"CONSIDER JESUS!"

Hebrews 3:1-3                      (ESV)
"1 Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, "CONSIDER JESUS", the apostle and high priest of our confession,
2 WHO was faithful to HIM who appointed HIM, just as Moses also was faithful in all GOD's house.
3 For JESUS has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses-as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself."




Constant amazement is the only thing that adequately describes the rhetoric surrounding the political pundits and the current race for the Presidency of the United States of America.  Every current candidate, just as every previous candidate, is flawed, some more deeply than others!  It would be refreshing to hear just one person admit their imperfections and claim the grace of GOD in, and over, their life?  Seemingly, that would be almost too much to suggest for a modern day politician to submit themselves to.

But who (or WHO) would be qualified to lead us through our wilderness, like Moses ledge children of Israel?  YHWH was the only ONE capable of leading the Israelites in the wilderness, and HE did that via the Pillar of Cloud by day and the Pillar of Fire by night.  The Pillar of Cloud provided protection from the hot sun and led them exactly where they needed to be going to fulfill GOD's Plan on their way to the Promised Land.  They could've made their journey a lot easier by having more FAITH.  However, their path could have been a lot more difficult had the Egyptians overtaken them at the Red Sea.

Following the leadership of GOD is something that we have to make a choice about each day.  Why don't I seek to follow HIM (HIS HOLY SPIRIT) more fervently as I serve HIM?  Just as HE led the children of Israel through the wilderness, GOD is wanting to guide me/us to people and places where I/we can be used to glorify HIM!  The easiest way for me to get out of GOD's Plan is when I come to a fork in the road I assume I have to take one or the other?   GOD may be wanting me to just BE STILL and wait on HIM for directions?!

Sometimes we need to "CONSIDER JESUS" before we continue down our path of life.  HE has been with GOD since the foundations of the worlds, so HE knows everything we need to flourish, IF we simply trust in HIM!  If we would just "CONSIDER JESUS" before taking the proverbial fork in the road we might steer clear of a world of trouble.  HE IS THE ANSWER,  not a Presidential candidate!  "CONSIDER JESUS"

"HOW LONG?"

Numbers 14:11-12                                   (ESV)
"11 And the LORD said to Moses, "HOW LONG" will this people despise me? And "HOW LONG" will they not believe in ME, IN SPITE OF THE SIGNS THAT I HAVE DONE AMONG THEM?
12 I will strike them with the pestilence and disinherit them, and I will make of you a nation greater and mightier than they."



The insane pace at which "this world" operates is a direct reflection of a rejection of GOD and HIS principles.  Most people who read my writings understand that I am extremely fond of Psalms 46:10, "BE STILL, and know that I AM GOD"!  Well, can you fathom a candidate for President of the United States proposing that America should cease operations for just one day and spend time on our knees seeking GOD's direction for our country?  How many voters do you think would support someone who actually thought the most important thing we should be doing is to "BE STILL, and know that I am GOD'?

The children of Israel had seen miracle after miracle from ALMIGHTY GOD during the exodus from Egypt.  First there was the ten plagues, followed by the crossing of the Red Sea, numerous victories over people who did NOT fear GOD, and countless other miracles.  In Numbers 14 they were once again doubting that GOD and HIS Plan for them, and that their victory was secured in HIM!  Has America taken for granted the miracles from GOD and HIS awesome Hand of guidance over our prosperity?  Do we believe more in our military and economic prowess than we believe in the GOD WHO delivered our position within this world?

GOD did not operate on the children of Israel's schedule during their journey to the Promised Land, and HE doesn't work on America's timeline today, nor our preconceived ideas!  We can continue trying to force GOD into a box of how we feel HIS deliverance should come, but until we are willing to accept victory in anyway GOD defines, we will continue being frustrated and bewildered by the divine results!  HIS Plan is HIS Plan, and we don't get to interject our wishes, nor our desires, into HIS Plan.  Working on what WE FEEL should be a better outcome or result could be stepping outside of FAITH into common sense, and anything outside of FAITH is a sin (Romans 14:23)!  In Numbers 14:43-45 the children of Israel went to battle without the LORD leading them and THEY WERE DEFEATED by the Amalekites and the Canaanites!

Has America fallen into the same trap as the children of Israel fell into in Numbers 14?  GOD allowed Israel to be defeated in Numbers 14:44-45, and America has not out and out won a battle/war since World War II.  Have we allowed the enemy to get us moving at such a pace that we are not comfortable with WAITING ON THE LORD for HIS guidance and direction in our own lives, or our country's prosperity?  Might GOD be once again saying "HOW LONG" will THIS PEOPLE despise listening to ME?  GOD chose to wait until all of the doubters of HIS Plan died (possibly premature deaths) and then HE directed the nation of Israel into The Promised Land!  "HOW LONG" will HE allow America to exist without honoring and exalting HIS Name, and BELIEVING IN HIM?  "HOW LONG???"

"QUIETLY WAIT!"

These words were written on September 29, 2014 and were found this morning when I completed a word search.   Although the prophet wrote these words many years ago, they STILL are currently being used in my life!!!

"QUIETLY WAIT!"

Lamentations 3:22-26                  (KJV)
"22 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because HIS compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is THY faithfulness.
24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in HIM.
25 The LORD is good unto THEM THAT WAIT for HIM, to the soul that seeketh HIM.
26 It is good that a man should both hope and "QUIETLY WAIT" for the salvation of the LORD."

It is widely accepted that the Prophet Jeremiah wrote the book of Lamentations under the guidance of the Spirit of GOD.   I state that he was guided by the Spirit of GOD because this morning I awoke with verse 23 of Lamentations 3 on my heart.  I didn't know where the verse was located, but I soon found it and also found that the author wrote the book sometime around 575 B.C. during the time Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians.

Why would something written almost 3,000 years ago be on my heart this morning?  How could a man of seemingly little significance be impacted by a few lines written by a prophet nearly 3,000 years beforehand?  The Word of GOD can be used by the Spirit of GOD to do magnificently wonderful things to and through the most unlikely vessels known to mankind.  We just need to humble ourselves and realize we are merely vessels to display HIS glory and might for ALL to see.

GOD has been working on me for the past few years about slowing my life down and listening for HIS guidance in my life.  This morning, after reading HIS mercies are new every morning: great is HIS faithfulness, I continued to read and be blessed.  The words in verse 26 got my attention quickly.  "It is good that a man should both hope and "QUIETLY WAIT" for the salvation of the LORD."  "IT IS GOOD" and "QUIETLY WAIT" seemed to stick in my mind.  It was if GOD was telling me it was a good thing for me to "QUIETLY WAIT" for HIM to do a work in my life that only HE can get glory from!

A person can busy themselves into a frenzy trying to make a name for themselves and be successful.   One could easily get discouraged and downtrodden trudging through this journey with no HOPE!  Don't let the enemy hurry your life into a rat-race of trying to fulfill others expectations for your life.  Jeremiah said IT IS GOOD for a man to HOPE and "QUIETLY WAIT" on the salvation of the LORD.

"FOUNDED ON THE ROCK!"

Matthew 7:24-29                                   (ESV)
"24 "Everyone then who hears these words of MINE and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
25 And the RAIN FELL, and the FLOODS CAME, and the WINDS BLEW and BEAT on that HOUSE, but it did not fall, because it had been "FOUNDED ON THE ROCK".
26 And everyone who hears these words of MINE and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."
28 And when JESUS finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at HIS teaching,
29 for HE was teaching them as ONE who had authority, and not as their scribes."



This morning I observed a meme that said "Without rain nothing grows, learn to embrace the storms in your life!".  That got me to thinking, we recently received several days of rainfall in the area where I live.  After a few days of precipitation there were a lot of comments about how the rain needed to go away, that we had experienced enough of this.  Even I have in the past complained about how the weather was too hot, too wet, too cold, too stormy, or you are free to fill in the blank!

The circumstances we might find ourselves in could be preparing us future life experiences?  You should never presume you're not being exposed to something to better prepare you for your future.  In Matthew 7:24-29 JESUS is telling everyone who will listen not how to avoid storms.  HE is telling them that if a person is "FOUNDED ON THE ROCK" that they can withstand whatever comes their way!  Whether it be storms or drought, whether it be feast or famine, being "FOUNDED ON THE ROCK" will prevent a person from falling when everything else around them is crumbling!

It can be rather convenient to have our focus be placed on the RAIN, FLOODS, and WINDS that life can send our way, but when we are "FOUNDED ON THE ROCK" we can rest assured that we will survive the storms of life and not be swayed.  Don't let a storm, no matter how violent it becomes, shake your foundation!  If you are "FOUNDED ON THE ROCK" everything will be just fine!

"HEART OF MAN!"

1 Corinthians 2:9                             (ESV)
"9 But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, NOR THE "HEART OF MAN" IMAGINED, what GOD has prepared for those who love HIM"



Many times I have grieved rather profusely and openly about a loved one, related or non-related, who has gone on before me to their Heavenly reward.   My baby sister was 34 years, three days old when stomach cancer ended her earthly assignment.  A dear friend was 35 years old when he was suddenly taken to Heaven while riding his bicycle.  There was a precious little girl of nine years of age who GOD called Home about 15 years ago.  And I grieved over each one of these like their ability to "live" was over!

But in reality, their "living" was just beginning!  In 1 Corinthians 2:9 scripture tells us that NO EYE has seen, NO EAR has heard, NOT THE "HEART OF MAN" IMAGINED, what GOD has prepared for those who love HIM!  In John 11:25-26 JESUS tells us "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?"  JESUS shortly afterward went out and raised Lazarus from the dead, displaying that what "this world" sees as a limitation of GOD's power and might in reality didn't exist.  That is why in Matthew 19:26 JESUS says "With man this is impossible, but with GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!"

Understanding how our Spirits can leave our bodies "in the twinkling of an eye" and be in Heaven is something this finite mind cannot explain.  However, my FAITH tells me that "HEART OF MAN" cannot fathom what GOD has prepared for me in Heaven!  And while it's true that we are "separated" physically from our loved ones for now, the enemy doesn't want us focusing on the eternity we will spend together with them and our Savior, for that reminds him of his future!  HEAVEN IS REAL, as REAL as it could be, and we need to remember that!  The "HEART OF MAN" cannot comprehend what only the SPIRIT OF GOD can reveal!

Don't let missing your loved ones grieve you for years.  As I age, there seems to be more friends and loved ones on the other side than there are left on this side.  It is difficult to imagine in the "HEART OF MAN" what awaits me when I get to Heaven.  There is a song from a few years back named "I can only imagine".  The song was/is extremely popular, even inside the church.  But the Apostle Paul was telling us about 2,000 years ago that "eye has seen, nor ear heard, NOR THE "HEART OF MAN" IMAGINED, what GOD has prepared" for we who love the LORD!  We don't have the mental capacity to understand just how wonderful and majestic Heaven really is.  The "HEART OF MAN" may not be able to comprehend it, but thankfully GOD is not limited by the futility of my heart and mind.  That is where those who have gone before me are!!!

"HE WAS THERE ALONE!"

Matthew 14:22-23                    (ESV)
"22 Immediately HE (JESUS) made the disciples get into the boat and go before HIM to the other side, while HE dismissed the crowds.
23 And after HE had dismissed the crowds, HE went up on the mountain by HIIMSELF to pray. When evening came, "HE WAS THERE ALONE","




JESUS had just finished feeding the 5,000 men, plus women and children, and HE "MADE" the disciples get into the boat to go to the other side of the lake where they were.  The area was a "desolate place" where JESUS had gone to be alone, but when the crowds found HIM, HE had compassion on them and healed their sick.  Then when it was time to eat JESUS fed the multitudes with five loaves and two fishes.  When JESUS dismissed the crowds and strongly suggested (one translation uses the word "compelled") HIS disciples go to the other side, scripture says HE WENT BY HIMSELF TO PRAY!

When there is a NEED to spend time ALONE with the FATHER, anything that causes a distraction should be removed from the equation.   The final words of the passage above is "HE WAS THERE ALONE"!  JESUS knew the importance of being ALONE with GOD.  HE didn't need the crowds, and HE didn't need HIS disciples.  HE simply needed to be ALONE with HIS FATHER to commune with HIM.  JESUS knew that spending time ALONE with the FATHER was imperative to living a life that glorified and honored HIS FATHER.    Beginning HIS moving prayer in John 17:1 JESUS prayed "FATHER, the hour has come; glorify your SON THAT THE SON MAY GLORIFY YOU,".

JESUS is/was all about glorifying the FATHER, not about growing the numbers in the ministry, not about building bigger buildings, not about seeing how many baptisms HE could perform.  No, instead JESUS was sending HIS disciples to the other side of the water so "HE WAS THERE ALONE" to pray!  HE had just ministered to thousands and had sent the throngs of people, even HIS closest friends away, so that "HE WAS THERE ALONE" with the FATHER.

How many times do I allow the thing of "this world" to regulate the time I spend with THE FATHER?  JESUS "compelled" HIS disciples to leave HIM ALONE to pray, but sometimes I allow my cellphone, email, social media, and anything else interrupt my time with THE FATHER.  Could it be that I don't place a  high enough value on my time ALONE with THE FATHER?  JESUS "loved" like no other being in history, but yet "HE WAS THERE ALONE" with the FATHER, so why should I be?  Maybe I should value my time ALONE with the FATHER more, placing nothing else in line ahead of this time?  HEAVENLY FATHER, cause me to recognize that the time spent with YOU will never be better spent as long as "HE WAS THERE ALONE" with YOU!!!

"WHO GOD IS!"

LORD, I want to beg forgiveness for too many times in my past following what a candidate or a political party said they believed in, while ignoring what YOUR WORD instructed me to do.  Far too many times people who "claim" to be Believers in The WAY (Acts 9:2) listen to what someone else Believes and agree or disagree with the person.  Why don't we agree or disagree with THE WORD and let people either agree or disagree with us/it?   If a person doesn't line up with the WORD OF GOD, do we REALLY want them leading us negotiating with the rest of the world?

Might it be we have relegated our choices to those "we think" have been successful in either politics or the business world and not considered who GOD has chosen to LEAD our nation?  Sure, I understand GOD is sovereign and HE can change hearts, but I also read in 1 Samuel 8:19-22 "19 But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel. And they said, "No! But there shall be a king over us,
20 that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles."
21 And when Samuel had heard all the words of the people, he repeated them in the ears of the LORD.
22 And the LORD said to Samuel, "Obey their (the people's) voice and make them a king." Samuel then said to the men of Israel, "Go every man to his city."

The children of Israel decided they knew better than GOD about their leadership, and so GOD decided to grant their wishes and desires.  Samuel prophesied that a King would be disastrous (1 Samuel 8:10-18) for the children of Israel, but they wouldn't listen to Samuel (OR GOD) and so GOD let them have what they wanted!

Has GOD decided to give America what she wants?  Has GOD "gave them over to a REPROBATE mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of GOD, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
Who knowing the judgment of GOD, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." (Romans 1:28-32 KJV)

As I have reported FAR too many times, the HOLY BIBLE is NOT just a book of fables and myths.  Unless we return to reading the BIBLE with a reverence respect once accorded to GOD's WORD we could miss a lot of the blessings that HE has prepared for us.  OUR CREATOR has given as an instruction manual on how to operate out lives.  When will we come to the realization that HE only has our best interest in HIS PLAN for us?  Our plans will NEVER be as complete and fulfilling as HIS.  TRUSTING in HIM is what we should do.  

Recognizing who we are, AND MOST OF ALL "WHO GOD IS", will be the first step toward getting back to HIS PLAN!

"LET HIM RETURN!"

Isaiah 55:6-9                      (ESV)
"6 "Seek the LORD while HE may be found; call upon HIM while HE is near;
7 let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; "LET HIM RETURN" to the LORD, that HE may have compassion on him, and to our GOD, for HE will abundantly pardon.
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."



The Words of the HOLY BIBLE are the most comforting known to mankind.  Maybe that is because GOD ALONE is the only place where true peace and solace can be found?  "This world" will attempt to substitute all kinds of solutions to the current problems, many different answers to what ails us, but nothing can provide a true relief like JESUS can.   Acts 4:12 states "And there is salvation in NO ONE ELSE, for there is NO OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN given among men by which we must be saved."  Why then do we continue seeking answers to problems where there are NO answers to be found?

Answers to the current problems facing mankind will not come from a Republican candidate, a Democratic candidate, a Libertarian candidate, or any other political party or leader.  The battle we must face isn't physical or natural, but is spiritual in every sense of the matter.  Ephesians 6:12 says "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."  In order for us to properly "battle" our adversary, we need to be able to recognize him when we see his character traits amongst us!

But we also need to IDENTIFY and RECOGNIZE just WHO we have fighting on our side!    It's not as if we are fighting a battle which we are ill equipped.  Romans 8:11 states "If the SPIRIT of HIM who raised JESUS from the dead dwells in you, HE who raised CHRIST JESUS from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through HIS SPIRIT WHO dwells in you"!  GOD, THE CREATOR of the Universe  lives in me through the sacrifice of JESUS CHRIST (John 17:23) and HE has already defeated the enemy.  We don't need to allow the enemy a stronghold where he should have none!  He is a defeated foe, yet our actions tend to do everything we can to keep him alive!

Isaiah 55:7 says "LET HIM RETURN" to the LORD, that HE may have compassion on him, and to our GOD, for HE will abundantly pardon". GOD will have compassion on we who come to HIM, so we don't need to look anywhere else for relief.  Seeking answers and solutions from any other source will prove to be an exercise in futility.  We don't need to search any further for a source for happiness and security.   JESUS is the ONLY ONE WHO can satisfy and HE is calling us to "LET HIM RETURN" to HIM!!

"I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD!"

Deuteronomy 5:1-7                        (ESV)
"1 And Moses summoned all Israel and said to them, "Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the rules that I speak in your hearing today, and you shall learn them and be careful to do them.
2 The LORD our GOD made a covenant with us in Horeb.
3 Not with our fathers did the LORD make this covenant, but with us, who are all of us here alive today.
4 The LORD spoke with you face to face at the mountain, OUT OF THE MIDST OF THE FIRE,
5 while I stood between the LORD and you at that time, to declare to you the word of the LORD. For you were afraid BECAUSE OF THE FIRE, and you did not go up into the mountain. HE said:
6 "'I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD", WHO brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
7 "YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME."



From time to time GOD ALMIGHTY will reveal HIMSELF to a human being, and when HE does it leaves an indelible impression that the person will forever remember.  To me, Moses is mainly remembered for leading the children of Israel out of Egypt and across the Red Sea.  But the thing that most glaringly sticks out in my mind is in Exodus 34:29-30 when Moses came down from Mount Sinai and his face was aglow from the Glory of GOD ALMIGHTY being present while delivering HIS WORD to him!  Surely the Israelites understood that Moses had been in the presence of Diety, for they were "afraid to come near him" (Exodus 34:30)!

In Deuteronomy 5 GOD tells the Israelites "I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD", WHO brought you out of Egypt!  "YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME."  You would think that GOD would NEVER have to impress upon them anything else again!  HE had brought them out of Egypt where they had been enslaved for 430 years!  Moses came down from Mount Sinai with his face literally glowing for days just from GOD's Glory, so much so that the Israelites were scared to come near him.  They had gotten themselves into slavery by depending on their own strength and wisdom, and surely they wouldn't forget that???  Surely???

But don't I do the same thing with my life?  Remembering where I have been delivered from is sometimes not the most comfortable thing to recall.  Not just the miraculous recovery from the brain hemorrhage in 2007, but the fast paced lifestyle I had become accustomed to, burning both ends of the candle at the same time!  Yes, sometimes I become so caught up in trying to get ahead, in being a successful businessman, that I tend to fall back into the same rut that I previously seemed to be stuck in.  When that happens I find myself reminiscing about my Rehab experience, or my brief time I can remember about July 09, 2007, or the almost two years GOD had me on the sidelines of life!  Remembering where I was delivered from helps me keep a proper perspective of who I am and WHO has brought me where I am!

"I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD" should always be on the forefront of my thought process. The Words JESUS prayed in John 17 should keep us confident that HE is always with us, but sometimes I have to be reminded that "I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD" is living in me!  JESUS paid an unbelievable price for my soul, and I don't need to let that be overshadowed.  The enemy would love to have me get so busy again to let HIS sacrifice on my behalf get minimized.  But GOD speaks in HIS STILL, SMALL voice to "BE STILL" and remember that "I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD"!!!

"YOUR WORD!"

Psalms 119:9-12                        (ESV)
"9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to "YOUR WORD".
10 With my whole heart I seek YOU; let me not wander from YOUR commandments!
11 I have stored up "YOUR WORD" in my heart, that I might not sin against YOU.
12 Blessed are YOU, O LORD; teach me YOUR statutes!"



It is amazing how GOD continues to use things from early in my life to mold me today, at almost 56 years of age!  Memories of going to Bible School before I was is grade school at a church near our house and learning a scripture verse saying something about "I will hide HIS Word in my heart that I may not sin against HIM" came into my mind during a recent sermon at my church.  The content of that verse remained clear in my mind even though the location of the verse may have slipped.  That I was so young when I was taught the verse is a testament to my upbringing, for going to church is usually not on a child's list of favorite things to do.

How is it that I never had the urge nor desire to "party" and experience the wilder things in life?  Could it be, whether it was done so with intent or not, GOD's Word was placed inside my heart at a young age and it guided me away from some of the snares and dangerous places in my life?  Although I tried to run my life at such a pace that had little time for GOD or HIS Ways, I always seemed to return to the work HE had for me.  But first I had to experience trying to do things within my own strength and prove how much I was in control of how my life was going.

When my brain hemorrhaged in 2007 it was almost two years before I could return to work.  There was PLENTY of time for me to pray and meditate over those 24 months. Seeing how much I was "out-of-control" of myself when I couldn't even get a sentence out of my mouth correctly was a REAL eye-opener!  My "quiet-time" since has become tremendously more intimate, and in doing so, realizing how much GOD IS IN CONTROL has been manifested so plainly to me.  Storing up "YOUR WORD" in my heart has become a by-product of my quiet time as the more I refer to GOD's Word the more I remember a verse and where it is located.  And when I find myself looking for an answer to a tough question, I know scripture is where I can go to find peace and solace.  For instance, Psalms 119:71 says "It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes".  Being not able to work for two years gave me a lot of time to hear from GOD, something I now wish I had done a lot more of.   Not only do I wish I had spent more time in prayer, but I also wish I had spent a LOT MORE TIME in "YOUR WORD" during my recovery!

Storing up "YOUR WORD" in my heart is something you can't get enough of.  How many times have I spoken too quickly and regretted it later?  Had enough time been invested in "YOUR WORD", my quick, sharp tongue may have been a little slower and kinder?  GOD not only did a miraculous work in my physical recovery from the brain hemorrhage, HE SLOWED MY LIFE in ways that I could never adequately describe.  While it is true my word recall still isn't what it used to be, searching for just the right word makes me consider the effects those words may have, and often they get changed or simply omitted from my selection.  Without a conscious effort, I may be replacing my words with "YOUR WORD", and that is always a good thing!!!

"WRATH OF GOD IS REVEALED!"

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."



It seems everyone who is of "this world" wants to limit GOD to simply being a good GOD, ONE who only gives us what we desire to make our earthly lives more enjoyable comfortable.  The HOLY BIBLE is used for GOD to REVEAL HIMSELF to mankind, IF THEY ARE WILLING TO HAVE THEIR EYES OPENED!  There are those who are supposedly "wise" who even today find a TRUTH from the BIBLE that science tends to verify, and they consider it a monumental breakthrough, i.e...Sodom and Gomorrah!  (http://www.biblearchaeology.org/post/2008/04/16/The-Discovery-of-the-Sin-Cities-of-Sodom-and-Gomorrah.aspx)

There are few places in the BIBLE where the "WRATH OF GOD IS REVEALED" like it is in Genesis 19.   Two Angels of GOD came to visit Lot in the city of Sodom and the next day destroyed the entire city.  The sin had become so widespread in Sodom that GOD judged the city to be worthy of death.  Romans 1:20 should be one of the most feared verses of scripture IF PEOPLE LISTENED TO WHAT WAS BEING WRITTEN!  "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!!"

Mankind must not really believe the HOLY BIBLE is actually true, that it must be just a book of fables and stories that are not actually true or meaningful.  Verse 22 says things rather plainly, and revealing, about most who are in the church today, "Claiming to be wise, they became fools"!  People are blatantly beating on the gates of Hell with blind exuberance that will one day soon result in the "WRATH OF GOD BEING REVEALED"!  A Bible Study credited to the late Dr. Adrian Rogers says it rather plainly, "The chief attribute of God is not love—it is holiness"!!!  You don't do anyone a favor when you try to paint GOD with a brush of love, and minimize HIS Holiness!

As LOVINGLY as I can say this, 'this world' needs to have a TRUE VISION that one day when the "WRATH OF GOD IS REVEALED" it will not be a pretty sight!  Scripture states in Romans 14:11 "for it is written, "As I live, SAYS THE LORD, every knee shall bow to ME, and every tongue shall confess to GOD"!  We cannot add to, or more emphatically state, the severity of this alert!  The day is coming when the "WRATH OF GOD IS REVEALED"!!!

"WAIT FOR THE LORD!"

Psalms 37:34-36                                    (ESV)
"34 "WAIT FOR THE LORD" and keep HIS way, and HE will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off.
35 I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree.
36 But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found."



Seeking GOD's Will for our lives is a tremendously important, maybe imperative, thing for us to do.  When GOD has given you HIS PLAN, all worries about how and why seems to dissipate as HE is responsible for the details, as well as the big picture.  The biggest thing I have to be on guard against is making sure I "WAIT FOR THE LORD"!

To say patience has never been a strong suit of mine could quite possibly be the greatest understatement of all time!  A cartoon from my youth comes to mind when thinking of my mindset when performing a task, whether for the LORD, or anything else in my adult years, The Tasmanian Devil!   "Taz" would get moving so fast that he couldn't see what was going on around him, he couldn't be concerned with anything but what he was trying to accomplish.  When I get The Message from GOD of what I'm called to do for HIM, I then have to "WAIT FOR THE LORD" as to when I am to do what HE has instructed me to do!

Since GOD has given me HIS PLAN, it seems I always want to help GOD along, and that is where I usually mess things up!   Can you imagine if the children of Israel had chosen to NOT "WAIT FOR THE LORD" at the Red Sea?  More than likely the Egyptians would have a lot of company at the bottom of the Red Sea.  But when they "WAITED FOR THE LORD" HE delivered them across the Red Sea AND "not one of them (the Egyptians) remained" (Exodus 14:28)!

The Israelites knew that they were on the way to The Promised Land.  GOD was providing cover for them with a Pillar of Cloud and Pillar of Fire.  But they had to "WAIT FOR THE LORD" AND HIS TIMING to get the deliverance across the Red Sea.  You can "spread yourself like a green laurel tree" and try things on your own timetable, but you might wind up "cut off, or better still, "passed away"!  To prefer to "WAIT FOR THE LORD" is how I will choose to live my life.

"TURN BACK AND ENCAMP!"

Exodus 14:2                                 (ESV)
""Tell the people of Israel to "TURN BACK AND ENCAMP" in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, in front of Baal-zephon; you shall encamp facing it, by the sea."



Let's just put ourselves in the unenviable position of being with the children of Israel when they were encamped on the banks of the Red Sea WAITING FOR GOD TO DISPLAY HE IS GOD thousands of years ago.   They were being "LED" by a Pillar of Cloud by day and a Pillar of Fire by night according to Exodus 13:21-22.   Knowing that they were following GOD's direction wasn't that difficult as the heat and torment from the Arabian Peninsula can be brutal, and GOD was providing protection for HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE, as HE still does.  

Exodus 14:9 says rather matter of factly "The Egyptians pursued them, all Pharaoh's horses and chariots and his horsemen and his army, and overtook them encamped at the sea, by Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon".  Can you imagine the despair and hopelessness in the hearts and minds of the children of Israel when they saw the Egyptian Army marching toward them with nothing but the Red Sea ahead of them?  Exodus 14:10-12 says "When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the LORD.  THEY SAID TO Moses, "Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt?  Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness."

Is the church in a similar position today?  We have no clear choice for President with the two main candidates who display no semblance of a history of following GOD's direction in their lives?  And yet some church leaders want us to follow either one of these two choices?  What if GOD is trying to prepare us for a Red Sea moment and we are suggesting we have no choice but to settle for the lesser of two evils?  Perhaps we need to examine Scripture a little more closely and WAIT FOR GOD TO DISPLAY HE IS GOD (as in Exodus 14) instead of assuming that we must as followers of the Most HIGH GOD simply select the "lesser of two evils"!

To imply that GOD will "split our Red Sea" is to assume that multitude of verses regarding HIS judgement on earth will never take place.  Isaiah 26:21 is only one of those verses that boldly states "For behold, the LORD is coming out from HIS place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, and the earth will disclose the blood shed on it, and will no more cover its slain".  Zechariah 1:1-6 calls us to RETURN TO THE LORD.  But we, like the children of Israel, we "did not hear or pay attention to ME, declares the LORD" (Zechariah 1:4)!  Everyone seems to "HEAR" what they want to "HEAR" from their candidate, but nobody wants to "HEAR" what THUS SAITH THE LORD!  One thing GOD has displayed rather plainly to me is that HE CAN GET our attention, and quite emphatically!  When HE instructs us to "TURN BACK AND ENCAMP", HE is not suggesting we try to "figure out" a way across the Red Sea on our own!  HE wants to see our faith in HIS Plan, and our obedience to "TURN BACK AND ENCAMP"!!!

"SPEAKING TRUTH IN LOVE!"

Ephesians 4:11-16                         (ESV)
"11 And HE gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of CHRIST,
13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the SON of GOD, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of CHRIST,
14 so that we may NO LONGER BE CHILDREN, TOSSES to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in DECEITFUL SCHEMES.
15 Rather, "SPEAKING TRUTH IN LOVE", we are to GROW UP in every way into HIM who is the head, into CHRIST,
16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."



Observing the actions of others is how most determine if the deeds of others are GODLY.  JESUS said in Matthew 7:15-20 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.  YOU WILL RECOGNIZE THEM BY THEIR FRUITS!  Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?  So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.  A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, NOR CAN A DISEASED TREE BEAR GOOD FRUIT.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Thus YOU WILL RECOGNIZE THEM BY THEIR FRUITS!"  Are we not instructed by JESUS HIMSELF to determine if someone's FRUITS are good before partaking of that fruit?

How then can a person live in unrepentant sin with seemingly no remorse and expect to be a child of GOD?  The WORD OF GOD is not some book of fables and stories that is used when the message fits our scenario.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 says verbatim: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."  Now usually I capitalize certain words, but this time I intentionally didn't to display the word "Scripture" is capitalized by the writers of this Bible with no help from me.  John 1:1 says "In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD."  This (Scripture) is the WORD OF GOD (JESUS) and it/HE doesn't change for anyone or anything (Malachi 3:6)!

The word "ALL" doesn't need to get overlooked either.  Pastor Tim Keller writes “If we pick out which parts of the Bible we dislike, we actually have a god we've created. How can that god ever call you out on anything?”  If his statement is true, wouldn't we violate the first commandment that says "thou shalt have NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME"?  We can't "pick and choose" which scripture verses we need to apply for today and apply something different tomorrow.  We must apply "ALL SCRIPTURE" to our lives daily.

To say you have no sin is deceiving ourselves, and the TRUTH is NOT IN US (1 John 1:8).  GOD is just and righteous so HE is unable to change, even if HE wanted to.  But the price paid for the sins of mankind by JESUS on Calvary is/was far too great for GOD "cheapen" it, just because a human won't follow HIS Plan.  DO NOT BE DECEIVED!

These words that are written today are only meant to encourage HOLY living, to help some better discern what is the TRUTH!  The Apostle Paul must have felt similar feelings when he wrote "SPEAKING TRUTH IN LOVE" in Ephesians 4:15.  Our remaining time in "this world" mustn't be clouded with DECEITFUL SCHEMES and every wind of doctrine!  It is past time for us to live in "mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of CHRIST" and quit acting like "CHILDREN"!  Sometimes it is difficult to hear corrective words, but if you are loved, you will have to hear someone "SPEAKING TRUTH IN LOVE"!!!

"OLD SELF" " NEW SELF!"

Ephesians 4:20-24                       (ESV)
"20 But that is not the way you learned CHRIST!-
21 assuming that you have heard about HIM and were taught in HIM, as the truth is in JESUS,
22 to put off your "OLD SELF", which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through DECEITFUL DESIRES,
23 and to be RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT OF YOUR MINDS,
24 and to put on the "NEW SELF", created after the LIKENESS of GOD in TRUE righteousness and holiness."



On Sunday evening, January 08, 1978, I ceased resistance from the Spirit of GOD and began living for HIM.  Now don't get me wrong, my actions have not always glorified GOD, or properly reflected the life of JESUS, but that was the day I began my journey of living for GOD, and not for the "OLD SELF"!  When I consider all of the sinful actions driven by the "OLD SELF", I can't believe I was so blind, yet am grateful that GOD loves me so much that HE hasn't given up on me.  And yet, like the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 1:15, the closer I get to CHRIST, the more I consider myself the "foremost" of sinners!

Our existence when we were our "OLD SELF" was literally doing the best we could, but our best is "but filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6 KJV) before a HOLY GOD, so the frustration and guilt was unbearable for me.  The DECEITFUL DESIRES that once was the driving force behind my actions still have to be battled, but the more battles the enemy loses, the stronger I become in my resistance.  We are on a continuous journey to GOD and HIS perfection, so don't let the enemy bog you down when you "fall short" of GOD's glory.  We are instructed to be RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT OF YOUR MINDS, not just once, but daily for HIM as we continue this journey through "this world"!

Nobody gets more frustrated with themselves than I do with my failures of living for JESUS CHRIST.  1 Timothy 1:15 reminds me that the closer I get to the LIGHT, the more dirt and filth I will be made aware of.  But we are to be reminded that our "OLD SELF" has been regenerated and replaced with the "NEW SELF", and even though we live in the same house, we are a "new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17)!  We are not constrained by our "OLD SELF", as the Spirit of the LIVING GOD (Romans 8:11) now lives in our mortal bodies accomplishing HIS will through our lives!

The fact that our "OLD SELF" formerly occupied the same dwelling place (physical body) as our "NEW SELF" can be easy to be misdiagnosed.  Even a trained medical professional tends to occasionally diagnose one thing, and the actual illness is something totally different.  Even though CHRIST came into my life on January 08, 1978, I didn't exhibit the blatant characteristics of being "infected" by HIS blood right away!  Continually serving HIM, even through my failures, has let "this world" know however that my "NEW SELF" has a blood transfusion that must be recognized!  The "OLD SELF" has passed away (2 Corinthians 5:17), and the "NEW SELF" is here to stay!!

"LITTLE FLOCK!"

Luke 12:32-34                                   (ESV)
"32 "Fear not, "LITTLE FLOCK", for it is your FATHER's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.
34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."



Recently my home church was honored to visit a local, smaller fellowship that GOD had provided the resources for us to assist them earlier this year.  My pastor delivered a sermon from Luke 12, and the above verses stood out in my mind.  According to the attendance report, this small fellowship only has 12-15 regular attendees and do not have tremendous assets to draw from to perform the tasks most churches nowadays try to accomplish.  But then again, what is the "church" called to do?

There are times when GOD places us in situations for us to represent HIM.  We don't have to say real comforting or uplifting words, our quiet presence is all that is required of us to minister to HIS "LITTLE FLOCK".  You can be a member of the largest fellowship in your area, but when a brother or sister is in need and you fulfill that need, the fellowship you attend doesn't come into play nearly as much as your relationship with the FATHER!  JESUS said your FATHER is the Creator of the Universe.  HE can give us whatever it is HE pleases.  JESUS, GOD in the flesh, said with HIS own lips "for it is your FATHER's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  Sell your possessions, and give to the needy".

It's not about how much money we have in the bank or in our investment portfolio.  When we get to heaven the things that will be remembered are the things we did in HIS name and for HIS glory!  The enemy can tear apart buildings and possessions, but can't take away a kind word spoken in HIS name, or a kind deed when a person is in true need.  Being available to be used, especially at inopportune times, can say GOD LOVES YOU louder and plainer than hundreds of dollars of financial assistance given by a committee or "ministry".

Being a part of the largest, wealthiest congregation can have its benefits, but keep in mind, "it is your FATHER's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" and one day we will be held accountable for what HE has given us.  When you have been blessed with wealth, you will have to give an account one day for that wealth.  When you are a "LITTLE FLOCK" GOD tends to receive ALL of the glory for nothing is expected from such a meager existence, THEREFORE GOD MUST HAVE DONE IT?!?!  How do you want to be seen when before the throne you stand?  From a wealthy, thriving fellowship, or from a "LITTLE FLOCK" with a Shepherd who provides???

"THE SALVATION OF THE LORD!"

Exodus 14:13-14                                    (ESV)
"13 And Moses said to the people, "FEAR NOT, STAND FIRM, and see "THE SALVATION OF THE LORD", which HE WILL WORK FOR YOU TODAY. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.
14 The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."



Not being a person who has taken kindly to having things done FOR them, I have seemingly always been involved with everything I felt was a worthy cause.  After all, scripture states in several places, mainly James 2:20, that FAITH without WORKS is dead, and I didn't want to be out worked by anyone else.  Making sure I was doing everything I could for the Kingdom was very important to me, but WAITING ON GOD was something that was, at best, foreign to my instincts.

The King James Version of Exodus 14:13 says to STAND STILL, rather than STAND FIRM.  The children of Israel were between a "rock and a hard place" as there were mountains to the left and right, and the Red Sea was before them and the Egyptian Army was quickly advancing behind them.  Moses, whom GOD was using as HIS  mouthpiece, instructed them to STAND FIRM, not so they could display their FEAR, but so GOD ALMIGHTY would get glory over the Egyptians (Exodus 14:4;17), AND HE DID (Exodus 14:30)!

The promise of GOD was that HE would deliver the children of Israel out of bondage from the Egyptians.  HE didn't promise the journey would be without FAITH GROWING experiences.   Sometimes I exhibit the same lack of FAITH that the Israelites did in Exodus 14:10-12.  The tendency to surrender to the captivity that the enemy deceptively attempts to sell is exactly what he wants us to do.  All the children of Israel could "see" was the gloom and doom of the approaching Egyptian Army.  What GOD saw was an opportunity for HIS Glory to be on display!

Even though we have scripture to SEE how GOD has provided in the past, for some reason, at least I have to have my eyes opened to "THE SALVATION OF THE LORD"!  There is no greater experience than to see the HAND of the ALMIGHTY at work in our lives, but I tend to focus on my enemy and not the opportunity for GOD to be Glorified!  When will I realize that I am only a vessel to honor and glorify HIM, and to display "THE SALVATION OF THE LORD"?!?!

"YOU ARE A MIST!"

James 4:13-14              (ESV)
"13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit"-
14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For "YOU ARE A MIST" that appears for a little time and then vanishes."



There was a meme on a social media site recently that read, "Things money can't buy: Character, Manners, Morals, Common Sense, Trust, Class, Respect, Patience, Integrity, Love.   When contemplating this statement, my mind went to some dear friends who have gone on to glory, and the first thing on the list should be TIME!  We all think we have all kinds of TIME to accomplish things for our future, our family, our community, but we aren't promised our next breath!  Why don't we live with at least the thought of how brief our life can be, and how little TIME we have to serve HIM?

My tenure on this earth is nearing the 56 year mark.  Of course, I was made vividly aware of my immortality nine years ago when my brain hemorrhaged.  I spent my 47th birthday in Rehab.  I was only 47 years old and I was completely unable to walk, could barely talk, and my brain was seemingly operating in molasses as everything seemed to be happening SO SLOWLY!  Looking back, I didn't grasp the fact at the time that I was living my life at a pace that very little mattered except my agenda, and what I wanted.

But what about GOD's Plan for my life?  Where was I headed and what was it I was trying to accomplish?  Recognizing and admitting that only what I do for The KINGDOM is all that matters in the end is the first thing I can do toward Spiritual maturity.  Attempting to complete a plan for my life outside of The PLAN GOD has for me can be frustrating!  Making certain I am waiting on HIM is my biggest challenge, as the temptation to DO SOMETHING is almost incessantly challenged by BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD!

"YOU ARE A MIST" became very clear to me nine years ago.  Getting back into the flow of life can be a deception brought about by the enemy.  Understanding and realizing that "YOU ARE A MIST" is something that GOD brings to my mind very softly and clearly when HE slows me down to listen to HIM!   Our physical bodies are built to last only a few years, and then our Spirits will vacate our bodies and move to our eternal home!  LORD, cause me to slow down and live as though "I AM A MIST".  My only goal is to do what YOUR Plan is for me!

"WHATEVER GOOD ANYONE DOES!"

Ephesians 6:5-8               (ESV)
"5 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would CHRIST,
6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of CHRIST, doing the will of GOD from the heart,
7 rendering service with a good will as to the LORD and not to man,
8 knowing that "WHATEVER GOOD ANYONE DOES", this he will receive back from the LORD, whether he is a bondservant or is free."



Sometimes a passage of scripture comes to my mind as I am reading another scripture.  Sometimes it is out of the blue that I am led to a familiar scripture.  Today as I was praying about where I was supposed to be in scripture, my mind would not let Ephesians 6 leave me alone.  Now Ephesians 6:12 is one of my favorite verses, "For we struggle NOT against flesh  and blood", but I didn't feel as though that was where I was supposed to go today. So I started read Ephesians 6 from the first verse.  When I got to verse 5, somehow GOD told me this is where I needed to be this morning.

There has always been a conflict between obeying your earthly masters when it comes to violating scripture.  Writing this is not something that I have pre thought in my mind, rather I am basically writing a sentence as it comes to my mind.  While it is true we own our own business, we have many "earthly masters", as everyone of our clients pays our business money which basically means they are our bosses!  We have to appease our "bosses" (clients) while at the same time appeasing the companies we represent and do our best to keep everybody happy.

The phrase that really got my attention today was "WHATEVER GOOD ANYONE DOES"!  It wasn't about who we need to obey and whether their intentions are GOD honoring or not.  It wasn't about whether feel like I am treated fairly in my dealings with other people.  It's about "WHATEVER GOOD ANYONE DOES" for others and making sure what I do is done for HIS Glory!  We have the SPIRIT of JESUS CHRIST living inside of our bodies (Galatians 2:20), and we are to constantly yield to HIS guidance of our lives!  JESUS surrendered HIMSELF to death on Calvary and we need to be willing to die daily to HIS will for our lives.  You can't live victoriously unless you surrender daily.

I'm sure everyone has heard "What goes around comes around"?  Whether your earthly masters require you to treat others poorly, or you choose on your own to treat others poorly, OR if "WHATEVER GOOD ANYONE DOES" is what you have to deal with, the Bible says "this he will receive back from the LORD"!  In my humble opinion, it would be far better a blessing to await the LORD HIMSELF repaying some good that I have done than to have to be concerned with the receiving a portion of the bad I have brought about to someone.

HEAVENLY FATHER forgive me for thinking I had to repay evil with evil.  Through YOUR SPIRIT, cause me to be someone who reflects YOUR SPIRIT with my life in everything I do.

"GREAT CHASM!"

Luke 16:19-31                 (ESV)
"19 "There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.
20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried,
23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.
24 And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.'
25 But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.
26 And besides all this, between us and you a "GREAT CHASM" has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.'
27 And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house-
28 for I have five brothers-so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.'
29 But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.'
30 And he said, 'No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.'
31 He said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'"



It seems that almost everybody is being "challenged" these days to perform some physical deed of nobility to prove their worth to some person, someone else's worth to them, or some cause.  Do we ever hear GOD "challenging" us to live better lives for HIM?  Do we ever slow our lives down enough to gain "marching orders" from our Commander in Chief of our lives?  For those who don't know, HIS instructions are generally found in the HOLY BIBLE, not on a Social Media site!  GOD has spoken to me through a social media post, but HE uses HIS WORD to teach, reprove, and correct me!

The great deception, initiated and perpetuated by the "great deceiver" (Genesis 3:1), is that this physical world is the "REAL WORLD", but reality will become apparent to ALL one day, and when that day comes you may not be able to avoid the penalty of the sin choices you have made.  To the rich man JESUS spoke of in the scriptures above, he was able to live "the good life" while on this earth, but he found out that this earth was not the REAL WORLD!  The rich man was deceived into believing that he had everything going his way and that he had no reason to plan for eternity.  But the REAL WORLD awaited him, and he was not comfortable with his arrangements in Hades!  The rich man was deceived into believing that this world was the REAL WORLD, but he found THE TRUTH rather eye-opening!

So many people today are being deceived by the great deceiver into believing that this world is the REAL WORLD!  Just like the rich man their spirit will not be in Hades long before they realize their deception and want another chance.  We absolutely MUST understand and realize that GOD's Word isn't just a "good read", a self-help book that will keep us out of trouble.   It is GOD's revelation of HIMSELF to mankind and a guide for those HE has "chosen" to become "Believers" (1 Peter 2:9)!  Even people who are "chosen" are deceived at times into believing that people who are rich have more of GOD's favor on their life than people who have to beg for sustenance.  We are all pilgrims just passing through this world headed to the REAL WORLD one day.

Those who are already in Heaven or Hades have NO DOUBT about the where the REAL WORLD is!  The "GREAT CHASM" between them is wider than anything we can imagine, but evidently those in Heaven can be seen by those in Hades FOREVER!  We get so intensely focused on our present circumstances that we tend to lose sight of our ultimate destination!  But 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 and Romans 8:18 should give us a clear indication that where we are going is FAR better than anything we can imagine here on earth!  The "GREAT CHASM" between Heaven and Hades separates more than saints and rejectors.  It separates those who think they don't NEED a Savior and those who can see a SAVIOR is their only hope!  Can you see the "GREAT CHASM" now???

"YE SHALL KNOW!"

Matthew 7:15-27            (KJV)
"15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 "YE SHALL KNOW" THEM BY THEIR FRUITS. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but A CORRUPT TREE BRINGETH FORTH EVIL FRUIT. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore BY THEIR FRUITS "YE SHALL KNOW" THEM.

Judgment of Pretenders

21 Not every one that saith unto ME, LORD, LORD, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of MY FATHER which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to ME in that day, LORD, LORD, have we not prophesied in THY name? and in THY name have cast out devils? and in THY name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from ME, ye that work iniquity.

Hearing and Doing

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of MINE, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of MINE, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.


Just because a person says and does what may be considered the "right things" doesn't mean they know THE LORD, better yet, that they TRUST HIM with their very existence!  James 2:19 says that even the devils believe and tremble, so believing cannot be the key to getting to Heaven.  JESUS HIMSELF said to BEWARE of false prophets!  One dictionary gives this definition of BEWARE: "to be wary, cautious, or careful of (usually used imperatively):".  GOD IN THE FLESH does HIS best to warn us that there WILL BE false prophets, yet it seems THE TRUTH is rejected for whatever THIS WORLD offers as an alternative?!?

That shouldn't surprise us though!  When JESUS physically walked among mankind, some of us began by worshipping HIM, but ultimately HE and HIS precepts were rejected by all and HE was crucified on Calvary.  But HE is/was GOD IN THE FLESH, so why would HE permit HIS own demise?  When all the prophecies of HIS coming, earthly ministry, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension and HIS coming again SOON are taken into consideration, there is NO DOUBT in this Believers eyes that HIS Plan continues to this day to be fulfilled.

Living a BELIEF is quite different than acting out a belief.  Allowing HIM to "live" through our lives is what we are "called" to do.  When one is not absolutely sure about something in life they proceed with a bit of caution, almost with reservations.  When one has experienced a LIFE CHANGING phenomenon in their life, they can't help being almost fanatical about it.

There are those who want others to think, believe, and act as though they believe that JESUS is the Messiah, but when the heat gets turned up in their life they THEMSELVES want to be the one who solves ALL of their problems!  The difference between "HEARING" and "DOING" the will of GOD has to do with being a child of HIS!  Unless the Spirit of JESUS lives in your body and you have been washed by HIS blood shed on Calvary, there is no remission of your sins (Hebrews 9:22).  None could be saved, nor would be saved just because we want to be, nor because we are worthy to be.  The only way "YE SHALL KNOW" you have been chosen (1 Peter 2:9) is to be called out "of darkness into HIS marvelous light"!

Not ALL have been chosen (Matthew 22:14)!  Have you???

"GOD's Plan!"

Job 14:1-6                 (NASB)
"Man, who is born of woman, Is short-lived and full of turmoil. "Like a flower he comes forth and withers. He also flees like a shadow and does not remain. "YOU also open YOUR eyes on him and bring him into judgment with YOURSELF. "Who can make the clean out of the unclean? No one! "Since his days are determined, The number of his months is with YOU; And his limits YOU have set so that he cannot pass. "Turn YOUR gaze from him that he may rest, Until he fulfills his day like a hired man.”



The journey we are all assigned I cannot explain nor reason for anyone.  In August 1996 I celebrated my 36th birthday.  My younger sister played softball in a co-ed league.  She was always fit, doing exercises seemingly incessantly.  In October 1996 she was diagnosed with Stomach Cancer.  In December 1996 she went to Heaven!  I was a Believer then, but wasn't devout enough to understand that GOD has a Plan and we are all part of that Plan!

Of course, most are familiar with the history of the near fatal brain hemorrhage that I experienced in July 2007.  Surviving the brain hemorrhage left me in an almost euphoric state, not understanding that I was just a part of the Plan, and I am just fulfilling my part of that Plan.  In October 2007, while I was still in outpatient Rehab, a dear friend of mine was killed while riding his bicycle.  Why would GOD work such a miracle to keep me here and then take my friend to Heaven with no warning?  My friend's wife was battling brain cancer and would succumb to that battle a couple of years later.  Their daughter is being raised by her grandparents.  For a number of years I had "survivors guilt" because I thought I should not have survived the hemorrhage in 2007 and my friend certainly was needed here to care for his daughter.

But who am I to question GOD's Plan with my limited wisdom?  My "emotions and reasonings" tend to play into my deductions and cloud my judgement.  In considering what SHOULD have happened in all the aforementioned cases, there is no way I could grasp what is best for my sister, my friend, or even for me.  My "wisdom" is simply limited to what GOD guides and directs me to do at specific times in my life.  To be a part of GOD's Plan, no matter how big a part, is an extremely humbling experience.  HE even knew and ordained that I would be writing this account before the Creation story was written!

GOD has a Plan!  We are/were created for HIS Glory, not for ourselves nor our loved ones.  If I leave this world tomorrow, or if I lived to be 100 years old, it will be HIS timing when I leave, not until!  Some "flowers" live a long time, some barely make it a few days.  My prayer is that I will continually Glorify HIM for as long as GOD has ordained me to remain in this world!!