2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)
"16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
17 For this "LIGHT MOMENTARY AFFLICTION" is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
As many may have noticed, recently I have been almost consumed by Colossians 3:2 stating "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." The LORD is slowly convincing me that HE has blessings UNTOLD awaiting me, but HE can't release them with my mind focusing on the problems of "this world"! The more I study the HOLY BIBLE, the more I realize how "undone" (Isaiah 6:5) I really am. My focus must remain on THINGS ABOVE and not the impediments of "this world"!
While listening to a sermon on Colossians 3:2 by a well known pastor recently, I was exposed to 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 and was amazed how these verses overlapped each other with Colossians 3:2. The Apostle Paul writes that we should NOT lose heart, though it appears our mortal bodies are wasting away, what JESUS has planned for our future cannot be forecast. One thing we mustn't forget is GOD IS SPIRIT (John 4:24) and it is highly unusual to SEE a Spirit at work (John 5:17).
The things that are not seen (Spiritual) are LASTING and ETERNAL. The things that ARE seen are transient, or temporary. It has always been simplest for me to react to some adversity as a catastrophe that "I needed to fix". But recently GOD has been seriously dealing with me with Exodus 14:14 which says "The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." GOD allows some difficulties in our lives so HE can be glorified through our deliverance. The children of Israel could only "SEE" the Egyptians about to overtake them at the Red Sea. GOD "saw" HIS enemy charging head first into calamity, and no one else was privy to it! GOD IS SPIRIT!
When we experience "LIGHT MOMENTARY AFFLICTION" we maybe about to experience GOD getting glorified through our lives? The feeling of GOD winning is NOT something that gets old. It maybe that we are called upon to be used for HIS Glory and to experience some "LIGHT MOMENTARY AFFLICTION", but rest assured, HE "is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison"!!!
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
"A BROKEN MAN!"
Nehemiah 7:1-4 (ESV)
1 Now when the wall had been built and I had set up the doors, and the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed,
2 I gave my brother Hanani and Hananiah the governor of the castle charge over Jerusalem, for he was a more faithful and GOD-fearing man than many.
3 And I said to them, "Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot. And while they are still standing guard, let them shut and bar the doors. Appoint guards from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, some at their guard posts and some in front of their own homes."
4 The city was wide and large, but the people within it were few, and no houses had been rebuilt."
The story spoken in the book of Nehemiah could be written with about the modern day church instead of the Children of Israel. The book of Nehemiah (chp. 1) begins with the him being BROKEN HEARTED and petitioning GOD, acknowledging that GOD was great, and "confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against YOU. Even I and my father's house have sinned" (Nehemiah 1:6). Can you fathom a man of stature proclaiming today that America, or even the church, has SINNED and begging for GOD's mercy once again? A more important question, is the modern church willing to admit it's pride and arrogance before a HOLY GOD?
GOD was ready and willing to forgive Israel but HE needed to see their humility and brokenness before HE could begin to restore them. Can GOD see our humility and brokenness when the church consistently has millionaire preachers and evangelists hawking their wares on television with no regard for the lost souls going to hell? Souls are in danger of spending an ETERNITY in the lake of fire and ministers are worried about how big their jet is, and how comfortable their lifestyle is? Is it any wonder the HOLY SPIRIT inspired 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 that says "Therefore GOD sends them a strong delusion, so that they may BELIEVE WHAT IS FALSE, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had PLEASURE in unrighteousness"?
When we remove ourselves from the vortex that "this world" endeavors to keep our lives in, we can begin to SEE what GOD is trying to say to us. Until we "BE STILL" the enemy attempts to keep our lives in such a pace we can't SEE how busy we are, all the time accomplishing nothing for the Kingdom. In verse 4 of Nehemiah 7 it says "The city was wide and large, but the people within it were few"! Only GOD can draw souls to HIMSELF, no matter which preacher a church hires to be pastor. When HE is glorified, HE will draw people to HIM. When ministries are glorified, people will flock to be catered to, but leave as soon as the catering is over.
Nehemiah was "A BROKEN MAN" as Nehemiah 1:4 states "As soon as I heard these words I SAT DOWN and WEPT and MOURNED FOR DAYS, and I continued FASTING and PRAYING before the GOD of heaven". How long has it been since I "SAT DOWN and WEPT and MOURNED FOR DAYS"? And how long since I FASTED AND PRAYED before the GOD of heaven? We don't need to build any more churches or Temple walls until we become "A BROKEN MAN" before the GOD of heaven! HE isn't looking for ornate structures and fancy suits to show-off to "this world"! GOD wants to see "A BROKEN MAN"!!!
1 Now when the wall had been built and I had set up the doors, and the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed,
2 I gave my brother Hanani and Hananiah the governor of the castle charge over Jerusalem, for he was a more faithful and GOD-fearing man than many.
3 And I said to them, "Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot. And while they are still standing guard, let them shut and bar the doors. Appoint guards from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, some at their guard posts and some in front of their own homes."
4 The city was wide and large, but the people within it were few, and no houses had been rebuilt."
The story spoken in the book of Nehemiah could be written with about the modern day church instead of the Children of Israel. The book of Nehemiah (chp. 1) begins with the him being BROKEN HEARTED and petitioning GOD, acknowledging that GOD was great, and "confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against YOU. Even I and my father's house have sinned" (Nehemiah 1:6). Can you fathom a man of stature proclaiming today that America, or even the church, has SINNED and begging for GOD's mercy once again? A more important question, is the modern church willing to admit it's pride and arrogance before a HOLY GOD?
GOD was ready and willing to forgive Israel but HE needed to see their humility and brokenness before HE could begin to restore them. Can GOD see our humility and brokenness when the church consistently has millionaire preachers and evangelists hawking their wares on television with no regard for the lost souls going to hell? Souls are in danger of spending an ETERNITY in the lake of fire and ministers are worried about how big their jet is, and how comfortable their lifestyle is? Is it any wonder the HOLY SPIRIT inspired 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 that says "Therefore GOD sends them a strong delusion, so that they may BELIEVE WHAT IS FALSE, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had PLEASURE in unrighteousness"?
When we remove ourselves from the vortex that "this world" endeavors to keep our lives in, we can begin to SEE what GOD is trying to say to us. Until we "BE STILL" the enemy attempts to keep our lives in such a pace we can't SEE how busy we are, all the time accomplishing nothing for the Kingdom. In verse 4 of Nehemiah 7 it says "The city was wide and large, but the people within it were few"! Only GOD can draw souls to HIMSELF, no matter which preacher a church hires to be pastor. When HE is glorified, HE will draw people to HIM. When ministries are glorified, people will flock to be catered to, but leave as soon as the catering is over.
Nehemiah was "A BROKEN MAN" as Nehemiah 1:4 states "As soon as I heard these words I SAT DOWN and WEPT and MOURNED FOR DAYS, and I continued FASTING and PRAYING before the GOD of heaven". How long has it been since I "SAT DOWN and WEPT and MOURNED FOR DAYS"? And how long since I FASTED AND PRAYED before the GOD of heaven? We don't need to build any more churches or Temple walls until we become "A BROKEN MAN" before the GOD of heaven! HE isn't looking for ornate structures and fancy suits to show-off to "this world"! GOD wants to see "A BROKEN MAN"!!!
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
"KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY ONE!"
Proverbs 9:7-10 (ESV)
"7 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the "KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY ONE" is insight."
Everyone wants to say their opinion as to what needs to be "fixed" with "this world" or other people. Few want to say what should be corrected IN THEIR OWN LIVES. For instance, when I observe healthcare professionals ingesting diet sodas, or smoking cigarettes, or some other harmful habit, I hang my head that they are doing things I have found out through experience that will do harm to your body. Their EYES have not been opened to the dangers they are being exposed to!
A friend shared the following statement recently on their social media site. When I "ingested" it I had to allow a few minutes to absorb it:
"I wish people would stop saying "don't judge". It is NOT judgment. It's disagreeing with what the world is pushing. Jesus said "do not conform to this world". We are called to be Christlike and Jesus said "go and sin no more". If more pastors were teaching the word of God instead of preaching a "feel good" gospel we would have educated Christians that would know the difference between judgement and standing up for their beliefs WITHOUT compromising. The gospel is offensive because it goes against what this world teaches. Don't be blind and don't be deceived. The Bible teaches us that in the end of days good will be called bad and bad will be called good. Look at this world and look deep in your heart, and answer these questions: Are you conforming to this world so you are accepted? Or will you stand for your Christian values and be rejected? Take up your cross and follow Jesus." (Copied)
Once again President Ronald Reagan is quoted as saying "Within the covers of the BIBLE are the answers for "ALL" the problems men face"! People can scoff at the "KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY ONE" all they like, but when they are in the "valley of the shadow of death" most people don't seek guidance from "this world", but from someone who is connected with the HOLY ONE! Making sure that you seek guidance from someone with a sincere "KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY ONE", not just a title, can make all the difference in the world for your future.
If you want to cause strife and turmoil to visit your life in unmeasured fashion, correct or rebuke a "scoffer" and let them react to you. Give the same advice to a "wise man" and he will show you love! The key difference between the two is a "KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY ONE" in their lives. As a pastor friend says, THIS IS THE WORD OF THE LORD!!!
"7 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the "KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY ONE" is insight."
Everyone wants to say their opinion as to what needs to be "fixed" with "this world" or other people. Few want to say what should be corrected IN THEIR OWN LIVES. For instance, when I observe healthcare professionals ingesting diet sodas, or smoking cigarettes, or some other harmful habit, I hang my head that they are doing things I have found out through experience that will do harm to your body. Their EYES have not been opened to the dangers they are being exposed to!
A friend shared the following statement recently on their social media site. When I "ingested" it I had to allow a few minutes to absorb it:
"I wish people would stop saying "don't judge". It is NOT judgment. It's disagreeing with what the world is pushing. Jesus said "do not conform to this world". We are called to be Christlike and Jesus said "go and sin no more". If more pastors were teaching the word of God instead of preaching a "feel good" gospel we would have educated Christians that would know the difference between judgement and standing up for their beliefs WITHOUT compromising. The gospel is offensive because it goes against what this world teaches. Don't be blind and don't be deceived. The Bible teaches us that in the end of days good will be called bad and bad will be called good. Look at this world and look deep in your heart, and answer these questions: Are you conforming to this world so you are accepted? Or will you stand for your Christian values and be rejected? Take up your cross and follow Jesus." (Copied)
Once again President Ronald Reagan is quoted as saying "Within the covers of the BIBLE are the answers for "ALL" the problems men face"! People can scoff at the "KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY ONE" all they like, but when they are in the "valley of the shadow of death" most people don't seek guidance from "this world", but from someone who is connected with the HOLY ONE! Making sure that you seek guidance from someone with a sincere "KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY ONE", not just a title, can make all the difference in the world for your future.
If you want to cause strife and turmoil to visit your life in unmeasured fashion, correct or rebuke a "scoffer" and let them react to you. Give the same advice to a "wise man" and he will show you love! The key difference between the two is a "KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY ONE" in their lives. As a pastor friend says, THIS IS THE WORD OF THE LORD!!!
Monday, March 28, 2016
"I AM GOD!"
Isaiah 46:3-9 (ESV)
"3 "Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by ME from before your birth, carried from the womb;
4 even to your old age I AM HE, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.
5 "To whom will you liken ME and make ME equal, and compare ME, that we may be alike?
6 Those who lavish gold from the purse, and weigh out silver in the scales, hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; then they fall down and worship!
7 They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it, they set it in its place, and it stands there; it cannot move from its place. If one cries to it, it does not answer or save him from his trouble.
8 "Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors,
9 remember the former things of old; for "I AM GOD", and there is no other; "I AM GOD", and there is none like ME"
It is quite easy to lose sight of the things that REALLY matter in life in "this world". We get caught up in paying the bills and doing what we can to secure our future, when our future is in the hands of the CREATOR. And yet we don't take time to BE STILL, AND KNOW HE IS GOD usually more than once a week on Sunday morning where the members of our local church tend to agree with us! How long has it been since I took a stand when there was no support system around and the message of JESUS CHRIST was only going to be forwarded through me speaking HIS message?
In the passage of scripture above GOD is telling Israel (and all who read HIS word) to LISTEN TO ME! Normally we don't have time to listen to HIM when we pray. We seem to forget that the "old man", our physical bodies, are only but a vapor (James 4:14) and our Spiritual man will be all that matters when that vapor has vanished!
We are Created in HIS image (Genesis 1:27) and John 4:24 states "GOD IS SPIRIT"! Since we are Created in HIS image and HE IS SPIRIT, then basically our eternal being is HIS Spirit living within us. That is, those of us who have surrendered to HIS Spirit and allowed the Creator of the Universe to lead and guide our lives. "I AM GOD" lives within my body, and I am honored to serve HIM daily.
Today, "this world" operates under the premise that "I AM GOD" is a myth and the earth, planets, stars and galaxies just appeared from a Big Bang? Romans 8:11 says "If the SPIRIT of HIM who raised JESUS from the dead ("I AM GOD") dwells in you, HE who raised CHRIST JESUS from the dead ("I AM GOD") will also give life to your mortal bodies through HIS SPIRIT who dwells in you." Having "I AM GOD" living in me should give me all kinds of assurance that I am a conqueror! Wouldn't you like to have "I AM GOD" living in you???
"3 "Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by ME from before your birth, carried from the womb;
4 even to your old age I AM HE, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.
5 "To whom will you liken ME and make ME equal, and compare ME, that we may be alike?
6 Those who lavish gold from the purse, and weigh out silver in the scales, hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; then they fall down and worship!
7 They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it, they set it in its place, and it stands there; it cannot move from its place. If one cries to it, it does not answer or save him from his trouble.
8 "Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors,
9 remember the former things of old; for "I AM GOD", and there is no other; "I AM GOD", and there is none like ME"
It is quite easy to lose sight of the things that REALLY matter in life in "this world". We get caught up in paying the bills and doing what we can to secure our future, when our future is in the hands of the CREATOR. And yet we don't take time to BE STILL, AND KNOW HE IS GOD usually more than once a week on Sunday morning where the members of our local church tend to agree with us! How long has it been since I took a stand when there was no support system around and the message of JESUS CHRIST was only going to be forwarded through me speaking HIS message?
In the passage of scripture above GOD is telling Israel (and all who read HIS word) to LISTEN TO ME! Normally we don't have time to listen to HIM when we pray. We seem to forget that the "old man", our physical bodies, are only but a vapor (James 4:14) and our Spiritual man will be all that matters when that vapor has vanished!
We are Created in HIS image (Genesis 1:27) and John 4:24 states "GOD IS SPIRIT"! Since we are Created in HIS image and HE IS SPIRIT, then basically our eternal being is HIS Spirit living within us. That is, those of us who have surrendered to HIS Spirit and allowed the Creator of the Universe to lead and guide our lives. "I AM GOD" lives within my body, and I am honored to serve HIM daily.
Today, "this world" operates under the premise that "I AM GOD" is a myth and the earth, planets, stars and galaxies just appeared from a Big Bang? Romans 8:11 says "If the SPIRIT of HIM who raised JESUS from the dead ("I AM GOD") dwells in you, HE who raised CHRIST JESUS from the dead ("I AM GOD") will also give life to your mortal bodies through HIS SPIRIT who dwells in you." Having "I AM GOD" living in me should give me all kinds of assurance that I am a conqueror! Wouldn't you like to have "I AM GOD" living in you???
Sunday, March 27, 2016
"WHY DO YOU SEEK THE LIVING AMONG THE DEAD?"
Luke 24:1-12 (ESV)
"1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.
2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb,
3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the LORD JESUS.
4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel.
5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "WHY DO YOU SEEK THE LIVING AMONG THE DEAD"?
6 HE IS NOT HERE, but has risen. Remember how HE told you, while HE was still in Galilee,
7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise."
8 And they remembered his words,
9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.
10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles,
11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.
12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened."
On the FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK, at early dawn, Mary Magdalene and Mary (mother of James) went to the tomb where JESUS had been lain to anoint HIS body with spices used for burial preparation. Shockingly, when they arrived at the tomb, they found it empty! They found the strong rolled away from the tomb, not so JESUS could get out, rather as a testimony that the grave could not hold HIM! They went inside the tomb, but could not find the body of JESUS and were perplexed! Two angels were there to remind them of what JESUS spoke to them in Galilee concerning HIS resurrection.
The fact that the body of JESUS wasn't able to be conquered by death is a miracle of great significance. But JESUS had raised Lazarus from the dead after four days and various others so, in hindsight, it should stand to reason that death was no obstacle HE was limited by. The thing that makes the resurrection of JESUS something so REMARKABLE is HE was raised from the dead by the SPIRIT OF GOD (Romans 8:11) and That same SPIRIT now lives inside of me!
In John 10:30 JESUS is recorded saying "I and the FATHER are ONE"! In John 4:24 HE tells us "GOD is SPIRIT"! JESUS could no more be mortally "killed" than we can capture anybody's SPIRIT today! HE demonstrated that our focus should not be on our temporal homes (our physical bodies) but rather our permanent dwelling places, our Spirits (John 3:5-8)! When we are "Born-Again" our Spirits are awakened to become "one new man" (Ephesians 2:15).
There are many today who still want to seek HIM among the dead. They want to profess to be a believer in word, but not in deed (1 John 3:18). When we are Born-Again we will not continue in our old lifestyle of self-gratification and worldly pleasures. When we go to cemeteries. we don't go to see who is waking up today. "WHY DO YOU SEEK THE LIVING AMONG THE DEAD" should be a question that causes us to evaluate whether we have ever been Born-Again? I am amongst the living. My prayer is that you are too!
"1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.
2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb,
3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the LORD JESUS.
4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel.
5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "WHY DO YOU SEEK THE LIVING AMONG THE DEAD"?
6 HE IS NOT HERE, but has risen. Remember how HE told you, while HE was still in Galilee,
7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise."
8 And they remembered his words,
9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.
10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles,
11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.
12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened."
On the FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK, at early dawn, Mary Magdalene and Mary (mother of James) went to the tomb where JESUS had been lain to anoint HIS body with spices used for burial preparation. Shockingly, when they arrived at the tomb, they found it empty! They found the strong rolled away from the tomb, not so JESUS could get out, rather as a testimony that the grave could not hold HIM! They went inside the tomb, but could not find the body of JESUS and were perplexed! Two angels were there to remind them of what JESUS spoke to them in Galilee concerning HIS resurrection.
The fact that the body of JESUS wasn't able to be conquered by death is a miracle of great significance. But JESUS had raised Lazarus from the dead after four days and various others so, in hindsight, it should stand to reason that death was no obstacle HE was limited by. The thing that makes the resurrection of JESUS something so REMARKABLE is HE was raised from the dead by the SPIRIT OF GOD (Romans 8:11) and That same SPIRIT now lives inside of me!
In John 10:30 JESUS is recorded saying "I and the FATHER are ONE"! In John 4:24 HE tells us "GOD is SPIRIT"! JESUS could no more be mortally "killed" than we can capture anybody's SPIRIT today! HE demonstrated that our focus should not be on our temporal homes (our physical bodies) but rather our permanent dwelling places, our Spirits (John 3:5-8)! When we are "Born-Again" our Spirits are awakened to become "one new man" (Ephesians 2:15).
There are many today who still want to seek HIM among the dead. They want to profess to be a believer in word, but not in deed (1 John 3:18). When we are Born-Again we will not continue in our old lifestyle of self-gratification and worldly pleasures. When we go to cemeteries. we don't go to see who is waking up today. "WHY DO YOU SEEK THE LIVING AMONG THE DEAD" should be a question that causes us to evaluate whether we have ever been Born-Again? I am amongst the living. My prayer is that you are too!
Saturday, March 26, 2016
"SON of GOD!"
1 John 5:20-21 (ESV)
"20 And we KNOW that the "SON of GOD" has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know HIM who is true; and we are in HIM who is true, in HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. HE is the true GOD and eternal life.
21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols."
At various and sundry times people inquire "how do I know" when making a decision that can have so many variables? JESUS came to "give us understanding" and scripture says in John 16:33 "I have said these things to you, that in ME you may have PEACE. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." JESUS is peace and when we are operating in HIS will we too will have peace! Outside of HIS will and Plan for our lives brings a sense of doubt and fear, which are tools used by the enemy to steal, kill, and destroy!
The PEACE of GOD will not abide with or on us when our choices are directly in opposition to HIS Word. In John 1 it is written that JESUS is the WORD! It then stands to reason that UNLESS we are following HIM and HIS WORD that HIS PEACE will not be forthcoming. JESUS is the PEACE that envelops us when we walk in HIS LIGHT. HE "has given us understanding" to do what will honor and glorify the FATHER.
There is no secret to doing the FATHERS will. GOD doesn't make HIS Plan a great mystery for us once we grow accustomed to walking by FAITH. In John 17:1 JESUS prays "....FATHER, the hour has come; glorify your SON that the SON MAY GLORIFY YOU,...". If JESUS went to Calvary seeking to glorify the FATHER, then everything we do should be seeking to glorify the FATHER!
When we are doing the will of the FATHER, PEACE will be in abundance in our lives. Obviously the crucifixion of JESUS was not something we would list as an accomplishment on a Bucket List, but can you imagine anything more loving than than a HOLY GOD sacrificing HIS SON for HIS own Creation? Being the "SON of GOD" and exhibiting that much LOVE surely proves HIS divinity!!!
"20 And we KNOW that the "SON of GOD" has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know HIM who is true; and we are in HIM who is true, in HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. HE is the true GOD and eternal life.
21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols."
At various and sundry times people inquire "how do I know" when making a decision that can have so many variables? JESUS came to "give us understanding" and scripture says in John 16:33 "I have said these things to you, that in ME you may have PEACE. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." JESUS is peace and when we are operating in HIS will we too will have peace! Outside of HIS will and Plan for our lives brings a sense of doubt and fear, which are tools used by the enemy to steal, kill, and destroy!
The PEACE of GOD will not abide with or on us when our choices are directly in opposition to HIS Word. In John 1 it is written that JESUS is the WORD! It then stands to reason that UNLESS we are following HIM and HIS WORD that HIS PEACE will not be forthcoming. JESUS is the PEACE that envelops us when we walk in HIS LIGHT. HE "has given us understanding" to do what will honor and glorify the FATHER.
There is no secret to doing the FATHERS will. GOD doesn't make HIS Plan a great mystery for us once we grow accustomed to walking by FAITH. In John 17:1 JESUS prays "....FATHER, the hour has come; glorify your SON that the SON MAY GLORIFY YOU,...". If JESUS went to Calvary seeking to glorify the FATHER, then everything we do should be seeking to glorify the FATHER!
When we are doing the will of the FATHER, PEACE will be in abundance in our lives. Obviously the crucifixion of JESUS was not something we would list as an accomplishment on a Bucket List, but can you imagine anything more loving than than a HOLY GOD sacrificing HIS SON for HIS own Creation? Being the "SON of GOD" and exhibiting that much LOVE surely proves HIS divinity!!!
Friday, March 25, 2016
"HIS BLOOD BE ON US AND OUR CHILDREN!"
Matthew 27:24-26 (ESV)
"24 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves."
25 And ALL THE PEOPLE answered, "HIS BLOOD BE ON US" and on our children!"
26 Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified."
Over two thousand years ago on this very day JESUS, SON OF GOD, yielded HIS life for mankind as payment of the debt that I owed. The entire 27th Chapter of Matthew must be read to appreciate the shame and humiliation JESUS endured, but I don't share it today in the interest of time and space. Of all the 66 verses of the 27th Chapter of Matthew, the most condemning may be verse 25 where the people said "HIS BLOOD BE ON US AND OUR CHILDREN"!
Now we are talking about GOD in flesh, royalty beyond recognition! The people of Jerusalem, representing mankind of times past, present and future, wouldn't recognize JESUS as being GOD when HE walked amongst them for 33 years. They were so caught up in the frenzy of crucifixion that they said let "HIS BLOOD BE ON US AND OUR CHILDREN"! Their children might be better interpreted our offspring, meaning their descendants. Basically, we ALL were included in the pronunciation of guilt. We ALL are guilty of sentencing JESUS to death, because we had a sin debt we could not pay!
Had I been alive during this time I would have probably been shouting the loudest "crucify HIM"! Everyone (Psalms 53:1-3) is in need of a Savior. Recognizing our need can only come through SEEING our sin and acknowledging the SAVIOR! There are those who don't have time for the things of GOD and haven't SEEN the value in serving HIM. Having my eyes opened by THE FATHER to the TRUTH is the biggest blessing one can experience. Don't think that all people are vile because they have yet to SEE. GOD is merciful and if they are breathing they still have time!
When the people said "HIS BLOOD BE ON US AND OUR CHILDREN" I'm sure they didn't know what they were doing. But since we ALL need a Savior, their words were more prophetic than they could have realized! According to verses 45-46 of Matthew 27 the entire earth was dark from the sixth hour (most claim around noon) until the ninth hour (about 3PM). The LIGHT OF THE WORLD (John 8:12) was hanging on a cross for MY sins, and all I can hear is "HIS BLOOD BE ON US AND OUR CHILDREN"!!!
"24 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves."
25 And ALL THE PEOPLE answered, "HIS BLOOD BE ON US" and on our children!"
26 Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified."
Over two thousand years ago on this very day JESUS, SON OF GOD, yielded HIS life for mankind as payment of the debt that I owed. The entire 27th Chapter of Matthew must be read to appreciate the shame and humiliation JESUS endured, but I don't share it today in the interest of time and space. Of all the 66 verses of the 27th Chapter of Matthew, the most condemning may be verse 25 where the people said "HIS BLOOD BE ON US AND OUR CHILDREN"!
Now we are talking about GOD in flesh, royalty beyond recognition! The people of Jerusalem, representing mankind of times past, present and future, wouldn't recognize JESUS as being GOD when HE walked amongst them for 33 years. They were so caught up in the frenzy of crucifixion that they said let "HIS BLOOD BE ON US AND OUR CHILDREN"! Their children might be better interpreted our offspring, meaning their descendants. Basically, we ALL were included in the pronunciation of guilt. We ALL are guilty of sentencing JESUS to death, because we had a sin debt we could not pay!
Had I been alive during this time I would have probably been shouting the loudest "crucify HIM"! Everyone (Psalms 53:1-3) is in need of a Savior. Recognizing our need can only come through SEEING our sin and acknowledging the SAVIOR! There are those who don't have time for the things of GOD and haven't SEEN the value in serving HIM. Having my eyes opened by THE FATHER to the TRUTH is the biggest blessing one can experience. Don't think that all people are vile because they have yet to SEE. GOD is merciful and if they are breathing they still have time!
When the people said "HIS BLOOD BE ON US AND OUR CHILDREN" I'm sure they didn't know what they were doing. But since we ALL need a Savior, their words were more prophetic than they could have realized! According to verses 45-46 of Matthew 27 the entire earth was dark from the sixth hour (most claim around noon) until the ninth hour (about 3PM). The LIGHT OF THE WORLD (John 8:12) was hanging on a cross for MY sins, and all I can hear is "HIS BLOOD BE ON US AND OUR CHILDREN"!!!
Thursday, March 24, 2016
"EVIL GENERATION!"
Matthew 12:43-45 (ESV)
"43 "When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none.
44 Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order.
45 Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this "EVIL GENERATION"."
The Spirit of the LIVING GOD dwells within my body. There is nothing I have done to deserve this, for my "heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it" (Jeremiah 17:9)? To understand the GRACE of GOD is all about GOD's goodness to all mankind is to have a revelation from the same GOD (Matthew 16:17). You can't understand without DIVINE INTERVENTION. "This world" will hate us (Matthew 10:22) for HIS name's sake, so don't be upset when everyone isn't on our side when things get rough!
But how do people who haven't been born again (or regenerated) have their eyes opened? During a recent Bible Study the following words from a devotional caused me to ponder how a person becomes so consumed by hate and vanity that there seems to be no hope for them?
"""Demons cannot enter into a person’s body just because they want to. There are spiritual laws that are in operation in the spirit realm and demons have to abide by these laws set up by God.
In some of these cases, the person has engaged in some type of sin that has given the demon the legal right to be able to enter into them."""
Some people are convinced they are right even when the evidence speaks plainly they aren't. The only hope for their souls is for the FATHER IN HEAVEN to draw them to HIM (John 6:44), or to expel the unclean spirit. My "natural" tendency is to defend my position and to argue my points. But do I risk alienating them in an attempt to convince them when scripture plainly says the FATHER has to draw them? Maybe I try to do GOD's job too many times, a job that I'm neither qualified, nor capable, of doing?
When an unclean spirit is dwelling in a person there has to be DIVINE INTERVENTION to cause them to vacate. No matter who the person is, unless they have been regenerated (born-again) there is a good chance they are occupied by an unclean spirit. This "EVIL GENERATION" is rampant with people who have never had DIVINE INTERVENTION and are infected with an unclean spirit.
FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to be more compassionate toward those who have never been exposed to YOUR mercy and forgiveness. Help me to pray for their redemption and pray that they would turn from this "EVIL GENERATION"!!!
"43 "When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none.
44 Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order.
45 Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this "EVIL GENERATION"."
The Spirit of the LIVING GOD dwells within my body. There is nothing I have done to deserve this, for my "heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it" (Jeremiah 17:9)? To understand the GRACE of GOD is all about GOD's goodness to all mankind is to have a revelation from the same GOD (Matthew 16:17). You can't understand without DIVINE INTERVENTION. "This world" will hate us (Matthew 10:22) for HIS name's sake, so don't be upset when everyone isn't on our side when things get rough!
But how do people who haven't been born again (or regenerated) have their eyes opened? During a recent Bible Study the following words from a devotional caused me to ponder how a person becomes so consumed by hate and vanity that there seems to be no hope for them?
"""Demons cannot enter into a person’s body just because they want to. There are spiritual laws that are in operation in the spirit realm and demons have to abide by these laws set up by God.
In some of these cases, the person has engaged in some type of sin that has given the demon the legal right to be able to enter into them."""
Some people are convinced they are right even when the evidence speaks plainly they aren't. The only hope for their souls is for the FATHER IN HEAVEN to draw them to HIM (John 6:44), or to expel the unclean spirit. My "natural" tendency is to defend my position and to argue my points. But do I risk alienating them in an attempt to convince them when scripture plainly says the FATHER has to draw them? Maybe I try to do GOD's job too many times, a job that I'm neither qualified, nor capable, of doing?
When an unclean spirit is dwelling in a person there has to be DIVINE INTERVENTION to cause them to vacate. No matter who the person is, unless they have been regenerated (born-again) there is a good chance they are occupied by an unclean spirit. This "EVIL GENERATION" is rampant with people who have never had DIVINE INTERVENTION and are infected with an unclean spirit.
FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to be more compassionate toward those who have never been exposed to YOUR mercy and forgiveness. Help me to pray for their redemption and pray that they would turn from this "EVIL GENERATION"!!!
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
"A HORSE OR A MULE!"
Psalms 32:8-11 (ESV)
"8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with MY eye upon you.
9 BE NOT LIKE "A HORSE OR A MULE", without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.
11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!"
The following statement should will not be a headline maker, but there are times when I fail the LORD! I'm not proud of that, as a matter of fact, it breaks my heart knowing I have chosen to ignore GOD's leadership in my life for selfish reasons. Trying to be obedient to a Holy GOD should always be my goal, but sometimes my focus gets out of whack, doing that which doesn't gain HIM glory.
When GOD "leads me beside still waters", HE usually doesn't have turmoil and confusion in and around those waters! There is nothing as peaceful as knowing you are exactly where GOD desires you to be. There is nothing more uncomfortable than NOT being exactly where GOD desires you to be. The Spirit of a Believer has been awakened when we were BORN AGAIN and whenever we are too busy, too self-centered, or just too mean to allow Our Spirit to be controlled by the SPIRIT of ALMIGHTY GOD, turmoil and confusion are extremely quick to replace the PEACE that can only come through a relationship with JESUS.
My grandfather, one year, had an old mule that he would plow the garden with. The phrase "stubborn as a mule" must have originated from this mule! Regardless of how much grain he was fed, how much rest he was given, or how well he was treated he never liked to plow where he was needed to. The mule wanted to walk where he wanted to, and that caused problems!
We can do the same thing in our Christian walk. Walking without the SPIRIT of GOD leading us isn't a stroll, rather a Spiritual struggle that can cause various physical problems. Typically, I don't want to admit when I drift away from being led by the SPIRIT of GOD as that means I am flawed and imperfect. But scripture indicates that, with the exception of JESUS CHRIST, all humans are flawed (Romans 3:23) and constantly in need of a SAVIOR! Unless we submit to HIM, we are as a "HORSE OR A MULE" that needs a bit and bridle to guide it.
FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to continually submit to YOUR guidance in my life so I can live with YOUR PEACE dwelling in my life. Being stubborn as a "HORSE OR A MULE" will lead to problems that I prefer not to deal with!!!
"8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with MY eye upon you.
9 BE NOT LIKE "A HORSE OR A MULE", without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.
11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!"
The following statement should will not be a headline maker, but there are times when I fail the LORD! I'm not proud of that, as a matter of fact, it breaks my heart knowing I have chosen to ignore GOD's leadership in my life for selfish reasons. Trying to be obedient to a Holy GOD should always be my goal, but sometimes my focus gets out of whack, doing that which doesn't gain HIM glory.
When GOD "leads me beside still waters", HE usually doesn't have turmoil and confusion in and around those waters! There is nothing as peaceful as knowing you are exactly where GOD desires you to be. There is nothing more uncomfortable than NOT being exactly where GOD desires you to be. The Spirit of a Believer has been awakened when we were BORN AGAIN and whenever we are too busy, too self-centered, or just too mean to allow Our Spirit to be controlled by the SPIRIT of ALMIGHTY GOD, turmoil and confusion are extremely quick to replace the PEACE that can only come through a relationship with JESUS.
My grandfather, one year, had an old mule that he would plow the garden with. The phrase "stubborn as a mule" must have originated from this mule! Regardless of how much grain he was fed, how much rest he was given, or how well he was treated he never liked to plow where he was needed to. The mule wanted to walk where he wanted to, and that caused problems!
We can do the same thing in our Christian walk. Walking without the SPIRIT of GOD leading us isn't a stroll, rather a Spiritual struggle that can cause various physical problems. Typically, I don't want to admit when I drift away from being led by the SPIRIT of GOD as that means I am flawed and imperfect. But scripture indicates that, with the exception of JESUS CHRIST, all humans are flawed (Romans 3:23) and constantly in need of a SAVIOR! Unless we submit to HIM, we are as a "HORSE OR A MULE" that needs a bit and bridle to guide it.
FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to continually submit to YOUR guidance in my life so I can live with YOUR PEACE dwelling in my life. Being stubborn as a "HORSE OR A MULE" will lead to problems that I prefer not to deal with!!!
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
"I AM THE LORD!!"
Exodus 6:1-8 (ESV)
"1 But the LORD said to Moses, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land."
2 GOD spoke to Moses and said to him, "I AM THE LORD".
3 "I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as GOD Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make MYSELF known to them.
4 I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they lived as sojourners.
5 Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel whom the Egyptians hold as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant.
6 Say therefore to the people of Israel, "I AM THE LORD", and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment.
7 I will take you to be my people, and I will be your GOD, and you shall know that "I AM THE LORD your GOD", who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
8 I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. "I AM THE LORD.'"
For me, a sense of amazement runs abundant when I hear people declare they are "Christians" and yet place profanity, lies, and debauchery on their social media for the entire world to see. When you support and encourage those who live this lifestyle, then you become complicit in their actions. Being frustrated with "this world" is one thing, but effective change can only come by WHOLEHEARTEDLY turning back to ALMIGHTY GOD!
In the book of Exodus the children of Israel had been in captivity for 400+ years! Imagine their frustration, would you??? Pharaoh had increased their workload and wasn't showing them any mercy. Didn't Pharaoh understand the Israelites were GOD's chosen people? Didn't he understand that GOD only permitted their enslavement to draw them back to HIM? Just in the passage above GOD identifies HIMSELF as "I AM THE LORD" (YAHWEH) four separate times! GOD IS HOLY (1 Peter 1:16) and HE wasn't playing around and in Exodus 14 and Pharaoh found that out! Do we want to risk playing around with honoring a HOLY GOD, or would we prefer to let GOD fight our battles for us (Exodus 14:14)??
In all honesty, I too have been rather reserved about speaking about this until I read a recent post on a friends social media site what had these scriptures: 2 Thessalonians 2:5-12 stating "Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And you know what is restraining HIM now so that HE may be revealed in HIS time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the LORD JESUS will kill with the breath of HIS mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of HIS coming. The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, BECAUSE THEY REFUSED TO LOVE THE TRUTH AND SO BE SAVED. THEREFORE GOD SENDS THEM A STRONG DELUSION, SO THAT THEY MAY BELIEVE WHAT IS FALSE, IN ORDER THAT ALL MAY BE CONDEMNED WHO DID NOT BELIEVE THE TRUTH BUT HAD PLEASURE IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS!" Why did GOD send a "strong delusion"? It may be to reveal those who did not believe the TRUTH, and those who "has pleasure in unrighteousness"?
GOD still isn't playing around today, and HE may be getting ready to gain glory over HIS enemies once again. Even some "so-called" evangelical leaders will get to experience GOD's wrath this time, for whether in supporting, or from being silent about their sinfullness, this lifestyle should have been denounced by them. As men who have a flock to under shepherd, leading them, and others, down this path is something that baffles me. Scripture says in Jude 14-15 "It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, "Behold, the LORD comes with ten thousands of HIS holy ones (Angels), to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against HIM." Being silent, and not speaking for HIM, may put me in that class, a class I refuse to be included in!
"I AM THE LORD" will not be mocked (Galatians 6:7). These actions, or inactions, will not go unpunished. Grace is an AMAZING thing, but Pharaoh found out that angering a HOLY GOD is not a comfortable place to be. "I AM THE LORD" is patient and long suffering, but even HE has HIS limits! Matthew 11:15 "He who has ears to hear, let him hear"!!!
"1 But the LORD said to Moses, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land."
2 GOD spoke to Moses and said to him, "I AM THE LORD".
3 "I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as GOD Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make MYSELF known to them.
4 I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they lived as sojourners.
5 Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel whom the Egyptians hold as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant.
6 Say therefore to the people of Israel, "I AM THE LORD", and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment.
7 I will take you to be my people, and I will be your GOD, and you shall know that "I AM THE LORD your GOD", who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
8 I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. "I AM THE LORD.'"
For me, a sense of amazement runs abundant when I hear people declare they are "Christians" and yet place profanity, lies, and debauchery on their social media for the entire world to see. When you support and encourage those who live this lifestyle, then you become complicit in their actions. Being frustrated with "this world" is one thing, but effective change can only come by WHOLEHEARTEDLY turning back to ALMIGHTY GOD!
In the book of Exodus the children of Israel had been in captivity for 400+ years! Imagine their frustration, would you??? Pharaoh had increased their workload and wasn't showing them any mercy. Didn't Pharaoh understand the Israelites were GOD's chosen people? Didn't he understand that GOD only permitted their enslavement to draw them back to HIM? Just in the passage above GOD identifies HIMSELF as "I AM THE LORD" (YAHWEH) four separate times! GOD IS HOLY (1 Peter 1:16) and HE wasn't playing around and in Exodus 14 and Pharaoh found that out! Do we want to risk playing around with honoring a HOLY GOD, or would we prefer to let GOD fight our battles for us (Exodus 14:14)??
In all honesty, I too have been rather reserved about speaking about this until I read a recent post on a friends social media site what had these scriptures: 2 Thessalonians 2:5-12 stating "Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And you know what is restraining HIM now so that HE may be revealed in HIS time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the LORD JESUS will kill with the breath of HIS mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of HIS coming. The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, BECAUSE THEY REFUSED TO LOVE THE TRUTH AND SO BE SAVED. THEREFORE GOD SENDS THEM A STRONG DELUSION, SO THAT THEY MAY BELIEVE WHAT IS FALSE, IN ORDER THAT ALL MAY BE CONDEMNED WHO DID NOT BELIEVE THE TRUTH BUT HAD PLEASURE IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS!" Why did GOD send a "strong delusion"? It may be to reveal those who did not believe the TRUTH, and those who "has pleasure in unrighteousness"?
GOD still isn't playing around today, and HE may be getting ready to gain glory over HIS enemies once again. Even some "so-called" evangelical leaders will get to experience GOD's wrath this time, for whether in supporting, or from being silent about their sinfullness, this lifestyle should have been denounced by them. As men who have a flock to under shepherd, leading them, and others, down this path is something that baffles me. Scripture says in Jude 14-15 "It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, "Behold, the LORD comes with ten thousands of HIS holy ones (Angels), to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against HIM." Being silent, and not speaking for HIM, may put me in that class, a class I refuse to be included in!
"I AM THE LORD" will not be mocked (Galatians 6:7). These actions, or inactions, will not go unpunished. Grace is an AMAZING thing, but Pharaoh found out that angering a HOLY GOD is not a comfortable place to be. "I AM THE LORD" is patient and long suffering, but even HE has HIS limits! Matthew 11:15 "He who has ears to hear, let him hear"!!!
Sunday, March 20, 2016
"THINGS!"
Colossians 3:2 (ESV)
"Set your minds on "THINGS" that are above, not on "THINGS" that are on earth."
Not long ago I wrote about this verse, but apparently I do not learn so easily? This morning the enemy has me thinking about how many "THINGS" that I need to do, "THINGS" that are all related to this world. It's funny how the "THINGS" of GOD always have to intentionally be placed in my mind, never do they jump into my mind?
Perhaps that is why the Apostle Paul instructed us to SET YOUR MINDS, not to leave it to chance, but to intentionally SET YOUR MINDS on "THINGS" that are above? The enemy is relentless about attempting to flood our minds with all kinds of paraphernalia that had little impact on the Kingdom of GOD as he doesn't want anything of GOD to prosper.
It is becoming obvious to me that I need make a concerted effort to, MANY TIMES A DAY, set my mind on Heavenly "THINGS" and not let my focus be moved! It has often been said "A mind is a terrible "THING" to waste"! Unless our MINDS are intentionally SET on "THINGS" above we allow it to be controlled by the "THINGS" that are of this world,, "THINGS" that are meaningless and trifling.
FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to "Set your minds on "THINGS" that are above, not on "THINGS" that are on earth", and to continually do that throughout my day!!!
"Set your minds on "THINGS" that are above, not on "THINGS" that are on earth."
Not long ago I wrote about this verse, but apparently I do not learn so easily? This morning the enemy has me thinking about how many "THINGS" that I need to do, "THINGS" that are all related to this world. It's funny how the "THINGS" of GOD always have to intentionally be placed in my mind, never do they jump into my mind?
Perhaps that is why the Apostle Paul instructed us to SET YOUR MINDS, not to leave it to chance, but to intentionally SET YOUR MINDS on "THINGS" that are above? The enemy is relentless about attempting to flood our minds with all kinds of paraphernalia that had little impact on the Kingdom of GOD as he doesn't want anything of GOD to prosper.
It is becoming obvious to me that I need make a concerted effort to, MANY TIMES A DAY, set my mind on Heavenly "THINGS" and not let my focus be moved! It has often been said "A mind is a terrible "THING" to waste"! Unless our MINDS are intentionally SET on "THINGS" above we allow it to be controlled by the "THINGS" that are of this world,, "THINGS" that are meaningless and trifling.
FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to "Set your minds on "THINGS" that are above, not on "THINGS" that are on earth", and to continually do that throughout my day!!!
Friday, March 18, 2016
"LISTEN TO ME!"
Psalms 34:11-14 (ESV)
"11 Come, O children, "LISTEN TO ME"; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Turn away from evil and do good; SEEK PEACE and pursue it."
Having a "quiet time" with the LORD is something that has been taught, maybe even shouted, to me since childhood. For many years though I have been consumed with "getting ahead", not only being successful, but 'leading the pack' in the ways that I thought were best for all. But Proverbs 14:12 says "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death", and I was doing what "I" may have thought to be the best thing, instead of what GOD directed.
One perspective that has been a part of my recent vocabulary is to be "connected", or conversely "disconnected". When we SLOW DOWN (and get connected to HIM) and allow GOD to speak to us, rather than seeing how quickly we can get through the day before us, HE can LEAD US in the path we should go (Psalms 32:8). When we are TOO BUSY to "LISTEN TO ME", we are disconnected and tend to take the "way that seems right" to us, usually leading to trouble!
GOD says "IF" we "LISTEN TO ME" HE will teach us the fear of the LORD. Do we make time to hear from HIM before we get started with our busy schedules? Acknowledging HIM and LISTENING TO HIM are quite different avenues. When a child hears a suggestion they MAY or may not obey. But when they "LISTEN TO ME" and understand an order and the ramifications of the order, they more than likely will obey to AVOID DISCIPLINE.
Most of us would admit if GOD appeared physically before us and gave us a directive on what HE desired for our lives, we would submit to HIS wishes, for HE is GOD! But GOD does speak to us, we just need to "LISTEN TO ME" on HIS frequency. For me, that means slowing my life down and removing all distractions so I can "LISTEN TO ME"! As I continue to move closer to HIM and HIS righteousness, I find myself SEEKING PEACE and resting in HIM. If we want to avoid many pitfalls and heartaches, we need to "LISTEN TO ME"!!!
"11 Come, O children, "LISTEN TO ME"; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Turn away from evil and do good; SEEK PEACE and pursue it."
Having a "quiet time" with the LORD is something that has been taught, maybe even shouted, to me since childhood. For many years though I have been consumed with "getting ahead", not only being successful, but 'leading the pack' in the ways that I thought were best for all. But Proverbs 14:12 says "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death", and I was doing what "I" may have thought to be the best thing, instead of what GOD directed.
One perspective that has been a part of my recent vocabulary is to be "connected", or conversely "disconnected". When we SLOW DOWN (and get connected to HIM) and allow GOD to speak to us, rather than seeing how quickly we can get through the day before us, HE can LEAD US in the path we should go (Psalms 32:8). When we are TOO BUSY to "LISTEN TO ME", we are disconnected and tend to take the "way that seems right" to us, usually leading to trouble!
GOD says "IF" we "LISTEN TO ME" HE will teach us the fear of the LORD. Do we make time to hear from HIM before we get started with our busy schedules? Acknowledging HIM and LISTENING TO HIM are quite different avenues. When a child hears a suggestion they MAY or may not obey. But when they "LISTEN TO ME" and understand an order and the ramifications of the order, they more than likely will obey to AVOID DISCIPLINE.
Most of us would admit if GOD appeared physically before us and gave us a directive on what HE desired for our lives, we would submit to HIS wishes, for HE is GOD! But GOD does speak to us, we just need to "LISTEN TO ME" on HIS frequency. For me, that means slowing my life down and removing all distractions so I can "LISTEN TO ME"! As I continue to move closer to HIM and HIS righteousness, I find myself SEEKING PEACE and resting in HIM. If we want to avoid many pitfalls and heartaches, we need to "LISTEN TO ME"!!!
Thursday, March 17, 2016
"IF YOU RETURN!"
Jeremiah 15:19-21 (ESV)
"19 Therefore thus says the LORD: "IF YOU RETURN", I will restore you, and you shall stand before ME. If you utter what is precious, and NOT WHAT IS WORTHLESS, you shall be as MY mouth. They shall turn to you, BUT YOU SHALL NOT TURN TO THEM.
20 And I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you, but THEY SHALL NOT PREVAIL OVER YOU, for I AM with you to SAVE YOU AND DELIVER YOU, declares the LORD.
21 "I WILL DELIVER YOU" out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless."
Recently I was at church and my cellular devices were trying to run off of the facilities WiFi Network. However, I was unable to make my phone and tablet work correctly and had to switch to LTE and use my data services. It is amazing how well something works when it is connected to a viable source of intelligence! Later on that morning it occurred to me that many times we try to say that GOD is leading us to do something when it is really our selfish desires that are driving our decisions. No matter how hard we try to make things work out, we run into difficulties because GOD isn't in it! We aren't connected to the REAL SIGNAL!
We MUST connect to GOD, the REAL SIGNAL, when the world is trying to interfere with false signals. Else, we risk letting the enemy take control of our direction. When we get connected to the REAL SIGNAL, HE says I WILL DELIVER YOU out of the hands of the wicked! We can continually attempt to find GOD where there isn't a signal, but like my cellphone, when we are in tune with with The Tower (Proverbs 18:10) our devices will operate flawlessly!
GOD tells us in Ezekiel 15:20 "for I AM with you to SAVE YOU AND DELIVER YOU", but HE needs us to follow HIS lead! We cannot expect GOD to be with us if we are not obeying HIS leadership. Ezekiel 15:19 begins with the words "IF YOU RETURN"? Apparently HE makes HIS promise conditional on our returning to HIM? Sure, HE will never leave us nor forsake us, but if we continually seek our own desires we are apt to be rewarded appropriately. Psalms 24:17 says "When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles". I'm not sure what the unrighteous receive when they cry out?
Connecting to a false signal can be a very frustrating and humbling thing. There is nothing more discouraging than to realize you are fighting a battle where your perceived losses outweigh your immediate gains. GOD's Word is very plain, for HE promises "IF YOU RETURN" I WILL DELIVER YOU! However, when we are connected to HIM we can rely on HIS promises!! Keep in mind, GOD doesn't say HE might think about delivering us "IF YOU RETURN" to HIM. HE says I WILL DELIVER YOU "IF YOU RETURN"!!!
"19 Therefore thus says the LORD: "IF YOU RETURN", I will restore you, and you shall stand before ME. If you utter what is precious, and NOT WHAT IS WORTHLESS, you shall be as MY mouth. They shall turn to you, BUT YOU SHALL NOT TURN TO THEM.
20 And I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you, but THEY SHALL NOT PREVAIL OVER YOU, for I AM with you to SAVE YOU AND DELIVER YOU, declares the LORD.
21 "I WILL DELIVER YOU" out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless."
Recently I was at church and my cellular devices were trying to run off of the facilities WiFi Network. However, I was unable to make my phone and tablet work correctly and had to switch to LTE and use my data services. It is amazing how well something works when it is connected to a viable source of intelligence! Later on that morning it occurred to me that many times we try to say that GOD is leading us to do something when it is really our selfish desires that are driving our decisions. No matter how hard we try to make things work out, we run into difficulties because GOD isn't in it! We aren't connected to the REAL SIGNAL!
We MUST connect to GOD, the REAL SIGNAL, when the world is trying to interfere with false signals. Else, we risk letting the enemy take control of our direction. When we get connected to the REAL SIGNAL, HE says I WILL DELIVER YOU out of the hands of the wicked! We can continually attempt to find GOD where there isn't a signal, but like my cellphone, when we are in tune with with The Tower (Proverbs 18:10) our devices will operate flawlessly!
GOD tells us in Ezekiel 15:20 "for I AM with you to SAVE YOU AND DELIVER YOU", but HE needs us to follow HIS lead! We cannot expect GOD to be with us if we are not obeying HIS leadership. Ezekiel 15:19 begins with the words "IF YOU RETURN"? Apparently HE makes HIS promise conditional on our returning to HIM? Sure, HE will never leave us nor forsake us, but if we continually seek our own desires we are apt to be rewarded appropriately. Psalms 24:17 says "When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles". I'm not sure what the unrighteous receive when they cry out?
Connecting to a false signal can be a very frustrating and humbling thing. There is nothing more discouraging than to realize you are fighting a battle where your perceived losses outweigh your immediate gains. GOD's Word is very plain, for HE promises "IF YOU RETURN" I WILL DELIVER YOU! However, when we are connected to HIM we can rely on HIS promises!! Keep in mind, GOD doesn't say HE might think about delivering us "IF YOU RETURN" to HIM. HE says I WILL DELIVER YOU "IF YOU RETURN"!!!
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
"YOUR WAYS MY WAYS!"
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV)
"8 For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are "YOUR WAYS MY WAYS", declares the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways and MY thoughts than your thoughts."
Is there any doubt that we desire what we BELIEVE is best for us? But do we actually KNOW what it is that is best for us? (Jeremiah 17:9; Isaiah 59; Genesis 6:5....) We don't hesitate to do IN OUR EYES whatever is necessary to protect ourselves and our loved ones from harmful situations, and rightfully so. But when you see your brother heading down a road that you can see leads to a bad ending why is it that we allow the catastrophe to unfold right before our eyes? 2 Corinthians 4:4 says "In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of CHRIST, WHO is the image of GOD." Unless GOD reveals it to them they will never see!
I have a friend who lives in another state who offers a 7-step plan guaranteed for success! It begins with Pray, Pray, Pray, Pray, Pray, Pray, and finally Pray!! If GOD is in control (and HE is), and HE loves us enough to send HIS SON to redeem our souls, don't you think HE is still able to intervene and guide our lives in a way to bring HIM glory?? Keeping our eyes fixed on HIM (Hebrews 12:2) is the only sure way we can know we are heading in the right direction.
The children of Israel didn't keep their eyes on GOD while wandering in the wilderness. After HE sent the plagues on the Egyptians while they were in captivity, HE had given them passage across the Red Sea while at the same time drowning their enemies, after HE provided them with manna and quail to eat AND water to drink, and crumbled the walls of Jericho without any physical help from humans, they STILL wanted more proof that HE was GOD??? Do I do the same thing? GOD has delivered me through countless difficulties and yet I still have trouble following HIS guidance and direction!
We all have a similar trait to the Israelites in that we want to see what WE THINK should be GOD's will performed in our lives. Why can't we just let GOD be GOD and trust that HE is in control of everything? Scripture states that neither are "YOUR WAYS MY WAYS" declares the LORD, so we should just trust HIM to direct our journey. HIS Ways is much more preferable to my ways, for HE knows my future, and HE is the Creator, and HE is YAHWEH, and has a Plan for my life!
HEAVENLY FATHER, cause me to TRUST in YOU and to understand that neither are "YOUR WAYS MY WAYS" and YOU have control of my everything!
"8 For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are "YOUR WAYS MY WAYS", declares the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways and MY thoughts than your thoughts."
Is there any doubt that we desire what we BELIEVE is best for us? But do we actually KNOW what it is that is best for us? (Jeremiah 17:9; Isaiah 59; Genesis 6:5....) We don't hesitate to do IN OUR EYES whatever is necessary to protect ourselves and our loved ones from harmful situations, and rightfully so. But when you see your brother heading down a road that you can see leads to a bad ending why is it that we allow the catastrophe to unfold right before our eyes? 2 Corinthians 4:4 says "In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of CHRIST, WHO is the image of GOD." Unless GOD reveals it to them they will never see!
I have a friend who lives in another state who offers a 7-step plan guaranteed for success! It begins with Pray, Pray, Pray, Pray, Pray, Pray, and finally Pray!! If GOD is in control (and HE is), and HE loves us enough to send HIS SON to redeem our souls, don't you think HE is still able to intervene and guide our lives in a way to bring HIM glory?? Keeping our eyes fixed on HIM (Hebrews 12:2) is the only sure way we can know we are heading in the right direction.
The children of Israel didn't keep their eyes on GOD while wandering in the wilderness. After HE sent the plagues on the Egyptians while they were in captivity, HE had given them passage across the Red Sea while at the same time drowning their enemies, after HE provided them with manna and quail to eat AND water to drink, and crumbled the walls of Jericho without any physical help from humans, they STILL wanted more proof that HE was GOD??? Do I do the same thing? GOD has delivered me through countless difficulties and yet I still have trouble following HIS guidance and direction!
We all have a similar trait to the Israelites in that we want to see what WE THINK should be GOD's will performed in our lives. Why can't we just let GOD be GOD and trust that HE is in control of everything? Scripture states that neither are "YOUR WAYS MY WAYS" declares the LORD, so we should just trust HIM to direct our journey. HIS Ways is much more preferable to my ways, for HE knows my future, and HE is the Creator, and HE is YAHWEH, and has a Plan for my life!
HEAVENLY FATHER, cause me to TRUST in YOU and to understand that neither are "YOUR WAYS MY WAYS" and YOU have control of my everything!
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
"TURN FROM DARKNESS!"
Acts 26:12-18 (ESV)
"12 "In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests.
13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me.
14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting ME? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'
15 And I said, 'Who are you, LORD?' And the LORD said, 'I am JESUS whom you are persecuting.
16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen ME and to those in which I will appear to you,
17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles-to whom I am sending you
18 to open their eyes, so that they may "TURN FROM DARKNESS" to light and from the power of satan to GOD, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in ME.'
In 2008 all we heard from "this world" was "hope and change"! Eight years later all we hear is "Make America great again"! The political parties used make no difference as the enemy uses deceit to his advantage in ruling "this world"! Most don't even "see" the spiritual warfare going on around us. They just assume that evil people are making bad choices??
Today, as it has been for the last eight years with the name "Obama", my email is now flooded with the name "Trump"! It seems the god of "this world" always keeps an attractive alternative to worshipping GOD? Why do we fail to recognize that PEOPLE ARE CONTROLLED BY THEIR SPIRITS when we are in the process of electing them? However, if someone is controlled by the Holy Spirit they are considered too Holy to be a candidate for President? Where have we become so blind to the TRUTH?
Until America realizes that returning to GOD is our only hope we will continue to be deceived by any scheme the devil chooses to use. These two men aren't as evil as some would think, they just haven't had their "eyes" opened to see the TRUTH, and the people who vote for them haven't had their eyes opened either. There are even Believers who haven't had their eyes opened to see the spiritual warfare transpiring right before us. But when a leader is elected that doesn't reflect GODLY values most are left groaning! Proverbs 29:2 says "When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan"!
JESUS told the Apostle Paul that HE was sending him to the Gentiles to and tell them to "TURN FROM DARKNESS" to light and from the power of satan to GOD, that they may receive forgiveness of sins. Until people begin to understand that this battle is spiritual and not political we will continue to be lost in DARKNESS!!
"12 "In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests.
13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me.
14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting ME? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'
15 And I said, 'Who are you, LORD?' And the LORD said, 'I am JESUS whom you are persecuting.
16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen ME and to those in which I will appear to you,
17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles-to whom I am sending you
18 to open their eyes, so that they may "TURN FROM DARKNESS" to light and from the power of satan to GOD, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in ME.'
In 2008 all we heard from "this world" was "hope and change"! Eight years later all we hear is "Make America great again"! The political parties used make no difference as the enemy uses deceit to his advantage in ruling "this world"! Most don't even "see" the spiritual warfare going on around us. They just assume that evil people are making bad choices??
Today, as it has been for the last eight years with the name "Obama", my email is now flooded with the name "Trump"! It seems the god of "this world" always keeps an attractive alternative to worshipping GOD? Why do we fail to recognize that PEOPLE ARE CONTROLLED BY THEIR SPIRITS when we are in the process of electing them? However, if someone is controlled by the Holy Spirit they are considered too Holy to be a candidate for President? Where have we become so blind to the TRUTH?
Until America realizes that returning to GOD is our only hope we will continue to be deceived by any scheme the devil chooses to use. These two men aren't as evil as some would think, they just haven't had their "eyes" opened to see the TRUTH, and the people who vote for them haven't had their eyes opened either. There are even Believers who haven't had their eyes opened to see the spiritual warfare transpiring right before us. But when a leader is elected that doesn't reflect GODLY values most are left groaning! Proverbs 29:2 says "When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan"!
JESUS told the Apostle Paul that HE was sending him to the Gentiles to and tell them to "TURN FROM DARKNESS" to light and from the power of satan to GOD, that they may receive forgiveness of sins. Until people begin to understand that this battle is spiritual and not political we will continue to be lost in DARKNESS!!
Monday, March 14, 2016
"PEACEMAKERS!"
Matthew 5:9
"Blessed are the "PEACEMAKERS", for they shall be called sons of GOD."
Recently my pastor, who is leading our fellowship in a study of the Beatitudes, used this verse for an entire Sunday evening devotional. To be considered a "PEACEMAKER" one must experience inner PEACE. On January 08, 1978 I surrendered my life to the LORD. Until that evening my spirit was in constant turmoil, which is the antithesis of PEACE!
Psalms 85:10 states "Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PEACE KISS EACH OTHER"! The enemy loves to promote strife and turmoil as JESUS IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE (Isaiah 9:6)! We must recognize that strife and turmoil come from the devil and he is all about anything but PEACE! When you have PEACE, RIGHTEOUSNESS usually follows it very closely. Conversely, where there is no RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE is usually absent!
Ephesians 2:14-16 says "For HE HIMSELF (JESUS) is our PEACE, who has made us both one and has broken down in HIS flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that HE might create in HIMSELF ONE NEW MAN in place of the two, so making PEACE, and might reconcile us both to GOD in one body through the cross, thereby KILLING THE HOSTILITY."
PEACE is a Supernatural thing, and until we realize that only JESUS can bring PEACE, then turmoil and strife will continue to thrive! Anyone who advocates violence is more than likely against PEACE, and being against JESUS is a dangerous place to be! Sure, there is a time for war and hate (Ecclesiastes 3:8), but that is usually when fighting the ruler of turmoil and strife! However, being against a Believer who has the Spirit of JESUS living inside of them is once again being against JESUS!
How many times do I think I have to do something to combat evil and wrong in "this world"? Exodus 14:14 says "The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." GOD wants to fight for us but we need to let HIM do the fighting! HE "requires" of us to "only to be silent" AND trust in HIM for deliverance. Prayer, faith, and fasting will produce more results than any army.
It has been said quite often "Can't we all just get along"? Galatians 5:17 has a blunt response to this question as it says "For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do". Sometimes you have to CHOOSE to be a "PEACEMAKER", even if it means disassociating yourself from people who are of the flesh. Just because someone of the Spirit stands for being a "PEACEMAKER" doesn't mean they agree with the fleshly opponents, it simply means they elect "PEACE" over turmoil and strife!!
"Blessed are the "PEACEMAKERS", for they shall be called sons of GOD."
Recently my pastor, who is leading our fellowship in a study of the Beatitudes, used this verse for an entire Sunday evening devotional. To be considered a "PEACEMAKER" one must experience inner PEACE. On January 08, 1978 I surrendered my life to the LORD. Until that evening my spirit was in constant turmoil, which is the antithesis of PEACE!
Psalms 85:10 states "Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PEACE KISS EACH OTHER"! The enemy loves to promote strife and turmoil as JESUS IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE (Isaiah 9:6)! We must recognize that strife and turmoil come from the devil and he is all about anything but PEACE! When you have PEACE, RIGHTEOUSNESS usually follows it very closely. Conversely, where there is no RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE is usually absent!
Ephesians 2:14-16 says "For HE HIMSELF (JESUS) is our PEACE, who has made us both one and has broken down in HIS flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that HE might create in HIMSELF ONE NEW MAN in place of the two, so making PEACE, and might reconcile us both to GOD in one body through the cross, thereby KILLING THE HOSTILITY."
PEACE is a Supernatural thing, and until we realize that only JESUS can bring PEACE, then turmoil and strife will continue to thrive! Anyone who advocates violence is more than likely against PEACE, and being against JESUS is a dangerous place to be! Sure, there is a time for war and hate (Ecclesiastes 3:8), but that is usually when fighting the ruler of turmoil and strife! However, being against a Believer who has the Spirit of JESUS living inside of them is once again being against JESUS!
How many times do I think I have to do something to combat evil and wrong in "this world"? Exodus 14:14 says "The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." GOD wants to fight for us but we need to let HIM do the fighting! HE "requires" of us to "only to be silent" AND trust in HIM for deliverance. Prayer, faith, and fasting will produce more results than any army.
It has been said quite often "Can't we all just get along"? Galatians 5:17 has a blunt response to this question as it says "For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do". Sometimes you have to CHOOSE to be a "PEACEMAKER", even if it means disassociating yourself from people who are of the flesh. Just because someone of the Spirit stands for being a "PEACEMAKER" doesn't mean they agree with the fleshly opponents, it simply means they elect "PEACE" over turmoil and strife!!
Friday, March 11, 2016
"CHOOSE!"
Joshua 24:15-22 (ESV)
"15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, "CHOOSE" this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
16 Then the people answered, "Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods,
17 for it is the LORD our GOD who brought us and our fathers up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight and preserved us in all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed.
18 And the LORD drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for HE is our GOD."
19 But Joshua said to the people, "You are not able to serve the LORD, for HE is a holy GOD. HE is a jealous GOD; HE will not forgive your transgressions or your sins.
20 If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then HE will turn and do you harm and consume you, after having done you good."
21 And the people said to Joshua, "No, but WE WILL SERVE THE LORD."
22 Then Joshua said to the people, "YOU ARE WITNESSES against yourselves that YOU HAVE CHOSEN THE LORD, TO SERVE HIM." And they said, "We are witnesses."
Every now and again we have to be reminded who we are, AND WHO GOD IS! Remembering September 11, 2001 it seemed the entire world came to an abrupt halt by mid-day and didn't start back for a few days. Seeing our elected political leaders gather on the steps of the United States Capital was a humbling, eye opening experience. It seemed we realized, if only for a few days, that we could do nothing outside of GOD's grace!
The children of Israel had to be reminded as well. In response to Joshua informing them that GOD would not forgive them if they forsook HIM to serve other gods they said "No, but WE WILL SERVE THE LORD!" The memory of crossing the Red Sea and defeating all who stood in their way of receiving GOD's Promise was fresh on their minds. Surely they thought they and their descendants would NEVER forget how HIS mighty hand had delivered them???
If you will, replace the children of Israel with the United States of America. It seems within a couple of weeks of 9-11 the entire nation had returned to worshipping the Almighty Dollar and now hardly ever do we acknowledge that GOD even exists, let alone is a victorious KING seated on HIS throne. In reading scripture, one is astounded that the Israelites so quickly forgot WHO was responsible for their Exodus and journey to the Promised Land? But America is just as bad, or worse, than the Israelites ever thought about being! "For HE is our GOD" should forever be our motto, but alas we are almost forbidden speak of GOD outside of church these days!
Joshua 24:19-20 says in part "You are not able to serve the LORD, for HE is a holy GOD. HE is a jealous GOD; HE will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then HE will turn and do you harm and consume you, after having done you good."
I'm afraid America hasn't learned to well from history as we have rejected GOD for our own ideas and leadership! Until America returns to putting GOD on HIS rightful throne we will continue to spiral down the drain of pride and arrogance! We can "CHOOSE" to serve GOD, or we can "CHOOSE" to continue down the path we are on. GOD allows us to "CHOOSE", the question is, what will our CHOICE be???
"15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, "CHOOSE" this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
16 Then the people answered, "Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods,
17 for it is the LORD our GOD who brought us and our fathers up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight and preserved us in all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed.
18 And the LORD drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for HE is our GOD."
19 But Joshua said to the people, "You are not able to serve the LORD, for HE is a holy GOD. HE is a jealous GOD; HE will not forgive your transgressions or your sins.
20 If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then HE will turn and do you harm and consume you, after having done you good."
21 And the people said to Joshua, "No, but WE WILL SERVE THE LORD."
22 Then Joshua said to the people, "YOU ARE WITNESSES against yourselves that YOU HAVE CHOSEN THE LORD, TO SERVE HIM." And they said, "We are witnesses."
Every now and again we have to be reminded who we are, AND WHO GOD IS! Remembering September 11, 2001 it seemed the entire world came to an abrupt halt by mid-day and didn't start back for a few days. Seeing our elected political leaders gather on the steps of the United States Capital was a humbling, eye opening experience. It seemed we realized, if only for a few days, that we could do nothing outside of GOD's grace!
The children of Israel had to be reminded as well. In response to Joshua informing them that GOD would not forgive them if they forsook HIM to serve other gods they said "No, but WE WILL SERVE THE LORD!" The memory of crossing the Red Sea and defeating all who stood in their way of receiving GOD's Promise was fresh on their minds. Surely they thought they and their descendants would NEVER forget how HIS mighty hand had delivered them???
If you will, replace the children of Israel with the United States of America. It seems within a couple of weeks of 9-11 the entire nation had returned to worshipping the Almighty Dollar and now hardly ever do we acknowledge that GOD even exists, let alone is a victorious KING seated on HIS throne. In reading scripture, one is astounded that the Israelites so quickly forgot WHO was responsible for their Exodus and journey to the Promised Land? But America is just as bad, or worse, than the Israelites ever thought about being! "For HE is our GOD" should forever be our motto, but alas we are almost forbidden speak of GOD outside of church these days!
Joshua 24:19-20 says in part "You are not able to serve the LORD, for HE is a holy GOD. HE is a jealous GOD; HE will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then HE will turn and do you harm and consume you, after having done you good."
I'm afraid America hasn't learned to well from history as we have rejected GOD for our own ideas and leadership! Until America returns to putting GOD on HIS rightful throne we will continue to spiral down the drain of pride and arrogance! We can "CHOOSE" to serve GOD, or we can "CHOOSE" to continue down the path we are on. GOD allows us to "CHOOSE", the question is, what will our CHOICE be???
Thursday, March 10, 2016
"HIS INVISIBLE ATTRIBUTES!"
Romans 1:18-23 (ESV)
"18 For the wrath of GOD is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
19 For what can be known about GOD is plain to them, because GOD has shown it to them.
20 For "HIS INVISIBLE ATTRIBUTES", namely, HIS eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
21 For although they knew GOD, they did not honor HIM as GOD or give thanks to HIM, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools,
23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal GOD for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things."
I'm sure there have been individuals who have existed who CLAIM to have never heard from GOD. Their lives may have been lived in such a frenzy that they never consider the weightier things of life. The enemy (the great deceiver) attempts to keep things moving at a pace where IT SEEMS we never have time for the things of GOD, but we always have time for our favorite football game, or concert, or anything else where satan isn't offering resistance?
The things of GOD are INVISIBLE (v. 20; Colossians 1:15) so it can be quite easy to look past them. A few years ago my wife and I were blessed to visit the Grand Canyon. We spent the better part of the day looking at a huge whole in the ground! But when you consider that many years ago our CREATOR spoke and everything that was CREATED was! The Grand Canyon, with all of its grandeur and awesomeness, was developed by GOD, like a painting by an artist. When I began to look at the Grand Canyon as GOD's Masterpiece, I began to have a new appreciation for it. When HE "reveals" HIMSELF, or HIS handiwork to us, it is never forgotten!
When we slow down from the rat-race mentality that "this world" attempts to have us operate in, the things of GOD will become PLAIN to us (v. 19), for GOD has shown them to us. When we remain in the feverish pace of "successful people" we claim to be wise, but become fools! GOD has no fellowship with the things of "this world" (1 John 2:15; James 4:4) and I DON'T WANT TO BE OUT OF FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD!
Sure, there are those who choose to live in the speed obsessed world. But the things of GOD are REVEALED to those who "search after HIM with all your heart and with all your soul" (Deuteronomy 4:29)! Don't get caught up with the "need for speed" mindset that "this world" tries to sell us. Slow down and see "HIS INVISIBLE ATTRIBUTES" and HE will bless you for it!!
"18 For the wrath of GOD is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
19 For what can be known about GOD is plain to them, because GOD has shown it to them.
20 For "HIS INVISIBLE ATTRIBUTES", namely, HIS eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
21 For although they knew GOD, they did not honor HIM as GOD or give thanks to HIM, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools,
23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal GOD for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things."
I'm sure there have been individuals who have existed who CLAIM to have never heard from GOD. Their lives may have been lived in such a frenzy that they never consider the weightier things of life. The enemy (the great deceiver) attempts to keep things moving at a pace where IT SEEMS we never have time for the things of GOD, but we always have time for our favorite football game, or concert, or anything else where satan isn't offering resistance?
The things of GOD are INVISIBLE (v. 20; Colossians 1:15) so it can be quite easy to look past them. A few years ago my wife and I were blessed to visit the Grand Canyon. We spent the better part of the day looking at a huge whole in the ground! But when you consider that many years ago our CREATOR spoke and everything that was CREATED was! The Grand Canyon, with all of its grandeur and awesomeness, was developed by GOD, like a painting by an artist. When I began to look at the Grand Canyon as GOD's Masterpiece, I began to have a new appreciation for it. When HE "reveals" HIMSELF, or HIS handiwork to us, it is never forgotten!
When we slow down from the rat-race mentality that "this world" attempts to have us operate in, the things of GOD will become PLAIN to us (v. 19), for GOD has shown them to us. When we remain in the feverish pace of "successful people" we claim to be wise, but become fools! GOD has no fellowship with the things of "this world" (1 John 2:15; James 4:4) and I DON'T WANT TO BE OUT OF FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD!
Sure, there are those who choose to live in the speed obsessed world. But the things of GOD are REVEALED to those who "search after HIM with all your heart and with all your soul" (Deuteronomy 4:29)! Don't get caught up with the "need for speed" mindset that "this world" tries to sell us. Slow down and see "HIS INVISIBLE ATTRIBUTES" and HE will bless you for it!!
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
"THE EARTH IS THE LORD's!"
Psalms 24:1-2 (ESV)
"1 THE EARTH IS THE LORD's" and the fullness thereof, the world AND those who dwell therein,
2 for HE has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers."
It isn't too difficult to remember growing up and someone taking THEIR ball and going home! Most of the time that person would be disgruntled about something and the relationship would be strained for a few days, then things would get back to normal. Occasionally, the relationship was permanently affected and they never came back to play with us any more. When that happened, the hurt must have been deep and lasting!
When we slow down enough to truly grasp that "THE EARTH IS THE LORD's" and we are just entrusted with occupying it for a few years, we really have no ownership of anything. King David, the writer of this Psalm, wrote "the world AND those who dwell therein" belong to the LORD. Since WE belong to the LORD, why shouldn't we defer to HIS leadership in all we do? We are HIS, and this world we visit for an amazingly short period of time, it ALL belongs to HIM. All of "our assets", in reality, are HIS as you will not see many armored trucks at a funeral!
There are those who only live on the earth for a short time span. But if we all are HIS then HE should have the privilege to leave us here as short of time, or long of a time, as HE sees fit! In reality, we don't have the right to "do what we want to " as our selfish wants were crucified with JESUS on Calvary (Galatians 5:24)!
Understanding that "THE EARTH IS THE LORD's" and ALL that is within it isn't something that is easy to come to grips with! But our days are numbered (Job 14:5) and we don't know how many we have. When our time on earth, according to GOD's Plan, are completed, HE will call us HOME! Our relationship with HIM will be ALL that matters on that day, as "THE EARTH IS THE LORD's" and ALL that dwell therein!!!
"1 THE EARTH IS THE LORD's" and the fullness thereof, the world AND those who dwell therein,
2 for HE has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers."
It isn't too difficult to remember growing up and someone taking THEIR ball and going home! Most of the time that person would be disgruntled about something and the relationship would be strained for a few days, then things would get back to normal. Occasionally, the relationship was permanently affected and they never came back to play with us any more. When that happened, the hurt must have been deep and lasting!
When we slow down enough to truly grasp that "THE EARTH IS THE LORD's" and we are just entrusted with occupying it for a few years, we really have no ownership of anything. King David, the writer of this Psalm, wrote "the world AND those who dwell therein" belong to the LORD. Since WE belong to the LORD, why shouldn't we defer to HIS leadership in all we do? We are HIS, and this world we visit for an amazingly short period of time, it ALL belongs to HIM. All of "our assets", in reality, are HIS as you will not see many armored trucks at a funeral!
There are those who only live on the earth for a short time span. But if we all are HIS then HE should have the privilege to leave us here as short of time, or long of a time, as HE sees fit! In reality, we don't have the right to "do what we want to " as our selfish wants were crucified with JESUS on Calvary (Galatians 5:24)!
Understanding that "THE EARTH IS THE LORD's" and ALL that is within it isn't something that is easy to come to grips with! But our days are numbered (Job 14:5) and we don't know how many we have. When our time on earth, according to GOD's Plan, are completed, HE will call us HOME! Our relationship with HIM will be ALL that matters on that day, as "THE EARTH IS THE LORD's" and ALL that dwell therein!!!
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
"WE ARE WELL ABLE!"
Numbers 13:25-30 (ESV)
"25 At the end of forty days they returned from spying out the land.
26 And they came to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the people of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh. They brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land.
27 And they told him, "We came to the land to which you sent us. It flows with milk and honey, AND THIS ITS FRUIT.
28 However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. And besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there.
29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the Negeb. The Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the hill country. And the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and along the Jordan."
30 But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, "Let us go up at once and occupy it, for "WE ARE WELL ABLE" to overcome it."
The Israelites had been on a journey where GOD had displayed HIS Sovereignty and might in tremendous ways on numerous occasions. Still many had "fear and doubt" about going forward as WE have a desire to be in CONTROL! We want to avoid difficulties and problem areas because we want the easiest, simplest possible journey for our lives. But from time to time GOD leads us "through the valley of the shadow of death" so HE can prove to us that HE is there for us!
Most of the Israelites didn't "see" how they could beat the "giants" (Numbers 13:32-33) who occupied the Promised Land as they "appeared" so much bigger than the children of Israel. Although GOD had delivered them from Pharaoh at e Red Sea, had prevailed for them at Jericho, and numerous other instances had led them in the path they should go, still some thought they were the ones making decisions for their own benefit?!?!
But Caleb, who saw the same people that the others saw, was able to "see" with FAITH and he said "WE ARE WELL ABLE" to win this battle, for "we" included having GOD on their side! When we get our eyes off of GOD's Promise and onto the obstacles that challenge our blessings, our FAITH in GOD gets tested and reveals how Spiritually mature we are, or aren't! GOD had PROMISED blessings beyond the beliefs of most of the "spies", yet the "fear and doubt" of some of the spies prevented most of the children of Israel from seeing the Promised Land. The Promised Land never materialized for most of the children of Israel because of their lack of FAITH that GOD would deliver them!
Perhaps GOD has promised you a blessing only you know about. There may be seemingly great barriers between you and your blessing. Don't let "fear and doubt" about any obstacles keep you from seeing your Promised Land! Hebrews 11:6 says "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." Like Caleb, keep your eyes on GOD's blessings and not the obstacles and you too will understand "WE ARE WELL ABLE!"
"25 At the end of forty days they returned from spying out the land.
26 And they came to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the people of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh. They brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land.
27 And they told him, "We came to the land to which you sent us. It flows with milk and honey, AND THIS ITS FRUIT.
28 However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. And besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there.
29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the Negeb. The Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the hill country. And the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and along the Jordan."
30 But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, "Let us go up at once and occupy it, for "WE ARE WELL ABLE" to overcome it."
The Israelites had been on a journey where GOD had displayed HIS Sovereignty and might in tremendous ways on numerous occasions. Still many had "fear and doubt" about going forward as WE have a desire to be in CONTROL! We want to avoid difficulties and problem areas because we want the easiest, simplest possible journey for our lives. But from time to time GOD leads us "through the valley of the shadow of death" so HE can prove to us that HE is there for us!
Most of the Israelites didn't "see" how they could beat the "giants" (Numbers 13:32-33) who occupied the Promised Land as they "appeared" so much bigger than the children of Israel. Although GOD had delivered them from Pharaoh at e Red Sea, had prevailed for them at Jericho, and numerous other instances had led them in the path they should go, still some thought they were the ones making decisions for their own benefit?!?!
But Caleb, who saw the same people that the others saw, was able to "see" with FAITH and he said "WE ARE WELL ABLE" to win this battle, for "we" included having GOD on their side! When we get our eyes off of GOD's Promise and onto the obstacles that challenge our blessings, our FAITH in GOD gets tested and reveals how Spiritually mature we are, or aren't! GOD had PROMISED blessings beyond the beliefs of most of the "spies", yet the "fear and doubt" of some of the spies prevented most of the children of Israel from seeing the Promised Land. The Promised Land never materialized for most of the children of Israel because of their lack of FAITH that GOD would deliver them!
Perhaps GOD has promised you a blessing only you know about. There may be seemingly great barriers between you and your blessing. Don't let "fear and doubt" about any obstacles keep you from seeing your Promised Land! Hebrews 11:6 says "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." Like Caleb, keep your eyes on GOD's blessings and not the obstacles and you too will understand "WE ARE WELL ABLE!"
Monday, March 7, 2016
"NOT OBEYED MY VOICE!"
Numbers 14:20-23 (ESV)
"20 Then the LORD said, "I have pardoned, according to your word.
21 But truly, as I live, and as all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD,
22 none of the men who have seen MY glory and MY signs that I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and yet have put ME to the test these ten times and have "NOT OBEYED MY VOICE",
23 shall see the land that I swore to give to their fathers. And none of those who despised ME shall see it."
Most humans subscribe to the idea there is a GOD. To accept that there is a higher power is not only smart thing to do, but WISE also. The children of Israel had seen "countless" miracles from ALMIGHTY GOD, and yet STILL had difficulty accepting GOD as the Creator and Sustainer of life. But are we any better at believing and trusting?
JESUS says in Matthew 19:26 and Mark 10:27 that "with GOD ALL THINGS are possible"! Of course, we have scripture to rely upon while the Israelites only had the Spirit of GOD (which is invisible), but unless our EYES have been opened Divinely opened by GOD we cannot SEE the TRUTH! If ALL THINGS are possible then why do we have fear and doubt? Although the enemy is a defeated foe, he wants to cause as many people as he can to be sentenced to hell with him!
But GOD is merciful and long-suffering. HE may have many blessings awaiting us, but unless we actually believe that HE is and that HE exists and we may miss those blessings? Hebrews 11:6 says "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." GOD is not a healer, or banker, or anything else we think we need ON DEMAND! But HE does give life, and HE does give it more abundantly (John 10:10).
Not JUST because of their disobedience of the Israelites, but mainly because of their lack of FAITH that GOD was GOD, and HE could not be defeated by giants, no matter how many, GOD said that they could not enter the land HE promised to give them. Instead, HE waited until all but a few of them died (possibly premature deaths) and THEN HE directed the nation of Israel into The Promised Land!
I'm not sure how those who aren't really sure GOD exists can hear HIM say "Well done, thy good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23) when they have "NOT OBEYED MY VOICE " ever before? The tests and trials we experience in "this world" are here to draw us closer to HIM. When our journey through life is complete and we stand before our CREATOR, my prayer is we will not hear you have "NOT OBEYED MY VOICE"!
"20 Then the LORD said, "I have pardoned, according to your word.
21 But truly, as I live, and as all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD,
22 none of the men who have seen MY glory and MY signs that I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and yet have put ME to the test these ten times and have "NOT OBEYED MY VOICE",
23 shall see the land that I swore to give to their fathers. And none of those who despised ME shall see it."
Most humans subscribe to the idea there is a GOD. To accept that there is a higher power is not only smart thing to do, but WISE also. The children of Israel had seen "countless" miracles from ALMIGHTY GOD, and yet STILL had difficulty accepting GOD as the Creator and Sustainer of life. But are we any better at believing and trusting?
JESUS says in Matthew 19:26 and Mark 10:27 that "with GOD ALL THINGS are possible"! Of course, we have scripture to rely upon while the Israelites only had the Spirit of GOD (which is invisible), but unless our EYES have been opened Divinely opened by GOD we cannot SEE the TRUTH! If ALL THINGS are possible then why do we have fear and doubt? Although the enemy is a defeated foe, he wants to cause as many people as he can to be sentenced to hell with him!
But GOD is merciful and long-suffering. HE may have many blessings awaiting us, but unless we actually believe that HE is and that HE exists and we may miss those blessings? Hebrews 11:6 says "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." GOD is not a healer, or banker, or anything else we think we need ON DEMAND! But HE does give life, and HE does give it more abundantly (John 10:10).
Not JUST because of their disobedience of the Israelites, but mainly because of their lack of FAITH that GOD was GOD, and HE could not be defeated by giants, no matter how many, GOD said that they could not enter the land HE promised to give them. Instead, HE waited until all but a few of them died (possibly premature deaths) and THEN HE directed the nation of Israel into The Promised Land!
I'm not sure how those who aren't really sure GOD exists can hear HIM say "Well done, thy good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23) when they have "NOT OBEYED MY VOICE " ever before? The tests and trials we experience in "this world" are here to draw us closer to HIM. When our journey through life is complete and we stand before our CREATOR, my prayer is we will not hear you have "NOT OBEYED MY VOICE"!
Saturday, March 5, 2016
"MEN WHO FEAR GOD!"
Exodus 18:21 (ESV)
"Moreover, look for able men from all the people, "MEN WHO FEAR GOD", who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens."
Whatever you think about him, Barack Hussein Obama states to CBS in June 2007 “Whatever we once were, we are no longer a Christian nation — at least, not just. We are also a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation, a Buddhist nation, and a Hindu nation, and a nation of nonbelievers.” Obama was elected President of the United States on January 20, 2009. America should have known, HAD THEY PROPERLY VETTED Barack Hussein Obama, what his beliefs were all about.
The first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States was John Jay. Below is what one author wrote about John Jay:
John Jay, one of the framers of the Constitution, was appointed by George Washington in 1789 to be the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (and later served two terms as governor of New York).
He wrote, in a private letter (1816) to Pennsylvania House of Representatives member John Murray:
It certainly is very desirable that a pacific disposition should prevail among all nations. The most effectual way of producing it is by extending the prevalence and influence of the gospel. Real Christians will abstain from violating the rights of others, and therefore will not provoke war.
Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.
Whether the United States of America has transformed itself over two and a half centuries from a Christian nation can be debated, but there seems to be little doubt in my mind what the First Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and framer of the Constitution, thought about Christian beliefs and leaders!
Properly vetting the men who would lead our nation is not only suggested by scripture, it is required by scripture! GOD will answer IF WE LISTEN FOR GUIDANCE (Isaiah 65:24)! But James 1:22 says "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves". We can't just pray then do what we want. We must DO WHAT THE SPIRIT OF GOD is telling us!
Seeking GODLY LEADERS, "MEN WHO FEAR GOD", demands more than hearing something we like when they speak, or who is the best looking, or has the largest banking portfolio! GOD selected a shepherd boy to be one of the most revered Kings of Israel. HE selected a stuttering sheep herder to lead HIS children out of captivity. HE may have a leader for America chosen already, but are we looking for "MEN WHO FEAR GOD"???
"Moreover, look for able men from all the people, "MEN WHO FEAR GOD", who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens."
Whatever you think about him, Barack Hussein Obama states to CBS in June 2007 “Whatever we once were, we are no longer a Christian nation — at least, not just. We are also a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation, a Buddhist nation, and a Hindu nation, and a nation of nonbelievers.” Obama was elected President of the United States on January 20, 2009. America should have known, HAD THEY PROPERLY VETTED Barack Hussein Obama, what his beliefs were all about.
The first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States was John Jay. Below is what one author wrote about John Jay:
John Jay, one of the framers of the Constitution, was appointed by George Washington in 1789 to be the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (and later served two terms as governor of New York).
He wrote, in a private letter (1816) to Pennsylvania House of Representatives member John Murray:
It certainly is very desirable that a pacific disposition should prevail among all nations. The most effectual way of producing it is by extending the prevalence and influence of the gospel. Real Christians will abstain from violating the rights of others, and therefore will not provoke war.
Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.
Whether the United States of America has transformed itself over two and a half centuries from a Christian nation can be debated, but there seems to be little doubt in my mind what the First Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and framer of the Constitution, thought about Christian beliefs and leaders!
Properly vetting the men who would lead our nation is not only suggested by scripture, it is required by scripture! GOD will answer IF WE LISTEN FOR GUIDANCE (Isaiah 65:24)! But James 1:22 says "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves". We can't just pray then do what we want. We must DO WHAT THE SPIRIT OF GOD is telling us!
Seeking GODLY LEADERS, "MEN WHO FEAR GOD", demands more than hearing something we like when they speak, or who is the best looking, or has the largest banking portfolio! GOD selected a shepherd boy to be one of the most revered Kings of Israel. HE selected a stuttering sheep herder to lead HIS children out of captivity. HE may have a leader for America chosen already, but are we looking for "MEN WHO FEAR GOD"???
Friday, March 4, 2016
"I AM THE LORD!"
Exodus 6:1-7 (ESV)
"1 But the LORD said to Moses, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land."
2 GOD spoke to Moses and said to him, "I AM THE LORD".
3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as GOD ALMIGHTY, but by MY name the LORD I did not make MYSELF known to them.
4 I also established MY covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they lived as sojourners.
5 Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel whom the Egyptians hold as slaves, and I have remembered MY covenant.
6 Say therefore to the people of Israel, 'I AM THE LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment.
7 I will take you to be MY people, and I will be your GOD, and you shall know that "I AM THE LORD" your GOD, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians."
Why do I DOUBT? A friend of mine recently referred my to a sermon preached by a relative of theirs from another state. In the sermon the preacher basically said that GOD was letting Moses know that "I AM THE LORD", the CREATOR and Sustainer of life, the RULER of the Universe, does as HE pleases (Psalms 115:3)! "I AM THE LORD" is an authoritative statement, but also an identity statement.
"I AM THE LORD" should embolden and empower every believer, for the Spirit of JESUS lives in us (John 17:23). JESUS and GOD are one (John 10:30), so the Spirit of the Living GOD, the CREATOR of everything, abides inside of me!!! And not only me, but every Believer, as HE came to earth to save sinners.
HE is the AUTHOR and PERFECTER of our faith, HE lives inside of us, we are called to do HIS work on earth, so why do I doubt that HE is going to provide for me to do that which HE has promised? Then why do we DOUBT? JESUS said in Matthew 21:21 "And Jesus answered them, "Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and DO NOT DOUBT, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' IT WILL HAPPEN."
We don't need to confuse waiting on GOD's timetable with GOD being silent. HE gained glory from the Israelites waiting on the banks of the Red Sea for the Egyptians to catch up with them! HE may need me to wait for my enemies to catch up with me so HE can part some waters for me? After all, "I AM THE LORD" will be glorified (Habakuk 2:14) and we should be honored to be used to glorify HIS NAME? HE is "I AM THE LORD"!!!
"1 But the LORD said to Moses, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land."
2 GOD spoke to Moses and said to him, "I AM THE LORD".
3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as GOD ALMIGHTY, but by MY name the LORD I did not make MYSELF known to them.
4 I also established MY covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they lived as sojourners.
5 Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel whom the Egyptians hold as slaves, and I have remembered MY covenant.
6 Say therefore to the people of Israel, 'I AM THE LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment.
7 I will take you to be MY people, and I will be your GOD, and you shall know that "I AM THE LORD" your GOD, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians."
Why do I DOUBT? A friend of mine recently referred my to a sermon preached by a relative of theirs from another state. In the sermon the preacher basically said that GOD was letting Moses know that "I AM THE LORD", the CREATOR and Sustainer of life, the RULER of the Universe, does as HE pleases (Psalms 115:3)! "I AM THE LORD" is an authoritative statement, but also an identity statement.
"I AM THE LORD" should embolden and empower every believer, for the Spirit of JESUS lives in us (John 17:23). JESUS and GOD are one (John 10:30), so the Spirit of the Living GOD, the CREATOR of everything, abides inside of me!!! And not only me, but every Believer, as HE came to earth to save sinners.
HE is the AUTHOR and PERFECTER of our faith, HE lives inside of us, we are called to do HIS work on earth, so why do I doubt that HE is going to provide for me to do that which HE has promised? Then why do we DOUBT? JESUS said in Matthew 21:21 "And Jesus answered them, "Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and DO NOT DOUBT, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' IT WILL HAPPEN."
We don't need to confuse waiting on GOD's timetable with GOD being silent. HE gained glory from the Israelites waiting on the banks of the Red Sea for the Egyptians to catch up with them! HE may need me to wait for my enemies to catch up with me so HE can part some waters for me? After all, "I AM THE LORD" will be glorified (Habakuk 2:14) and we should be honored to be used to glorify HIS NAME? HE is "I AM THE LORD"!!!
Thursday, March 3, 2016
"CREATOR OF THE ENDS OF THE EARTH!"
Isaiah 40:27-28 (ESV)
"27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my GOD"?
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting GOD, the "CREATOR OF THE ENDS OF THE EARTH". HE does not faint or grow weary; HIS understanding is unsearchable."
Looking back over my entire life I can see how GOD has used every good thing, and every bad thing, to grow me into a vessel to honor HIM. So why should I worry and fret then over how things are going to turn out, for I "know that for THOSE WHO LOVE GOD all things work together FOR GOOD, for those who are called according to HIS purpose." (Romans 8:28). I am one of "THOSE WHO LOVE GOD" and all things are under HIS control! I need to remind myself that HE is driving this bus! I just need to enjoy the scenery!!!!
Keeping numerous translations of the Holy Bible around is something I relish in. Seeing what different translations of the same verse say gives a wide perspective of what GOD is trying to say to me that day. The 1599 Geneva Bible translates Isaiah 40:28 as "Knowest thou not? or hast thou not heard, that the everlasting GOD, the LORD HATH CREATED THE ENDS OF THE EARTH? HE neither fainteth, nor is weary: there is no searching of HIS understanding."
I'm no Bible scholar, nor do I hold any college degrees or formal education on the Bible. I have to rely on the HOLY SPIRIT to reveal HIS truths to me during my study time. But when scripture says "the LORD HATH CREATED THE ENDS OF THE EARTH", I have the distinct impression that the LORD ALREADY KNOWS what is going to occur in our future! HE isn't surprised by anything, for HE CREATED ALL THINGS! HE knows what the future holds and how HE will be glorified!
GOD never gets tired, nor does HE make a mistake! HE already knows what lies ahead of us and HE wants us to TRUST in HIM for our safety and sustenance. After all, HE is the "CREATOR OF THE ENDS OF THE EARTH", so if HE created it, it's all good, as a friend of mine says!
"27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my GOD"?
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting GOD, the "CREATOR OF THE ENDS OF THE EARTH". HE does not faint or grow weary; HIS understanding is unsearchable."
Looking back over my entire life I can see how GOD has used every good thing, and every bad thing, to grow me into a vessel to honor HIM. So why should I worry and fret then over how things are going to turn out, for I "know that for THOSE WHO LOVE GOD all things work together FOR GOOD, for those who are called according to HIS purpose." (Romans 8:28). I am one of "THOSE WHO LOVE GOD" and all things are under HIS control! I need to remind myself that HE is driving this bus! I just need to enjoy the scenery!!!!
Keeping numerous translations of the Holy Bible around is something I relish in. Seeing what different translations of the same verse say gives a wide perspective of what GOD is trying to say to me that day. The 1599 Geneva Bible translates Isaiah 40:28 as "Knowest thou not? or hast thou not heard, that the everlasting GOD, the LORD HATH CREATED THE ENDS OF THE EARTH? HE neither fainteth, nor is weary: there is no searching of HIS understanding."
I'm no Bible scholar, nor do I hold any college degrees or formal education on the Bible. I have to rely on the HOLY SPIRIT to reveal HIS truths to me during my study time. But when scripture says "the LORD HATH CREATED THE ENDS OF THE EARTH", I have the distinct impression that the LORD ALREADY KNOWS what is going to occur in our future! HE isn't surprised by anything, for HE CREATED ALL THINGS! HE knows what the future holds and how HE will be glorified!
GOD never gets tired, nor does HE make a mistake! HE already knows what lies ahead of us and HE wants us to TRUST in HIM for our safety and sustenance. After all, HE is the "CREATOR OF THE ENDS OF THE EARTH", so if HE created it, it's all good, as a friend of mine says!
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
"YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT!"
Exodus 14:14 (ESV)
"The LORD will fight for you, and "YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT."
Did you ever wonder how the Israelites must have felt standing on the banks of the Red Sea, mountains to the left, mountains to the right, the Red Sea in front of them, and what's that cloud of dust coming from behind us??? Oh, that's just the Egyptian Army!
Modern day estimates place the number of Israelites at between 2.5 and 3 Million people. The notion that the Egyptian Army could physically man handle them all could be hard to believe. However, the Israeli's were not known for their battle readiness and the Egyptian Army was considered the most destructive in history. But GOD's WORD states in Exodus 14:14 Moses saying "The LORD will fight for you, and "YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT."
So many times I think I need to reply with a wise crack, or get in the final word on a matter. My thoughts are "Surely GOD would have me tell the world what HE says is going to happen to them, if they don't change their direction"! Indeed, sometimes HE wants me to tell them, but sometimes HE tells me "YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT."
As most people know, in 2007 I experienced a brain hemorrhage that completely interrupted my word selection, and almost my entire life. You don't know what being out of control is until you are completely unable to communicate with your loved ones, or the medical staff attempting to save your life! When you can't make your mouth and lips say what your mind is thinking, you tend to not want to speak because of not wanting to confuse people. It becomes awful easy, and even enticing, to succumb to "YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT."
The WORD OF GOD contains a treasure trove of prophecy that is being played out right before our eyes, and "this world" can't "SEE" it! My desire is to alert everyone and tell them what GOD's WORD says, but sometimes HE says HIS WORD can be read by all and "YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT"! Judgement Day is coming my friends, and I hate to think of the people who "have an appearance of godliness, but deny the power thereof", 2 Timothy 3:5 says to "Avoid such people!!"
Sometimes "YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT" and just let GOD's Judgement happen???
"The LORD will fight for you, and "YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT."
Did you ever wonder how the Israelites must have felt standing on the banks of the Red Sea, mountains to the left, mountains to the right, the Red Sea in front of them, and what's that cloud of dust coming from behind us??? Oh, that's just the Egyptian Army!
Modern day estimates place the number of Israelites at between 2.5 and 3 Million people. The notion that the Egyptian Army could physically man handle them all could be hard to believe. However, the Israeli's were not known for their battle readiness and the Egyptian Army was considered the most destructive in history. But GOD's WORD states in Exodus 14:14 Moses saying "The LORD will fight for you, and "YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT."
So many times I think I need to reply with a wise crack, or get in the final word on a matter. My thoughts are "Surely GOD would have me tell the world what HE says is going to happen to them, if they don't change their direction"! Indeed, sometimes HE wants me to tell them, but sometimes HE tells me "YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT."
As most people know, in 2007 I experienced a brain hemorrhage that completely interrupted my word selection, and almost my entire life. You don't know what being out of control is until you are completely unable to communicate with your loved ones, or the medical staff attempting to save your life! When you can't make your mouth and lips say what your mind is thinking, you tend to not want to speak because of not wanting to confuse people. It becomes awful easy, and even enticing, to succumb to "YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT."
The WORD OF GOD contains a treasure trove of prophecy that is being played out right before our eyes, and "this world" can't "SEE" it! My desire is to alert everyone and tell them what GOD's WORD says, but sometimes HE says HIS WORD can be read by all and "YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT"! Judgement Day is coming my friends, and I hate to think of the people who "have an appearance of godliness, but deny the power thereof", 2 Timothy 3:5 says to "Avoid such people!!"
Sometimes "YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT" and just let GOD's Judgement happen???
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
"ROOT SYSTEM!"
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV)
"7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.
8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Recently I attended church on a Sunday Evening. I wasn't real excited about going to church on this particular Sunday Evening for some reason. This Sunday I was a bit deflated as my desire is to be involved in the ministry plans that GOD has planted within my Spirit. My prayer, as I was driving to church, was that GOD would speak to me through something that was done or said to confirm that I was on the right path, one that HE could be glorified by.
My pastor began his bible study of Matthew 5:8 which says ""Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see GOD". He went on for a few minutes and then he said something I had to write in my notes. He said something like "The "ROOT SYSTEM" of a sturdy tree needs to have TIME to grow deeper, not as long to grow wider! A tree that is strong enough to withstand the winds of a severe storm has to have roots that grow DEEP"!
As soon as I heard this, I knew it was for me. GOD was telling me that HE needs somebody with a deep root system for the job HE is preparing me for. Jeremiah 17:8 in the New Living Translation says "They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach DEEP into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit".
Other than a couple of small pine trees in our yard, we have two trees. One is a quick growing tree that's "ROOT SYSTEM" is very shallow very wide. A severe windstorm would no doubt cause it serious damage. The other tree is an oak tree that three large grown men "might" be able to reach around near ground level. About 50 years ago, when I was a child, I played under that tree, and it was an old tree then. It's "ROOT SYSTEM" must be extremely DEEP, as the tree must be 150 years old! The number of severe storms it has been through are probably innumerable, but it continues providing shade and comfort for me as a kid, for my kids, and soon for my grandkids.
This tree didn't just grow in a few years to provide the shade and enjoyment we have experienced from its life. It has overcome some obstacles in its lifetime, as we all have to do. Whatever GOD had in HIS Plan for me I am ready and willing for HIM to accomplish. Until then I will continue growing my "ROOT SYSTEM" so I will be able to bear fruit, even when the droughts come in my life! May my "ROOT SYSTEM" in HIM become only what HE can get glory from!
"7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.
8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Recently I attended church on a Sunday Evening. I wasn't real excited about going to church on this particular Sunday Evening for some reason. This Sunday I was a bit deflated as my desire is to be involved in the ministry plans that GOD has planted within my Spirit. My prayer, as I was driving to church, was that GOD would speak to me through something that was done or said to confirm that I was on the right path, one that HE could be glorified by.
My pastor began his bible study of Matthew 5:8 which says ""Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see GOD". He went on for a few minutes and then he said something I had to write in my notes. He said something like "The "ROOT SYSTEM" of a sturdy tree needs to have TIME to grow deeper, not as long to grow wider! A tree that is strong enough to withstand the winds of a severe storm has to have roots that grow DEEP"!
As soon as I heard this, I knew it was for me. GOD was telling me that HE needs somebody with a deep root system for the job HE is preparing me for. Jeremiah 17:8 in the New Living Translation says "They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach DEEP into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit".
Other than a couple of small pine trees in our yard, we have two trees. One is a quick growing tree that's "ROOT SYSTEM" is very shallow very wide. A severe windstorm would no doubt cause it serious damage. The other tree is an oak tree that three large grown men "might" be able to reach around near ground level. About 50 years ago, when I was a child, I played under that tree, and it was an old tree then. It's "ROOT SYSTEM" must be extremely DEEP, as the tree must be 150 years old! The number of severe storms it has been through are probably innumerable, but it continues providing shade and comfort for me as a kid, for my kids, and soon for my grandkids.
This tree didn't just grow in a few years to provide the shade and enjoyment we have experienced from its life. It has overcome some obstacles in its lifetime, as we all have to do. Whatever GOD had in HIS Plan for me I am ready and willing for HIM to accomplish. Until then I will continue growing my "ROOT SYSTEM" so I will be able to bear fruit, even when the droughts come in my life! May my "ROOT SYSTEM" in HIM become only what HE can get glory from!
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