILENT" so HE gets us out of HIS way. HE doesn't need us to do anything for HIM but obey! Why can't I join in and share what GOD's Word says about the fiasco America finds itself in? For now at least, GOD is telling me "The LORD will fight for you, and "YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT"!!
"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.
14 The LORD will fight for you, and "YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT"!!
Sometimes I awake with the LORD trying to speak to me, and sometimes it is the enemy that tries to interject fear and doubt so my faith is shaken. A few minutes ago, at just past midnight, my mind was racing! Last evening was the latest Republican Presidential debate. I try to avoid watching them due to all of the hyperbole and rhetoric displayed, but my social media feeds were lit up with commentary about what PEOPLE thought about the outcome of the evening. My mind wanted to be upset with those who disagreed with what GOD says is the best choice for us and what "this world" thinks! Then my Spirit, which is diametrically opposed to "this world" (Galatians 5:17) calmly remembered one of my favorite scriptures, in Exodus 14:14 where Moses tells his people "The LORD will fight for you, and "YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT"!
Why would GOD not want HIS people to fight for HIM so HE could win an overwhelming victory? Why would HE not direct Moses to develop a game plan where the enemy would be overcome by the 2.5 Million (or more) Israelites waiting to cross the Red Sea? Would they have been any more effective than GOD's Plan? Could they have inflicted more damage than GOD did all by HIS self?
When we are in our darkest hour, when things are totally beyond our control, and when there seems to be NOTHING we can do to save ourselves, watch out! GOD may be getting ready to do something only HE can do! And when HE does there is no mistaking WHO is at work! In 2009, after I developed a Brain Hemorrhage, I was put into medically induced coma. After almost three weeks of me TOTALLY being out of control, GOD stepped in and did a work that only HE could do. I'm not worthy, but HE did it anyway! All I had to do was BE SILENT!
Sometimes GOD directs us to "ONLY TO BE SILENT" so HE gets us out of HIS way. HE doesn't need us to do anything for HIM but obey! Why can't I join in and share what GOD's Word says about the fiasco America finds itself in? For now at least, GOD is telling me "The LORD will fight for you, and "YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT"!!
Thursday, February 25, 2016
"EXAMINE YOURSELVES!"
2 Corinthians 13:5-9 (ESV)
"5 "EXAMINE YOURSELVES", to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that JESUS CHRIST is in you?-unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
6 I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test.
7 But we pray to GOD that you may not do wrong-not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed.
8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
9 For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for."
It is rather easy to find fault with others! How many times have you seen someone get on television and brag about their own weaknesses or faults??? We have become familiar with, even expectant, of hearing about someone else's perceived failures and how bad a person they are. Nobody, especially me, wants to have video evidence of every deed I have ever done broadcast for the world to see!
The Apostle Paul was as devout a follower of CHRIST as anyone recorded in the New Testament. Yet his instructions were to "EXAMINE YOURSELVES" and make sure you are in the faith! Not wanting to be highly thought of, he said in verse 6 above "I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test". There is always a place to be HUMBLE, but a person who is self-centered cannot please GOD (Romans 8:8).
In verse seven Paul wrote the he prayed to GOD that his friends may not do wrong, that they would do what was right! Not because he wanted glory for their obedience, but because he knew their obedience only meant good things for their lives. Serving others was what Paul desired to do. Seeing them prosper made him glad.
FATHER IN HEAVEN, my prayer is that I will be concerned with "EXAMINING MYSELF" and let everyone else take care of "EXAMINING THEMSELVES"! For all who read this, I pray that you will "EXAMINE YOURSELVES" to see whether you are in the faith?
"5 "EXAMINE YOURSELVES", to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that JESUS CHRIST is in you?-unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
6 I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test.
7 But we pray to GOD that you may not do wrong-not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed.
8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
9 For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for."
It is rather easy to find fault with others! How many times have you seen someone get on television and brag about their own weaknesses or faults??? We have become familiar with, even expectant, of hearing about someone else's perceived failures and how bad a person they are. Nobody, especially me, wants to have video evidence of every deed I have ever done broadcast for the world to see!
The Apostle Paul was as devout a follower of CHRIST as anyone recorded in the New Testament. Yet his instructions were to "EXAMINE YOURSELVES" and make sure you are in the faith! Not wanting to be highly thought of, he said in verse 6 above "I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test". There is always a place to be HUMBLE, but a person who is self-centered cannot please GOD (Romans 8:8).
In verse seven Paul wrote the he prayed to GOD that his friends may not do wrong, that they would do what was right! Not because he wanted glory for their obedience, but because he knew their obedience only meant good things for their lives. Serving others was what Paul desired to do. Seeing them prosper made him glad.
FATHER IN HEAVEN, my prayer is that I will be concerned with "EXAMINING MYSELF" and let everyone else take care of "EXAMINING THEMSELVES"! For all who read this, I pray that you will "EXAMINE YOURSELVES" to see whether you are in the faith?
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
"YOU REFUSE!"
John 5:36-41 (ESV)
"36 But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the FATHER has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the FATHER has sent me.
37 And the FATHER WHO sent ME has HIMSELF borne witness about ME. HIS voice you have never heard, HIS form you have never seen,
38 and you do not have HIS WORD abiding in you, for you do not believe the ONE whom HE has sent.
39 YOU SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES BECAUSE YOU THINK that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about ME,
40 yet "YOU REFUSE" to come to ME that you may have life.
41 I do not receive glory from people."
To classify someone because of their skin color or heritage can cause us to miss seeing that person for who they really are. JESUS was speaking to "the Jews" (John 5:18) but JESUS could SEE who they really were and what they had on their minds and in their hearts. They could not "SEE" Deity walking right in front of their eyes and were trying to kill HIM so HE would "go away"!
JESUS makes it clear that you have to come as a child to accept HIM (Matthew 18:2-4). Children accept a lot of things more easily than older, supposedly WISER people. Those who were considered to be WISER couldn't accept that JESUS was GOD INCARNATE because it seemed to not make sense! JESUS told then that they would not accept HIM, even though GOD had sent HIM.
Even though HE was sent by GOD to earth to pay the price we were unable to pay, "this world" could not recognize the Son of GOD when HE was in their midst. Believers today have to remember that the HOLY SPIRIT reveals things to us (1 Corinthians 2:9-15) that non-believers cannot see. But JESUS told these that "YOU REFUSE" to come to ME, causing many to believe they were so caught up in what THEY WANTED they couldn't see THE TRUTH, even when HE was right before them!
We all have a choice of whether to submit to the LORD or be a part of those who REFUSE to believe! In recent years a slogan has been popular among "this world" known as 'refuse to lose'. I'm afraid there are many who are a part of the "YOU REFUSE" crowd that choose NOT to believe in the SON OF GOD! Instead of refusing to lose, they are choosing to lose! How about you? The choice is yours. You can choose to follow JESUS, or "YOU REFUSE" and lose!!
"36 But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the FATHER has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the FATHER has sent me.
37 And the FATHER WHO sent ME has HIMSELF borne witness about ME. HIS voice you have never heard, HIS form you have never seen,
38 and you do not have HIS WORD abiding in you, for you do not believe the ONE whom HE has sent.
39 YOU SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES BECAUSE YOU THINK that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about ME,
40 yet "YOU REFUSE" to come to ME that you may have life.
41 I do not receive glory from people."
To classify someone because of their skin color or heritage can cause us to miss seeing that person for who they really are. JESUS was speaking to "the Jews" (John 5:18) but JESUS could SEE who they really were and what they had on their minds and in their hearts. They could not "SEE" Deity walking right in front of their eyes and were trying to kill HIM so HE would "go away"!
JESUS makes it clear that you have to come as a child to accept HIM (Matthew 18:2-4). Children accept a lot of things more easily than older, supposedly WISER people. Those who were considered to be WISER couldn't accept that JESUS was GOD INCARNATE because it seemed to not make sense! JESUS told then that they would not accept HIM, even though GOD had sent HIM.
Even though HE was sent by GOD to earth to pay the price we were unable to pay, "this world" could not recognize the Son of GOD when HE was in their midst. Believers today have to remember that the HOLY SPIRIT reveals things to us (1 Corinthians 2:9-15) that non-believers cannot see. But JESUS told these that "YOU REFUSE" to come to ME, causing many to believe they were so caught up in what THEY WANTED they couldn't see THE TRUTH, even when HE was right before them!
We all have a choice of whether to submit to the LORD or be a part of those who REFUSE to believe! In recent years a slogan has been popular among "this world" known as 'refuse to lose'. I'm afraid there are many who are a part of the "YOU REFUSE" crowd that choose NOT to believe in the SON OF GOD! Instead of refusing to lose, they are choosing to lose! How about you? The choice is yours. You can choose to follow JESUS, or "YOU REFUSE" and lose!!
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
"ALL THE WAYS!"
Jeremiah 32:17-23 (ESV)
"17 'Ah, LORD GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for YOU.
18 YOU show steadfast love to thousands, but YOU repay the guilt of fathers to their children after them, O great and mighty GOD, whose name is the LORD of hosts,
19 great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to "ALL THE WAYS" of the children of man, REWARDING each one ACCORDING TO HIS WAYS and according to the FRUIT OF HIS DEEDS.
20 YOU have shown signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and to this day in Israel and among all mankind, and have made a name for YOURSELF, as at this day.
21 YOU brought your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and wonders, with a strong hand and outstretched arm, and with great terror.
22 And you gave them this land, which YOU swore to their fathers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey.
23 And they entered and took possession of it. But they did not obey YOUR voice or walk in YOUR law. They did nothing of all YOU commanded them to do. Therefore YOU have made all this disaster come upon them."
The United States of America could have had the above passage of scripture written about us. Regardless of the untruths secularists would have us listen to, America was founded by Believers in JESUS CHRIST that fled other countries in "this world" seeking to be FREE from the tyranny that comes when people are subjected to wicked rulers. Proverbs 29:2 says "When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan."
GOD is merciful and HE doesn't relish in Judgement. However, when sin becomes so prevalent that it becomes a stench in HIS nostrils (Isaiah 65), GOD will "repay" our deeds. America's sin isn't as passive as we tend to make it out to be! Looking through GOD's eyes, I wonder if our wickedness is getting to the point of the ultimate judgement? There is nothing we an hide from GOD. Even the least of sinners will be "REWARDED each one ACCORDING TO HIS WAYS and according to the FRUIT OF HIS DEEDS".
That is UNLESS we have surrendered our lives to JESUS CHRIST and HIS redemptive Plan! HE came to earth and subjected HIMSELF to living as a man to pay a sin debt man was unable to pay because of HIS LOVE for us. Hebrews 11:6 says in part "...for whoever would draw near to GOD must believe that HE exists and that HE rewards those who seek HIM". Unless we come by FAITH and believe that HE payed our debt, we are doomed to be repaid for our deeds.
HEAVENLY FATHER, America has not obeyed YOUR voice or walked in YOUR law! I humbly beseech YOU to continue showing MERCY as long as possible towards us. But lest we get so caught up in our sin that we forget, YOU see "ALL THE WAYS" of man, and YOU will one day JUDGE our sin! Let me rejoice that I have been called out of the darkness to serve YOU and that "ALL THE WAYS" of my life have been covered in the blood of Calvary!
"17 'Ah, LORD GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for YOU.
18 YOU show steadfast love to thousands, but YOU repay the guilt of fathers to their children after them, O great and mighty GOD, whose name is the LORD of hosts,
19 great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to "ALL THE WAYS" of the children of man, REWARDING each one ACCORDING TO HIS WAYS and according to the FRUIT OF HIS DEEDS.
20 YOU have shown signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and to this day in Israel and among all mankind, and have made a name for YOURSELF, as at this day.
21 YOU brought your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and wonders, with a strong hand and outstretched arm, and with great terror.
22 And you gave them this land, which YOU swore to their fathers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey.
23 And they entered and took possession of it. But they did not obey YOUR voice or walk in YOUR law. They did nothing of all YOU commanded them to do. Therefore YOU have made all this disaster come upon them."
The United States of America could have had the above passage of scripture written about us. Regardless of the untruths secularists would have us listen to, America was founded by Believers in JESUS CHRIST that fled other countries in "this world" seeking to be FREE from the tyranny that comes when people are subjected to wicked rulers. Proverbs 29:2 says "When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan."
GOD is merciful and HE doesn't relish in Judgement. However, when sin becomes so prevalent that it becomes a stench in HIS nostrils (Isaiah 65), GOD will "repay" our deeds. America's sin isn't as passive as we tend to make it out to be! Looking through GOD's eyes, I wonder if our wickedness is getting to the point of the ultimate judgement? There is nothing we an hide from GOD. Even the least of sinners will be "REWARDED each one ACCORDING TO HIS WAYS and according to the FRUIT OF HIS DEEDS".
That is UNLESS we have surrendered our lives to JESUS CHRIST and HIS redemptive Plan! HE came to earth and subjected HIMSELF to living as a man to pay a sin debt man was unable to pay because of HIS LOVE for us. Hebrews 11:6 says in part "...for whoever would draw near to GOD must believe that HE exists and that HE rewards those who seek HIM". Unless we come by FAITH and believe that HE payed our debt, we are doomed to be repaid for our deeds.
HEAVENLY FATHER, America has not obeyed YOUR voice or walked in YOUR law! I humbly beseech YOU to continue showing MERCY as long as possible towards us. But lest we get so caught up in our sin that we forget, YOU see "ALL THE WAYS" of man, and YOU will one day JUDGE our sin! Let me rejoice that I have been called out of the darkness to serve YOU and that "ALL THE WAYS" of my life have been covered in the blood of Calvary!
Monday, February 22, 2016
"BODY and SPIRIT!"
2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1 (ESV)
"16 What agreement has the temple of GOD with idols? For we are the temple of the living GOD; as GOD said, "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their GOD, and they shall be my people.
17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the LORD, and TOUCH NO UNCLEAN THING; then I will welcome you,
18 and I will be a FATHER to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the LORD ALMIGHTY."
1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of "BODY and SPIRIT", bringing holiness to completion in the fear of GOD."
The Apostle Paul stands as one of the most devoted Believers in the Bible. His experience with JESUS on the road to Damascus impacted, not only his life, but multitudes since. He had a "revelation" from GOD and wasn't shy about sharing it. Scripture (Galatians 1:7) indicates he went away to Arabia, some say for as long as three years, to be educated by the Holy Spirit so he could be used of GOD to "suffer for the sake of MY name" (Acts 9:16)!
Paul understood that our person's consist of our flesh (bodies), our souls, and finally our Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23)? John 4:24 says "GOD is Spirit", therefore we are created in HIS image. When we are "born-again" we go through a Spiritual transformation, much like a baby being physically birthed. GOD gives us HIS Word and HIS HOLY SPIRIT to guide us and instruct us to become vessels that can glorify HIS name. We don't mature Spiritually for personal edification or gain but to draw glory to HIM!
The passage above states that our bodies are the temple of GOD. If we could grasp that the Creator of the universes (WHO is SPIRIT) lives inside of our bodies, would our choices in life be altered? Paul says in 2 Corinthians 7:1 "let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of "BODY and SPIRIT", bringing holiness to completion in the fear of GOD." What an honor and privilege to have ROYALTY of that magnitude living within me! What have I ever done to be worthy of this?
My family was honored to be selected to visit a candidate for President of the United States a few years ago. The photograph of being on his campaign airplane with him still hangs on my office wall. His term has since expired and having a picture of my family with him has lost some luster. But I have the SPIRIT of the Living GOD abiding within my body and I pray that honor and JOY never fades! May I forever be proud that GOD lives in my "BODY and SPIRIT"!!!
"16 What agreement has the temple of GOD with idols? For we are the temple of the living GOD; as GOD said, "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their GOD, and they shall be my people.
17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the LORD, and TOUCH NO UNCLEAN THING; then I will welcome you,
18 and I will be a FATHER to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the LORD ALMIGHTY."
1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of "BODY and SPIRIT", bringing holiness to completion in the fear of GOD."
The Apostle Paul stands as one of the most devoted Believers in the Bible. His experience with JESUS on the road to Damascus impacted, not only his life, but multitudes since. He had a "revelation" from GOD and wasn't shy about sharing it. Scripture (Galatians 1:7) indicates he went away to Arabia, some say for as long as three years, to be educated by the Holy Spirit so he could be used of GOD to "suffer for the sake of MY name" (Acts 9:16)!
Paul understood that our person's consist of our flesh (bodies), our souls, and finally our Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23)? John 4:24 says "GOD is Spirit", therefore we are created in HIS image. When we are "born-again" we go through a Spiritual transformation, much like a baby being physically birthed. GOD gives us HIS Word and HIS HOLY SPIRIT to guide us and instruct us to become vessels that can glorify HIS name. We don't mature Spiritually for personal edification or gain but to draw glory to HIM!
The passage above states that our bodies are the temple of GOD. If we could grasp that the Creator of the universes (WHO is SPIRIT) lives inside of our bodies, would our choices in life be altered? Paul says in 2 Corinthians 7:1 "let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of "BODY and SPIRIT", bringing holiness to completion in the fear of GOD." What an honor and privilege to have ROYALTY of that magnitude living within me! What have I ever done to be worthy of this?
My family was honored to be selected to visit a candidate for President of the United States a few years ago. The photograph of being on his campaign airplane with him still hangs on my office wall. His term has since expired and having a picture of my family with him has lost some luster. But I have the SPIRIT of the Living GOD abiding within my body and I pray that honor and JOY never fades! May I forever be proud that GOD lives in my "BODY and SPIRIT"!!!
Thursday, February 18, 2016
"FEAR!"
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (ESV)
"6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of GOD, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,
7 for GOD gave us a spirit not of "FEAR" but of power and love and self-control."
Recently I was going to be in a situation where I felt the "opportunity for compromise" would be great, and I didn't want to fail the test that I may be subjected to. "FEAR", even of failing the LORD, can be used to steal our joy and take our focus off of living a victorious Christian life. "FEAR" IS OF THE DEVIL and sometimes we don't understand WHO is living inside of us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)!
Psalms 27:1 says "The LORD is my light and my salvation; WHOM SHALL I "FEAR"? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" GOD lives inside of me and HE IS IN CONTROL!
I am reminded of Abraham when GOD instructed him to offer Isaac up as a sacrifice before HIM. In Genesis 22:12 scripture records "HE said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you "FEAR" GOD, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from ME." Now we realize and understand that GOD, being omniscient, knows the future, as well as knowing our past! The thing that Abraham found out through this trial was that GOD definitely WAS in control and HE had everything worked out already!
The only time we should allow "FEAR" to enter our vocabulary is when we are considering the implications of failing to honor GOD with my/our decisions. GOD gives "us a spirit not of "FEAR" but of power and love and self-control". Sure, I may fail HIM and fall short of HIS glory, but to live in constant "FEAR" is to allow the enemy to camp where he is not welcome!
In John 14:30-31 JESUS lets us know that satan has no power over HIM, and remember, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says the Holy Spirit lives in me/us! I will accept a spirit "of power and love and self-control" and NOT a spirit of "FEAR"!
"6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of GOD, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,
7 for GOD gave us a spirit not of "FEAR" but of power and love and self-control."
Recently I was going to be in a situation where I felt the "opportunity for compromise" would be great, and I didn't want to fail the test that I may be subjected to. "FEAR", even of failing the LORD, can be used to steal our joy and take our focus off of living a victorious Christian life. "FEAR" IS OF THE DEVIL and sometimes we don't understand WHO is living inside of us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)!
Psalms 27:1 says "The LORD is my light and my salvation; WHOM SHALL I "FEAR"? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" GOD lives inside of me and HE IS IN CONTROL!
I am reminded of Abraham when GOD instructed him to offer Isaac up as a sacrifice before HIM. In Genesis 22:12 scripture records "HE said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you "FEAR" GOD, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from ME." Now we realize and understand that GOD, being omniscient, knows the future, as well as knowing our past! The thing that Abraham found out through this trial was that GOD definitely WAS in control and HE had everything worked out already!
The only time we should allow "FEAR" to enter our vocabulary is when we are considering the implications of failing to honor GOD with my/our decisions. GOD gives "us a spirit not of "FEAR" but of power and love and self-control". Sure, I may fail HIM and fall short of HIS glory, but to live in constant "FEAR" is to allow the enemy to camp where he is not welcome!
In John 14:30-31 JESUS lets us know that satan has no power over HIM, and remember, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says the Holy Spirit lives in me/us! I will accept a spirit "of power and love and self-control" and NOT a spirit of "FEAR"!
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
"WHO IS THE LIAR?"
1 John 2:21-23 (ESV)
"21 I write to you, not because you do not know the TRUTH, but because you know it, and because no LIE is of the TRUTH.
22 "WHO IS THE LIAR" but he who denies that JESUS is the CHRIST? This is the antichrist, he who denies the FATHER and the SON.
23 No one who denies the SON has the FATHER. Whoever confesses the SON has the FATHER also."
Most reasonable people understand that the opposite of TRUTH is to transmit a LIE! According to scripture, no LIE is of the TRUTH. The purpose of a LIE is to deceive. The "great deceiver" is none other than satan himself. JESUS said in John 8:44-45 "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. But BECAUSE I TELL THE TRUTH, you do not believe me." Deceivers cannot abide TRUTH because it is our of their CHARACTER!
When a person who has yet to be born again speaks FROM HIS HEART, remember his character has yet to be transformed by the regeneration of the HOLY SPIRIT. They have no other choice but to deceive because the prince of "this world" has yet to be dethroned from their life. They maybe a good person, but "your will is to do your father's desires" and they will sometimes unknowingly, and unwillingly, resort to deceit because of their "character".
There are those who attempt to classify themselves as "mediocre Christians", someone who is not ON FIRE for the LORD? But scripture indicates that person has been deceived, "because no LIE is of the TRUTH"! JESUS HIMSELF says in Luke 16:13 "No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve GOD and money." We have the privilege of choosing which we will serve. But choices have consequences and the great deceiver wants to focus on anything BUT THOSE CONSEQUENCES!!!
Scripture records in 1 John 2:22 "WHO IS THE LIAR" but he who denies that JESUS is the CHRIST! To be identified as "WHO IS THE LIAR" has to rank up there with "depart from ME, I never knew you" (Matthew 7:23) that the unbelievers will hear at the Judgement? We have a choice we all must make. Either we can be a BELIEVER that "GOD exists and that HE rewards those who seek HIM" (Hebrews 11:6), or we can fall into the category of "WHO IS THE LIAR"?? Will you be deceived???
"21 I write to you, not because you do not know the TRUTH, but because you know it, and because no LIE is of the TRUTH.
22 "WHO IS THE LIAR" but he who denies that JESUS is the CHRIST? This is the antichrist, he who denies the FATHER and the SON.
23 No one who denies the SON has the FATHER. Whoever confesses the SON has the FATHER also."
Most reasonable people understand that the opposite of TRUTH is to transmit a LIE! According to scripture, no LIE is of the TRUTH. The purpose of a LIE is to deceive. The "great deceiver" is none other than satan himself. JESUS said in John 8:44-45 "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. But BECAUSE I TELL THE TRUTH, you do not believe me." Deceivers cannot abide TRUTH because it is our of their CHARACTER!
When a person who has yet to be born again speaks FROM HIS HEART, remember his character has yet to be transformed by the regeneration of the HOLY SPIRIT. They have no other choice but to deceive because the prince of "this world" has yet to be dethroned from their life. They maybe a good person, but "your will is to do your father's desires" and they will sometimes unknowingly, and unwillingly, resort to deceit because of their "character".
There are those who attempt to classify themselves as "mediocre Christians", someone who is not ON FIRE for the LORD? But scripture indicates that person has been deceived, "because no LIE is of the TRUTH"! JESUS HIMSELF says in Luke 16:13 "No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve GOD and money." We have the privilege of choosing which we will serve. But choices have consequences and the great deceiver wants to focus on anything BUT THOSE CONSEQUENCES!!!
Scripture records in 1 John 2:22 "WHO IS THE LIAR" but he who denies that JESUS is the CHRIST! To be identified as "WHO IS THE LIAR" has to rank up there with "depart from ME, I never knew you" (Matthew 7:23) that the unbelievers will hear at the Judgement? We have a choice we all must make. Either we can be a BELIEVER that "GOD exists and that HE rewards those who seek HIM" (Hebrews 11:6), or we can fall into the category of "WHO IS THE LIAR"?? Will you be deceived???
Monday, February 15, 2016
"EVEN THE ELECT!"
Matthew 24:21-26 (ESV)
"21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.
22 And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
23 Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the CHRIST!' or 'There he is!' do not believe it.
24 For false christs and prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, "EVEN THE ELECT"!
25 See, I have told you beforehand.
26 So, if they say to you, 'Look, he is in the wilderness,' do not go out. If they say, 'Look, he is in the inner rooms,' DO NOT BELIEVE IT."
There is so much deceit in "this world" that one must be connected to the TRUTH to be able to readily discern the difference. From the start, let me state, don't GET caught UP IN THE DECEIT. Deceit is from the devil so we should not be shocked or alarmed that MANY believe the lies that the great deceiver promulgates. I understand that I am one that believes the Bible is literally true, so some will brush me off as being a Bible thumper! But the answers given by the Bible gives me assurance that nothing that happens, whether I consider it good or bad, catches GOD by surprise!
in Matthew 24:24 JESUS, GOD IN FLESH, said "EVEN THE ELECT" would be lead astray, IF IT WERE POSSIBLE! It isn't possible because JESUS says in John 10:28 "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and NO ONE WILL SNATCH THEM OUT OF MY HAND."
The enemy, THE GREAT DECEIVER and the prince of "this world", never misses a chance to promote his leaders. Unless we are connected to the TRUTH and can discern whose team a prospective leader is on, we are liable to be deceived by the enemy to support a member of his team! Scripture gives guidelines for a leader, and not just a minister. If we don't support, and elect, a Biblically sound leader, who are we going to follow? The decision is ours, we can follow GOD, or we can follow the money (Matthew 6:24)!
We shouldn't be alarmed that so many are confused about who to support for President of the United States. JESUS said "See, I have told you beforehand" in Matthew 24:25. In the previous verses JESUS also said there will be a "great tribulation" but to "not believe it", meaning the deceit that will be fed to us by the enemy and his minions of "this world"!
The biggest thing we can do to make sure "EVEN THE ELECT" are not deceived is to MAKE CERTAIN OUR RESPONSIBILITIES ARE BEING MINISTERED TO APPROPRIATELY BEFORE HELPING WITH OTHER PEOPLE'S NEEDS! We don't need to be trying to help others when we aren't fully connected to the Throne Room of GOD! No candidate can provide salvation to anybody searching for the TRUTH! If you aren't interested in the TRUTH, you may have something to be concerned about? If you part of "EVEN THE ELECT" please make sure you reflect HIS guidance and direction in your decisions!
"21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.
22 And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
23 Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the CHRIST!' or 'There he is!' do not believe it.
24 For false christs and prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, "EVEN THE ELECT"!
25 See, I have told you beforehand.
26 So, if they say to you, 'Look, he is in the wilderness,' do not go out. If they say, 'Look, he is in the inner rooms,' DO NOT BELIEVE IT."
There is so much deceit in "this world" that one must be connected to the TRUTH to be able to readily discern the difference. From the start, let me state, don't GET caught UP IN THE DECEIT. Deceit is from the devil so we should not be shocked or alarmed that MANY believe the lies that the great deceiver promulgates. I understand that I am one that believes the Bible is literally true, so some will brush me off as being a Bible thumper! But the answers given by the Bible gives me assurance that nothing that happens, whether I consider it good or bad, catches GOD by surprise!
in Matthew 24:24 JESUS, GOD IN FLESH, said "EVEN THE ELECT" would be lead astray, IF IT WERE POSSIBLE! It isn't possible because JESUS says in John 10:28 "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and NO ONE WILL SNATCH THEM OUT OF MY HAND."
The enemy, THE GREAT DECEIVER and the prince of "this world", never misses a chance to promote his leaders. Unless we are connected to the TRUTH and can discern whose team a prospective leader is on, we are liable to be deceived by the enemy to support a member of his team! Scripture gives guidelines for a leader, and not just a minister. If we don't support, and elect, a Biblically sound leader, who are we going to follow? The decision is ours, we can follow GOD, or we can follow the money (Matthew 6:24)!
We shouldn't be alarmed that so many are confused about who to support for President of the United States. JESUS said "See, I have told you beforehand" in Matthew 24:25. In the previous verses JESUS also said there will be a "great tribulation" but to "not believe it", meaning the deceit that will be fed to us by the enemy and his minions of "this world"!
The biggest thing we can do to make sure "EVEN THE ELECT" are not deceived is to MAKE CERTAIN OUR RESPONSIBILITIES ARE BEING MINISTERED TO APPROPRIATELY BEFORE HELPING WITH OTHER PEOPLE'S NEEDS! We don't need to be trying to help others when we aren't fully connected to the Throne Room of GOD! No candidate can provide salvation to anybody searching for the TRUTH! If you aren't interested in the TRUTH, you may have something to be concerned about? If you part of "EVEN THE ELECT" please make sure you reflect HIS guidance and direction in your decisions!
Friday, February 12, 2016
"CANNOT SATISFY!"
Ezekiel 7:14-19 (ESV)
"14 "They have blown the trumpet and made everything ready, but none goes to battle, for my wrath is upon all their multitude.
15 The sword is without; pestilence and famine are within. He who is in the field dies by the sword, and him who is in the city famine and pestilence devour.
16 And if any survivors escape, they will be on the mountains, like doves of the valleys, all of them moaning, each one over his iniquity.
17 All hands are feeble, and all knees turn to water.
18 They put on sackcloth, and horror covers them. Shame is on all faces, and baldness on all their heads.
19 They cast their silver into the streets, and their gold is like an unclean thing. Their silver and gold are not able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD. They "CANNOT SATISFY" their hunger or fill their stomachs with it. For it was the stumbling block of their iniquity."
Modern times and innovations has brought many comforts to most living in the Western Hemisphere. Very few remember a time of not knowing if there would be food to nourish their family before they went to sleep? Nor have most had to decide whether to strongly encourage a teenager to leave home because they couldn't be cared for by the family. We have become so comfortable in our air conditioned homes, driving our fancy cars, living in a jet-set mentality where our thirst for more "CANNOT SATISFY" our desires!
There are so many who attempt to quench their need for MORE! Yet JESUS said in Matthew 19:24 "Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of GOD." But some wind up changing jobs, changing residences, changing spouses, changing everything but their hearts! Maybe they try to CHANGE things because they are trying to get a different result? They look for "things" to make them complete, but find things do not, and "CANNOT SATISFY" the emptiness inside!
In verse 19 above, Ezekiel points out that "They cast their silver into the streets, and their gold is like an unclean thing". Mankind seems to rely on money to be the answer for all of life's problems. But Ezekiel points out that there will come a time when "they cast their silver into the streets", because when GOD judges "this world", money will lose its appeal.
When all of the man-made comforts of "this world" are tried and they "CANNOT SATISFY", maybe THEN people will begin looking beyond earthly pleasures for fulfillment. Not in drugs, not in sex, not in wealth or possessions, but only in the grace afforded by a relationship with JESUS CHRIST! HE is the only answer for the desires that we "CANNOT SATISFY"!
"14 "They have blown the trumpet and made everything ready, but none goes to battle, for my wrath is upon all their multitude.
15 The sword is without; pestilence and famine are within. He who is in the field dies by the sword, and him who is in the city famine and pestilence devour.
16 And if any survivors escape, they will be on the mountains, like doves of the valleys, all of them moaning, each one over his iniquity.
17 All hands are feeble, and all knees turn to water.
18 They put on sackcloth, and horror covers them. Shame is on all faces, and baldness on all their heads.
19 They cast their silver into the streets, and their gold is like an unclean thing. Their silver and gold are not able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD. They "CANNOT SATISFY" their hunger or fill their stomachs with it. For it was the stumbling block of their iniquity."
Modern times and innovations has brought many comforts to most living in the Western Hemisphere. Very few remember a time of not knowing if there would be food to nourish their family before they went to sleep? Nor have most had to decide whether to strongly encourage a teenager to leave home because they couldn't be cared for by the family. We have become so comfortable in our air conditioned homes, driving our fancy cars, living in a jet-set mentality where our thirst for more "CANNOT SATISFY" our desires!
There are so many who attempt to quench their need for MORE! Yet JESUS said in Matthew 19:24 "Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of GOD." But some wind up changing jobs, changing residences, changing spouses, changing everything but their hearts! Maybe they try to CHANGE things because they are trying to get a different result? They look for "things" to make them complete, but find things do not, and "CANNOT SATISFY" the emptiness inside!
In verse 19 above, Ezekiel points out that "They cast their silver into the streets, and their gold is like an unclean thing". Mankind seems to rely on money to be the answer for all of life's problems. But Ezekiel points out that there will come a time when "they cast their silver into the streets", because when GOD judges "this world", money will lose its appeal.
When all of the man-made comforts of "this world" are tried and they "CANNOT SATISFY", maybe THEN people will begin looking beyond earthly pleasures for fulfillment. Not in drugs, not in sex, not in wealth or possessions, but only in the grace afforded by a relationship with JESUS CHRIST! HE is the only answer for the desires that we "CANNOT SATISFY"!
Thursday, February 11, 2016
"FOLLOW ME!"
Luke 9:18-24 (ESV)
"18 Now it happened that as HE was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, "Who do the crowds say that I am?"
19 And they answered, "John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen."
20 Then HE said to them, "But who do you say that I AM?" And Peter answered, "The CHRIST of GOD."
21 And HE strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one,
22 saying, "The SON of MAN must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised."
23 And HE said to all, "If anyone would come after ME, let him deny himself and take up his cross DAILY and "FOLLOW ME".
24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for MY sake will save it."
There is much conversation about who is a FOLLOWER of JESUS, and who isn't a believer. JESUS HIMSELF addressed this issue with HIS disciples in the passage of scripture above. Peter evidently knew that JESUS was, and is, the CHRIST of GOD because he stated so in verse 20. But the thing Peter, and everyone else when the time came to do so, failed to do was "FOLLOW ME"!
There are those who want to claim they are a Believer in JESUS CHRIST, and may even give money to the church every so often. Or they may give funds to the homeless, or needy, to help their conscience, while living a life of relative luxury. JESUS was rather blunt when HE told his disciples that HE would voluntarily let HIMSELF be killed as a sacrifice for mankind. Knowing that, who is on board to "FOLLOW ME"?
JESUS told the disciples that they needed to take up their cross and "FOLLOW ME", not once to Calvary, but DAILY! No, JESUS wasn't suggesting that all believers should be crucified, as without divine intervention your body couldn't handle being crucified more than once. But I believe the point JESUS was trying to get across to us is that we need to surrender to HIS will for our lives, to "FOLLOW ME" in our actions!
Do my actions reflect me doing the things that draw glory to THE FATHER? Or do I do things to build my net worth, or increase my standing in "this world"? Maybe sometimes I get more concerned with walking hand in hand with JESUS instead of "FOLLOW ME"? It is difficult to "FOLLOW ME" when GOD hasn't revealed exactly where you are going, nor how you are supposed to overcome obstacles? Until we grasp that to "FOLLOW ME" is best done by allowing JESUS to go before us, we are still trying to live for ourselves! It may be time to "FOLLOW ME"!!!
"18 Now it happened that as HE was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, "Who do the crowds say that I am?"
19 And they answered, "John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen."
20 Then HE said to them, "But who do you say that I AM?" And Peter answered, "The CHRIST of GOD."
21 And HE strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one,
22 saying, "The SON of MAN must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised."
23 And HE said to all, "If anyone would come after ME, let him deny himself and take up his cross DAILY and "FOLLOW ME".
24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for MY sake will save it."
There is much conversation about who is a FOLLOWER of JESUS, and who isn't a believer. JESUS HIMSELF addressed this issue with HIS disciples in the passage of scripture above. Peter evidently knew that JESUS was, and is, the CHRIST of GOD because he stated so in verse 20. But the thing Peter, and everyone else when the time came to do so, failed to do was "FOLLOW ME"!
There are those who want to claim they are a Believer in JESUS CHRIST, and may even give money to the church every so often. Or they may give funds to the homeless, or needy, to help their conscience, while living a life of relative luxury. JESUS was rather blunt when HE told his disciples that HE would voluntarily let HIMSELF be killed as a sacrifice for mankind. Knowing that, who is on board to "FOLLOW ME"?
JESUS told the disciples that they needed to take up their cross and "FOLLOW ME", not once to Calvary, but DAILY! No, JESUS wasn't suggesting that all believers should be crucified, as without divine intervention your body couldn't handle being crucified more than once. But I believe the point JESUS was trying to get across to us is that we need to surrender to HIS will for our lives, to "FOLLOW ME" in our actions!
Do my actions reflect me doing the things that draw glory to THE FATHER? Or do I do things to build my net worth, or increase my standing in "this world"? Maybe sometimes I get more concerned with walking hand in hand with JESUS instead of "FOLLOW ME"? It is difficult to "FOLLOW ME" when GOD hasn't revealed exactly where you are going, nor how you are supposed to overcome obstacles? Until we grasp that to "FOLLOW ME" is best done by allowing JESUS to go before us, we are still trying to live for ourselves! It may be time to "FOLLOW ME"!!!
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
"PRISONER FOR THE LORD!"
Ephesians 4:1-7 (ESV)
"1 I therefore, a "PRISONER FOR THE LORD", urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
2 with all HUMILITY and GENTLENESS, with PATIENCE, bearing with one another IN LOVE,
3 eager to maintain the unity of the SPIRIT in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body and one SPIRIT-just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call-
5 one LORD, one faith, one baptism,
6 one GOD and FATHER of all, WHO is over all and through all and in all.
7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of CHRIST's gift."
There are a number of things I have not experienced in my life, and a lot of those things I hope to never endure. One of those is being PUT in jail for detention purposes. Though I have never been incarcerated, the images in my mind of having my freedom greatly curtailed is not something I care to fathom.
However, being a prisoner OF something or someone is a lot different than being a prisoner FOR them. In 2 Corinthians 5:14 the Apostle Paul writes "For the love of CHRIST "CONTROLS" us.....". If we are "controlled" by someone or something you might say we are conforming to their wishes for our lives. If we live "inside the boundaries" set forth by the laws of the land we abide in, we can operate freely. If we violate the aforementioned laws, a penalty can be exacted upon us removing said freedoms.
CHRIST came to fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17) and to set us free INDEED (John 8:36)! If we choose to live outside of faith in JESUS, we choose to live inside the bounds of sin (Romans 14:23). If we live our lives "in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all HUMILITY and GENTLENESS, with PATIENCE, bearing with one another IN LOVE", we operate freely in HIS grace.
I'm not worthy to be called to be a child of GOD. Surely HE could have found someone more adept or qualified to fulfill HIS Plan for my life? All I can do is give HIM thanks and GLORY as I live inside of HIS freedom and am a "PRISONER FOR THE LORD"!
"1 I therefore, a "PRISONER FOR THE LORD", urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
2 with all HUMILITY and GENTLENESS, with PATIENCE, bearing with one another IN LOVE,
3 eager to maintain the unity of the SPIRIT in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body and one SPIRIT-just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call-
5 one LORD, one faith, one baptism,
6 one GOD and FATHER of all, WHO is over all and through all and in all.
7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of CHRIST's gift."
There are a number of things I have not experienced in my life, and a lot of those things I hope to never endure. One of those is being PUT in jail for detention purposes. Though I have never been incarcerated, the images in my mind of having my freedom greatly curtailed is not something I care to fathom.
However, being a prisoner OF something or someone is a lot different than being a prisoner FOR them. In 2 Corinthians 5:14 the Apostle Paul writes "For the love of CHRIST "CONTROLS" us.....". If we are "controlled" by someone or something you might say we are conforming to their wishes for our lives. If we live "inside the boundaries" set forth by the laws of the land we abide in, we can operate freely. If we violate the aforementioned laws, a penalty can be exacted upon us removing said freedoms.
CHRIST came to fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17) and to set us free INDEED (John 8:36)! If we choose to live outside of faith in JESUS, we choose to live inside the bounds of sin (Romans 14:23). If we live our lives "in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all HUMILITY and GENTLENESS, with PATIENCE, bearing with one another IN LOVE", we operate freely in HIS grace.
I'm not worthy to be called to be a child of GOD. Surely HE could have found someone more adept or qualified to fulfill HIS Plan for my life? All I can do is give HIM thanks and GLORY as I live inside of HIS freedom and am a "PRISONER FOR THE LORD"!
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
"YOUR WORD!"
Psalms 119:9-16
"9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to "YOUR WORD".
10 With my whole heart I seek YOU; let me not wander from YOUR commandments!
11 I have stored up "YOUR WORD" IN MY HEART, that I might not sin against YOU.
12 Blessed are YOU, O LORD; teach me YOUR statutes!
13 With my lips I declare all the rules of YOUR mouth.
14 In the way of YOUR testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on YOUR precepts and fix my eyes on YOUR ways.
16 I will delight in YOUR statutes; I will not forget "YOUR WORD"."
When growing up A FEW YEARS BACK, I recall going to Vacation Bible School and reciting the Pledge to the Christian flag, the Flag of the United States, and the Pledge to the Holy Bible. Since my memory is not as trustworthy as I would like, I looked the Pledge to the Bible up. My search found the following: "I pledge allegiance to the Bible, GOD's Holy Word, I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path and will hide its words IN MY HEART that I might not sin against GOD"!
Now obviously, we kids (this kid for sure!) didn't have the study skills in those days to dissect what we were reciting. But in reading Psalms 119 recently I found "the pledge to the Holy Bible" in verses 11 and verse 105 which says "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path". But verse 9 through verse 16 is so deep that my writings will not even scratch the surface of their meaning.
"How can a young man keep his way pure?" How I wish I had absorbed the true meaning of this verse when I was in VBS. If we truly keep "YOUR WORD" in our hearts, not just in our minds through memorization, our lives will reflect "YOUR WORD" in our actions! In verse 11 the English Standard Version uses the words "stored up" versus the King James Versions "hid". The former is preferred by this reader as when I hide something I typically can't find it when I need it! Having "YOUR WORD" stored up causes me to think of a "reserve" tank for fuel. When you run low on fuel, you can switch to the the reserve tank and make it to your destination!
Having "YOUR WORD" stored up in my heart cannot be adequately done through a once a week Bible Study, or at church! If we only fueled our vehicles up as much as we fueled our Spiritual lives, how far down the road would we make it? None of us cherish the thought of running out of fuel and being stuck on the side of the road. Yet we never pull over and fill up Spiritually, as we don't put as big a priority on having "YOUR WORD" stored up in our lives!
FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to keep my tank filled to capacity and be able to assist those who run their tanks dry! Help me to stay in "YOUR WORD" and store "YOUR WORD" up in me!
"9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to "YOUR WORD".
10 With my whole heart I seek YOU; let me not wander from YOUR commandments!
11 I have stored up "YOUR WORD" IN MY HEART, that I might not sin against YOU.
12 Blessed are YOU, O LORD; teach me YOUR statutes!
13 With my lips I declare all the rules of YOUR mouth.
14 In the way of YOUR testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on YOUR precepts and fix my eyes on YOUR ways.
16 I will delight in YOUR statutes; I will not forget "YOUR WORD"."
When growing up A FEW YEARS BACK, I recall going to Vacation Bible School and reciting the Pledge to the Christian flag, the Flag of the United States, and the Pledge to the Holy Bible. Since my memory is not as trustworthy as I would like, I looked the Pledge to the Bible up. My search found the following: "I pledge allegiance to the Bible, GOD's Holy Word, I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path and will hide its words IN MY HEART that I might not sin against GOD"!
Now obviously, we kids (this kid for sure!) didn't have the study skills in those days to dissect what we were reciting. But in reading Psalms 119 recently I found "the pledge to the Holy Bible" in verses 11 and verse 105 which says "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path". But verse 9 through verse 16 is so deep that my writings will not even scratch the surface of their meaning.
"How can a young man keep his way pure?" How I wish I had absorbed the true meaning of this verse when I was in VBS. If we truly keep "YOUR WORD" in our hearts, not just in our minds through memorization, our lives will reflect "YOUR WORD" in our actions! In verse 11 the English Standard Version uses the words "stored up" versus the King James Versions "hid". The former is preferred by this reader as when I hide something I typically can't find it when I need it! Having "YOUR WORD" stored up causes me to think of a "reserve" tank for fuel. When you run low on fuel, you can switch to the the reserve tank and make it to your destination!
Having "YOUR WORD" stored up in my heart cannot be adequately done through a once a week Bible Study, or at church! If we only fueled our vehicles up as much as we fueled our Spiritual lives, how far down the road would we make it? None of us cherish the thought of running out of fuel and being stuck on the side of the road. Yet we never pull over and fill up Spiritually, as we don't put as big a priority on having "YOUR WORD" stored up in our lives!
FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to keep my tank filled to capacity and be able to assist those who run their tanks dry! Help me to stay in "YOUR WORD" and store "YOUR WORD" up in me!
Monday, February 8, 2016
"THE LORD IS WITH YOU!"
Then Judges 6:12-16 (ESV)
"12 And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, "THE LORD IS WITH YOU", O mighty man of valor."
13 And Gideon said to him, "Please, sir, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, 'Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?' But now the LORD has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian."
14 And the LORD turned to him and said, "Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?"
15 And he said to him, "Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I AM THE LEAST in my father's house."
16 And the LORD said to him, "But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man."
The recollection of Gideon being used of GOD to deliver Israel from the Midianites is a miracle that must not be overshadowed. The first thing the angel of the LORD told Gideon was "THE LORD IS WITH YOU"! Then, in Judges 7:2 GOD told Gideon that people he had with him were "too many for me", so 22,000 returned to their home and 10,000 remained. Eventually, GOD reduced the number of men to 300 and said HE would only need that many to do what HE had Planned! But as it turned out, all those 300 had to do was blow a trumpet and break some jars and GOD took care of the rest!
On top of everything else, Gideon knew he was not from the biggest or strongest tribe. He responded to the LORD in Judges 6:15 "my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I AM THE LEAST in my father's house." GOD seems to use those who deflect all of HIS glory! But GOD knew he was obedient and wasn't too proud to give GOD glory for the battles, so HE tabernacled with Gideon. Do I deflect HIS glory, or do I tend to revel in it??
GOD can use captivity to slow us down and teach us lessons. Being held captive from "this world" and all distractions is sometimes the only way we will listen to GOD? Israel had been held captive for seven years (Judges 6:1), but that is nothing compared to the 430 years of being captive to the Egyptians (Exodus 12:40)! GOD is INTIMATELY involved in our lives and HE KNOWS when HIS timing is right! To say "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" can be easy to do. To actually LIVE "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" may mean a time of captivity for you SO GOD CAN GET GLORY!!
Gideon went with fewer resources than "prudent" people might have thought was needed in obedience to GOD, and GOD received glory from it. When "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" your hopes and dreams had better not be trusting in "common sense", as GOD's work is never "common"! When life's circumstances seem to be more than you can bare, don't forget "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" has born much more than this before! HE overcame death, the grave, and hell, all for me.............and you! We just need to give HIM all of HIS glory, because "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" is not about us, but all about HIM!!
"12 And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, "THE LORD IS WITH YOU", O mighty man of valor."
13 And Gideon said to him, "Please, sir, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, 'Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?' But now the LORD has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian."
14 And the LORD turned to him and said, "Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?"
15 And he said to him, "Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I AM THE LEAST in my father's house."
16 And the LORD said to him, "But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man."
The recollection of Gideon being used of GOD to deliver Israel from the Midianites is a miracle that must not be overshadowed. The first thing the angel of the LORD told Gideon was "THE LORD IS WITH YOU"! Then, in Judges 7:2 GOD told Gideon that people he had with him were "too many for me", so 22,000 returned to their home and 10,000 remained. Eventually, GOD reduced the number of men to 300 and said HE would only need that many to do what HE had Planned! But as it turned out, all those 300 had to do was blow a trumpet and break some jars and GOD took care of the rest!
On top of everything else, Gideon knew he was not from the biggest or strongest tribe. He responded to the LORD in Judges 6:15 "my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I AM THE LEAST in my father's house." GOD seems to use those who deflect all of HIS glory! But GOD knew he was obedient and wasn't too proud to give GOD glory for the battles, so HE tabernacled with Gideon. Do I deflect HIS glory, or do I tend to revel in it??
GOD can use captivity to slow us down and teach us lessons. Being held captive from "this world" and all distractions is sometimes the only way we will listen to GOD? Israel had been held captive for seven years (Judges 6:1), but that is nothing compared to the 430 years of being captive to the Egyptians (Exodus 12:40)! GOD is INTIMATELY involved in our lives and HE KNOWS when HIS timing is right! To say "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" can be easy to do. To actually LIVE "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" may mean a time of captivity for you SO GOD CAN GET GLORY!!
Gideon went with fewer resources than "prudent" people might have thought was needed in obedience to GOD, and GOD received glory from it. When "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" your hopes and dreams had better not be trusting in "common sense", as GOD's work is never "common"! When life's circumstances seem to be more than you can bare, don't forget "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" has born much more than this before! HE overcame death, the grave, and hell, all for me.............and you! We just need to give HIM all of HIS glory, because "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" is not about us, but all about HIM!!
Sunday, February 7, 2016
"PEOPLE's HEART!"
Matthew 13:10-17
"10 Then the disciples came and said to HIM, "Why do you speak to them in parables?"
11 And HE answered them, "To you IT has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them IT has not been given.
12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:9-10) is fulfilled that says: "You will indeed hear but NEVER understand, and you will indeed see but NEVER perceive."
15 For this "PEOPLE's HEART" has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.'
16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.
17 For truly, I say to you, MANY PROPHETS AND RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE LONGED TO SEE WHAT YOU SEE, AND DID NOT SEE, AND HEAR WHAT YOU HEAR, AND DID NOT HEAR IT!"
GOD's SPIRIT can do miraculous things! When a miraculous thing happens in your life, letting it go by the wayside isn't something that is easily accomplished. The brain hemorrhage I experienced didn't seem like something "miraculous" at the time, but the further down the recovery road I travel, the more convinced I am that GOD was/is at work!
My physician, who is a Believer, wrote these words, verbatim, in my medical records, and they are his words, not mine: "Patient sustained a massive hemorrhagic stroke on July 9th. He was in ICU for over a month and on the ventilator for much of that time...........He initially was not able to speak or swallow. He had right sided hemiplegia. However, he has had an remarkable recovery that could only be defined as a miracle from God"!
Before the brain hemorrhage I was busy beyond belief and honestly didn't have time for anything, let alone listening to an Invisible GOD! My recovery continues, but I was off from work nine days short of two years! During those two years I had time to evaluate what was being accomplished with my life, that is what good was I getting done? I "SEE" things from a different perspective now, not only as a hemorrhagic stroke survivor, but as a child of the living GOD who is blessed beyond measure.
JESUS told HIS disciples that they were BLESSED because they could see some things others couldn't SEE, HEAR, nor UNDERSTAND! Sometimes it is easy to forget how physically BLESSED I am, not only to have survived the hemorrhage, but to have recovered with no deficits (disabilities)! But the thing that is far more meaningful is being able to SPIRITUALLY SEE, HEAR, and UNDERSTAND that which is revealed to us by The FATHER!
Knowing there are people who spiritually can't SEE, HEAR, nor can they UNDERSTAND is a heartbreaking understanding. SEEing someone who can't SEE Spiritually can be frustrating, yet heartbreaking, as they can't SEE, HEAR, or UNDERSTAND things that are so obvious to believers. JESUS said these "PEOPLE's HEART" has grown dull, or calloused, hardened, or unable to receive nutrients. FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to SEE the needs of those who have chosen to not SEE, HEAR, nor UNDERSTAND the things from YOU, and to share YOUR Word in a way YOU will be glorified!
"10 Then the disciples came and said to HIM, "Why do you speak to them in parables?"
11 And HE answered them, "To you IT has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them IT has not been given.
12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:9-10) is fulfilled that says: "You will indeed hear but NEVER understand, and you will indeed see but NEVER perceive."
15 For this "PEOPLE's HEART" has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.'
16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.
17 For truly, I say to you, MANY PROPHETS AND RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE LONGED TO SEE WHAT YOU SEE, AND DID NOT SEE, AND HEAR WHAT YOU HEAR, AND DID NOT HEAR IT!"
GOD's SPIRIT can do miraculous things! When a miraculous thing happens in your life, letting it go by the wayside isn't something that is easily accomplished. The brain hemorrhage I experienced didn't seem like something "miraculous" at the time, but the further down the recovery road I travel, the more convinced I am that GOD was/is at work!
My physician, who is a Believer, wrote these words, verbatim, in my medical records, and they are his words, not mine: "Patient sustained a massive hemorrhagic stroke on July 9th. He was in ICU for over a month and on the ventilator for much of that time...........He initially was not able to speak or swallow. He had right sided hemiplegia. However, he has had an remarkable recovery that could only be defined as a miracle from God"!
Before the brain hemorrhage I was busy beyond belief and honestly didn't have time for anything, let alone listening to an Invisible GOD! My recovery continues, but I was off from work nine days short of two years! During those two years I had time to evaluate what was being accomplished with my life, that is what good was I getting done? I "SEE" things from a different perspective now, not only as a hemorrhagic stroke survivor, but as a child of the living GOD who is blessed beyond measure.
JESUS told HIS disciples that they were BLESSED because they could see some things others couldn't SEE, HEAR, nor UNDERSTAND! Sometimes it is easy to forget how physically BLESSED I am, not only to have survived the hemorrhage, but to have recovered with no deficits (disabilities)! But the thing that is far more meaningful is being able to SPIRITUALLY SEE, HEAR, and UNDERSTAND that which is revealed to us by The FATHER!
Knowing there are people who spiritually can't SEE, HEAR, nor can they UNDERSTAND is a heartbreaking understanding. SEEing someone who can't SEE Spiritually can be frustrating, yet heartbreaking, as they can't SEE, HEAR, or UNDERSTAND things that are so obvious to believers. JESUS said these "PEOPLE's HEART" has grown dull, or calloused, hardened, or unable to receive nutrients. FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to SEE the needs of those who have chosen to not SEE, HEAR, nor UNDERSTAND the things from YOU, and to share YOUR Word in a way YOU will be glorified!
Friday, February 5, 2016
"THE TRUTH!"
John 14:1-7 (ESV)
"1 "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in GOD; believe also in ME.
2 In my FATHER's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to MYSELF, that where I am you may be also.
4 And you know the way to where I am going."
5 Thomas said to HIM, "LORD, we do not know where YOU are going. How can we know the way?"
6 JESUS said to him, "I am the way, and "THE TRUTH", and the life. No one comes to the FATHER except through ME.
7 If you had known ME, you would have known my FATHER also. From now on you do know HIM and have seen HIM."
With the political season starting to get into full swing it can become difficult to detect "THE TRUTH" amongst all of the so-called "politics", which has basically devolved into manipulating the English language to get as many followers as possible on Election Day! The words that are used nowadays normally don't carry much weight, as they haven't been exposed to "THE TRUTH"! Even JESUS spoke in "parables", for our minds could not comprehend "THE TRUTH" without it being watered down. The eyes of the people couldn't see "THE TRUTH", even when HE was walking right in front of them!
JESUS is THE WAY to heaven. Believing that JESUS is GOD's SON and that HE sacrificed HIMSELF for our sins is the MAIN thing that is required. To really KNOW "THE TRUTH" one has to be experienced in knowing JESUS. You can't say you know know "THE TRUTH" with no knowledge of HIM, for that is when your faith will be tested and exposed! Not KNOWING "THE TRUTH" intimately will wind up frustrating you to no end. Having your faith not only tested, but proven, can be an uncomfortable experience. In Genesis 22:12 scripture records "HE said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for NOW I KNOW THAT YOU FEAR GOD, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from ME." GOD is sovereign and HE ALREADY KNEW the faith of Abraham would be sufficient. But now Abraham knew that GOD would provide his needs! The uncomfortable test of his faith was for Abraham's benefit, not GOD's!
In the passage above, JESUS was telling Thomas about heaven, otherwise known as HIS FATHER's house. It seems most, even confessors of the faith, want to place all of their efforts on things associated with things of "this world", and neglect preparing to go to the FATHER'S house! They seemed to be deceived by the great deceiver into believing that earthly gain will matter when we get to Heaven? JESUS was telling Thomas about heaven, otherwise known as HIS FATHER's house. Mankind seems to have the perception that the FATHER'S will need to be furnished with earthly treasures? But when the great deceiver is cast into hell for eternity the things of this world will be so insignificant that we will wonder what we were doing? "THE TRUTH" will be revealed!
The answer to the problems facing this world today is not in conservative or liberal policies, rather in the Way, and "THE TRUTH", and the Life! Don't be deceived by the busyness and the pace that everything appears to be moving. When GOD is relegated to not being first in our lives, and the enemy has things moving so rapidly that we won't take time to worship GOD, chaos and division will flourish! Maybe it's time we listen to The CREATOR of the Universe and recognize that HE is "the way, and "THE TRUTH", and the life. No one comes to the FATHER except through ME"!!!
"1 "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in GOD; believe also in ME.
2 In my FATHER's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to MYSELF, that where I am you may be also.
4 And you know the way to where I am going."
5 Thomas said to HIM, "LORD, we do not know where YOU are going. How can we know the way?"
6 JESUS said to him, "I am the way, and "THE TRUTH", and the life. No one comes to the FATHER except through ME.
7 If you had known ME, you would have known my FATHER also. From now on you do know HIM and have seen HIM."
With the political season starting to get into full swing it can become difficult to detect "THE TRUTH" amongst all of the so-called "politics", which has basically devolved into manipulating the English language to get as many followers as possible on Election Day! The words that are used nowadays normally don't carry much weight, as they haven't been exposed to "THE TRUTH"! Even JESUS spoke in "parables", for our minds could not comprehend "THE TRUTH" without it being watered down. The eyes of the people couldn't see "THE TRUTH", even when HE was walking right in front of them!
JESUS is THE WAY to heaven. Believing that JESUS is GOD's SON and that HE sacrificed HIMSELF for our sins is the MAIN thing that is required. To really KNOW "THE TRUTH" one has to be experienced in knowing JESUS. You can't say you know know "THE TRUTH" with no knowledge of HIM, for that is when your faith will be tested and exposed! Not KNOWING "THE TRUTH" intimately will wind up frustrating you to no end. Having your faith not only tested, but proven, can be an uncomfortable experience. In Genesis 22:12 scripture records "HE said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for NOW I KNOW THAT YOU FEAR GOD, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from ME." GOD is sovereign and HE ALREADY KNEW the faith of Abraham would be sufficient. But now Abraham knew that GOD would provide his needs! The uncomfortable test of his faith was for Abraham's benefit, not GOD's!
In the passage above, JESUS was telling Thomas about heaven, otherwise known as HIS FATHER's house. It seems most, even confessors of the faith, want to place all of their efforts on things associated with things of "this world", and neglect preparing to go to the FATHER'S house! They seemed to be deceived by the great deceiver into believing that earthly gain will matter when we get to Heaven? JESUS was telling Thomas about heaven, otherwise known as HIS FATHER's house. Mankind seems to have the perception that the FATHER'S will need to be furnished with earthly treasures? But when the great deceiver is cast into hell for eternity the things of this world will be so insignificant that we will wonder what we were doing? "THE TRUTH" will be revealed!
The answer to the problems facing this world today is not in conservative or liberal policies, rather in the Way, and "THE TRUTH", and the Life! Don't be deceived by the busyness and the pace that everything appears to be moving. When GOD is relegated to not being first in our lives, and the enemy has things moving so rapidly that we won't take time to worship GOD, chaos and division will flourish! Maybe it's time we listen to The CREATOR of the Universe and recognize that HE is "the way, and "THE TRUTH", and the life. No one comes to the FATHER except through ME"!!!
Thursday, February 4, 2016
"GOD SO LOVED!"
Philippians 2:3-11 (ESV)
"3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in CHRIST JESUS,
6 WHO, though HE was in the form of GOD, did not count equality with GOD a thing to be grasped,
7 but EMPTIED HIMSELF, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in human form, HE humbled HIMSELF by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9 Therefore GOD HAS HIGHLY EXALTED HIM and bestowed on HIM the name that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of JESUS every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD, to the GLORY of GOD the FATHER."
In my meditations I have many times tried to imagine what JESUS must have gone through during Passion Week, from being hailed on HIS triumphant entry into Jerusalem, to being sacrificed for the sins of all mankind? Knowing that HIS TIME was drawing near must have been excruciating for my LORD, yet HE walked HIS journey out of love for me!
But JESUS not only knew the last weeks, or the last year of HIS life, HE knew from the foundations of the world HIS life would be sacrificed for the sins of the whole world! The scriptures above point out that although JESUS was "in the form of GOD", HE EMPTIED HIMSELF just for me!
Why would JESUS do such a selfless, humble thing? Why would HE sacrifice HIS life for someone who is as worthless and despicable as me? Yes, it's true that because of HIS sacrifice, GOD HAS EXALTED HIM above every name ever spoken, but is GOD so vain that HE would have HIS SON go through separation from HIMSELF just to draw glory to HIM? Fellowship between JESUS and The FATHER wasn't broken until JESUS took on our sin while hanging on Calvary's cross!
The true answer isn't found in the writings above. In John 3:16 it is written "For "GOD SO LOVED" the world, that he gave his only SON, that whoever believes in HIM should not perish but have eternal life". JESUS knew HE would be required to pay an unimaginable price for the salvation of my soul, yet HE left HIS throne, walked among men, a died a gruesome death, all for me! And all because "GOD SO LOVED"!
"3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in CHRIST JESUS,
6 WHO, though HE was in the form of GOD, did not count equality with GOD a thing to be grasped,
7 but EMPTIED HIMSELF, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in human form, HE humbled HIMSELF by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9 Therefore GOD HAS HIGHLY EXALTED HIM and bestowed on HIM the name that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of JESUS every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD, to the GLORY of GOD the FATHER."
In my meditations I have many times tried to imagine what JESUS must have gone through during Passion Week, from being hailed on HIS triumphant entry into Jerusalem, to being sacrificed for the sins of all mankind? Knowing that HIS TIME was drawing near must have been excruciating for my LORD, yet HE walked HIS journey out of love for me!
But JESUS not only knew the last weeks, or the last year of HIS life, HE knew from the foundations of the world HIS life would be sacrificed for the sins of the whole world! The scriptures above point out that although JESUS was "in the form of GOD", HE EMPTIED HIMSELF just for me!
Why would JESUS do such a selfless, humble thing? Why would HE sacrifice HIS life for someone who is as worthless and despicable as me? Yes, it's true that because of HIS sacrifice, GOD HAS EXALTED HIM above every name ever spoken, but is GOD so vain that HE would have HIS SON go through separation from HIMSELF just to draw glory to HIM? Fellowship between JESUS and The FATHER wasn't broken until JESUS took on our sin while hanging on Calvary's cross!
The true answer isn't found in the writings above. In John 3:16 it is written "For "GOD SO LOVED" the world, that he gave his only SON, that whoever believes in HIM should not perish but have eternal life". JESUS knew HE would be required to pay an unimaginable price for the salvation of my soul, yet HE left HIS throne, walked among men, a died a gruesome death, all for me! And all because "GOD SO LOVED"!
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
"BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS!"
Hebrews 11:1-7 (ESV)
"1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.
3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of GOD, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
4 By faith Abel offered to GOD a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, GOD commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.
5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because GOD had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased GOD.
6 And without faith it is impossible to please HIM, for whoever would draw near to GOD must "BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS" and that HE REWARDS THOSE WHO SEEK HIM.
7 By faith Noah, being warned by GOD concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith."
To me, the Holy Bible has always been authoritative and true, regardless of the conjecture and spin "this world" attempts to spin around it. Even when I was five years old in Sunday School learning the history of the Bible, I accepted that just because the Bible said it, that made it true! Maybe that's because I have seen GOD work in my life so much, and from a very young age, I knew HE had to exist, for there was no better explanation for my existence? And HIS Word is an extension of HIS embodiment, proof that HE does exist!
To see GOD, even in the things we perceive as "bad", has never been a strength of mine. Beginning when I was four years old, my mom and dad divorced and my mom was awarded custody of me and two sisters. My dad loved us so much, he promptly moved to Canada for the next 20 years to avoid paying child support! The BITTERNESS of growing up without a father was something that affected me well into my adulthood. When I was 36 years old my younger sister, who I love dearly, was diagnosed with stomach cancer in late October. She passed away two months later. And, of course, when I was 46 years old I experienced a rather severe brain hemorrhage that hospitalized me for 52 days! Seeing GOD at work in just these dark times makes me KNOW that HE exists and has a Plan for our lives!
All of the events of my lifetime have contributed to me "BELIEVING THAT HE EXISTS" and has a Plan for my life, for your life, and for "this world"! From time to time I have to be reminded that HE IS IN CONTROL and HIS Plan is more important than my ideas of how I think things should work! While HE does give us guidance and direction in our lives, we are COMMANDED in Hebrews 11:6 "Without FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM"!!! We cannot fake our way to trusting in GOD and HIS timetable.
While I do "BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS" and is "working all things for my good", I constantly have to remind myself that my ways are NOT HIS ways! Somethings I can't currently understand how or why, I have to "BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS" and HE has a Plan!
Looking back over my life, I can see HIS Hand in my life, especially when things were toughest! PHYSICALLY, the most amazing accomplishment of my lifetime SO FAR, (outside of being married to the most perfect woman in the world FOR ME, and the two sons that marriage produced) has to be the recovery from the brain hemorrhage in July 2007. Although I was there the entire time, I was not in control of even my breathing, as I was placed into a drug induced coma for 17 days, with no recollection of anything that transpired during this time. The most amazing things were happening and I had no part in making them happen!!!
Exodus 14:14 says "The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." Being put into a coma took all ability to assist in my recovery from me. GOD has manifested to me that HE can work MIRACLES, if we "BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS" and trust in HIM!!
"1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.
3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of GOD, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
4 By faith Abel offered to GOD a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, GOD commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.
5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because GOD had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased GOD.
6 And without faith it is impossible to please HIM, for whoever would draw near to GOD must "BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS" and that HE REWARDS THOSE WHO SEEK HIM.
7 By faith Noah, being warned by GOD concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith."
To me, the Holy Bible has always been authoritative and true, regardless of the conjecture and spin "this world" attempts to spin around it. Even when I was five years old in Sunday School learning the history of the Bible, I accepted that just because the Bible said it, that made it true! Maybe that's because I have seen GOD work in my life so much, and from a very young age, I knew HE had to exist, for there was no better explanation for my existence? And HIS Word is an extension of HIS embodiment, proof that HE does exist!
To see GOD, even in the things we perceive as "bad", has never been a strength of mine. Beginning when I was four years old, my mom and dad divorced and my mom was awarded custody of me and two sisters. My dad loved us so much, he promptly moved to Canada for the next 20 years to avoid paying child support! The BITTERNESS of growing up without a father was something that affected me well into my adulthood. When I was 36 years old my younger sister, who I love dearly, was diagnosed with stomach cancer in late October. She passed away two months later. And, of course, when I was 46 years old I experienced a rather severe brain hemorrhage that hospitalized me for 52 days! Seeing GOD at work in just these dark times makes me KNOW that HE exists and has a Plan for our lives!
All of the events of my lifetime have contributed to me "BELIEVING THAT HE EXISTS" and has a Plan for my life, for your life, and for "this world"! From time to time I have to be reminded that HE IS IN CONTROL and HIS Plan is more important than my ideas of how I think things should work! While HE does give us guidance and direction in our lives, we are COMMANDED in Hebrews 11:6 "Without FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM"!!! We cannot fake our way to trusting in GOD and HIS timetable.
While I do "BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS" and is "working all things for my good", I constantly have to remind myself that my ways are NOT HIS ways! Somethings I can't currently understand how or why, I have to "BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS" and HE has a Plan!
Looking back over my life, I can see HIS Hand in my life, especially when things were toughest! PHYSICALLY, the most amazing accomplishment of my lifetime SO FAR, (outside of being married to the most perfect woman in the world FOR ME, and the two sons that marriage produced) has to be the recovery from the brain hemorrhage in July 2007. Although I was there the entire time, I was not in control of even my breathing, as I was placed into a drug induced coma for 17 days, with no recollection of anything that transpired during this time. The most amazing things were happening and I had no part in making them happen!!!
Exodus 14:14 says "The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." Being put into a coma took all ability to assist in my recovery from me. GOD has manifested to me that HE can work MIRACLES, if we "BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS" and trust in HIM!!
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
"YOU, O LORD!"
Psalms 92:4-11 (ESV)
"4 For "YOU, O LORD", have made me glad by YOUR work; at the works of YOUR hands I sing for joy.
5 How great are YOUR works, O LORD! YOUR thoughts are very deep!
6 The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this:
7 that though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever;
8 but "YOU, O LORD", are on high forever.
9 For behold, YOUR enemies, O LORD, for behold, YOUR enemies shall perish; all evildoers shall be scattered.
10 But YOU have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; YOU have poured over me fresh oil.
11 My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants."
It is very easy to get caught up in a victory celebration when the team you support is victorious in a tough battle. Everyone is weakened by the battle, the warfare, the struggle that has transpired for their team to come out on top and the temptation is to gloat and revel just a bit. But the focus should never be on things man has seemingly accomplished or achieved. All glory should ALWAYS be given to "YOU, O LORD"!
It might be easy to accept praise, honor, and glory for things that happen in our lives. But the writings above display that "YOU have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; YOU have poured over me fresh oil"! It is difficult to not be humble when you have an appropriate vision of where ALL blessings come from. For some of us, the enemy wants us to be so caught up in being victorious that our focus is on the outcome of the battle, and not WHO we are fighting for! We should remember that "YOU, O LORD", are on high forever".
Unless "the battle belongs to the LORD" we have a tendency to want to take credit for what GOD achieves through our lives. "The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this:" is a sobering statement that must be HUMBLY evaluated. If I cannot "know" or "understand" why a battle is being won or lost, it may be because a HOLY FORCE is behind the scenes working HIS will? GOD is sovereign and HE accomplishes HIS will (Genesis 18:9-15)! No matter how bleak our circumstances, GOD WILL GET GLORY (Exodus 14:3-31).
Being on the victorious team is not something to flaunt or revel in. Ephesians 2:8-9 says "For by GRACE you have been saved through faith. And this is NOT OF YOUR OWN DOING; it is the gift of GOD, not a result of works, so that NO ONE MAY BOAST." GOD has provided everything for us to accomplish the PLAN HE has for each of us. Our mindset should be to discover, through a devout prayer life and studying GOD's Word, exactly what HIS Plan is for our lives, and follow that Plan so all praise will go to "YOU, O LORD"!!
"4 For "YOU, O LORD", have made me glad by YOUR work; at the works of YOUR hands I sing for joy.
5 How great are YOUR works, O LORD! YOUR thoughts are very deep!
6 The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this:
7 that though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever;
8 but "YOU, O LORD", are on high forever.
9 For behold, YOUR enemies, O LORD, for behold, YOUR enemies shall perish; all evildoers shall be scattered.
10 But YOU have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; YOU have poured over me fresh oil.
11 My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants."
It is very easy to get caught up in a victory celebration when the team you support is victorious in a tough battle. Everyone is weakened by the battle, the warfare, the struggle that has transpired for their team to come out on top and the temptation is to gloat and revel just a bit. But the focus should never be on things man has seemingly accomplished or achieved. All glory should ALWAYS be given to "YOU, O LORD"!
It might be easy to accept praise, honor, and glory for things that happen in our lives. But the writings above display that "YOU have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; YOU have poured over me fresh oil"! It is difficult to not be humble when you have an appropriate vision of where ALL blessings come from. For some of us, the enemy wants us to be so caught up in being victorious that our focus is on the outcome of the battle, and not WHO we are fighting for! We should remember that "YOU, O LORD", are on high forever".
Unless "the battle belongs to the LORD" we have a tendency to want to take credit for what GOD achieves through our lives. "The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this:" is a sobering statement that must be HUMBLY evaluated. If I cannot "know" or "understand" why a battle is being won or lost, it may be because a HOLY FORCE is behind the scenes working HIS will? GOD is sovereign and HE accomplishes HIS will (Genesis 18:9-15)! No matter how bleak our circumstances, GOD WILL GET GLORY (Exodus 14:3-31).
Being on the victorious team is not something to flaunt or revel in. Ephesians 2:8-9 says "For by GRACE you have been saved through faith. And this is NOT OF YOUR OWN DOING; it is the gift of GOD, not a result of works, so that NO ONE MAY BOAST." GOD has provided everything for us to accomplish the PLAN HE has for each of us. Our mindset should be to discover, through a devout prayer life and studying GOD's Word, exactly what HIS Plan is for our lives, and follow that Plan so all praise will go to "YOU, O LORD"!!
Monday, February 1, 2016
"HE GAVE THE RIGHT!"
John 1:9-13 (ESV)
"9 The true LIGHT, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
10 HE was in the world, and the world was made through HIM, yet the world did not know HIM.
11 HE came to HIS own, and HIS own people did not receive HIM.
12 But to all who did receive HIM, who believed in his name, "HE GAVE THE RIGHT" to become children of GOD,
13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of GOD."
While driving back to my home from a relatives house in another state, I was pondering and meditating where GOD would lead me in my study of HIS WORD over the next few days. The phrase that seemed to be on my heart was "it is a privilege to be a part of the family of GOD". When I got home I looked up that phrase and was directed to John 1:12. Just a few minutes prior I had watched an endorsement of a presidential candidate where the man making the endorsement said our nation not only was founded on Judaeo-Christian principles, he gave a certain scripture (Acts 17:26-28) for a reference.
As I began to read how it was a privilege to be a child of GOD, my mind couldn't help but remember the Declaration of Independence and the words that say: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are CREATED equal, that they are endowed by their CREATOR with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness....." The Declaration of Independence of the United States is pretty plain about where the founders of the United States gave us our "rights". All of the "spinsters" can give their "opinion" of where our rights originate, but the words "CREATED" by their "CREATOR" doesn't allow room for denial that GOD was, AND STILL IS, the Originator of those "rights"!.
GOD "gave" us the RIGHT to become HIS children, but we must choose to be a child of HIS! The privilege of being a child of GOD cannot be described with language of men. It would be a privilege and an honor to be the child of a wealthy, honorable, and wise father who always makes the right decision on your behalf. GOD does just that! HE always has our best interest in MIND, even when the evidence is not being seen by the human eye! GOD doesn't have the ability to make mistakes. Just because our ways may be different than HIS ways doesn't mean HIS ways are imperfect! HE doesn't need to satisfy my questions to display HIS omniscience, for who am I (2 Samuel 7:18).
"This world" does not, and did not, recognize GOD or JESUS, even though HE was physically in their presence for over 33 years! GOD IN FLESH walked among mankind for 1/3 of a century yet they nailed HIM to a tree trying to rid this world of the LIGHT! While it is a privilege to be known as a child of GOD, this world sacrificed HIM on Calvary, so we shouldn't think we will receive a red-carpet celebration when we acknowledge HIM as LORD OF ALL! My desire is to have so much JESUS' DNA in me that this world separate itself from me also!
We've all heard it said that with rights comes responsibilities. GOD gives us the RIGHT to become HIS children, but with that rights comes the responsibility of following HIS direction in our lives. If we don't follow man's law we have to pay the penalty. GOD saw that mankind was unable to follow HIS law, so HE sent HIS only SON to pay our penalty for our unholiness. "HE GAVE THE RIGHT" to the whole world to be a child of HIS. But only we who choose to believe in the Invisible GOD will be saved from HIS judgment!
Being a part of the family of GOD indeed is an honor and privilege. But "HE GAVE THE RIGHT" to me, not because I am someone special, but because HE is a merciful and loving GOD!
"9 The true LIGHT, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
10 HE was in the world, and the world was made through HIM, yet the world did not know HIM.
11 HE came to HIS own, and HIS own people did not receive HIM.
12 But to all who did receive HIM, who believed in his name, "HE GAVE THE RIGHT" to become children of GOD,
13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of GOD."
While driving back to my home from a relatives house in another state, I was pondering and meditating where GOD would lead me in my study of HIS WORD over the next few days. The phrase that seemed to be on my heart was "it is a privilege to be a part of the family of GOD". When I got home I looked up that phrase and was directed to John 1:12. Just a few minutes prior I had watched an endorsement of a presidential candidate where the man making the endorsement said our nation not only was founded on Judaeo-Christian principles, he gave a certain scripture (Acts 17:26-28) for a reference.
As I began to read how it was a privilege to be a child of GOD, my mind couldn't help but remember the Declaration of Independence and the words that say: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are CREATED equal, that they are endowed by their CREATOR with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness....." The Declaration of Independence of the United States is pretty plain about where the founders of the United States gave us our "rights". All of the "spinsters" can give their "opinion" of where our rights originate, but the words "CREATED" by their "CREATOR" doesn't allow room for denial that GOD was, AND STILL IS, the Originator of those "rights"!.
GOD "gave" us the RIGHT to become HIS children, but we must choose to be a child of HIS! The privilege of being a child of GOD cannot be described with language of men. It would be a privilege and an honor to be the child of a wealthy, honorable, and wise father who always makes the right decision on your behalf. GOD does just that! HE always has our best interest in MIND, even when the evidence is not being seen by the human eye! GOD doesn't have the ability to make mistakes. Just because our ways may be different than HIS ways doesn't mean HIS ways are imperfect! HE doesn't need to satisfy my questions to display HIS omniscience, for who am I (2 Samuel 7:18).
"This world" does not, and did not, recognize GOD or JESUS, even though HE was physically in their presence for over 33 years! GOD IN FLESH walked among mankind for 1/3 of a century yet they nailed HIM to a tree trying to rid this world of the LIGHT! While it is a privilege to be known as a child of GOD, this world sacrificed HIM on Calvary, so we shouldn't think we will receive a red-carpet celebration when we acknowledge HIM as LORD OF ALL! My desire is to have so much JESUS' DNA in me that this world separate itself from me also!
We've all heard it said that with rights comes responsibilities. GOD gives us the RIGHT to become HIS children, but with that rights comes the responsibility of following HIS direction in our lives. If we don't follow man's law we have to pay the penalty. GOD saw that mankind was unable to follow HIS law, so HE sent HIS only SON to pay our penalty for our unholiness. "HE GAVE THE RIGHT" to the whole world to be a child of HIS. But only we who choose to believe in the Invisible GOD will be saved from HIS judgment!
Being a part of the family of GOD indeed is an honor and privilege. But "HE GAVE THE RIGHT" to me, not because I am someone special, but because HE is a merciful and loving GOD!
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