Acts 17:10-11 (ESV)
"10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue.
11 Now "THESE" Jews were more noble than "THOSE" in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures DAILY to see if these things were so."
This passage of scripture has always intrigued me, as a brother in CHRIST, who has since gone on to glory, pointed out to me that "THESE" Believers in Berea 'examined' the scriptures every day to see what was being preached to them lined up with GOD's Word. "THOSE" Jews in Thessalonica were not believers and had not assisted in furthering the Gospel at all. Finding the words "THESE" and "THOSE" being used to identify people is more than interesting to me, it makes me realize that our physical characteristics cannot be used to classify us, for all were Jews. However, our Spiritual characteristics will speak volumes to those who have discernment, not only about who we are, but also about how Spiritually mature we might be.
There are times when people who are physically and Spiritually older than others, yet they don't exhibit maturity that might be expected by an "elder"? Reading, memorizing, even quoting scripture is definitely a good thing to achieve, but unless we are changed by the WORD we ingest, we are not allowing it to do its full work on us. While the WORD is able to change every life who hears it, only those who are CALLED are able to SEE the TRUTH from scripture. "THESE" Jews in Berea were hungry for the WORD, while "THOSE" in Thessalonica were too busy following their lists of rules and regulations to be concerned about what the WORD said!
It could be easy to mock and ridicule "THOSE" Jews in Thessalonica for following traditions and what they had been taught by their elders? Why would "THESE" Believers in Berea be "chosen" and not "THOSE" in Thessalonica? GOD chooses who HE elects to choose (Romans 9:1-24) and HE hardens who HE chooses. We are not more deserving, "But you are a CHOSEN race, a ROYAL priesthood, a holy nation, a people for HIS own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of HIM who called you out of darkness into HIS marvelous light". (1 Peter 2:9). Although being one of "THESE" means I WILL experience trials and tribulations, I wouldn't want to be one of "THOSE" on Judgement Day!
Monday, October 31, 2016
Saturday, October 29, 2016
"SHEEP IN THE MIDST OF WOLVES!"
Matthew 10:16-18 (ESV)
"16 "Behold, I am sending you out as "SHEEP IN THE MIDST OF WOLVES", so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues,
18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for MY sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles."
Living with the fact that we are "chosen" by GOD (John 15:16) could be a tremendously exciting experience. However, to be "chosen" by our Creator also brings with it some "promises" that are overlooked by some people, especially so called ministers who are focused on the things of "this world". When JESUS spoke to Ananias in Acts 9:15-16 HE said "Go, for he (Saul/Paul) is a chosen instrument of MINE to carry MY name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. FOR I WILL SHOW HIM HOW MUCH HE MUST SUFFER FOR THE SAKE OF MY NAME!" Or how about John 16:33 where JESUS says "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." And of course, in James 1:2-4, scripture records "Count it all joy, my brothers, WHEN (not if!) you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
JESUS tries to prepare us for what will lie ahead for us in dealing with "this world". But we tend to skim over the "trials and tribulations" scriptures sometimes and focus on the deliverance verses. GOD's Word will not return void and these verses proclaim that we are "SHEEP IN THE MIDST OF WOLVES"! All kinds of atrocities ARE going to be performed against us, and we must be a witness for HIM as the world acts.
Most of us want to question GOD that if we are going to church once a week then why we have to go through what we do, when JESUS said in John 9:1-5 that we are here to be used to bring glory to the FATHER. It's not about us being elevated or promoted above our peers, but about giving honor and glory to our HEAVENLY FATHER!
Yes, it's true, we are but "SHEEP IN THE MIDST OF WOLVES", but our Shepherd is there to guard and protect us. We should never forget that "this world" doesn't revolve around us (even though the history of my life isn't a great example of this) and that it is all about giving GOD glory! The more times we are "SHEEP IN THE MIDST OF WOLVES", the more we have to depend on HIS guidance to deliver us from where we are.
"16 "Behold, I am sending you out as "SHEEP IN THE MIDST OF WOLVES", so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues,
18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for MY sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles."
Living with the fact that we are "chosen" by GOD (John 15:16) could be a tremendously exciting experience. However, to be "chosen" by our Creator also brings with it some "promises" that are overlooked by some people, especially so called ministers who are focused on the things of "this world". When JESUS spoke to Ananias in Acts 9:15-16 HE said "Go, for he (Saul/Paul) is a chosen instrument of MINE to carry MY name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. FOR I WILL SHOW HIM HOW MUCH HE MUST SUFFER FOR THE SAKE OF MY NAME!" Or how about John 16:33 where JESUS says "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." And of course, in James 1:2-4, scripture records "Count it all joy, my brothers, WHEN (not if!) you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
JESUS tries to prepare us for what will lie ahead for us in dealing with "this world". But we tend to skim over the "trials and tribulations" scriptures sometimes and focus on the deliverance verses. GOD's Word will not return void and these verses proclaim that we are "SHEEP IN THE MIDST OF WOLVES"! All kinds of atrocities ARE going to be performed against us, and we must be a witness for HIM as the world acts.
Most of us want to question GOD that if we are going to church once a week then why we have to go through what we do, when JESUS said in John 9:1-5 that we are here to be used to bring glory to the FATHER. It's not about us being elevated or promoted above our peers, but about giving honor and glory to our HEAVENLY FATHER!
Yes, it's true, we are but "SHEEP IN THE MIDST OF WOLVES", but our Shepherd is there to guard and protect us. We should never forget that "this world" doesn't revolve around us (even though the history of my life isn't a great example of this) and that it is all about giving GOD glory! The more times we are "SHEEP IN THE MIDST OF WOLVES", the more we have to depend on HIS guidance to deliver us from where we are.
Friday, October 28, 2016
"RECONCILED!"
2 Corinthians 5:17-19 (ESV)
"17 Therefore, if anyone is in CHRIST, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
18 All this is from GOD, WHO through CHRIST "RECONCILED" us to HIMSELF and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 that is, in CHRIST GOD was reconciling the world to HIMSELF, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."
It is extremely interesting, when one takes the time to contemplate LIFE in CHRIST, how GOD reveals HIMSELF to some, and to others HE is a non-existent entity WHO is seldom, if ever, acknowledged or called upon? Yet, they live on the earth that was created by GOD and rotates and orbits in such a precise manner that the most elaborate computer would have no chance of being in control of it? But GOD doesn't just keep earth in orbit, HE is in control of all of us humans that have ever existed.
While it's easy to accept most of us zealots are wacky enough to go down a path of obedience, sometimes it's hard to believe that GOD even controls unbelievers. In Exodus 14:4 GOD "hardens" Pharaoh's heart to pursue the children of Israel. In Genesis 11:9 GOD's Word says "Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth". Did you ever wonder where the term "babel" came from? GOD caused the languages of all the earth to be confounded , and our only hope of being set free from this "bondage" is through JESUS CHRIST.
When we become "RECONCILED" to CHRIST we are a new creation, meaning that the "old person" has been replaced with a "new person". These old bones and flesh are still the same, but the Spirit living inside of our bodies is regenerated. How many times have we seen someone "turn over a new leaf", only to find that unless JESUS replaces our old spirit with HIS SPIRIT, the old person (and its desires) soon takes back over this dwelling we call a body? Only by being "RECONCILED" to JESUS can the old person be overcome with a new creation for HIS Glory!
The same GOD WHO created the heavens and the earth also "RECONCILED" me through HIS SON, JESUS. The thing that most don't understand is how JESUS did EVERYTHING needed for our salvation, we didn't even choose HIM! In John 15:16a, JESUS says "You did not choose ME, but I chose you and appointed you.....". We are CHOSEN to be "RECONCILED".
FATHER IN HEAVEN, please don't all me to ever think I did anything worthy of YOUR Mercy and Grace! There is nothing I can offer, other than my sincere thankfulness for being "RECONCILED" to YOUR SON!!!
"17 Therefore, if anyone is in CHRIST, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
18 All this is from GOD, WHO through CHRIST "RECONCILED" us to HIMSELF and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 that is, in CHRIST GOD was reconciling the world to HIMSELF, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."
It is extremely interesting, when one takes the time to contemplate LIFE in CHRIST, how GOD reveals HIMSELF to some, and to others HE is a non-existent entity WHO is seldom, if ever, acknowledged or called upon? Yet, they live on the earth that was created by GOD and rotates and orbits in such a precise manner that the most elaborate computer would have no chance of being in control of it? But GOD doesn't just keep earth in orbit, HE is in control of all of us humans that have ever existed.
While it's easy to accept most of us zealots are wacky enough to go down a path of obedience, sometimes it's hard to believe that GOD even controls unbelievers. In Exodus 14:4 GOD "hardens" Pharaoh's heart to pursue the children of Israel. In Genesis 11:9 GOD's Word says "Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth". Did you ever wonder where the term "babel" came from? GOD caused the languages of all the earth to be confounded , and our only hope of being set free from this "bondage" is through JESUS CHRIST.
When we become "RECONCILED" to CHRIST we are a new creation, meaning that the "old person" has been replaced with a "new person". These old bones and flesh are still the same, but the Spirit living inside of our bodies is regenerated. How many times have we seen someone "turn over a new leaf", only to find that unless JESUS replaces our old spirit with HIS SPIRIT, the old person (and its desires) soon takes back over this dwelling we call a body? Only by being "RECONCILED" to JESUS can the old person be overcome with a new creation for HIS Glory!
The same GOD WHO created the heavens and the earth also "RECONCILED" me through HIS SON, JESUS. The thing that most don't understand is how JESUS did EVERYTHING needed for our salvation, we didn't even choose HIM! In John 15:16a, JESUS says "You did not choose ME, but I chose you and appointed you.....". We are CHOSEN to be "RECONCILED".
FATHER IN HEAVEN, please don't all me to ever think I did anything worthy of YOUR Mercy and Grace! There is nothing I can offer, other than my sincere thankfulness for being "RECONCILED" to YOUR SON!!!
Thursday, October 27, 2016
"WHEREFORE HENCEFORTH!"
2 Corinthians 5:16 (KJV)
""WHEREFORE HENCEFORTH" know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known CHRIST after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we HIM no more."
There are some verses in the BIBLE that mankind treats as though they don't exist, like maybe GOD didn't know how bad things were going to get and that HIS WORD would be obsolete when it comes to current day affairs? GOD's WORD cannot be dissected to apply what we can currently SEE and simply leave the remainder for the more Spiritual folk to observe. The verse above may be one those verses?
GOD inspired Apostle Paul to write these words (and others) to mold and make us into tools HE can use for HIS Glory! Hebrews 4:12 states "For the WORD of GOD is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." We need to digest what scripture states with the mindset that it WILL change OUR OWN lives, for all of us NEED to be changed and be made more like HIM, not with an intention to change others lives. It is sometimes convenient to find fault with the actions of others, but GOD is wanting to change our hearts FOR HIS GLORY!
It took JESUS (fully GOD and fully MAN) coming in flesh to "reconcile" mankind to HIMSELF. Man can attempt to even the score, to correct injustices, to do what is right, but we are basically fighting a losing battle. When GOD scattered the people across the face of all the earth HE may have given more than just their different languages, HE may have caused a "need" that could only be fulfilled by DIVINITY? The verse above makes tremendous sense when you observe it through a Spiritual viewpoint, for since we now know JESUS only through the Spirit, we should only know our brothers and sisters through that same Spirit? Being hung up in the natural only causes strife and divisions.
Wherefore is defined as "the cause or reason". Henceforth is defined as "from this point forward". What point forward is it speaking of though? The previous verse in 2 Corinthians 5:15 states "And that HE (JESUS) died for ALL, that they which live (we who have been Born Again) should NOT HENCEFORTH (from this point forward) live unto themselves, but unto HIM which died for them, and rose again"! Now I'm no Bible Scholar, but I read this to say that we must live for CHRIST, since HE died for us? And since HE looks only at the SPIRIT of a person, we too should look at the SPIRIT. Most people want to proclaim 2 Corinthians 5:17, but it seems that 2 Corinthians 5:16 gets covered up, especially when it speaks of letting go of stereotypes and prejudices that the natural man desires to hang onto. The way I read scripture, "WHEREFORE HENCEFORTH" requires us to let the "old ways" be crucified with CHRIST JESUS!
""WHEREFORE HENCEFORTH" know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known CHRIST after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we HIM no more."
There are some verses in the BIBLE that mankind treats as though they don't exist, like maybe GOD didn't know how bad things were going to get and that HIS WORD would be obsolete when it comes to current day affairs? GOD's WORD cannot be dissected to apply what we can currently SEE and simply leave the remainder for the more Spiritual folk to observe. The verse above may be one those verses?
GOD inspired Apostle Paul to write these words (and others) to mold and make us into tools HE can use for HIS Glory! Hebrews 4:12 states "For the WORD of GOD is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." We need to digest what scripture states with the mindset that it WILL change OUR OWN lives, for all of us NEED to be changed and be made more like HIM, not with an intention to change others lives. It is sometimes convenient to find fault with the actions of others, but GOD is wanting to change our hearts FOR HIS GLORY!
It took JESUS (fully GOD and fully MAN) coming in flesh to "reconcile" mankind to HIMSELF. Man can attempt to even the score, to correct injustices, to do what is right, but we are basically fighting a losing battle. When GOD scattered the people across the face of all the earth HE may have given more than just their different languages, HE may have caused a "need" that could only be fulfilled by DIVINITY? The verse above makes tremendous sense when you observe it through a Spiritual viewpoint, for since we now know JESUS only through the Spirit, we should only know our brothers and sisters through that same Spirit? Being hung up in the natural only causes strife and divisions.
Wherefore is defined as "the cause or reason". Henceforth is defined as "from this point forward". What point forward is it speaking of though? The previous verse in 2 Corinthians 5:15 states "And that HE (JESUS) died for ALL, that they which live (we who have been Born Again) should NOT HENCEFORTH (from this point forward) live unto themselves, but unto HIM which died for them, and rose again"! Now I'm no Bible Scholar, but I read this to say that we must live for CHRIST, since HE died for us? And since HE looks only at the SPIRIT of a person, we too should look at the SPIRIT. Most people want to proclaim 2 Corinthians 5:17, but it seems that 2 Corinthians 5:16 gets covered up, especially when it speaks of letting go of stereotypes and prejudices that the natural man desires to hang onto. The way I read scripture, "WHEREFORE HENCEFORTH" requires us to let the "old ways" be crucified with CHRIST JESUS!
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
"A WHIP OF CORDS!"
John 2:13-17 (ESV)
"13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and JESUS went up to Jerusalem.
14 In the temple HE found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there.
15 And making "A WHIP OF CORDS", HE drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And HE poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables.
16 And HE told those who sold the pigeons, "Take these things away; do not make my FATHER's house a house of trade."
17 HIS disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me."
With all of the conversation going on about JESUS loved everyone, it is important to remember that HE also stood against that which was vile and violated the Holiness of GOD! Not only did HE correct the money-changers and the people selling animals for sacrifices, HE made "A WHIP OF CORDS" and dispersed them as well! There were no questions asked, HE drove them from the temple, GOD's house. There is nothing written about any punishment for JESUS, but going against the grain of "the Jews" would ultimately carry a price that HE willingly paid for all humanity.
The closer we walk with the LORD the more like HIM we become. There is nothing we can do about it, it's just the way it is. When JESUS said in Matthew 10:22 "and you will be hated by all for MY name's sake", HE didn't say to not alienate people because they are walking in sin. What HE was saying was that when we walk the same walk HE did, "this world" will oppose us, for we are following what GOD has ordained for our lives! GOD's Way and the ways of "this world" are diametrically opposed, "you cannot serve GOD and mammon" (Luke 16:13; Matthew 6:24)!
If we desire to "just get along" with "this world" we should remember, the Spirit of JESUS lives inside of our body (John 17:23) and "this world" did everything they could to eradicate HIM over 2,000 years ago! Their disdain for HIM has gotten no weaker during that time. It's time for us to choose. Do we want to "get along just to get along", or do want to be like JESUS and drive them out of the temple with "A WHIP OF CORDS"? Although I don't wish to alienate anyone, the Spirit WHO lives in me paid an unimaginable price for running ungodliness out of GOD's Temple back then. Will I allow "this world" to creep into HIS house because I'm too weak????
"13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and JESUS went up to Jerusalem.
14 In the temple HE found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there.
15 And making "A WHIP OF CORDS", HE drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And HE poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables.
16 And HE told those who sold the pigeons, "Take these things away; do not make my FATHER's house a house of trade."
17 HIS disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me."
With all of the conversation going on about JESUS loved everyone, it is important to remember that HE also stood against that which was vile and violated the Holiness of GOD! Not only did HE correct the money-changers and the people selling animals for sacrifices, HE made "A WHIP OF CORDS" and dispersed them as well! There were no questions asked, HE drove them from the temple, GOD's house. There is nothing written about any punishment for JESUS, but going against the grain of "the Jews" would ultimately carry a price that HE willingly paid for all humanity.
The closer we walk with the LORD the more like HIM we become. There is nothing we can do about it, it's just the way it is. When JESUS said in Matthew 10:22 "and you will be hated by all for MY name's sake", HE didn't say to not alienate people because they are walking in sin. What HE was saying was that when we walk the same walk HE did, "this world" will oppose us, for we are following what GOD has ordained for our lives! GOD's Way and the ways of "this world" are diametrically opposed, "you cannot serve GOD and mammon" (Luke 16:13; Matthew 6:24)!
If we desire to "just get along" with "this world" we should remember, the Spirit of JESUS lives inside of our body (John 17:23) and "this world" did everything they could to eradicate HIM over 2,000 years ago! Their disdain for HIM has gotten no weaker during that time. It's time for us to choose. Do we want to "get along just to get along", or do want to be like JESUS and drive them out of the temple with "A WHIP OF CORDS"? Although I don't wish to alienate anyone, the Spirit WHO lives in me paid an unimaginable price for running ungodliness out of GOD's Temple back then. Will I allow "this world" to creep into HIS house because I'm too weak????
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
"OUR ONLY HOPE!"
Matthew 3:11-12 (ESV)
"11 "I baptize you with water for repentance, but HE WHO is coming after me is mightier than I, WHOSE sandals I am not worthy to carry. HE will baptize you with the HOLY SPIRIT and fire.
12 HIS winnowing fork is in HIS hand, and HE will clear HIS threshing floor and gather HIS wheat into the barn, but the chaff HE will burn with unquenchable fire."
Browsing a social media site recently, it is almost nauseating to observe all of the posts about different candidates for President and how they are "OUR ONLY HOPE"! You get the impression that they are "blinded" to THE TRUTH and have no idea of what is REALLY happening right in front of their eyes? And the "church" is as guilty as everyone saying where "OUR ONLY HOPE" lies? Believers, even ministers, are saying unless we vote how they BELIEVE we should, we are going to be in a world of hurt!
John, the baptizer, "knew" THE TRUTH and in John 1:29 it is written "The next day he (John) saw JESUS coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of GOD, who takes away the sin of the world!" One might think, in hearing all of the rhetoric surrounding the current election, that JESUS was coming back as President of the United States? There is only ONE "OUR ONLY HOPE", and HE is not a Democrat, nor a Republican, nor any other politician! HE is the KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS!!!
But "this world" is so caught up with living in the day at hand that we can't SEE scripture being fulfilled right in front of our very eyes! "HIS winnowing fork is in HIS hand, and HE will clear HIS threshing floor and gather HIS wheat into the barn, but the chaff HE will burn with unquenchable fire" aren't just filler words, they are prophetic words inspired by the Spirit of ALMIGHTY GOD! Who will be left on the "threshing floor" like dried up remnants of wheat? It may be those who fail to see what scripture says and prepare for HIS second coming??
"OUR ONLY HOPE" isn't listening to a politician's promises. "OUR ONLY HOPE" remains in WHO it has always been with, JESUS CHRIST! HE can change kings hearts (Proverbs 21:1), but HE desires to be praised ahead of people we might be claiming to be "OUR ONLY HOPE"!
"11 "I baptize you with water for repentance, but HE WHO is coming after me is mightier than I, WHOSE sandals I am not worthy to carry. HE will baptize you with the HOLY SPIRIT and fire.
12 HIS winnowing fork is in HIS hand, and HE will clear HIS threshing floor and gather HIS wheat into the barn, but the chaff HE will burn with unquenchable fire."
Browsing a social media site recently, it is almost nauseating to observe all of the posts about different candidates for President and how they are "OUR ONLY HOPE"! You get the impression that they are "blinded" to THE TRUTH and have no idea of what is REALLY happening right in front of their eyes? And the "church" is as guilty as everyone saying where "OUR ONLY HOPE" lies? Believers, even ministers, are saying unless we vote how they BELIEVE we should, we are going to be in a world of hurt!
John, the baptizer, "knew" THE TRUTH and in John 1:29 it is written "The next day he (John) saw JESUS coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of GOD, who takes away the sin of the world!" One might think, in hearing all of the rhetoric surrounding the current election, that JESUS was coming back as President of the United States? There is only ONE "OUR ONLY HOPE", and HE is not a Democrat, nor a Republican, nor any other politician! HE is the KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS!!!
But "this world" is so caught up with living in the day at hand that we can't SEE scripture being fulfilled right in front of our very eyes! "HIS winnowing fork is in HIS hand, and HE will clear HIS threshing floor and gather HIS wheat into the barn, but the chaff HE will burn with unquenchable fire" aren't just filler words, they are prophetic words inspired by the Spirit of ALMIGHTY GOD! Who will be left on the "threshing floor" like dried up remnants of wheat? It may be those who fail to see what scripture says and prepare for HIS second coming??
"OUR ONLY HOPE" isn't listening to a politician's promises. "OUR ONLY HOPE" remains in WHO it has always been with, JESUS CHRIST! HE can change kings hearts (Proverbs 21:1), but HE desires to be praised ahead of people we might be claiming to be "OUR ONLY HOPE"!
Monday, October 24, 2016
"THE SOUND OF A LOW WHISPER!"
1 Kings 19:9-14 (ESV)
"9 There he (Elijah) came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and HE said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
10 He said, "I have been very jealous for the LORD, the GOD of Hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken YOUR covenant, thrown down YOUR altars, and killed YOUR prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away."
11 And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.
12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire "THE SOUND OF A LOW WHISPER".
13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a VOICE to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
14 He said, "I have been very jealous for the LORD, the GOD of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away."
Having written many times about BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD, it seems to be really easy to write about Elijah being alone, in a cave, with "the word of the LORD. Elijah had just been sent a message from Jezebel that she was going to kill him, and he was taking it pretty seriously. Being shaken by the imminent danger that had been threatened upon him, Elijah began running. He went a ways outside of the city, and then the Angel of the LORD instructed to go to Horeb, the mount of GOD. Elijah was told he needed to get alone with GOD, in a quiet place away from the worlds influence on him.
When Elijah got to the place GOD had directed him to go, GOD didn't speak to him in a loud, booming voice. Scripture states GOD could have spoken in the wind or an earthquake, but GOD evidently GOD wanted Elijah to calm down and commune with HIM. Therefore, GOD chose to speak to Elijah in "THE SOUND OF A LOW WHISPER". Other Bible translations use the words "a still, small voice", or "a gentle blowing". You might remember in Genesis 1:3 "And GOD said "Let there be Light"! Some say that was great BIG BANG THEORY that is spoken about! When GOD chooses to speak so that everyone can and will hear HIM, HE will NO DOUBT be heard! (Philippians 2:9-11).
Don't be shocked when GOD speaks to you in a quiet, almost desolate place. Remembering when I was on the beach last year, there were some birds flying above my head singing and chirping to their hearts content. My mind went to the scripture when JESUS said "If they keep quiet, even the rocks would cry out"! (Luke 19:40). More often than not GOD needs me to be quiet for HIM to speak.
HEAVENLY FATHER, cause me to be listening for YOU in "THE SOUND OF A LOW WHISPER"! Then cause me to be bold and certain when YOU direct me to deliver YOUR Message to others.
"9 There he (Elijah) came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and HE said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
10 He said, "I have been very jealous for the LORD, the GOD of Hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken YOUR covenant, thrown down YOUR altars, and killed YOUR prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away."
11 And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.
12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire "THE SOUND OF A LOW WHISPER".
13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a VOICE to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
14 He said, "I have been very jealous for the LORD, the GOD of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away."
Having written many times about BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD, it seems to be really easy to write about Elijah being alone, in a cave, with "the word of the LORD. Elijah had just been sent a message from Jezebel that she was going to kill him, and he was taking it pretty seriously. Being shaken by the imminent danger that had been threatened upon him, Elijah began running. He went a ways outside of the city, and then the Angel of the LORD instructed to go to Horeb, the mount of GOD. Elijah was told he needed to get alone with GOD, in a quiet place away from the worlds influence on him.
When Elijah got to the place GOD had directed him to go, GOD didn't speak to him in a loud, booming voice. Scripture states GOD could have spoken in the wind or an earthquake, but GOD evidently GOD wanted Elijah to calm down and commune with HIM. Therefore, GOD chose to speak to Elijah in "THE SOUND OF A LOW WHISPER". Other Bible translations use the words "a still, small voice", or "a gentle blowing". You might remember in Genesis 1:3 "And GOD said "Let there be Light"! Some say that was great BIG BANG THEORY that is spoken about! When GOD chooses to speak so that everyone can and will hear HIM, HE will NO DOUBT be heard! (Philippians 2:9-11).
Don't be shocked when GOD speaks to you in a quiet, almost desolate place. Remembering when I was on the beach last year, there were some birds flying above my head singing and chirping to their hearts content. My mind went to the scripture when JESUS said "If they keep quiet, even the rocks would cry out"! (Luke 19:40). More often than not GOD needs me to be quiet for HIM to speak.
HEAVENLY FATHER, cause me to be listening for YOU in "THE SOUND OF A LOW WHISPER"! Then cause me to be bold and certain when YOU direct me to deliver YOUR Message to others.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
"VERY HUMBLE!"
Numbers 12:3 (NASB)
"Now the man Moses was "VERY HUMBLE", more than any man who was on the face of the earth."
When you consider what type of man GOD chose to lead HIS children out of captivity in Egypt, you don't have to look much further than Numbers 12:3! Imagine if GOD had to choose a modern day leader? Maybe that person would go around talking about their wealth, or achievements, or even their popularity? What GOD chose to have written about Moses was he was more HUMBLE than any other man who was on the face of the earth! Yet he was selected to lead an estimated 3 million plus people out captivity from the most powerful nation known to man at the time. And when they were leaving Egypt, the Egyptians gave them all kinds of bounty to carry with them (Exodus 32:33-36)!
Now I don't know the Bible as well as some people do, but my take on the Exodus story is that GOD chose Moses because HE wanted someone who wouldn't attempt to take credit for the miraculous events that would transpire over the next forty years. GOD wasn't trying to build a dynasty on earth, rather HE was interested in drawing glory and honor to HIMSELF!
Would GOD be able to find a human today who would be willing to be used by the LORD to humbly lead HIS children? Is there anyone with leadership skills that is "VERY HUMBLE"? GOD hasn't lost HIS power to work miracles, such as at the Red Sea! But in HIS timing, HE may be waiting until a "VERY HUMBLE" person is raised up to draw HIM glory???
"Now the man Moses was "VERY HUMBLE", more than any man who was on the face of the earth."
When you consider what type of man GOD chose to lead HIS children out of captivity in Egypt, you don't have to look much further than Numbers 12:3! Imagine if GOD had to choose a modern day leader? Maybe that person would go around talking about their wealth, or achievements, or even their popularity? What GOD chose to have written about Moses was he was more HUMBLE than any other man who was on the face of the earth! Yet he was selected to lead an estimated 3 million plus people out captivity from the most powerful nation known to man at the time. And when they were leaving Egypt, the Egyptians gave them all kinds of bounty to carry with them (Exodus 32:33-36)!
Now I don't know the Bible as well as some people do, but my take on the Exodus story is that GOD chose Moses because HE wanted someone who wouldn't attempt to take credit for the miraculous events that would transpire over the next forty years. GOD wasn't trying to build a dynasty on earth, rather HE was interested in drawing glory and honor to HIMSELF!
Would GOD be able to find a human today who would be willing to be used by the LORD to humbly lead HIS children? Is there anyone with leadership skills that is "VERY HUMBLE"? GOD hasn't lost HIS power to work miracles, such as at the Red Sea! But in HIS timing, HE may be waiting until a "VERY HUMBLE" person is raised up to draw HIM glory???
Friday, October 21, 2016
"IT IS WRITTEN!"
Luke 4:1-13 (ESV)
"1 And JESUS, full of the HOLY SPIRIT, returned from the Jordan and was led by the SPIRIT in the wilderness
2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And HE ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, HE was hungry.
3 The devil said to him, "If YOU are the SON of GOD, command this stone to become bread."
4 And JESUS answered him, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone.'"
5 And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time,
6 and said to HIM, "To YOU I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will.
7 If YOU, then, will worship me, it will all be YOURS."
8 And JESUS answered him, ""IT IS WRITTEN", "'You shall worship the LORD your GOD, and HIM only shall you serve.'"
9 And he took HIM to Jerusalem and set HIM on the pinnacle of the temple and said to HIM, "If you are the SON of GOD, throw YOURSELF down from here,
10 for "IT IS WRITTEN", "'HE will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,'
11 and "'On their hands they will bear YOU up, lest you strike YOUR foot against a stone.'"
12 And JESUS answered him, ""IT IS WRITTEN", 'You shall not put the LORD your GOD to the test.'"
13 And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from HIM until an opportune time."
When the scriptures above are considered, one can easily see how JESUS might have been in a bad state after fasting for 40 days! Were we observing me, irritability and impatience are most likely the characteristics that would have been displayed. However, this was GOD in the flesh, DIVINITY clothed in humanity, and HIS response shouldn't surprise, nor alarm us. Isaiah 55:8-9 says "For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways and MY thoughts than your thoughts."
Although JESUS was, and is GOD, HE was still wrapped in a human body. Satan evidently thought he had JESUS on his turf (in this world) and JESUS was without all of HIS power? The enemy was quickly corrected as JESUS almost constantly replied to satan's temptations with "IT IS WRITTEN", reminding him of what GOD had said about following GOD's instructions. According to the Gospel of John 1:1 "In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD."
JESUS is the WORD of GOD! Whenever HE spoke the WORD of GOD came out of HIS mouth with no effort. HE has been with GOD since the beginning and HIS memory is better than anything we have ever experienced. When HE was but 12 years old Luke 2:46-48a records "After three days they (JESUS' parents) found HIM (JESUS) in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard HIM were amazed at HIS understanding and HIS answers. And when HIS parents saw HIM, they were astonished". The teachers in the temple, HIS parents, and ALL who heard HIM were astonished! Now satan had the opportunity to be astonished as he got to see that JESUS has lost none of HIS Power when HE wrapped flesh around his SPIRIT to come to earth!
The enemy still acts as though he is the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4), but there is only one GOD and HE will not share HIS glory with another (Isaiah 42:8)! We are living in a tumultuous world that is a manifestation of what living life as though there is no GOD can bring. When will our eyes be opened to see that "IT IS WRITTEN" is not just a prognostication of what COULD happen, it is GOD's WORD and what it says will happen! Just like satan had to be shown in Luke 4, evidently we will have to be shown ONCE AGAIN that when scripture says "IT IS WRITTEN", IT WILL HAPPEN!!!
"1 And JESUS, full of the HOLY SPIRIT, returned from the Jordan and was led by the SPIRIT in the wilderness
2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And HE ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, HE was hungry.
3 The devil said to him, "If YOU are the SON of GOD, command this stone to become bread."
4 And JESUS answered him, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone.'"
5 And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time,
6 and said to HIM, "To YOU I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will.
7 If YOU, then, will worship me, it will all be YOURS."
8 And JESUS answered him, ""IT IS WRITTEN", "'You shall worship the LORD your GOD, and HIM only shall you serve.'"
9 And he took HIM to Jerusalem and set HIM on the pinnacle of the temple and said to HIM, "If you are the SON of GOD, throw YOURSELF down from here,
10 for "IT IS WRITTEN", "'HE will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,'
11 and "'On their hands they will bear YOU up, lest you strike YOUR foot against a stone.'"
12 And JESUS answered him, ""IT IS WRITTEN", 'You shall not put the LORD your GOD to the test.'"
13 And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from HIM until an opportune time."
When the scriptures above are considered, one can easily see how JESUS might have been in a bad state after fasting for 40 days! Were we observing me, irritability and impatience are most likely the characteristics that would have been displayed. However, this was GOD in the flesh, DIVINITY clothed in humanity, and HIS response shouldn't surprise, nor alarm us. Isaiah 55:8-9 says "For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways and MY thoughts than your thoughts."
Although JESUS was, and is GOD, HE was still wrapped in a human body. Satan evidently thought he had JESUS on his turf (in this world) and JESUS was without all of HIS power? The enemy was quickly corrected as JESUS almost constantly replied to satan's temptations with "IT IS WRITTEN", reminding him of what GOD had said about following GOD's instructions. According to the Gospel of John 1:1 "In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD."
JESUS is the WORD of GOD! Whenever HE spoke the WORD of GOD came out of HIS mouth with no effort. HE has been with GOD since the beginning and HIS memory is better than anything we have ever experienced. When HE was but 12 years old Luke 2:46-48a records "After three days they (JESUS' parents) found HIM (JESUS) in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard HIM were amazed at HIS understanding and HIS answers. And when HIS parents saw HIM, they were astonished". The teachers in the temple, HIS parents, and ALL who heard HIM were astonished! Now satan had the opportunity to be astonished as he got to see that JESUS has lost none of HIS Power when HE wrapped flesh around his SPIRIT to come to earth!
The enemy still acts as though he is the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4), but there is only one GOD and HE will not share HIS glory with another (Isaiah 42:8)! We are living in a tumultuous world that is a manifestation of what living life as though there is no GOD can bring. When will our eyes be opened to see that "IT IS WRITTEN" is not just a prognostication of what COULD happen, it is GOD's WORD and what it says will happen! Just like satan had to be shown in Luke 4, evidently we will have to be shown ONCE AGAIN that when scripture says "IT IS WRITTEN", IT WILL HAPPEN!!!
Thursday, October 20, 2016
"WE WILL REAP!"
Galatians 6:6-9 (ESV)
"6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.
7 Do not be deceived: GOD is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the SPIRIT will from the SPIRIT reap eternal life.
9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season "WE WILL REAP", if we do not give up."
It may not be an automatic response, but certainly a predominant one, that when someone experiences difficulties in their life for us to "wonder what they did wrong"? After all, Galatians 6:7 DOES say "......for whatever one sows, that will he also reap"! But sometimes GOD uses the difficulties in our lives to move us toward the direction in our lives to give HIM glory. And the task of acknowledging those who assist us on our journey is something that we should not leave for others to take care of.
In verse 6 above, scripture points out we should share our "good things" with those who teaches us about the word. The 1599 Geneva Bible translates verse 6 like this, "Let him that is taught the word, make him that taught him, partaker of all his goods." Now this verse doesn't say those who have the title or position to teach should benefit from having a title, rather it says "make him that taught him, partaker of all his goods." Those who actually "teach" should be the ones who we share GOD's blessings with. And GOD knows who they are and if we are honoring them.
Job was "blameless and upright, one who feared GOD and turned away from evil" (Job 1:1). Yet GOD allowed Satan to cause Job serious trials, and Job had done nothing wrong. Just because a person is experiencing difficulties in "this world" doesn't indicate that that person has sewn bad seeds, it could be they are being used to glorify and honor ALMIGHTY GOD! Do you think that Paul and Silas (Acts 16) had committed crimes to be placed in prison? Maybe Paul is writing in Galatians 6:6-9 that if we sew corruptible seeds, we can expect corruption to grow. If we sew seeds of the SPIRIT, we should expect fruits of the SPIRIT to be harvested?
My expectations of reaping things of the SPIRIT is most often entangled with me waiting on the SPIRIT! Far too many times I have an expectation of what GOD will do, and how HE will do it. But the biggest flaw I experience is waiting on HIM to determine when "WE WILL REAP"! Perhaps that is why Psalms 27:14 says "WAIT FOR THE LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage;", and then it again finishes with "WAIT FOR THE LORD!" We can plant all the seeds we want, but only GOD can determine what "WE WILL REAP" and when we will reap it!!!
"6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.
7 Do not be deceived: GOD is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the SPIRIT will from the SPIRIT reap eternal life.
9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season "WE WILL REAP", if we do not give up."
It may not be an automatic response, but certainly a predominant one, that when someone experiences difficulties in their life for us to "wonder what they did wrong"? After all, Galatians 6:7 DOES say "......for whatever one sows, that will he also reap"! But sometimes GOD uses the difficulties in our lives to move us toward the direction in our lives to give HIM glory. And the task of acknowledging those who assist us on our journey is something that we should not leave for others to take care of.
In verse 6 above, scripture points out we should share our "good things" with those who teaches us about the word. The 1599 Geneva Bible translates verse 6 like this, "Let him that is taught the word, make him that taught him, partaker of all his goods." Now this verse doesn't say those who have the title or position to teach should benefit from having a title, rather it says "make him that taught him, partaker of all his goods." Those who actually "teach" should be the ones who we share GOD's blessings with. And GOD knows who they are and if we are honoring them.
Job was "blameless and upright, one who feared GOD and turned away from evil" (Job 1:1). Yet GOD allowed Satan to cause Job serious trials, and Job had done nothing wrong. Just because a person is experiencing difficulties in "this world" doesn't indicate that that person has sewn bad seeds, it could be they are being used to glorify and honor ALMIGHTY GOD! Do you think that Paul and Silas (Acts 16) had committed crimes to be placed in prison? Maybe Paul is writing in Galatians 6:6-9 that if we sew corruptible seeds, we can expect corruption to grow. If we sew seeds of the SPIRIT, we should expect fruits of the SPIRIT to be harvested?
My expectations of reaping things of the SPIRIT is most often entangled with me waiting on the SPIRIT! Far too many times I have an expectation of what GOD will do, and how HE will do it. But the biggest flaw I experience is waiting on HIM to determine when "WE WILL REAP"! Perhaps that is why Psalms 27:14 says "WAIT FOR THE LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage;", and then it again finishes with "WAIT FOR THE LORD!" We can plant all the seeds we want, but only GOD can determine what "WE WILL REAP" and when we will reap it!!!
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
"FAR ABOVE!"
Ephesians 1:15:23 (ESV)
"15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the LORD JESUS and your love toward all the saints,
16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,
17 that the GOD of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, the FATHER of glory, may give you the SPIRIT of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of HIM,
18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which HE has called you, what are the riches of HIS glorious inheritance in the saints,
19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of HIS power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
20 that HE worked in CHRIST when HE raised HIM from the dead and seated HIM at HIS right hand in the heavenly places,
21 "FAR ABOVE" all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
22 And he put all things under HIS feet and gave HIM as head over all things to the church,
23 which is HIS body, the fullness of HIM who fills all in all."
Even for those who haven't been called (v.18) to believe that HE provided a unmistakable avenue for our salvation, one HAS TO be amazed that a fledgling country of thirteen colonies was able to defeat a country that most agree should have been able to annihilate them in rather short order. The easiest way to explain ALL of the miracles that occurred, according to none other than George Washington, was to acknowledge that a Higher Power had been involved. The following three paragraphs are from a history communique I received this morning regarding the history of the United States:
On this day in 1781, British General Lord Charles Cornwallis surrendered to American General George Washington, bringing an end to the Siege of Yorktown and effectively ending the American Revolution. Negotiations for that surrender had begun after Cornwallis first raised a white flag of surrender two days earlier, on October 17.
Washington himself VIEWED THE VICTORY AS A MIRACLE. The day after Cornwallis's surrender, he (Washington) issued the following general orders to his troops:
"Divine Service is to be performed tomorrow in the several Brigades or Divisions. The Commander in Chief earnestly recommends that the troops not on duty should universally attend with that seriousness of Deportment and gratitude of Heart which the recognition of such reiterated and astonishing interpositions of Providence demand of us."
George Washington knew that the United States of America had been blessed beyond measure. HE strongly encouraged "that the troops not on duty should universally attend" a recognition that their victory had been Divinely orchestrated. How then have we evolved into a country that refuses to speak the name of GOD and JESUS in public? From depending on GOD for our literal existence during the Revolutionary War, to now forbidding people even to speak HIS Name in public?
The day is quickly coming that everybody will bow down (Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:10) and proclaim that JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD! How can that happen, you may ask! Because JESUS is "FAR ABOVE" all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. Can you now see where there will be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth? It's coming, and soon! JESUS is "FAR ABOVE" all names, but professing HIM now will save you immense heartache and heartbreak!!!
"15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the LORD JESUS and your love toward all the saints,
16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,
17 that the GOD of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, the FATHER of glory, may give you the SPIRIT of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of HIM,
18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which HE has called you, what are the riches of HIS glorious inheritance in the saints,
19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of HIS power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
20 that HE worked in CHRIST when HE raised HIM from the dead and seated HIM at HIS right hand in the heavenly places,
21 "FAR ABOVE" all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
22 And he put all things under HIS feet and gave HIM as head over all things to the church,
23 which is HIS body, the fullness of HIM who fills all in all."
Even for those who haven't been called (v.18) to believe that HE provided a unmistakable avenue for our salvation, one HAS TO be amazed that a fledgling country of thirteen colonies was able to defeat a country that most agree should have been able to annihilate them in rather short order. The easiest way to explain ALL of the miracles that occurred, according to none other than George Washington, was to acknowledge that a Higher Power had been involved. The following three paragraphs are from a history communique I received this morning regarding the history of the United States:
On this day in 1781, British General Lord Charles Cornwallis surrendered to American General George Washington, bringing an end to the Siege of Yorktown and effectively ending the American Revolution. Negotiations for that surrender had begun after Cornwallis first raised a white flag of surrender two days earlier, on October 17.
Washington himself VIEWED THE VICTORY AS A MIRACLE. The day after Cornwallis's surrender, he (Washington) issued the following general orders to his troops:
"Divine Service is to be performed tomorrow in the several Brigades or Divisions. The Commander in Chief earnestly recommends that the troops not on duty should universally attend with that seriousness of Deportment and gratitude of Heart which the recognition of such reiterated and astonishing interpositions of Providence demand of us."
George Washington knew that the United States of America had been blessed beyond measure. HE strongly encouraged "that the troops not on duty should universally attend" a recognition that their victory had been Divinely orchestrated. How then have we evolved into a country that refuses to speak the name of GOD and JESUS in public? From depending on GOD for our literal existence during the Revolutionary War, to now forbidding people even to speak HIS Name in public?
The day is quickly coming that everybody will bow down (Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:10) and proclaim that JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD! How can that happen, you may ask! Because JESUS is "FAR ABOVE" all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. Can you now see where there will be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth? It's coming, and soon! JESUS is "FAR ABOVE" all names, but professing HIM now will save you immense heartache and heartbreak!!!
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
"MATURE MANHOOD!"
Ephesians 4:11-14 (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, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes."
There are times when I am inclined to study a certain subject in the Bible, and when my search for those scripture leads me to other verses, when I see them, I know that is where GOD wants to speak to me from at this time. This morning is a day like that. Hearing a good sermon can be one of the most helpful and inspiring things a person can experience. Other gifts and talents are too numerous to list, but until we know what we are SET ASIDE to accomplish for the Kingdom of GOD, there will be no peace and contentment. When GOD chooses to reveal "your mission" to you, nothing else will seem to matter.
In the scriptures above, GOD informs us that there are several different tasks that must be performed for the bride of CHRIST to be equipped, so we won't have to always be "children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes." HE lists "apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers", but there are other functions that MUST be performed for the BODY to function properly, for it to reach "MATURE MANHOOD"!
GOD may not have listed a definitive slot for what HE has called you to do in the passage above. In the movie "WAR ROOM", Miss Clara was one of the most powerful and effective PRAYER WARRIORS (not a preacher, or missionary, or other glamorous titles), but she didn't get there overnight. She lost her husband earlier in life and had to complete raising a son on her own. Nobody knows what GOD has in store for their life. But we know GOD works ALL THINGS together for good, for those who are called according to HIS purpose (Romans 8:28)! Regardless of what GOD leads you to accomplish for HIM, know that HE will equip you to perform the task HE requires you to perform.
There are many different things, and a lot of them are good things, that may entice us to either add to, or do differently, that which GOD had instructed us to do. A oft used phrase from many years ago says "When in doubt, DON'T!" If GOD has given you a Plan, the enemy will do anything he can to insert an alteration to that Plan. It takes a person of "MATURE MANHOOD" to do ONLY what GOD has directed at EXACTLY the time GOD is directing! Just because GOD leads you across the Red Sea doesn't mean your journey is complete. To reach Promised Land it will take someone who has reached "MATURE MANHOOD"!!!
"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, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes."
There are times when I am inclined to study a certain subject in the Bible, and when my search for those scripture leads me to other verses, when I see them, I know that is where GOD wants to speak to me from at this time. This morning is a day like that. Hearing a good sermon can be one of the most helpful and inspiring things a person can experience. Other gifts and talents are too numerous to list, but until we know what we are SET ASIDE to accomplish for the Kingdom of GOD, there will be no peace and contentment. When GOD chooses to reveal "your mission" to you, nothing else will seem to matter.
In the scriptures above, GOD informs us that there are several different tasks that must be performed for the bride of CHRIST to be equipped, so we won't have to always be "children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes." HE lists "apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers", but there are other functions that MUST be performed for the BODY to function properly, for it to reach "MATURE MANHOOD"!
GOD may not have listed a definitive slot for what HE has called you to do in the passage above. In the movie "WAR ROOM", Miss Clara was one of the most powerful and effective PRAYER WARRIORS (not a preacher, or missionary, or other glamorous titles), but she didn't get there overnight. She lost her husband earlier in life and had to complete raising a son on her own. Nobody knows what GOD has in store for their life. But we know GOD works ALL THINGS together for good, for those who are called according to HIS purpose (Romans 8:28)! Regardless of what GOD leads you to accomplish for HIM, know that HE will equip you to perform the task HE requires you to perform.
There are many different things, and a lot of them are good things, that may entice us to either add to, or do differently, that which GOD had instructed us to do. A oft used phrase from many years ago says "When in doubt, DON'T!" If GOD has given you a Plan, the enemy will do anything he can to insert an alteration to that Plan. It takes a person of "MATURE MANHOOD" to do ONLY what GOD has directed at EXACTLY the time GOD is directing! Just because GOD leads you across the Red Sea doesn't mean your journey is complete. To reach Promised Land it will take someone who has reached "MATURE MANHOOD"!!!
Monday, October 17, 2016
"I AM THE LORD!"
Isaiah 42:8 (ESV)
"I AM THE LORD"; that is MY name; MY glory I give to no other, nor MY praise to carved idols."
There are many times in my childhood that I can remember being "promised" judgement (a whipping) if my behavior didn't improve. Several of those times I was spared by a parent/grandparent who was merciful, but unfortunately there were a lot of times when the judgement came through, and occasionally with a vengeance that left a memorable impression.
When "I AM THE LORD" makes a promise, the passing of the judgement is generally rather certain. When "I AM THE LORD" promised in the scripture above to NOT share HIS glory with another, HE didn't mince words, nor intent! There are many instances where evidence of this principle was manifested, most notably in Exodus 14. GOD told Moses HE would, and so HE hardened Pharaoh's heart in Exodus 14:4 and thus HE got glory over them. And the consequences were dramatic! In Exodus 14:30 it is recorded "Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians DEAD ON THE SEASHORE". Yes, a loving GOD caused Pharaoh and his hots to be drowned in the Red Sea, FOR HIS GLORY!!
There is no doubt that GOD still has the power to accomplish a Red Sea moment today. Now Pharaoh of Exodus was the most powerful kingdom of his era, and GOD drowned him and his hosts in the Red Sea. A modern day leader would certainly be wise to learn from history, as they say "those who refuse to learn history are doomed to repeat it"! Only timing may prove more fatalistic than ever before. Eternal consequences can't be corrected!
GOD's promises are sure. We don't know exactly when they will occur, but if HIS Word says something will happen, it IS GOING TO HAPPEN! "I AM THE LORD" will NOT give HIS glory to another, no matter how hard we may try to glorify things that aren't worthy. Whatever we attempt to deify, whether we realize it or not, will ultimately be cast onto the dung heap of futility. There is nothing that can measure up to the magnificence and grandeur of my CREATOR.
Forgive me, oh LORD, for neglecting to place YOUR will ahead of my selfish and temporal desires. There is nothing so fulfilling and gratifying as submitting myself to YOUR Plan for my life. Cause me to keep my priorities in line with YOUR WORD and not be blinded by the distortions of the enemy. Keeping "I AM THE LORD" at the forefront of my mind is certainly where YOU should be, and is where I desire for YOU to be!!
"I AM THE LORD"; that is MY name; MY glory I give to no other, nor MY praise to carved idols."
There are many times in my childhood that I can remember being "promised" judgement (a whipping) if my behavior didn't improve. Several of those times I was spared by a parent/grandparent who was merciful, but unfortunately there were a lot of times when the judgement came through, and occasionally with a vengeance that left a memorable impression.
When "I AM THE LORD" makes a promise, the passing of the judgement is generally rather certain. When "I AM THE LORD" promised in the scripture above to NOT share HIS glory with another, HE didn't mince words, nor intent! There are many instances where evidence of this principle was manifested, most notably in Exodus 14. GOD told Moses HE would, and so HE hardened Pharaoh's heart in Exodus 14:4 and thus HE got glory over them. And the consequences were dramatic! In Exodus 14:30 it is recorded "Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians DEAD ON THE SEASHORE". Yes, a loving GOD caused Pharaoh and his hots to be drowned in the Red Sea, FOR HIS GLORY!!
There is no doubt that GOD still has the power to accomplish a Red Sea moment today. Now Pharaoh of Exodus was the most powerful kingdom of his era, and GOD drowned him and his hosts in the Red Sea. A modern day leader would certainly be wise to learn from history, as they say "those who refuse to learn history are doomed to repeat it"! Only timing may prove more fatalistic than ever before. Eternal consequences can't be corrected!
GOD's promises are sure. We don't know exactly when they will occur, but if HIS Word says something will happen, it IS GOING TO HAPPEN! "I AM THE LORD" will NOT give HIS glory to another, no matter how hard we may try to glorify things that aren't worthy. Whatever we attempt to deify, whether we realize it or not, will ultimately be cast onto the dung heap of futility. There is nothing that can measure up to the magnificence and grandeur of my CREATOR.
Forgive me, oh LORD, for neglecting to place YOUR will ahead of my selfish and temporal desires. There is nothing so fulfilling and gratifying as submitting myself to YOUR Plan for my life. Cause me to keep my priorities in line with YOUR WORD and not be blinded by the distortions of the enemy. Keeping "I AM THE LORD" at the forefront of my mind is certainly where YOU should be, and is where I desire for YOU to be!!
Saturday, October 15, 2016
"MY POLITICAL STATUS!"
Proverbs 21:1 (ESV)
"The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; HE turns it wherever HE will"
In observing the feverish social media support for various candidates for President in relative silence, I am persuaded that I should speak my position to let it be known where I stand in relationship to the upcoming election for President of the United States. If you want me to support your candidate for President, it would behoove you to petition the Heavenly FATHER on your candidates behalf. Putting posts about who is supporting your candidate, or what another candidate may have done when they thought nobody was watching, or anything else to glamorize the candidate you support will not faze me in the least. For I pledge to only be swayed by the Divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit to support any one for any office, be it dog catcher all the way to President of the United States, not by what I see regarding a candidate on social media!
Proverbs 21:1 (ESV) says "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; HE turns it wherever HE will". Max Lucado writes "Nebuchadnezzar was considered to be the mightiest king of his generation. But GOD humbled and put him in "detention" for seven years. "The kingdom is the Lord's, and He rules over the nations" (Psalms 22:28)."
What America needs to do is admit that we are nothing without Almighty GOD, and beg for HIS mercy for rebelling against HIM for so long! That is the ONLY way we can ever be what we once were. GOD can change anybody's heart, I know, because HE changed, and is still changing, mine!!
These words are written in LOVE, in an attempt to refocus some friends who seem to have become so intent on helping their candidate win no matter the cost, when GOD is the ONE that we should be petitioning for wisdom and mercy and grace! There isn't a candidate, a social media meme, or campaign cliché, or any rhetoric that can change a heart towards the LORD. Only GOD can do that, and HE is only reached by a humble heart and a contrite Spirit (Psalms 51:17; John 6:44)!
Don't try to convince me how "good" your candidate is. The HOLY BIBLE says in Matthew 19:17 and Luke 18:19 "there is only ONE Who is good"! The rest of us are vile, filthy sinners. GOD alone is able to change a heart, and HE is the only ONE who can change our nation. We better begin to once again begin calling on HIS Name for our sustenance.
"The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; HE turns it wherever HE will"
In observing the feverish social media support for various candidates for President in relative silence, I am persuaded that I should speak my position to let it be known where I stand in relationship to the upcoming election for President of the United States. If you want me to support your candidate for President, it would behoove you to petition the Heavenly FATHER on your candidates behalf. Putting posts about who is supporting your candidate, or what another candidate may have done when they thought nobody was watching, or anything else to glamorize the candidate you support will not faze me in the least. For I pledge to only be swayed by the Divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit to support any one for any office, be it dog catcher all the way to President of the United States, not by what I see regarding a candidate on social media!
Proverbs 21:1 (ESV) says "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; HE turns it wherever HE will". Max Lucado writes "Nebuchadnezzar was considered to be the mightiest king of his generation. But GOD humbled and put him in "detention" for seven years. "The kingdom is the Lord's, and He rules over the nations" (Psalms 22:28)."
What America needs to do is admit that we are nothing without Almighty GOD, and beg for HIS mercy for rebelling against HIM for so long! That is the ONLY way we can ever be what we once were. GOD can change anybody's heart, I know, because HE changed, and is still changing, mine!!
These words are written in LOVE, in an attempt to refocus some friends who seem to have become so intent on helping their candidate win no matter the cost, when GOD is the ONE that we should be petitioning for wisdom and mercy and grace! There isn't a candidate, a social media meme, or campaign cliché, or any rhetoric that can change a heart towards the LORD. Only GOD can do that, and HE is only reached by a humble heart and a contrite Spirit (Psalms 51:17; John 6:44)!
Don't try to convince me how "good" your candidate is. The HOLY BIBLE says in Matthew 19:17 and Luke 18:19 "there is only ONE Who is good"! The rest of us are vile, filthy sinners. GOD alone is able to change a heart, and HE is the only ONE who can change our nation. We better begin to once again begin calling on HIS Name for our sustenance.
Friday, October 14, 2016
"POWER OF DARKNESS!"
Luke 22:52-53 (ESV)
"52 Then JESUS said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?
53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the "POWER OF DARKNESS."
There are times when the enemy tries to interrupt my "connection time" with GOD. Of course, usually I can see that for what it is and I will flee from him. However, I am imperfect (2 Corinthians 4:7-12) and GOD continually is working to draw me closer to HIM. GOD is in control of "all things" and HE sends trials and difficulties to draw us closer in our walk with HIM. Sometimes I think HE is silent, but later I see where HE was growing me!
When JESUS became flesh (John 1:14) it wasn't as if HE was a new CREATION. Colossians 1:16 says "For by HIM "all things" were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through HIM and for HIM." HIS SPIRIT only occupied a physical body for 33+ years, but HE also was there when "this world" was created. Since JESUS created and knew "all things" HE was, and is, very familiar with them, even the enemy! Yes, HE created the "bad people" just HE created me to glorify HIM!
JESUS saw the Spiritual version of "all things", therefore HE was able to look past the "the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders" and SEE that they were housing the spirit of the "POWER OF DARKNESS". Even though "the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders" were of the earthy blood-line of Abraham, they were "not of us" (1 John 2:19) and JESUS was able to IDENTITY and RECOGNIZE them as such (Luke 11:14-23)!
Being able to IDENTIFY and RECOGNIZE "THE POWER OF DARKNESS" when we see it makes living in "this world" so much less stressful. Knowing that GOD is continually working to draw me closer to HIM, it amazes me that HE uses people who refuse to believe in HIM to glorify HIMSELF! Remember in Exodus 14:4 when GOD said to Moses "And I WILL harden Pharaoh's heart, and he WILL pursue them, and THAT I WILL GET GLORY over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD." And they did so". GOD got Glory from the very ones who previously held HIS children captive.
Just as GOD chooses some of us to be HIS servants, HE allows some to glorify HIM through Red Sea experiences. Being able to IDENTIFY and RECOGNIZE the people who are the "POWER OF DARKNESS" is essential to serving HIM. JESUS said in Matthew 7:15-20 we could RECOGNIZE and IDENTIFY them by their fruits! We are not to judge the "POWER OF DARKNESS", but GOD's Word does judge them, and GOD's Word WILL judge them on that day! Pharaoh and all his hosts were judged at the Red Sea. One day JESUS will RECOGNIZE and IDENTIFY the "POWER OF DARKNESS" once again, and HE will issue their ultimate judgement!!!
"52 Then JESUS said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?
53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the "POWER OF DARKNESS."
There are times when the enemy tries to interrupt my "connection time" with GOD. Of course, usually I can see that for what it is and I will flee from him. However, I am imperfect (2 Corinthians 4:7-12) and GOD continually is working to draw me closer to HIM. GOD is in control of "all things" and HE sends trials and difficulties to draw us closer in our walk with HIM. Sometimes I think HE is silent, but later I see where HE was growing me!
When JESUS became flesh (John 1:14) it wasn't as if HE was a new CREATION. Colossians 1:16 says "For by HIM "all things" were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through HIM and for HIM." HIS SPIRIT only occupied a physical body for 33+ years, but HE also was there when "this world" was created. Since JESUS created and knew "all things" HE was, and is, very familiar with them, even the enemy! Yes, HE created the "bad people" just HE created me to glorify HIM!
JESUS saw the Spiritual version of "all things", therefore HE was able to look past the "the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders" and SEE that they were housing the spirit of the "POWER OF DARKNESS". Even though "the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders" were of the earthy blood-line of Abraham, they were "not of us" (1 John 2:19) and JESUS was able to IDENTITY and RECOGNIZE them as such (Luke 11:14-23)!
Being able to IDENTIFY and RECOGNIZE "THE POWER OF DARKNESS" when we see it makes living in "this world" so much less stressful. Knowing that GOD is continually working to draw me closer to HIM, it amazes me that HE uses people who refuse to believe in HIM to glorify HIMSELF! Remember in Exodus 14:4 when GOD said to Moses "And I WILL harden Pharaoh's heart, and he WILL pursue them, and THAT I WILL GET GLORY over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD." And they did so". GOD got Glory from the very ones who previously held HIS children captive.
Just as GOD chooses some of us to be HIS servants, HE allows some to glorify HIM through Red Sea experiences. Being able to IDENTIFY and RECOGNIZE the people who are the "POWER OF DARKNESS" is essential to serving HIM. JESUS said in Matthew 7:15-20 we could RECOGNIZE and IDENTIFY them by their fruits! We are not to judge the "POWER OF DARKNESS", but GOD's Word does judge them, and GOD's Word WILL judge them on that day! Pharaoh and all his hosts were judged at the Red Sea. One day JESUS will RECOGNIZE and IDENTIFY the "POWER OF DARKNESS" once again, and HE will issue their ultimate judgement!!!
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
"COUNT IT ALL JOY!"
James 1:2-4 (ESV)
"2 "COUNT IT ALL JOY", my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Never being one to "enjoy" trials and tribulations, I usually find myself responding to difficulties with a degree of chagrin, hoping to escape the end results or some of the difficulties tied to the rough circumstances. Being able to lighten the bad outcome of an ugly situation could mean not having to suffer quite so much. But is that what GOD would have us do when HE is trying to be glorified? If we are created to glorify GOD (Isaiah 43:7), then our goal should be to suffer if need be for HIS Glory! Remember JESUS in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:42)? "Not my will, but THINE be done?!
The scripture verses above express for us what we are called to do "WHEN YOU MEET trials various kinds". Notice that the scripture doesn't say IF you meet trials, but WHEN YOU MEET various trials. The trials are a test of your FAITH, which produces steadfastness, and steadfastness having its full effect will make us perfect and complete, lacking in nothing! As bad as I hate to admit it, suffering may be used to strengthen my FAITH so that I can be used to glorify GOD. JESUS had to suffer for GOD to be glorified at Calvary, don't think that you will get to glorify GOD with no cost to you!
James tells us to "COUNT IT ALL JOY" when trials come your way. Maybe that means instead of being apprehensive when trials are noticed, we should welcome them with open arms! Going through trying times will develop us into tools that GOD can use for HIS Glory. We like to "COUNT IT ALL JOY" when we are experiencing good times. How about we "COUNT IT ALL JOY" when GOD can be glorified by our trials?
"2 "COUNT IT ALL JOY", my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Never being one to "enjoy" trials and tribulations, I usually find myself responding to difficulties with a degree of chagrin, hoping to escape the end results or some of the difficulties tied to the rough circumstances. Being able to lighten the bad outcome of an ugly situation could mean not having to suffer quite so much. But is that what GOD would have us do when HE is trying to be glorified? If we are created to glorify GOD (Isaiah 43:7), then our goal should be to suffer if need be for HIS Glory! Remember JESUS in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:42)? "Not my will, but THINE be done?!
The scripture verses above express for us what we are called to do "WHEN YOU MEET trials various kinds". Notice that the scripture doesn't say IF you meet trials, but WHEN YOU MEET various trials. The trials are a test of your FAITH, which produces steadfastness, and steadfastness having its full effect will make us perfect and complete, lacking in nothing! As bad as I hate to admit it, suffering may be used to strengthen my FAITH so that I can be used to glorify GOD. JESUS had to suffer for GOD to be glorified at Calvary, don't think that you will get to glorify GOD with no cost to you!
James tells us to "COUNT IT ALL JOY" when trials come your way. Maybe that means instead of being apprehensive when trials are noticed, we should welcome them with open arms! Going through trying times will develop us into tools that GOD can use for HIS Glory. We like to "COUNT IT ALL JOY" when we are experiencing good times. How about we "COUNT IT ALL JOY" when GOD can be glorified by our trials?
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
"GREAT IS THE LORD!"
Psalms 145:1-3 (ESV)
"1 I will extol you, my GOD and KING, and bless YOUR name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless YOU and praise YOUR name forever and ever.
3 "GREAT IS THE LORD", and greatly to be praised, and HIS greatness is unsearchable.
Every now and then I sit in amazement of the world we live in. The two paragraphs below testify just how grandiose our universe is, and all GOD had to do was SPEAK it into existence! Read below these two paragraphs from scientists explaining how precise the earth must rotate around the sun for us to survive:
""You might be surprised to know that a spot on the surface of the Earth is moving at 1675 km/h or 465 meters/second. That’s 1,040 miles/hour. Just think, for every second, you’re moving almost half a kilometer through space, and you don’t even feel it.""
""Earth's average orbital speed is about 30 kilometers per second. In other units, that's about 19 miles per second, or 67,000 miles per hour, or 110,000 kilometers per hour (110 million meters per hour).""
To understand that even though I am sitting still right now typing this, yet still I am moving 19 miles per second on a globe that is spinning over 1,000 miles per hour, all without getting out of timing in the slightest is incomprehensible! Yet, we seem to doubt that GOD is in control of the happenings of our finances, our nation, and world! How about how GOD makes plants and trees to provide oxygen, which we NEED to survive? Yet, we accept this unexplainable?!?
"GREAT IS THE LORD" is such an understatement! The passage above is actually a song written by King David over 3,000 years ago. GOD says HE "will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known" in Jeremiah 33:3! Whenever we run into what we see as being a problem, we need to remember that GOD controls the earth on its axis! HE can certainly handle my small problems, no matter how monumental they appear to me! My world is rather small compared to the earth spinning at over 1,000 MPH and moving at 67,000 MPH! Why don't we trust GOD with our lives? After all, "GREAT IS THE LORD"!!!
"1 I will extol you, my GOD and KING, and bless YOUR name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless YOU and praise YOUR name forever and ever.
3 "GREAT IS THE LORD", and greatly to be praised, and HIS greatness is unsearchable.
Every now and then I sit in amazement of the world we live in. The two paragraphs below testify just how grandiose our universe is, and all GOD had to do was SPEAK it into existence! Read below these two paragraphs from scientists explaining how precise the earth must rotate around the sun for us to survive:
""You might be surprised to know that a spot on the surface of the Earth is moving at 1675 km/h or 465 meters/second. That’s 1,040 miles/hour. Just think, for every second, you’re moving almost half a kilometer through space, and you don’t even feel it.""
""Earth's average orbital speed is about 30 kilometers per second. In other units, that's about 19 miles per second, or 67,000 miles per hour, or 110,000 kilometers per hour (110 million meters per hour).""
To understand that even though I am sitting still right now typing this, yet still I am moving 19 miles per second on a globe that is spinning over 1,000 miles per hour, all without getting out of timing in the slightest is incomprehensible! Yet, we seem to doubt that GOD is in control of the happenings of our finances, our nation, and world! How about how GOD makes plants and trees to provide oxygen, which we NEED to survive? Yet, we accept this unexplainable?!?
"GREAT IS THE LORD" is such an understatement! The passage above is actually a song written by King David over 3,000 years ago. GOD says HE "will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known" in Jeremiah 33:3! Whenever we run into what we see as being a problem, we need to remember that GOD controls the earth on its axis! HE can certainly handle my small problems, no matter how monumental they appear to me! My world is rather small compared to the earth spinning at over 1,000 MPH and moving at 67,000 MPH! Why don't we trust GOD with our lives? After all, "GREAT IS THE LORD"!!!
Monday, October 10, 2016
"CREATED FOR MY GLORY!"
Isaiah 43:1-7 (ESV)
"1 But now thus says the LORD, HE who created you, O Jacob, HE who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are MINE.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
3 For I AM the LORD your GOD, the HOLY ONE of Israel, your SAVIOR. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you.
4 Because you are precious in MY eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life.
5 Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you.
6 I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring MY sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth,
7 everyone who is called by MY name, whom I "CREATED FOR MY GLORY", whom I formed and made."
Recently the fellowship I attend watched a sermon from Matt Chandler entitled "GOD is for GOD". The sermon basically said we were not created so GOD could lavish HIS blessings upon us and make us desire to praise HIM for HIS blessings. GOD created us to magnify and exalt HIS Name and character, to shine (reflect) HIS Light for a lost and dying world to see, not so HE could demonstrate how much HE could help us adapt to "this world"! We are "sojourners" (defined as: a temporary stay:) in a foreign land, not homesteaders trying to wiggle our way into this evil society.
In the mid-1990's, I was in a position where GOD had my full attention! Switching to a property and casualty insurance agency from a life insurance only agency, there was an immense lack of knowledge, although I would never have admitted it the time. There were things I couldn't SEE (Ephesians 1:18) and I wouldn't slow down long enough for GOD to reveal them to me. Visiting a county park one day, I stumbled across Isaiah 43:2 and it was as if GOD HIMSELF was speaking directly to me. The floods have gotten pretty deep, and the fires have gotten extremely hot, but GOD has always been right there to protect me. HIS methods were rather severe at times, but HE HAS BEEN FAITHFUL!!! But it seemed I was continually wanting to see what GOD was going to do for me, instead of what I could do for HIM.
While listening to Matt Chandler speak recently, I was almost taken aback when he said that we were "CREATED FOR MY GLORY"! Although I KNEW GOD had CREATED US for HIS GLORY, there are so many self-proclaimed "preachers" these days teaching that GOD is here for our pleasure that hearing the TRUTH is akin to jumping into an ice cold swimming pool! GOD isn't looking for someone who can wear the finest clothes, or drive the most spectacular automobile, nor fly the biggest jet! No, GOD is making a few good men who will be obedient to HIM and follow the leadership of the HOLY SPIRIT in the daily walk with HIM!
GOD has placed a vision in my heart of where I believe HE wants me to go, for HIS Glory. While it is my "nature" (what my natural man desires) to implement HIS Plan in the next few days, I understand that I am "CREATED FOR HIS GLORY" and if I have to suffer for awhile, (1 Peter 5:10b) GOD "WHO has called you to his eternal glory in CHRIST, will HIMSELF restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you" in HIS timing! After all, it is NOT about what I "think" is best for me. I was "CREATED FOR HIS GLORY" and not for my pleasure!
"1 But now thus says the LORD, HE who created you, O Jacob, HE who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are MINE.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
3 For I AM the LORD your GOD, the HOLY ONE of Israel, your SAVIOR. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you.
4 Because you are precious in MY eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life.
5 Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you.
6 I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring MY sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth,
7 everyone who is called by MY name, whom I "CREATED FOR MY GLORY", whom I formed and made."
Recently the fellowship I attend watched a sermon from Matt Chandler entitled "GOD is for GOD". The sermon basically said we were not created so GOD could lavish HIS blessings upon us and make us desire to praise HIM for HIS blessings. GOD created us to magnify and exalt HIS Name and character, to shine (reflect) HIS Light for a lost and dying world to see, not so HE could demonstrate how much HE could help us adapt to "this world"! We are "sojourners" (defined as: a temporary stay:) in a foreign land, not homesteaders trying to wiggle our way into this evil society.
In the mid-1990's, I was in a position where GOD had my full attention! Switching to a property and casualty insurance agency from a life insurance only agency, there was an immense lack of knowledge, although I would never have admitted it the time. There were things I couldn't SEE (Ephesians 1:18) and I wouldn't slow down long enough for GOD to reveal them to me. Visiting a county park one day, I stumbled across Isaiah 43:2 and it was as if GOD HIMSELF was speaking directly to me. The floods have gotten pretty deep, and the fires have gotten extremely hot, but GOD has always been right there to protect me. HIS methods were rather severe at times, but HE HAS BEEN FAITHFUL!!! But it seemed I was continually wanting to see what GOD was going to do for me, instead of what I could do for HIM.
While listening to Matt Chandler speak recently, I was almost taken aback when he said that we were "CREATED FOR MY GLORY"! Although I KNEW GOD had CREATED US for HIS GLORY, there are so many self-proclaimed "preachers" these days teaching that GOD is here for our pleasure that hearing the TRUTH is akin to jumping into an ice cold swimming pool! GOD isn't looking for someone who can wear the finest clothes, or drive the most spectacular automobile, nor fly the biggest jet! No, GOD is making a few good men who will be obedient to HIM and follow the leadership of the HOLY SPIRIT in the daily walk with HIM!
GOD has placed a vision in my heart of where I believe HE wants me to go, for HIS Glory. While it is my "nature" (what my natural man desires) to implement HIS Plan in the next few days, I understand that I am "CREATED FOR HIS GLORY" and if I have to suffer for awhile, (1 Peter 5:10b) GOD "WHO has called you to his eternal glory in CHRIST, will HIMSELF restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you" in HIS timing! After all, it is NOT about what I "think" is best for me. I was "CREATED FOR HIS GLORY" and not for my pleasure!
Friday, October 7, 2016
"WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE!"
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (ESV)
"3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.
4 FOR THE "WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE" ARE NOT OF THE FLESH but have DIVINE POWER to DESTROY strongholds.
5 WE DESTROY ARGUMENTS and every lofty opinion raised AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, and take every thought captive TO OBEY CHRIST,
6 being ready to PUNISH every DISOBEDIENCE, when your OBEDIENCE is COMPLETE."
Sometimes, okay MOST of the time, I find myself "speed reading" through scripture, not giving the words time to sink in and take root in my life so that my life can be changed for the glory of GOD. When GOD speaks, am I moving at a pace that I can even hear HIM? Do I "really" want to hear from GOD AND change my life to be transformed to HIS Plan, or do I really want HIM to conform to things in my mind???
When I SLOW DOWN and allow GOD to gently seep into the crevices of my mind and begin to transform my life, the peace and contentment are something that I don't have the words to write about. Knowing the CREATOR of the universe desires to have an intimate relationship with me it humbles me to no end. There is nothing that I could have done, or I could ever do, to make myself worthy of such an honor to be "chosen" by HIM, it is all because of HIS AMAZING GRACE!
Now since I have this MARVELOUS relationship with GOD, one that is beyond words, why do I allow the enemy to drag me into the depths of doubt and depression? The scriptures above inform us "FOR THE "WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE" ARE NOT OF THE FLESH but have DIVINE POWER to DESTROY strongholds". Once we are born-again GOD could just take us to Heaven and worship HIM for eternity. But in HIS master Plan, HE chose to leave us here to be tools HE can use for HIS Glory!
Since the "WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE" are not of flesh and blood, we sometimes have a misconception about what we "HAVE" in our arsenal. Scripture says (Ephesians 5:10-20) that we literally have The SPIRIT of JESUS (John 27:23) living inside of us, and satan had all he wants of JESUS at Calvary! Sometimes I have to be reminded of who I NOW am, and have to remind the enemy of who he is! The "WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE" have already defeated our foe, we don't need to wallow in the mud and mire of defeat (depression), but live in celebration of the victory JESUS provides!!!
"3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.
4 FOR THE "WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE" ARE NOT OF THE FLESH but have DIVINE POWER to DESTROY strongholds.
5 WE DESTROY ARGUMENTS and every lofty opinion raised AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, and take every thought captive TO OBEY CHRIST,
6 being ready to PUNISH every DISOBEDIENCE, when your OBEDIENCE is COMPLETE."
Sometimes, okay MOST of the time, I find myself "speed reading" through scripture, not giving the words time to sink in and take root in my life so that my life can be changed for the glory of GOD. When GOD speaks, am I moving at a pace that I can even hear HIM? Do I "really" want to hear from GOD AND change my life to be transformed to HIS Plan, or do I really want HIM to conform to things in my mind???
When I SLOW DOWN and allow GOD to gently seep into the crevices of my mind and begin to transform my life, the peace and contentment are something that I don't have the words to write about. Knowing the CREATOR of the universe desires to have an intimate relationship with me it humbles me to no end. There is nothing that I could have done, or I could ever do, to make myself worthy of such an honor to be "chosen" by HIM, it is all because of HIS AMAZING GRACE!
Now since I have this MARVELOUS relationship with GOD, one that is beyond words, why do I allow the enemy to drag me into the depths of doubt and depression? The scriptures above inform us "FOR THE "WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE" ARE NOT OF THE FLESH but have DIVINE POWER to DESTROY strongholds". Once we are born-again GOD could just take us to Heaven and worship HIM for eternity. But in HIS master Plan, HE chose to leave us here to be tools HE can use for HIS Glory!
Since the "WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE" are not of flesh and blood, we sometimes have a misconception about what we "HAVE" in our arsenal. Scripture says (Ephesians 5:10-20) that we literally have The SPIRIT of JESUS (John 27:23) living inside of us, and satan had all he wants of JESUS at Calvary! Sometimes I have to be reminded of who I NOW am, and have to remind the enemy of who he is! The "WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE" have already defeated our foe, we don't need to wallow in the mud and mire of defeat (depression), but live in celebration of the victory JESUS provides!!!
Thursday, October 6, 2016
"THE PEOPLE GROAN!"
Proverbs 29:1-2 (ESV)
"1 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, "THE PEOPLE GROAN!""
The HOLY BIBLE is not just a book with righteous suggestions on how good people might live their lives for things to go better in their lives. As a matter of fact, JESUS said in John 16:33 that "....In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." The HOLY BIBLE is akin to a roadmap given to us by our CREATOR to guide our steps through life's "valley of the shadow of death's" so we can endure until HE calls us Home!
There are times, just as in 1 Samuel 8:7, GOD shows creation "And the LORD said to Samuel, "Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected ME from being king over them." Rejecting GOD is is a dangerous position to find oneself in. We can do that which we think is best, but Proverbs 14:12 reminds us "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to DEATH!" Unless we "walk by FAITH" we are doomed from the beginning, continuously trying to get somewhere, but we have no idea on where we are going?
What should we be looking for in a leader? Does GOD give us what we should look for in a person who is Spiritually qualified to lead HIS people? James 4:6 lets us know "GOD opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Maybe we should not try to find someone who is successful in the eyes of "this world", but look for someone who seeks GOD's guidance in their personal life, therefore they know how to seek HIS guidance for our country! We can CHOOSE the kind of leader we THINK will be best, or we can let GOD guide us and trust HIM with the results.
America may have been founded on Judeo-Christian values, but we are rapidly abandoning those precepts and resorting to "a way that seems right to a man"! Everybody likes it when things are going smoothly and prosperous. But let things continue down this road we are traveling and you will see "THE PEOPLE GROAN"! That is not a pessimistic guess, that is reading what the WORD of GOD says!!
"1 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, "THE PEOPLE GROAN!""
The HOLY BIBLE is not just a book with righteous suggestions on how good people might live their lives for things to go better in their lives. As a matter of fact, JESUS said in John 16:33 that "....In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." The HOLY BIBLE is akin to a roadmap given to us by our CREATOR to guide our steps through life's "valley of the shadow of death's" so we can endure until HE calls us Home!
There are times, just as in 1 Samuel 8:7, GOD shows creation "And the LORD said to Samuel, "Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected ME from being king over them." Rejecting GOD is is a dangerous position to find oneself in. We can do that which we think is best, but Proverbs 14:12 reminds us "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to DEATH!" Unless we "walk by FAITH" we are doomed from the beginning, continuously trying to get somewhere, but we have no idea on where we are going?
What should we be looking for in a leader? Does GOD give us what we should look for in a person who is Spiritually qualified to lead HIS people? James 4:6 lets us know "GOD opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Maybe we should not try to find someone who is successful in the eyes of "this world", but look for someone who seeks GOD's guidance in their personal life, therefore they know how to seek HIS guidance for our country! We can CHOOSE the kind of leader we THINK will be best, or we can let GOD guide us and trust HIM with the results.
America may have been founded on Judeo-Christian values, but we are rapidly abandoning those precepts and resorting to "a way that seems right to a man"! Everybody likes it when things are going smoothly and prosperous. But let things continue down this road we are traveling and you will see "THE PEOPLE GROAN"! That is not a pessimistic guess, that is reading what the WORD of GOD says!!
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
"DID NOT UNDERSTAND IT!"
Daniel 8:24-27 (ESV)
"24 His power shall be great-but not by his own power; and he shall cause fearful destruction and shall succeed in what he does, and destroy mighty men and the people who are the saints.
25 BY HIS CUNNING HE SHALL MAKE DECEIT PROSPER UNDER HIS HAND, AND IN HIS MIND HE SHALL BECOME GREAT. WITHOUT WARNING HE SHALL DESTROY MANY. And he shall even rise up against the Prince of princes, and he shall be broken-but by no human hand.
26 The vision of the evenings and the mornings that has been told is true, but seal up and the vision, FOR IT REFERS TO MANY DAYS FROM NOW."
27 And I, Daniel, was overcome and lay sick for some days. Then I rose and went about the king's business, but I was appalled by the vision and "DID NOT UNDERSTAND IT"."
Like a few of us today, Daniel was a child of GOD who was blessed by obeying whatever he was commanded to do by the LORD. Daniel was not perfect, but he communed with the LORD with his life, and his Spirit was troubled when he could not grip what he was being told. Most of us remember that Daniel was even cast into the lions den for refusing to pray to the King at that time. But Daniel wasn't just obedient in the face of being sentenced to the lions den, he remained obedient even when he "DID NOT UNDERSTAND IT"!
Daniel was born about 600-625 BC, over 2,500 years ago. He had the dream written about in the scriptures above, and even had the Angel Gabriel interpret it for him (Daniel 8:16)! However, Daniel could make no sense out of the dream, even with Gabriel interpreting it. And that delay in interpretation may be better understood when we read in verse 26 that "IT REFERS TO MANY DAYS FROM NOW". Could MANY DAYS from now be upon us? Could the DECEIT that makes people prosper be at hand. Does the portion of the verse that says "AND IN HIS MIND HE SHALL BECOME GREAT. WITHOUT WARNING HE SHALL DESTROY MANY" sound familiar?
The same GOD WHO gave the vision to Daniel still speaks today. Could it be the MANY DAYS FROM NOW is upon us and the deceit from the PRINCE OF THIS WORLD has become so rampant and vicious that some cannot believe it. Maybe HE is telling us that UNLESS we SLOW DOWN, and know that HE is GOD, we will continue being taken advantage of by the devil and his minions? It could be that we are in the last of the LAST DAYS, and like water going down a drain, the vortex will take much of us with it?
In Daniel 8:25 it says "His power shall be great-but not by his own power;". Might it be that mankind has become so caught up with the busyness of "this world" that GOD has withdrawn enough of HIS protection from us that we are experiencing a glimpse of what life without HIM will be like? When the HOLY BIBLE continually tells us to "trust in the LORD", it isn't just a suggestion to keep us under HIS thumb, rather a loving GOD WHO desires to protect us even when we "DID NOT UNDERSTAND IT"!!!
"24 His power shall be great-but not by his own power; and he shall cause fearful destruction and shall succeed in what he does, and destroy mighty men and the people who are the saints.
25 BY HIS CUNNING HE SHALL MAKE DECEIT PROSPER UNDER HIS HAND, AND IN HIS MIND HE SHALL BECOME GREAT. WITHOUT WARNING HE SHALL DESTROY MANY. And he shall even rise up against the Prince of princes, and he shall be broken-but by no human hand.
26 The vision of the evenings and the mornings that has been told is true, but seal up and the vision, FOR IT REFERS TO MANY DAYS FROM NOW."
27 And I, Daniel, was overcome and lay sick for some days. Then I rose and went about the king's business, but I was appalled by the vision and "DID NOT UNDERSTAND IT"."
Like a few of us today, Daniel was a child of GOD who was blessed by obeying whatever he was commanded to do by the LORD. Daniel was not perfect, but he communed with the LORD with his life, and his Spirit was troubled when he could not grip what he was being told. Most of us remember that Daniel was even cast into the lions den for refusing to pray to the King at that time. But Daniel wasn't just obedient in the face of being sentenced to the lions den, he remained obedient even when he "DID NOT UNDERSTAND IT"!
Daniel was born about 600-625 BC, over 2,500 years ago. He had the dream written about in the scriptures above, and even had the Angel Gabriel interpret it for him (Daniel 8:16)! However, Daniel could make no sense out of the dream, even with Gabriel interpreting it. And that delay in interpretation may be better understood when we read in verse 26 that "IT REFERS TO MANY DAYS FROM NOW". Could MANY DAYS from now be upon us? Could the DECEIT that makes people prosper be at hand. Does the portion of the verse that says "AND IN HIS MIND HE SHALL BECOME GREAT. WITHOUT WARNING HE SHALL DESTROY MANY" sound familiar?
The same GOD WHO gave the vision to Daniel still speaks today. Could it be the MANY DAYS FROM NOW is upon us and the deceit from the PRINCE OF THIS WORLD has become so rampant and vicious that some cannot believe it. Maybe HE is telling us that UNLESS we SLOW DOWN, and know that HE is GOD, we will continue being taken advantage of by the devil and his minions? It could be that we are in the last of the LAST DAYS, and like water going down a drain, the vortex will take much of us with it?
In Daniel 8:25 it says "His power shall be great-but not by his own power;". Might it be that mankind has become so caught up with the busyness of "this world" that GOD has withdrawn enough of HIS protection from us that we are experiencing a glimpse of what life without HIM will be like? When the HOLY BIBLE continually tells us to "trust in the LORD", it isn't just a suggestion to keep us under HIS thumb, rather a loving GOD WHO desires to protect us even when we "DID NOT UNDERSTAND IT"!!!
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
"BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD!"
Psalms 46:10 (KJV)
"BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD": I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
A few days ago I was led by the SPIRIT to write about JESUS being led by the SPIRIT to go into the wilderness in Matthew 4:1. This morning while praying about where in scripture I should study this morning, I saw a lady speaking about how time seems to go by faster the older we get. My mind then went back to JESUS being led by the SPIRIT to go to wilderness again. Could it be that the SPIRIT was leading JESUS into the wilderness so that HE could "BE STILL"? The SPIRIT had to have known how much pressure would be put on the schedule of JESUS in the near future. The SPIRIT also knew the CRITICAL IMPORTANCE of being STILL, AND KNOWING GOD WAS GOD!
GOD is going to be exalted! Whether it is the "heathen", or the entire "earth". JESUS said in Luke 19:40 that "even the rocks would cry out" when the Pharisees complained about the way people were celebrating JESUS. Romans 14:11 says "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, EVERY knee shall bow to ME, and EVERY tongue shall confess to GOD". No one will have an option on THAT day!
The enemy is spoken about by JESUS in John 14:30 as "the prince of this world". Satan keeps our world spinning at such a pace where we can't acknowledge GOD the FATHER , JESUS the SON, nor the HOLY SPIRIT for WHO they really are, the CREATOR and sustainer of LIFE! The choice is ours. We can either "BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD" now, or we can wait until "EVERY knee shall bow to ME, and EVERY tongue shall confess to GOD"! I choose to "BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD"!
"BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD": I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
A few days ago I was led by the SPIRIT to write about JESUS being led by the SPIRIT to go into the wilderness in Matthew 4:1. This morning while praying about where in scripture I should study this morning, I saw a lady speaking about how time seems to go by faster the older we get. My mind then went back to JESUS being led by the SPIRIT to go to wilderness again. Could it be that the SPIRIT was leading JESUS into the wilderness so that HE could "BE STILL"? The SPIRIT had to have known how much pressure would be put on the schedule of JESUS in the near future. The SPIRIT also knew the CRITICAL IMPORTANCE of being STILL, AND KNOWING GOD WAS GOD!
GOD is going to be exalted! Whether it is the "heathen", or the entire "earth". JESUS said in Luke 19:40 that "even the rocks would cry out" when the Pharisees complained about the way people were celebrating JESUS. Romans 14:11 says "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, EVERY knee shall bow to ME, and EVERY tongue shall confess to GOD". No one will have an option on THAT day!
The enemy is spoken about by JESUS in John 14:30 as "the prince of this world". Satan keeps our world spinning at such a pace where we can't acknowledge GOD the FATHER , JESUS the SON, nor the HOLY SPIRIT for WHO they really are, the CREATOR and sustainer of LIFE! The choice is ours. We can either "BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD" now, or we can wait until "EVERY knee shall bow to ME, and EVERY tongue shall confess to GOD"! I choose to "BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD"!
Monday, October 3, 2016
"CHILD OF THE KING!"
Matthew 4:1 ;11 (ESV)
"Then JESUS was led up by the SPIRIT into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil."
"Then the devil left HIM, and behold, angels came and were ministering to HIM."
As most of us know, JESUS is the second person in the Trinity, GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON, and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT. But although all three are equally GOD, JESUS came to earth for the explicit purpose of being a substitute for the sins of ALL MANKIND before a HOLY JUDGE. When JESUS went into the wilderness HE didn't leave HIS deity behind. HE was still the SON of GOD and had all of the powers and authority of GOD the Creator, but HE was obedient to the FATHER's Plan, and HE followed that Plan all the way to Calvary's tree AND BEYOND!
Have you ever wondered why JESUS was "led by the SPIRIT" into the wilderness? Could It be that the ruler of "this world" keeps things so busy in "this world" that downloading from Heaven is better accomplished when we are alone with GOD the FATHER?? The devil KNEW WHO JESUS was, but maybe he thought that since JESUS was in the flesh, HE had given up some of WHO HE was? In Matthew 4:11, after the devil had once again failed, he left JESUS and angels came and ministered to HIM!
Now the same SPIRIT that led JESUS into the wilderness abides within this Temple that houses my Spirit, commonly known as my body. That SPIRIT actually led JESUS to a desolate, lonely, place with no CONNECTION to the outside world, but it was also a place where JESUS could CONNECT to the FATHER!
Do I sometimes misunderstand where I have been led? Do I see the circumstances surrounding me as being a "place with no CONNECTION to the outside world", when in reality it is a place where I can "CONNECT to the FATHER" with no interruptions? HEAVENLY FATHER, cause me to SEE that "who" I am is not defined by "where" I am. Thanks to YOUR Plan that JESUS fulfilled, "who" I am is a "CHILD OF THE KING"! Cause me, not only to keep that at the forefront of my mind, but to remind the devil of that so he will leave me for angels to minister to me!!!
"Then JESUS was led up by the SPIRIT into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil."
"Then the devil left HIM, and behold, angels came and were ministering to HIM."
As most of us know, JESUS is the second person in the Trinity, GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON, and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT. But although all three are equally GOD, JESUS came to earth for the explicit purpose of being a substitute for the sins of ALL MANKIND before a HOLY JUDGE. When JESUS went into the wilderness HE didn't leave HIS deity behind. HE was still the SON of GOD and had all of the powers and authority of GOD the Creator, but HE was obedient to the FATHER's Plan, and HE followed that Plan all the way to Calvary's tree AND BEYOND!
Have you ever wondered why JESUS was "led by the SPIRIT" into the wilderness? Could It be that the ruler of "this world" keeps things so busy in "this world" that downloading from Heaven is better accomplished when we are alone with GOD the FATHER?? The devil KNEW WHO JESUS was, but maybe he thought that since JESUS was in the flesh, HE had given up some of WHO HE was? In Matthew 4:11, after the devil had once again failed, he left JESUS and angels came and ministered to HIM!
Now the same SPIRIT that led JESUS into the wilderness abides within this Temple that houses my Spirit, commonly known as my body. That SPIRIT actually led JESUS to a desolate, lonely, place with no CONNECTION to the outside world, but it was also a place where JESUS could CONNECT to the FATHER!
Do I sometimes misunderstand where I have been led? Do I see the circumstances surrounding me as being a "place with no CONNECTION to the outside world", when in reality it is a place where I can "CONNECT to the FATHER" with no interruptions? HEAVENLY FATHER, cause me to SEE that "who" I am is not defined by "where" I am. Thanks to YOUR Plan that JESUS fulfilled, "who" I am is a "CHILD OF THE KING"! Cause me, not only to keep that at the forefront of my mind, but to remind the devil of that so he will leave me for angels to minister to me!!!
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