Acts 7:54-60 (ESV)
"54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him.
55 But he, full of the HOLY SPIRIT, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of GOD, and JESUS standing at the right hand of GOD.
56 And he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the SON of MAN standing at the right hand of GOD."
57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him.
58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of "A YOUNG MAN NAMED SAUL".
59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "LORD JESUS, receive my spirit."
60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "LORD, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep."
It has been said the only solace of living in this world is knowing where we are going when this life is over. In the story of Stephen above, he was ready to surrender his life on earth for his eternal reward in Heaven. His life on earth didn't have as much significance as this world tries to place on it. He understood that his new home would be where he wanted to spend eternity, and that was where he desired to be.
The stoning of Stephen is one of the most overlooked stories in the Bible. Not only did a servant of GOD get rejected by this world (Acts 7:54;57), but a future slave for GOD (Romans 6:22) was there witnessing the terrible happenings. Saul, later known as Paul, had the garments of the people stoning Stephen laid at his feet while they performed the deathly act. He could say that he had nothing to do with the death of Stephen, but his silence certainly was no deterrence for the crowd!
Not being a part of a tragedy doesn't mean we are absolved from the consequences. If we are led to speak up and we are silent, we can be just as guilty as the people throwing stones. Why do you think GOD's WORD puts the verse in here that "the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of "A YOUNG MAN NAMED SAUL"? Do you think GOD may have had a purpose for Saul being present at the stoning? Do you think GOD works in circumstances?
Is it any wonder that Saul was blinded by the LIGHT in Acts 9:3? Indeed, GOD has a Plan and we don't have to understand the intricacies of HIS Plan. We are called to live by faith and follow GOD's Plan for our lives. Stephen was called to follow all the way to his physical death. "A YOUNG MAN NAMED SAUL" was called to observe! Just because we have a plan doesn't mean that GOD's Plan has to surrender to our plan, as "A YOUNG MAN NAMED SAUL" soon found out!
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
"THE GOD OF ALL FLESH!"
Jeremiah 32:26-29 (ESV)
"26 The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah:
27 "Behold, I am the LORD, "THE GOD OF ALL FLESH". Is anything too hard for ME?
28 Therefore, thus says the LORD: Behold, I am giving this city into the hands of the Chaldeans and into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon (modern day Iraq), and he shall capture it.
29 The Chaldeans who are fighting against this city shall come and set this city on fire and burn it, with the houses on whose roofs offerings have been made to Baal and drink offerings have been poured out to other gods, to provoke me to anger."
Nebuchadnezzar was the leader of a nation controlled by the enemy, satan himself. Today we know these people as Iraqis. ALMIGHTY GOD, the CREATOR and sustainer of LIFE, creates ALL life, even King Nebuchadnezzar. All people are created by GOD ALMIGHTY, even those who choose to believe in the great deceiver. GOD is calling many people who have been blinded by the enemy into HIS marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9), even the followers of the faith the same people who Nebuchadnezzar served!
There are those who choose to serve YAHWEH, the great I AM, as HE is the ONE WHO created LIFE, no matter which Spirit they choose to follow in life. GOD ALMIGHTY is all powerful and isn't limited by humans to perform any tasks for HIS might to be displayed. However, HE has chosen to use us to spread the good news of JESUS CHRIST to a lost and dying world, whose only hope of seeing the TRUTH is to have HIS TRUTH shared as the WORD. We may not be great orators with great communication skills, but we are HIS CHOSEN and we are called to be tools in HIS service for a reason. We need to make sure we are fulfilling our calling to the MASTER!
Since GOD is in control of everything, even the followers who are "an individual of a people that do not acknowledge the GOD of the Bible", or heathens! Remember Pharaoh of Egypt, his anger with the children of Israel in Exodus 14:4 drove him into the depths of the Red Sea, all because he was being led by the spirit of the enemy. The followers of Pharaoh weren't created by the enemy, but by GOD ALMIGHTY, and they chose to follow the enemy who has no alternative but to bring death and destruction wherever he goes. His nature can bring nothing else!
All GOD's children are capable of serving YAHWEH or serving the enemy as HE is "THE GOD OF ALL FLESH". If we choose to follow HIM, we find LIFE. If we choose to follow the enemy, we find death! Just as Joshua chose to follow YAHWEH, we too can choose to follow HIM. The "GOD OF ALL FLESH" is calling all of HIS Creation to the TRUTH (John 14:6), but we must SEE the TRUTH first!
FATHER IN HEAVEN, my prayer is that YOU will allow the scales be removed from the eyes of those who have been blinded by the enemy and they can SEE YOUR glorious light and that YOUR NAME be glorified forever!!!
"26 The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah:
27 "Behold, I am the LORD, "THE GOD OF ALL FLESH". Is anything too hard for ME?
28 Therefore, thus says the LORD: Behold, I am giving this city into the hands of the Chaldeans and into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon (modern day Iraq), and he shall capture it.
29 The Chaldeans who are fighting against this city shall come and set this city on fire and burn it, with the houses on whose roofs offerings have been made to Baal and drink offerings have been poured out to other gods, to provoke me to anger."
Nebuchadnezzar was the leader of a nation controlled by the enemy, satan himself. Today we know these people as Iraqis. ALMIGHTY GOD, the CREATOR and sustainer of LIFE, creates ALL life, even King Nebuchadnezzar. All people are created by GOD ALMIGHTY, even those who choose to believe in the great deceiver. GOD is calling many people who have been blinded by the enemy into HIS marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9), even the followers of the faith the same people who Nebuchadnezzar served!
There are those who choose to serve YAHWEH, the great I AM, as HE is the ONE WHO created LIFE, no matter which Spirit they choose to follow in life. GOD ALMIGHTY is all powerful and isn't limited by humans to perform any tasks for HIS might to be displayed. However, HE has chosen to use us to spread the good news of JESUS CHRIST to a lost and dying world, whose only hope of seeing the TRUTH is to have HIS TRUTH shared as the WORD. We may not be great orators with great communication skills, but we are HIS CHOSEN and we are called to be tools in HIS service for a reason. We need to make sure we are fulfilling our calling to the MASTER!
Since GOD is in control of everything, even the followers who are "an individual of a people that do not acknowledge the GOD of the Bible", or heathens! Remember Pharaoh of Egypt, his anger with the children of Israel in Exodus 14:4 drove him into the depths of the Red Sea, all because he was being led by the spirit of the enemy. The followers of Pharaoh weren't created by the enemy, but by GOD ALMIGHTY, and they chose to follow the enemy who has no alternative but to bring death and destruction wherever he goes. His nature can bring nothing else!
All GOD's children are capable of serving YAHWEH or serving the enemy as HE is "THE GOD OF ALL FLESH". If we choose to follow HIM, we find LIFE. If we choose to follow the enemy, we find death! Just as Joshua chose to follow YAHWEH, we too can choose to follow HIM. The "GOD OF ALL FLESH" is calling all of HIS Creation to the TRUTH (John 14:6), but we must SEE the TRUTH first!
FATHER IN HEAVEN, my prayer is that YOU will allow the scales be removed from the eyes of those who have been blinded by the enemy and they can SEE YOUR glorious light and that YOUR NAME be glorified forever!!!
Monday, November 28, 2016
"AMONG THE HEATHEN!"
Psalms 46:10 (KJV)
"Be still, and know that I am GOD: I will be exalted "AMONG TGE HEATHEN", I will be exalted in the earth."
From reading the Bible studies I have shared over the past few years, one can see that when it comes to Psalms 46:10 that I mostly focus on BE STILL. Of course, GOD spoke to me through this verse following the Brain Hemorrhage I experienced on 2007. Being placed in a coma for 17 days is something I learn lessons from even today. My recollection of the events leading up to being placed in the coma is limited to the morning of July 9 for the most part. The drug that was used to induce the coma basically erased my memory from July 9, 2007 until about August 09, 2007 with the exception of a few times. Although I was living, I was unable to function normally.
This morning the word "heathen" in The latter portion of Psalms 46:10 spoke to me. The King James Version of the Bible is what I grew up with, but I typically I use the English Standard Version because I have found it to be closer to the original text than any other version. The ESV uses the word translated "heathen" to say "nations". However, when I look at the word "heathen" in the dictionary I find "an individual of a people that do not acknowledge the GOD of the Bible;".
There are many people today that are in a similar position I was in from July 09, 2007 to August 09, 2007. They are alive, but they cannot function because they have never been "called out of darkness into HIS marvelous light"! (1 Peter 2:9). Many don't "acknowledge the GOD of the Bible;" because their eyes haven't been opened to SEE the TRUTH! Although they are alive, they cannot function properly because they don't SEE TRUTH when it is right in front of their faces.
Don't let the enemy cause you to look upon these people with anything other than love. They don't SEE what has yet to be revealed to them, and the only way the TRUTH can be revealed to them is through hearing of the WORD! (Romans 10:17). We are called to pray for those who need to hear the WORD. But we are also called to share HIS WORD with a lost and dying world. GOD will be exalted "AMONG THE HEATHEN", and HE will be exalted among the earth! Will you be exalting HIM before the Judgement? Don't be "an individual of a people that do not acknowledge the GOD of the Bible"!
"Be still, and know that I am GOD: I will be exalted "AMONG TGE HEATHEN", I will be exalted in the earth."
From reading the Bible studies I have shared over the past few years, one can see that when it comes to Psalms 46:10 that I mostly focus on BE STILL. Of course, GOD spoke to me through this verse following the Brain Hemorrhage I experienced on 2007. Being placed in a coma for 17 days is something I learn lessons from even today. My recollection of the events leading up to being placed in the coma is limited to the morning of July 9 for the most part. The drug that was used to induce the coma basically erased my memory from July 9, 2007 until about August 09, 2007 with the exception of a few times. Although I was living, I was unable to function normally.
This morning the word "heathen" in The latter portion of Psalms 46:10 spoke to me. The King James Version of the Bible is what I grew up with, but I typically I use the English Standard Version because I have found it to be closer to the original text than any other version. The ESV uses the word translated "heathen" to say "nations". However, when I look at the word "heathen" in the dictionary I find "an individual of a people that do not acknowledge the GOD of the Bible;".
There are many people today that are in a similar position I was in from July 09, 2007 to August 09, 2007. They are alive, but they cannot function because they have never been "called out of darkness into HIS marvelous light"! (1 Peter 2:9). Many don't "acknowledge the GOD of the Bible;" because their eyes haven't been opened to SEE the TRUTH! Although they are alive, they cannot function properly because they don't SEE TRUTH when it is right in front of their faces.
Don't let the enemy cause you to look upon these people with anything other than love. They don't SEE what has yet to be revealed to them, and the only way the TRUTH can be revealed to them is through hearing of the WORD! (Romans 10:17). We are called to pray for those who need to hear the WORD. But we are also called to share HIS WORD with a lost and dying world. GOD will be exalted "AMONG THE HEATHEN", and HE will be exalted among the earth! Will you be exalting HIM before the Judgement? Don't be "an individual of a people that do not acknowledge the GOD of the Bible"!
Thursday, November 24, 2016
"THANKSGIVING DAY??"
Not to be a stick in the mud, but Thanksgiving is not just another Holiday. Seeing so many speak of "Turkey Day", I decided to show just what "Thanksgiving" was all about!!!! One online information website says the following:::
Observed by United States
Type National
Celebrations Giving thanks, prayer, feasting, and spending time with family.
Date Fourth Thursday in November
Frequency Annual
Thanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Day, is a public holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November[1] in the United States. It originated as a harvest festival. Thanksgiving has been celebrated nationally on and off since 1789, after a proclamation by George Washington.[2] It has been celebrated as a federal holiday every year since 1863, when, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens," to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November.[3] Together with Christmas and the New Year, Thanksgiving is a part of the broader holiday season.
The event that Americans commonly call the "First Thanksgiving" was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in 1621.[4] This feast lasted three days, and—as accounted by attendee Edward Winslow[5]—it was attended by 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims.[6] The New England colonists were accustomed to regularly celebrating "thanksgivings"—days of prayer thanking God for blessings such as military victory or the end of a drought.[7]
Regardless of what most Americans (including me in days past) think nowadays, this Holiday was set aside as "days of prayer thanking God for blessings"! Don't let "this world" confuse this with "Turkey Day", or "Black Friday", or some sporting events! Let us remember "days of prayer thanking God for blessings"!!!
Observed by United States
Type National
Celebrations Giving thanks, prayer, feasting, and spending time with family.
Date Fourth Thursday in November
Frequency Annual
Thanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Day, is a public holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November[1] in the United States. It originated as a harvest festival. Thanksgiving has been celebrated nationally on and off since 1789, after a proclamation by George Washington.[2] It has been celebrated as a federal holiday every year since 1863, when, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens," to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November.[3] Together with Christmas and the New Year, Thanksgiving is a part of the broader holiday season.
The event that Americans commonly call the "First Thanksgiving" was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in 1621.[4] This feast lasted three days, and—as accounted by attendee Edward Winslow[5]—it was attended by 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims.[6] The New England colonists were accustomed to regularly celebrating "thanksgivings"—days of prayer thanking God for blessings such as military victory or the end of a drought.[7]
Regardless of what most Americans (including me in days past) think nowadays, this Holiday was set aside as "days of prayer thanking God for blessings"! Don't let "this world" confuse this with "Turkey Day", or "Black Friday", or some sporting events! Let us remember "days of prayer thanking God for blessings"!!!
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
"THANK MY GOD!"
Romans 1:8 (ESV)
"First, I "THANK MY GOD" through JESUS CHRIST for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world."
A dear friend of mine celebrated his birthday yesterday and this morning was thanking his friends for all of the warm wishes he received yesterday. He said he "very much appreciate your friendship" in his message on social media. Tomorrow we celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States of America and I am of the belief that our nation as a whole appreciates the holiday, but I'm not sure we demonstrate an appreciation of our friendship with the LORD?
Sure, we go to church most Sundays and give a tithe/offering, but what else do we do to "celebrate" our love for HIM? JESUS said in Matthew 25:40 "'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'" The "least of these" JESUS spoke of was the hungry, thirsty, and imprisoned, not the rich, upstanding members of society. It seems the church today wants to have a lot of meetings in our ornate structures but we elect to send a token offering while we live in homes that would make people think that "this world" is our home?
Just like the early Pilgrims, perhaps we should "THANK MY GOD" for our friends and share our Thanksgiving meal with them? We need to remember that "this world" is not our home, we are just passing through! Until we get to our true home, will we "THANK MY GOD" for our bounty AND OUR FRIENDS? Or will we remain in our castles and send a "penance to the beggars"? Only GOD ALMIGHTY knows our hearts, and that should frighten us beyond measure!
"First, I "THANK MY GOD" through JESUS CHRIST for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world."
A dear friend of mine celebrated his birthday yesterday and this morning was thanking his friends for all of the warm wishes he received yesterday. He said he "very much appreciate your friendship" in his message on social media. Tomorrow we celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States of America and I am of the belief that our nation as a whole appreciates the holiday, but I'm not sure we demonstrate an appreciation of our friendship with the LORD?
Sure, we go to church most Sundays and give a tithe/offering, but what else do we do to "celebrate" our love for HIM? JESUS said in Matthew 25:40 "'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'" The "least of these" JESUS spoke of was the hungry, thirsty, and imprisoned, not the rich, upstanding members of society. It seems the church today wants to have a lot of meetings in our ornate structures but we elect to send a token offering while we live in homes that would make people think that "this world" is our home?
Just like the early Pilgrims, perhaps we should "THANK MY GOD" for our friends and share our Thanksgiving meal with them? We need to remember that "this world" is not our home, we are just passing through! Until we get to our true home, will we "THANK MY GOD" for our bounty AND OUR FRIENDS? Or will we remain in our castles and send a "penance to the beggars"? Only GOD ALMIGHTY knows our hearts, and that should frighten us beyond measure!
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
"AS HE WILLS!"
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (ESV)
"7 To each is given the manifestation of the SPIRIT for the common good.
8 For to one is given through the SPIRIT the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same SPIRIT,
9 to another faith by the same SPIRIT, to another gifts of healing by the one SPIRIT,
10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
11 All these are empowered by ONE and the same SPIRIT, WHO apportions to each one individually "AS HE WILLS"."
Have you ever listened to a sermon and really be moved in a certain way by the words you have heard, only to hear another's testimony of the same sermon, and it be totally different than what you heard? You may wonder if they were listening to the same sermon? Were they on a different Spiritual level than you that they were able to discern more than you were? If so, how can GOD use the same words a man speaks to be interpreted so differently from several different people, for several different purposes? HOW???
The SPIRIT of GOD ALMIGHTY cannot be limited by the "finiteness" of the human mind. Are you able to recognize the spirit of the enemy trying to get you to proclaim that GOD can't do that? JESUS said in Matthew 19:26 "With man this is impossible, but with GOD ALL THINGS are possible." Don't allow the enemy to tell you what GOD can't do, for JESUS says ALL THINGS are possible. Whether GOD chooses to roll back the Red Sea, or set a bush on fire without consuming it, or cause a donkey to speak, or choose a despicable person like me to serve HIM, anything is possible when GOD is involved! And like GOD always does, HE uses us to glorify HIM!!
The scriptures above show many gifts or talents that are used to draw GOD glory. GOD has the ability to speak to every person "AS HE WILLS", when HE chooses to be glorified. It's not about the Holiness of the person HE chooses, nor does it mean that person deserves GOD's favor. As the Apostle Paul stated that "CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief!" (1 Timothy 1:15 KJV). GOD chooses "AS HE WILLS" to perform tasks that HE knows that person is gifted to do, for HE created us and understands what we are capable of? We don't know what we are capable of, but HE does know!!
FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to submit to YOUR will for my life as YOU see fit! Sometimes "AS HE WILLS" may not seem possible in man's eyes, but ALL THINGS are possible with YOU. Don't allow the enemy to infect my FAITH with his doubts. May YOUR HOLY SPIRIT move through me to glorify YOUR name in everything I say and do! May "All these are empowered by ONE and the same SPIRIT, WHO apportions to each one individually "AS HE WILLS"."
"7 To each is given the manifestation of the SPIRIT for the common good.
8 For to one is given through the SPIRIT the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same SPIRIT,
9 to another faith by the same SPIRIT, to another gifts of healing by the one SPIRIT,
10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
11 All these are empowered by ONE and the same SPIRIT, WHO apportions to each one individually "AS HE WILLS"."
Have you ever listened to a sermon and really be moved in a certain way by the words you have heard, only to hear another's testimony of the same sermon, and it be totally different than what you heard? You may wonder if they were listening to the same sermon? Were they on a different Spiritual level than you that they were able to discern more than you were? If so, how can GOD use the same words a man speaks to be interpreted so differently from several different people, for several different purposes? HOW???
The SPIRIT of GOD ALMIGHTY cannot be limited by the "finiteness" of the human mind. Are you able to recognize the spirit of the enemy trying to get you to proclaim that GOD can't do that? JESUS said in Matthew 19:26 "With man this is impossible, but with GOD ALL THINGS are possible." Don't allow the enemy to tell you what GOD can't do, for JESUS says ALL THINGS are possible. Whether GOD chooses to roll back the Red Sea, or set a bush on fire without consuming it, or cause a donkey to speak, or choose a despicable person like me to serve HIM, anything is possible when GOD is involved! And like GOD always does, HE uses us to glorify HIM!!
The scriptures above show many gifts or talents that are used to draw GOD glory. GOD has the ability to speak to every person "AS HE WILLS", when HE chooses to be glorified. It's not about the Holiness of the person HE chooses, nor does it mean that person deserves GOD's favor. As the Apostle Paul stated that "CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief!" (1 Timothy 1:15 KJV). GOD chooses "AS HE WILLS" to perform tasks that HE knows that person is gifted to do, for HE created us and understands what we are capable of? We don't know what we are capable of, but HE does know!!
FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to submit to YOUR will for my life as YOU see fit! Sometimes "AS HE WILLS" may not seem possible in man's eyes, but ALL THINGS are possible with YOU. Don't allow the enemy to infect my FAITH with his doubts. May YOUR HOLY SPIRIT move through me to glorify YOUR name in everything I say and do! May "All these are empowered by ONE and the same SPIRIT, WHO apportions to each one individually "AS HE WILLS"."
Monday, November 21, 2016
"SLAVE TO GOD!"
Romans 6:20-23 (ESV)
"20 For when YOU WERE SLAVES OF SIN, you were FREE in regard to righteousness.
21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.
22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become "SLAVES OF GOD", the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of GOD is eternal life in CHRIST JESUS our LORD."
Being a SLAVE of someone or something is a terrible experience. CHOOSING to be a SLAVE of someone or something could be considered insanity! In essence, isn't that what we do when we succumb to the temptation to CHOOSE to do what we think is best, rather than what the HOLY SPIRIT is leading us to do? And what do we think the end game will be of our CHOICES? In Romans 6:21b scripture says "For the end of those things is death!"
We all have, at one time or another, CHOSEN to be our own boss instead of doing what GOD's Plan for our lives called for. It's the Adamic nature that we all inherited, a family trait that we can not escape! Why in this world didn't my parents prevent me from this awful trait? Being subjected to sin is a CHOICE we all willingly participate in as we ALL believe we will only do that which is right. Scripture states in Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." Ultimately, we CHOOSE death over life in CHRIST............ individually!
Why do we then knowingly resort to being SLAVES TO SIN when we have been called out of darkness into HIS marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9)? "What fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed?" If the end result of "those things" is death, why do we indulge ourselves ? Paul writes in the very next chapter of Romans, verse 18 "For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I HAVE THE DESIRE to do what is right, BUT NOT THE ABILITY to carry it out."
Now that we have documented that NONE OF US can live a life worthy of a glimpse of Holiness, can we agree that rather than being a SLAVE TO SIN, we prefer being a "SLAVE TO GOD"? Being a "SLAVE TO GOD" inherently brings freedom from the bondage of sin. The righteousness of JESUS CHRIST was, and is, "imparted" to all who believe (2 Corinthians 5:21) so we are FREE, once and for all! If you are FREE, don't live in bondage! Be a "SLAVE TO GOD!"
"20 For when YOU WERE SLAVES OF SIN, you were FREE in regard to righteousness.
21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.
22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become "SLAVES OF GOD", the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of GOD is eternal life in CHRIST JESUS our LORD."
Being a SLAVE of someone or something is a terrible experience. CHOOSING to be a SLAVE of someone or something could be considered insanity! In essence, isn't that what we do when we succumb to the temptation to CHOOSE to do what we think is best, rather than what the HOLY SPIRIT is leading us to do? And what do we think the end game will be of our CHOICES? In Romans 6:21b scripture says "For the end of those things is death!"
We all have, at one time or another, CHOSEN to be our own boss instead of doing what GOD's Plan for our lives called for. It's the Adamic nature that we all inherited, a family trait that we can not escape! Why in this world didn't my parents prevent me from this awful trait? Being subjected to sin is a CHOICE we all willingly participate in as we ALL believe we will only do that which is right. Scripture states in Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." Ultimately, we CHOOSE death over life in CHRIST............ individually!
Why do we then knowingly resort to being SLAVES TO SIN when we have been called out of darkness into HIS marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9)? "What fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed?" If the end result of "those things" is death, why do we indulge ourselves ? Paul writes in the very next chapter of Romans, verse 18 "For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I HAVE THE DESIRE to do what is right, BUT NOT THE ABILITY to carry it out."
Now that we have documented that NONE OF US can live a life worthy of a glimpse of Holiness, can we agree that rather than being a SLAVE TO SIN, we prefer being a "SLAVE TO GOD"? Being a "SLAVE TO GOD" inherently brings freedom from the bondage of sin. The righteousness of JESUS CHRIST was, and is, "imparted" to all who believe (2 Corinthians 5:21) so we are FREE, once and for all! If you are FREE, don't live in bondage! Be a "SLAVE TO GOD!"
Saturday, November 19, 2016
"BLINDED MINDS!"
2 Corinthians 4:1-4 (ESV)
"1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of GOD, we do not lose heart.
2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with GOD's Word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of GOD.
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is VEILED TO THOSE WHO ARE PERISHING. 4 In their case the god of this world has "BLINDED" the "MINDS" of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of CHRIST, who is the image of GOD."
Seeing a dog on a social media site that was blind being led by another dog who could see was a touching display of one of GOD's creations looking out for another creation that could not see. There is no better way of expressing GOD's benevolence than to share what we have been blessed with amongst those who have less than we do. Man is Created in the image of GOD (Genesis 1:27), unlike any other of GOD's Creations. For us to fail to see a dog that is blind could be considered heartless. But in reality, some treat our fellow man who are Spiritually blind a lot worse than a blind dog!
The scripture passage above is very plain that the "unbelievers" suffer from "BLINDED MINDS", in other words, they can't see the things of the Spirit World happening right before their eyes! The thing is, unlike the dog I saw on my computer, the "unbelievers" don't realize they are blind and continue in life acting as though they are totally in control of what is happening around them. Even Believers can't fully grasp the TRUE and COMPLETE Spiritual happenings surrounding us. In 1 Corinthians 13:12 the Apostle Paul writes that "For NOW we SEE in a mirror DIMLY, but THEN FACE to FACE. NOW I know in PART; THEN I shall know FULLY, even as I have been fully known."
When my 'THEN' time comes, will my eyes be opened to SEE all of the opportunities that maybe I should have seen in my life on this world? Is my existence on this world so hectic and hurried that I am unable to SEE opportunities to shine for JESUS in front of those who have yet to SEE HIM? Do I busy myself trying to get "things" instead of being a mirror reflecting HIS love?
Seeing a blind dog being led by a seeing dog is a wonderful sight. Observing unbelievers being despised and ridiculed by we who are supposed to reflect GOD's love is truly unconscionable. Sure, they are different than we are, but we are only different because GOD called us "...out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9b). We need to be more aware that we are BLESSED beyond measure, and that we are not still affected by "BLINDED MINDS!"
"1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of GOD, we do not lose heart.
2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with GOD's Word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of GOD.
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is VEILED TO THOSE WHO ARE PERISHING. 4 In their case the god of this world has "BLINDED" the "MINDS" of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of CHRIST, who is the image of GOD."
Seeing a dog on a social media site that was blind being led by another dog who could see was a touching display of one of GOD's creations looking out for another creation that could not see. There is no better way of expressing GOD's benevolence than to share what we have been blessed with amongst those who have less than we do. Man is Created in the image of GOD (Genesis 1:27), unlike any other of GOD's Creations. For us to fail to see a dog that is blind could be considered heartless. But in reality, some treat our fellow man who are Spiritually blind a lot worse than a blind dog!
The scripture passage above is very plain that the "unbelievers" suffer from "BLINDED MINDS", in other words, they can't see the things of the Spirit World happening right before their eyes! The thing is, unlike the dog I saw on my computer, the "unbelievers" don't realize they are blind and continue in life acting as though they are totally in control of what is happening around them. Even Believers can't fully grasp the TRUE and COMPLETE Spiritual happenings surrounding us. In 1 Corinthians 13:12 the Apostle Paul writes that "For NOW we SEE in a mirror DIMLY, but THEN FACE to FACE. NOW I know in PART; THEN I shall know FULLY, even as I have been fully known."
When my 'THEN' time comes, will my eyes be opened to SEE all of the opportunities that maybe I should have seen in my life on this world? Is my existence on this world so hectic and hurried that I am unable to SEE opportunities to shine for JESUS in front of those who have yet to SEE HIM? Do I busy myself trying to get "things" instead of being a mirror reflecting HIS love?
Seeing a blind dog being led by a seeing dog is a wonderful sight. Observing unbelievers being despised and ridiculed by we who are supposed to reflect GOD's love is truly unconscionable. Sure, they are different than we are, but we are only different because GOD called us "...out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9b). We need to be more aware that we are BLESSED beyond measure, and that we are not still affected by "BLINDED MINDS!"
Friday, November 18, 2016
"SET YOUR MINDS!"
Obedience to the Spirit of GOD----Only by choosing NOT TO BE SLAVES to our own reasonings and emotions (and energy levels or poor health) can we win the battle for our minds and begin hearing the voice of GOD within us. (Using our FAITH hearing..Matthew 13:43)
Romans 14:23 "But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. FOR WHATEVER DOES NOT PROCEED FROM FAITH IS SIN.
The two paragraphs above are the top of my prayer list. Most days I have what some would call an extensive Bible Study lasting between an hour to sometimes two hours. As I continue to mature Spiritually, I find that I can never spend enough time with the LORD! It is becoming easier to identify the enemy as well, for he is extremely deceptive.
Let's just say that some human earthly figure (no names as it will facilitate removal of the spirit behind the actions) is rewarding strife and discontent with cash. And the news media is complicit, plastering the egregious acts all across the airwaves giving the discontents notoriety for the lawless acts they commit. Why would we watch something knowing it was just the devil's handiwork? The one who is really behind it though is the enemy, serving to drag as many souls into Hell as companions as he possibly can!
As I was beginning to talk about in the opening paragraph, Genesis 3:1 says the the enemy is as crafty, deceiving and manipulative as anything GOD ever created. If he can use his deceit to get my dander up watching so called "news accounts" of the so-called protestors, don't you know he will exploit that as much as possible? GOD IS IN CONTROL and HE wants us to trust in HIM! Many say the are Believers, but then act as though this world is spinning out of control! But we just said GOD IS IN CONTROL!!
Perhaps our focus should be more about trying to live a more HOLY life for HIM and not being as upset with the tactics of the enemy? JESUS paid a tremendous price when HE defeated the devil. We don't need to try to add to the work already completed by HIM! Colossians 3:1-4 states "If then you have been raised with CHRIST, seek the things that are above, where CHRIST is, seated at the right hand of GOD. "SET YOUR MINDS" ON THINGS ABOVE, NOT ON THINGS THAT ARE ON EARTH. For you have died, and your life is hidden with CHRIST in GOD. When CHRIST WHO is your life appears, then you also will appear with HIM in glory."
DON'T let the enemy (the great deceiver) get your focus on the problems of "this world"! One commentary seems to indicate we should intentionally focus on the things of Heaven! When we "SET YOUR MINDS" on things above, we are refusing to settle for the poison the enemy is wanting us to foster. We need to intentionally focus on the things of Heaven and "SET YOUR MINDS" to reject the enemy at every turn!!!
Romans 14:23 "But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. FOR WHATEVER DOES NOT PROCEED FROM FAITH IS SIN.
The two paragraphs above are the top of my prayer list. Most days I have what some would call an extensive Bible Study lasting between an hour to sometimes two hours. As I continue to mature Spiritually, I find that I can never spend enough time with the LORD! It is becoming easier to identify the enemy as well, for he is extremely deceptive.
Let's just say that some human earthly figure (no names as it will facilitate removal of the spirit behind the actions) is rewarding strife and discontent with cash. And the news media is complicit, plastering the egregious acts all across the airwaves giving the discontents notoriety for the lawless acts they commit. Why would we watch something knowing it was just the devil's handiwork? The one who is really behind it though is the enemy, serving to drag as many souls into Hell as companions as he possibly can!
As I was beginning to talk about in the opening paragraph, Genesis 3:1 says the the enemy is as crafty, deceiving and manipulative as anything GOD ever created. If he can use his deceit to get my dander up watching so called "news accounts" of the so-called protestors, don't you know he will exploit that as much as possible? GOD IS IN CONTROL and HE wants us to trust in HIM! Many say the are Believers, but then act as though this world is spinning out of control! But we just said GOD IS IN CONTROL!!
Perhaps our focus should be more about trying to live a more HOLY life for HIM and not being as upset with the tactics of the enemy? JESUS paid a tremendous price when HE defeated the devil. We don't need to try to add to the work already completed by HIM! Colossians 3:1-4 states "If then you have been raised with CHRIST, seek the things that are above, where CHRIST is, seated at the right hand of GOD. "SET YOUR MINDS" ON THINGS ABOVE, NOT ON THINGS THAT ARE ON EARTH. For you have died, and your life is hidden with CHRIST in GOD. When CHRIST WHO is your life appears, then you also will appear with HIM in glory."
DON'T let the enemy (the great deceiver) get your focus on the problems of "this world"! One commentary seems to indicate we should intentionally focus on the things of Heaven! When we "SET YOUR MINDS" on things above, we are refusing to settle for the poison the enemy is wanting us to foster. We need to intentionally focus on the things of Heaven and "SET YOUR MINDS" to reject the enemy at every turn!!!
Thursday, November 17, 2016
"THE MAN AND HIS WIFE!"
Genesis 3:6-8 (ESV)
"6 So when the woman (Eve) saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband (Adam) who was with her, and he ate.
7 Then the eyes of both (Adam and Eve) were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.
8 And they (Adam and Eve) heard the sound of the LORD GOD walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and "THE MAN AND HIS WIFE" hid themselves from the presence of the LORD GOD among the trees of the garden."
There are many speculations about the "forbidden fruit" partaken of by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Whatever the act, GOD had instructed them NOT to partake of it, but they were convinced by the enemy that GOD not being "fair" and that they would be able to satisfy their needs and desires more completely than GOD was! To this day man seems to believe that they are better equipped to satisfy their needs and desires than GOD ALMIGHTY!
The Spiritual eyesight of Adam and Eve were opened only after they made a choice to disobey GOD. Sometimes we are better off not knowing what the possible ramifications in our lives regarding a situation we have to deal with. If we trust, by faith, that GOD will supply ALL of our needs, then HE is the ONE WHO must provide for us. The first thing Adam and Eve did after violating GOD's commandment was to sew fig leaves together in an attempt to cover up their sin. Not only did they KNOW they had violated GOD's command, they realized they were naked and they began trying to furnish their own needs and desires. Too many times in my life I want to handle the choices in my life, until I get in a difficult situation, and then I start crying to GOD to get me out of the problem I have gotten myself into! My ability to provide my needs is nothing, although the enemy will try to convince me otherwise!!
When GOD came to see them in the cool of the day, HE already knew that fellowship between HIMSELF and man was broken. And yet Adam and Eve didn't want to accept responsibility for their disobedience. Sometimes we are no better than Adam and Eve. GOD already knows what we have done, and we want to act as though we didn't know that what we were doing was wrong! GOD told them to not partake of the fruit of knowledge of good and evil, lest they DIE (Genesis 2:16)! They did not DIE physically, but GOD IS SPIRIT (John 4:24), and they did DIE Spiritually!
As previously stated, the relationship between GOD and man was broken when they decided to act as a provider for themselves instead of relying on GOD for their sustenance. When will we grasp that we are far better off trusting in GOD to supply our needs and desires than we ever will be? Ephesians 3:20 states "Now to him who is able to do FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us"! GOD told "THE MAN AND HIS WIFE" not to eat of a certain tree. "THE MAN AND HIS WIFE" chose not to listen. GOD is telling us that HE can provide FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY than all we ask or think! WILL WE LISTEN???
"6 So when the woman (Eve) saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband (Adam) who was with her, and he ate.
7 Then the eyes of both (Adam and Eve) were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.
8 And they (Adam and Eve) heard the sound of the LORD GOD walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and "THE MAN AND HIS WIFE" hid themselves from the presence of the LORD GOD among the trees of the garden."
There are many speculations about the "forbidden fruit" partaken of by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Whatever the act, GOD had instructed them NOT to partake of it, but they were convinced by the enemy that GOD not being "fair" and that they would be able to satisfy their needs and desires more completely than GOD was! To this day man seems to believe that they are better equipped to satisfy their needs and desires than GOD ALMIGHTY!
The Spiritual eyesight of Adam and Eve were opened only after they made a choice to disobey GOD. Sometimes we are better off not knowing what the possible ramifications in our lives regarding a situation we have to deal with. If we trust, by faith, that GOD will supply ALL of our needs, then HE is the ONE WHO must provide for us. The first thing Adam and Eve did after violating GOD's commandment was to sew fig leaves together in an attempt to cover up their sin. Not only did they KNOW they had violated GOD's command, they realized they were naked and they began trying to furnish their own needs and desires. Too many times in my life I want to handle the choices in my life, until I get in a difficult situation, and then I start crying to GOD to get me out of the problem I have gotten myself into! My ability to provide my needs is nothing, although the enemy will try to convince me otherwise!!
When GOD came to see them in the cool of the day, HE already knew that fellowship between HIMSELF and man was broken. And yet Adam and Eve didn't want to accept responsibility for their disobedience. Sometimes we are no better than Adam and Eve. GOD already knows what we have done, and we want to act as though we didn't know that what we were doing was wrong! GOD told them to not partake of the fruit of knowledge of good and evil, lest they DIE (Genesis 2:16)! They did not DIE physically, but GOD IS SPIRIT (John 4:24), and they did DIE Spiritually!
As previously stated, the relationship between GOD and man was broken when they decided to act as a provider for themselves instead of relying on GOD for their sustenance. When will we grasp that we are far better off trusting in GOD to supply our needs and desires than we ever will be? Ephesians 3:20 states "Now to him who is able to do FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us"! GOD told "THE MAN AND HIS WIFE" not to eat of a certain tree. "THE MAN AND HIS WIFE" chose not to listen. GOD is telling us that HE can provide FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY than all we ask or think! WILL WE LISTEN???
Saturday, November 12, 2016
"THROUGH ME!"
John 14:6 (ESV)
"JESUS said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the FATHER except "THROUGH ME!"
Yesterday there was a post on one of the social media sites entitled "Don't give Trump too much credit, America!" The article was well written and basically said Americans don't need to expect too much from anyone affiliated with the government, for GOD is the only ONE who truly can satisfy a need. President-Elect Donald Trump is being hailed by some as the cure for every ailment since, and including, the common cold. Those expectations will probably lead to unrealistic expectations from a mere human being. Mr. Trump has to put his britches on every day just like all of us and he can do nothing without the Hand of ALMIGHTY GOD allowing it.
According to Proverbs 21:1 GOD can turn a kings heart wherever HE chooses, like a stream of water! The LORD can bless the United States of America if HE chooses to. Everyone has heard 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If MY people, which are called by MY name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek MY face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." I believe GOD wants to bless America, but not because Donald Trump has been elected President! Maybe in spite of Mr. Trump, but not because of him! GOD may bless our country again, but only because of the mercy of GOD ALMIGHTY!
Folks, it's not about what Donald Trump, nor any other candidate, will be able to do for anyone when they become President. JESUS CHRIST is the only ONE who can do anything about our eternal beings and HE completed that task over two thousand years ago. Doing things about what race you are will have no bearing at the Judgement Seat. As a matter of fact, JESUS said several times in Scripture that in this world we WILL HAVE TROUBLE! Keep your eyes on the Spiritual things of your future and your present troubles will become insignificant. John 4:24 says ""GOD IS SPIRIT""!! There's no white Spirit, no black Spirit, no red, yellow, green or whatever color Spirit!
Some may say that it's too late, that GOD is through waiting on America to repent? I'm glad I'm not the one who determines when it's time for GOD's mercy to run out! Mr. Trump cannot bring Blessings or Judgment on America, but GOD can! If we look to Mr. Trump to be a Savior then we set him, AND America, up for failure. Carman Licciardello sings a song that says "The only hope for America is JESUS. The only hope for our country is HIM. If "we" repent of our ways, stand firm and say, WE NEED GOD IN AMERICA AGAIN"!!!
"JESUS said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the FATHER except "THROUGH ME!"
Yesterday there was a post on one of the social media sites entitled "Don't give Trump too much credit, America!" The article was well written and basically said Americans don't need to expect too much from anyone affiliated with the government, for GOD is the only ONE who truly can satisfy a need. President-Elect Donald Trump is being hailed by some as the cure for every ailment since, and including, the common cold. Those expectations will probably lead to unrealistic expectations from a mere human being. Mr. Trump has to put his britches on every day just like all of us and he can do nothing without the Hand of ALMIGHTY GOD allowing it.
According to Proverbs 21:1 GOD can turn a kings heart wherever HE chooses, like a stream of water! The LORD can bless the United States of America if HE chooses to. Everyone has heard 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If MY people, which are called by MY name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek MY face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." I believe GOD wants to bless America, but not because Donald Trump has been elected President! Maybe in spite of Mr. Trump, but not because of him! GOD may bless our country again, but only because of the mercy of GOD ALMIGHTY!
Folks, it's not about what Donald Trump, nor any other candidate, will be able to do for anyone when they become President. JESUS CHRIST is the only ONE who can do anything about our eternal beings and HE completed that task over two thousand years ago. Doing things about what race you are will have no bearing at the Judgement Seat. As a matter of fact, JESUS said several times in Scripture that in this world we WILL HAVE TROUBLE! Keep your eyes on the Spiritual things of your future and your present troubles will become insignificant. John 4:24 says ""GOD IS SPIRIT""!! There's no white Spirit, no black Spirit, no red, yellow, green or whatever color Spirit!
Some may say that it's too late, that GOD is through waiting on America to repent? I'm glad I'm not the one who determines when it's time for GOD's mercy to run out! Mr. Trump cannot bring Blessings or Judgment on America, but GOD can! If we look to Mr. Trump to be a Savior then we set him, AND America, up for failure. Carman Licciardello sings a song that says "The only hope for America is JESUS. The only hope for our country is HIM. If "we" repent of our ways, stand firm and say, WE NEED GOD IN AMERICA AGAIN"!!!
I share Dr. Charles Stanley often, but this one......!
Enduring Satanic Attacks
Ephesians 6:10-14
Every believer faces temptation. Take a moment to recall a particularly enticing situation involving something that would displease God. Did you realize you were involved in a satanic battle?
The Devil is real. Scripture reveals that he leads an army of fallen angels and is prideful enough to think he can gain victory over God. By definition, a satanic attack is a deliberate assault upon an individual, which is designed to cause spiritual, physical, material, or emotional harm. Satan desires to thwart the Lord's purpose in believers' lives, to rob them of joy and peace, and ultimately to deny God the worship He receives through yielded followers.
As in any war, knowing the enemy's plan helps us prepare for the attack. First, be aware that the battlefield takes place in our minds. To walk in a godly manner with Christ, we must first be sure that our thoughts are in submission to His Spirit. This takes daily surrender and time in God's Word. Second, Satan tempts us during vulnerable moments. Be cautious when you are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired (This is often known as the H.A.L.T. warning). Third, he is deceptive; we won't recognize the trap as an evil scheme. Instead, it will seem good, and we'll likely wrestle with some sort of doubt.
As Christians, we should walk closely with Jesus. Satan desires to lure us into destructive actions that rob us of God's plan for a good, full life. Stay connected to the Savior: read the Word, pray, and fellowship with other believers. These are weapons we use against the Devil in spiritual war.
Friday, November 11, 2016
"GOD IS LOVE!"
1 John 4:8 (ESV)
"Anyone WHO DOES NOT LOVE does not know GOD, because "GOD IS LOVE."
Whenever I see division and strife, I automatically begin looking for the enemy, as that is his modus operandi. His character cannot be hidden, as a bad seed cannot produce a good crop. He cannot produce LOVE, for "GOD IS LOVE"! Do NOT allow your focus to be shifted from the true problem. When there is hate, the enemy is around!!!
Today is Veterans Day and any veteran will tell you one of the first things you have to learn in combat training is to identify your enemy! Folks, until we start recognizing that the enemy is making himself out to be anything but GOD and LOVE, we will continue having unresolved disagreements. The enemy loves to create discord and rebellion. I know because he used to use me as one of his most effective tools!! And the most regretful thing for me is I didn't even recognize that I was being a pawn for him.
Please don't allow yourself to be drug into an argument all because you want to prove yourself correct. How many souls will spend eternity in hell that I could have been a better witness to? And all because I thought I had to win an argument! Please remember "GOD IS LOVE" and since the Spirit of GOD lives in me, I need to reflect HIS LOVE in everything I do! FATHER IN HEAVEN, I beseech YOU to reveal YOURSELF in my life and show this world that "GOD IS LOVE" in all I do!!!
"Anyone WHO DOES NOT LOVE does not know GOD, because "GOD IS LOVE."
Whenever I see division and strife, I automatically begin looking for the enemy, as that is his modus operandi. His character cannot be hidden, as a bad seed cannot produce a good crop. He cannot produce LOVE, for "GOD IS LOVE"! Do NOT allow your focus to be shifted from the true problem. When there is hate, the enemy is around!!!
Today is Veterans Day and any veteran will tell you one of the first things you have to learn in combat training is to identify your enemy! Folks, until we start recognizing that the enemy is making himself out to be anything but GOD and LOVE, we will continue having unresolved disagreements. The enemy loves to create discord and rebellion. I know because he used to use me as one of his most effective tools!! And the most regretful thing for me is I didn't even recognize that I was being a pawn for him.
Please don't allow yourself to be drug into an argument all because you want to prove yourself correct. How many souls will spend eternity in hell that I could have been a better witness to? And all because I thought I had to win an argument! Please remember "GOD IS LOVE" and since the Spirit of GOD lives in me, I need to reflect HIS LOVE in everything I do! FATHER IN HEAVEN, I beseech YOU to reveal YOURSELF in my life and show this world that "GOD IS LOVE" in all I do!!!
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
"RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND!"
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
"1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of GOD, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to GOD, which is your spiritual worship.
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the "RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND", that by testing you may discern what is the will of GOD, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
With the election in our hindsight, I have noticed a tremendous amount of vitriol and gloating about who won, or didn't win, political races from the Presidency to a city council position. It can be difficult to keep a proper perspective when your team wins, and seeing things for what they truly are when your team loses! We seem to have the mindset that elections are the results of those running for election convincing voters to elect them based on what they are told. But there are some Scriptures that say that GOD changes hearts and minds for HIS glory, not so a political team can win or lose. It would seem that if people desired to be on GOD's side they would accept that only HE can change hearts and minds.
In 1 Samuel 10:9 GOD spoke through Samuel to King Saul these words. "When he (Saul) turned his back to leave Samuel, GOD GAVE HIM ANOTHER HEART. And all these signs came to pass that day." Saul was the newly appointed King of Israel and GOD GAVE HIM ANOTHER HEART! When GOD has a task that HE wants performed, and HE desires a certain person to accomplish that task, GOD WILL EQUIP that person to accomplish HIS Plan. GOD can and will change hearts and minds of electors to accomplish HIS Plan.
Romans 12:2 instructs us to "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the "RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND"! THIS WORLD is only temporary and the enemy will blind us with things that do nothing to satisfy, only leave us hungering for more. Only by TESTING can we "discern what is the will of GOD, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Knowing that GOD is in control and HE can change heart and minds comforts me for GOD may be needing to perform a "RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND"! Or HE may be needing to perform a "RENEWAL OF MY MIND"!
"1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of GOD, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to GOD, which is your spiritual worship.
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the "RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND", that by testing you may discern what is the will of GOD, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
With the election in our hindsight, I have noticed a tremendous amount of vitriol and gloating about who won, or didn't win, political races from the Presidency to a city council position. It can be difficult to keep a proper perspective when your team wins, and seeing things for what they truly are when your team loses! We seem to have the mindset that elections are the results of those running for election convincing voters to elect them based on what they are told. But there are some Scriptures that say that GOD changes hearts and minds for HIS glory, not so a political team can win or lose. It would seem that if people desired to be on GOD's side they would accept that only HE can change hearts and minds.
In 1 Samuel 10:9 GOD spoke through Samuel to King Saul these words. "When he (Saul) turned his back to leave Samuel, GOD GAVE HIM ANOTHER HEART. And all these signs came to pass that day." Saul was the newly appointed King of Israel and GOD GAVE HIM ANOTHER HEART! When GOD has a task that HE wants performed, and HE desires a certain person to accomplish that task, GOD WILL EQUIP that person to accomplish HIS Plan. GOD can and will change hearts and minds of electors to accomplish HIS Plan.
Romans 12:2 instructs us to "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the "RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND"! THIS WORLD is only temporary and the enemy will blind us with things that do nothing to satisfy, only leave us hungering for more. Only by TESTING can we "discern what is the will of GOD, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Knowing that GOD is in control and HE can change heart and minds comforts me for GOD may be needing to perform a "RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND"! Or HE may be needing to perform a "RENEWAL OF MY MIND"!
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
"REST A WHILE!"
Mark 6:30-32 (ESV)
"30 The apostles returned to JESUS and told HIM all that they had done and taught.
31 And HE said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and "REST A WHILE". For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves."
Many times in my life I have become so busy that my life becomes increasingly stressful and there appeared to be no time for Heavenly things. The disciples had begun experiencing just a glimpse of success and were explaining to JESUS "all they had done and taught"! JESUS may have seen that they were getting caught up in the vortex of "this world" and HE instructed them to "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and "REST A WHILE".
Was it out of concern for their physical well being that JESUS encouraged the disciples to "REST A WHILE"? Or maybe it was to allow them to calm down from the Spiritual and emotional high of teaching the masses that their focus wasn't where it needed to be? Keep in mind, they wanted to tell GOD in the flesh "all that THEY HAD done and taught"! It might be the disciples focus had begun drifting away from THE MESSAGE? It might be as they were getting tired and hungry they began to see things from an earthly perspective and about what THEY HAD DONE??
Romans 12:2 says "Do not be conformed to THIS WORLD, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of GOD, what is good and acceptable and perfect." THIS WORLD has a corrosive effect on our minds. Unless we remain sharp in THE WORD and allow HIM to remove the corrosive materials from our minds, we may be asking for THIS WORLD to begin eating away at our relationship with HIM and the Work HE is doing in our lives?
Could it be JESUS saw this as being a potential problem for the disciples? Is there a possibility that JESUS helped them avoid the corrosive effects of selfish desires by having them "REST A WHILE"? Recently while reading a devotional these words were written "We must be intentional about making time to rest in JESUS. Let the phone ring, the chores can wait, and social media could use a break. Those things are not eternal. JESUS is eternal. Let us make the effort to sit at HIS feet and enjoy HIM rather than miss HIM like Martha did because she was fussing over the dishes in Luke 10:38-42. Isaiah 55:6 says, "Seek the LORD while HE may be found; call upon HIM while he is near." We may need to "REST A WHILE" and get our lives refocused??
"30 The apostles returned to JESUS and told HIM all that they had done and taught.
31 And HE said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and "REST A WHILE". For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves."
Many times in my life I have become so busy that my life becomes increasingly stressful and there appeared to be no time for Heavenly things. The disciples had begun experiencing just a glimpse of success and were explaining to JESUS "all they had done and taught"! JESUS may have seen that they were getting caught up in the vortex of "this world" and HE instructed them to "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and "REST A WHILE".
Was it out of concern for their physical well being that JESUS encouraged the disciples to "REST A WHILE"? Or maybe it was to allow them to calm down from the Spiritual and emotional high of teaching the masses that their focus wasn't where it needed to be? Keep in mind, they wanted to tell GOD in the flesh "all that THEY HAD done and taught"! It might be the disciples focus had begun drifting away from THE MESSAGE? It might be as they were getting tired and hungry they began to see things from an earthly perspective and about what THEY HAD DONE??
Romans 12:2 says "Do not be conformed to THIS WORLD, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of GOD, what is good and acceptable and perfect." THIS WORLD has a corrosive effect on our minds. Unless we remain sharp in THE WORD and allow HIM to remove the corrosive materials from our minds, we may be asking for THIS WORLD to begin eating away at our relationship with HIM and the Work HE is doing in our lives?
Could it be JESUS saw this as being a potential problem for the disciples? Is there a possibility that JESUS helped them avoid the corrosive effects of selfish desires by having them "REST A WHILE"? Recently while reading a devotional these words were written "We must be intentional about making time to rest in JESUS. Let the phone ring, the chores can wait, and social media could use a break. Those things are not eternal. JESUS is eternal. Let us make the effort to sit at HIS feet and enjoy HIM rather than miss HIM like Martha did because she was fussing over the dishes in Luke 10:38-42. Isaiah 55:6 says, "Seek the LORD while HE may be found; call upon HIM while he is near." We may need to "REST A WHILE" and get our lives refocused??
"REST A WHILE!"
Mark 6:30-32 (ESV)
"30 The apostles returned to JESUS and told HIM all that they had done and taught.
31 And HE said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and "REST A WHILE". For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves."
Many times in my life I have become so busy that my life becomes increasingly stressful and there appeared to be no time for Heavenly things. The disciples had begun experiencing just a glimpse of success and were explaining to JESUS "all they had done and taught"! JESUS may have seen that they were getting caught up in the vortex of "this world" and HE instructed them to "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and "REST A WHILE".
Was it out of concern for their physical well being that JESUS encouraged the disciples to "REST A WHILE"? Or maybe it was to allow them to calm down from the Spiritual and emotional high of teaching the masses that their focus wasn't where it needed to be? Keep in mind, they wanted to tell GOD in the flesh "all that THEY HAD done and taught"! It might be the disciples focus had begun drifting away from THE MESSAGE? It might be as they were getting tired and hungry they began to see things from an earthly perspective and about what THEY HAD DONE??
Romans 12:2 says "Do not be conformed to THIS WORLD, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of GOD, what is good and acceptable and perfect." THIS WORLD has a corrosive effect on our minds. Unless we remain sharp in THE WORD and allow HIM to remove the corrosive materials from our minds, we may be asking for THIS WORLD to begin eating away at our relationship with HIM and the Work HE is doing in our lives?
Could it be JESUS saw this as being a potential problem for the disciples? Is there a possibility that JESUS helped them avoid the corrosive effects of selfish desires by having them "REST A WHILE"? Recently while reading a devotional these words were written "We must be intentional about making time to rest in JESUS. Let the phone ring, the chores can wait, and social media could use a break. Those things are not eternal. JESUS is eternal. Let us make the effort to sit at HIS feet and enjoy HIM rather than miss HIM like Martha did because she was fussing over the dishes in Luke 10:38-42. Isaiah 55:6 says, "Seek the LORD while HE may be found; call upon HIM while he is near." We may need to "REST A WHILE" and get our lives refocused??
"30 The apostles returned to JESUS and told HIM all that they had done and taught.
31 And HE said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and "REST A WHILE". For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves."
Many times in my life I have become so busy that my life becomes increasingly stressful and there appeared to be no time for Heavenly things. The disciples had begun experiencing just a glimpse of success and were explaining to JESUS "all they had done and taught"! JESUS may have seen that they were getting caught up in the vortex of "this world" and HE instructed them to "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and "REST A WHILE".
Was it out of concern for their physical well being that JESUS encouraged the disciples to "REST A WHILE"? Or maybe it was to allow them to calm down from the Spiritual and emotional high of teaching the masses that their focus wasn't where it needed to be? Keep in mind, they wanted to tell GOD in the flesh "all that THEY HAD done and taught"! It might be the disciples focus had begun drifting away from THE MESSAGE? It might be as they were getting tired and hungry they began to see things from an earthly perspective and about what THEY HAD DONE??
Romans 12:2 says "Do not be conformed to THIS WORLD, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of GOD, what is good and acceptable and perfect." THIS WORLD has a corrosive effect on our minds. Unless we remain sharp in THE WORD and allow HIM to remove the corrosive materials from our minds, we may be asking for THIS WORLD to begin eating away at our relationship with HIM and the Work HE is doing in our lives?
Could it be JESUS saw this as being a potential problem for the disciples? Is there a possibility that JESUS helped them avoid the corrosive effects of selfish desires by having them "REST A WHILE"? Recently while reading a devotional these words were written "We must be intentional about making time to rest in JESUS. Let the phone ring, the chores can wait, and social media could use a break. Those things are not eternal. JESUS is eternal. Let us make the effort to sit at HIS feet and enjoy HIM rather than miss HIM like Martha did because she was fussing over the dishes in Luke 10:38-42. Isaiah 55:6 says, "Seek the LORD while HE may be found; call upon HIM while he is near." We may need to "REST A WHILE" and get our lives refocused??
Monday, November 7, 2016
"NOW I KNOW!"
Genesis 22:10-12 (ESV)
"10 Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son.
11 But the Angel of the LORD called to him (Abraham) from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am."
12 HE (GOD) said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for "NOW I KNOW" that you fear GOD, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from ME."
Sunday mornings can sometimes become ritualistic as my family generally pretty much follows the same timelines for everything we do. From driving to the fellowship my family attends, to going to Sunday School, to standing outside of the sanctuary as long as I can to avoid the coolness of the building, to three or four songs then a sermon, and then we go to lunch! This Sunday things were totally out of rhythm as my granddaughter was here with us AND it was time-change weekend, and our plans were to drive to meet her mom and dad after church for lunch! So the normalcy of everything was upset from the get-go and I decided just to roll with it!
Getting to church was not very different. But when we went to Sunday School I could tell things appeared to be more "Spiritual"! When I arrived at the sanctuary I felt led by the Spirit to write the following sentence. "If America's spiritual condition depended upon YOUR relationship with GOD ALMIGHTY, what condition would we be in?" I followed that with "All you can control is YOUR relationship with HIM. Make sure your slate is clean and leave others sins to GOD to deal with." I really had no idea why GOD was leading me to write these words. But then our Pastor informed us we would be having a share time Sunday evening and we would be able to speak IF GOD had placed something on our hearts! My words were already written down, all I had to do was read what GOD had instructed me to write!
The verse above, Genesis 22:12, was highlighted in my Holy Bible around 1985 when our Pastor preached on it one Sunday. In that verse GOD tells Abraham, who was about to offer Isaac as a sacrifice on the altar, to NOT lay a hand on the boy, that "NOW I KNOW" that you fear GOD. Now since GOD is all knowing, HE had to have known that Abraham would be faithful and carry through with GOD's command. However, not only did GOD now know that Abraham was obedient, but Abraham knew that GOD would provide his needs! Knowing GOD intimately enough to rely on HIM to provide our needs is something that a lot of people never experience. Trusting in HIM would be a scary thing, IF we didn't know that HE Created ALL THINGS (Colossians 1:16) and will give us what we need to accomplish HIS Plan for our lives.
How many times have I been brought to an altar of sacrifice, only to have a substitute provided by GOD ALMIGHTY? The list would be too lengthy to attempt to write them down in a single day. GOD is so much more than what we try to imagine, in words and deeds. There are times we try to understand why we have been instructed to act a certain way, or do a certain thing, but GOD is only interested in our obedience and TRUST in HIM! Learning to discern between our selfish reasonings and desires and GOD's Divine instructions can be one of the most challenging things we will ever do. GOD already knows what we will do for HIM, but when we mature enough to where we can say "NOW I KNOW", then we are still growing in HIM.
HEAVENLY FATHER, cause me to trust and obey YOUR guidance in my life to where I see things through YOUR eyes, for YOUR glory!!
"10 Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son.
11 But the Angel of the LORD called to him (Abraham) from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am."
12 HE (GOD) said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for "NOW I KNOW" that you fear GOD, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from ME."
Sunday mornings can sometimes become ritualistic as my family generally pretty much follows the same timelines for everything we do. From driving to the fellowship my family attends, to going to Sunday School, to standing outside of the sanctuary as long as I can to avoid the coolness of the building, to three or four songs then a sermon, and then we go to lunch! This Sunday things were totally out of rhythm as my granddaughter was here with us AND it was time-change weekend, and our plans were to drive to meet her mom and dad after church for lunch! So the normalcy of everything was upset from the get-go and I decided just to roll with it!
Getting to church was not very different. But when we went to Sunday School I could tell things appeared to be more "Spiritual"! When I arrived at the sanctuary I felt led by the Spirit to write the following sentence. "If America's spiritual condition depended upon YOUR relationship with GOD ALMIGHTY, what condition would we be in?" I followed that with "All you can control is YOUR relationship with HIM. Make sure your slate is clean and leave others sins to GOD to deal with." I really had no idea why GOD was leading me to write these words. But then our Pastor informed us we would be having a share time Sunday evening and we would be able to speak IF GOD had placed something on our hearts! My words were already written down, all I had to do was read what GOD had instructed me to write!
The verse above, Genesis 22:12, was highlighted in my Holy Bible around 1985 when our Pastor preached on it one Sunday. In that verse GOD tells Abraham, who was about to offer Isaac as a sacrifice on the altar, to NOT lay a hand on the boy, that "NOW I KNOW" that you fear GOD. Now since GOD is all knowing, HE had to have known that Abraham would be faithful and carry through with GOD's command. However, not only did GOD now know that Abraham was obedient, but Abraham knew that GOD would provide his needs! Knowing GOD intimately enough to rely on HIM to provide our needs is something that a lot of people never experience. Trusting in HIM would be a scary thing, IF we didn't know that HE Created ALL THINGS (Colossians 1:16) and will give us what we need to accomplish HIS Plan for our lives.
How many times have I been brought to an altar of sacrifice, only to have a substitute provided by GOD ALMIGHTY? The list would be too lengthy to attempt to write them down in a single day. GOD is so much more than what we try to imagine, in words and deeds. There are times we try to understand why we have been instructed to act a certain way, or do a certain thing, but GOD is only interested in our obedience and TRUST in HIM! Learning to discern between our selfish reasonings and desires and GOD's Divine instructions can be one of the most challenging things we will ever do. GOD already knows what we will do for HIM, but when we mature enough to where we can say "NOW I KNOW", then we are still growing in HIM.
HEAVENLY FATHER, cause me to trust and obey YOUR guidance in my life to where I see things through YOUR eyes, for YOUR glory!!
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
"CALL to ME!"
Jeremiah 33:1-3 (ESV)
"1 The Word of the LORD came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the guard:
2 "Thus says the LORD who made the earth, the LORD who formed it to establish it-the LORD is HIS name:
3 Call to ME and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."
It seems that many people are so busy in today's fast-paced society that they don't have time to listen to direction from the LORD. As a matter of fact, I'm not sure that many of us would recognize the voice of the LORD without some Divine intervention. Jeremiah knew the voice of the LORD, but still GOD placed him "shut up in the court of the guard" to limit interference from "this world"! Isn't it amazing how GOD can place us specifically in a circumstance where we are able to hear from nobody else but HIM?
There is a tremendous amount of noise from "this world" that competes for our attention. Television is one of the most commonly used. Not long ago we ceased subscribing to the local newspaper as it had become a bastion of what "this world" desired for us to hear. Rest assured that unless someone is OF GOD, they won't be espousing Kingdom things.
Jeremiah 33:3 says "CALL to ME" and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known". GOD promises Jeremiah to answer him, but Jeremiah had to "CALL to ME" first! Number one, our lives are so busy that most of the time we don't take time to "CALL to ME!", and when we do take time to "CALL to ME" we can't hear GOD because we don't separate ourselves from "this world" enough to hear HIS directives. We try to listen to GOD over the noise from "this world", and that noise can be deafening at times.
Perhaps GOD needs to "shut up in the court of the guard" sometime? GOD is more than capable of slowing us down than most of us care to admit. And when GOD says slow down, HE doesn't play!!! When GOD says "CALL to ME", HE might have a Word that will change your life. But we will never hear the "great and hidden things that you have not known" unless we "CALL to ME"!!
"1 The Word of the LORD came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the guard:
2 "Thus says the LORD who made the earth, the LORD who formed it to establish it-the LORD is HIS name:
3 Call to ME and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."
It seems that many people are so busy in today's fast-paced society that they don't have time to listen to direction from the LORD. As a matter of fact, I'm not sure that many of us would recognize the voice of the LORD without some Divine intervention. Jeremiah knew the voice of the LORD, but still GOD placed him "shut up in the court of the guard" to limit interference from "this world"! Isn't it amazing how GOD can place us specifically in a circumstance where we are able to hear from nobody else but HIM?
There is a tremendous amount of noise from "this world" that competes for our attention. Television is one of the most commonly used. Not long ago we ceased subscribing to the local newspaper as it had become a bastion of what "this world" desired for us to hear. Rest assured that unless someone is OF GOD, they won't be espousing Kingdom things.
Jeremiah 33:3 says "CALL to ME" and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known". GOD promises Jeremiah to answer him, but Jeremiah had to "CALL to ME" first! Number one, our lives are so busy that most of the time we don't take time to "CALL to ME!", and when we do take time to "CALL to ME" we can't hear GOD because we don't separate ourselves from "this world" enough to hear HIS directives. We try to listen to GOD over the noise from "this world", and that noise can be deafening at times.
Perhaps GOD needs to "shut up in the court of the guard" sometime? GOD is more than capable of slowing us down than most of us care to admit. And when GOD says slow down, HE doesn't play!!! When GOD says "CALL to ME", HE might have a Word that will change your life. But we will never hear the "great and hidden things that you have not known" unless we "CALL to ME"!!
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
"GOD CREATED!"
Genesis 1:1 (ESV)
"In the beginning, "GOD CREATED" the heavens and the earth."
When we look up the word "CREATED" in the dictionary, the first definition found is "to cause to come into being". And when we insert the word "GOD" in front of it we remove all of our human suppositions or limitations on what we imagine or expect to be able to see? After all, GOD says in Isaiah 55:8-9 "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." So why do we attempt to figure out what GOD is going to do next?
It GOD was intelligent enough to "CREATE" this world, don't you think HE might have a Plan for how to get us through whatever lies before us? There are many videos of just how massive our Universe is. The EARTH is but a small, seemingly insignificant part of HIS Plan. One video shows that the EARTH is less than a pinhead size compared to the galaxy we live in. Yet we all want to act as though WE are the only thing that matters? What WE selfishly desire won't make a bit of difference when GOD gets ready to judge this world.
The fact that GOD sent HIS SON to LIGHT this world (John 8:12) should let us know of HIS LOVE, but some of us cannot SEE "THE TRUTH" even though HE is all around us. When JESUS was explaining to the Jews WHO HE was, they couldn't even SEE HIM, because "HIS hour had not yet come" (John 8:20)! Unless GOD reveals things to us, we will not be able to SEE them. When "GOD CREATED" the heavens and the earth, I'm amazed that HE was able to chart history without any human input, some committee or judicial body! No, "GOD CREATED" everything for HIS Glory with no guidance or direction from mankind, and HE doesn't need any help today!
"In the beginning, "GOD CREATED" the heavens and the earth."
When we look up the word "CREATED" in the dictionary, the first definition found is "to cause to come into being". And when we insert the word "GOD" in front of it we remove all of our human suppositions or limitations on what we imagine or expect to be able to see? After all, GOD says in Isaiah 55:8-9 "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." So why do we attempt to figure out what GOD is going to do next?
It GOD was intelligent enough to "CREATE" this world, don't you think HE might have a Plan for how to get us through whatever lies before us? There are many videos of just how massive our Universe is. The EARTH is but a small, seemingly insignificant part of HIS Plan. One video shows that the EARTH is less than a pinhead size compared to the galaxy we live in. Yet we all want to act as though WE are the only thing that matters? What WE selfishly desire won't make a bit of difference when GOD gets ready to judge this world.
The fact that GOD sent HIS SON to LIGHT this world (John 8:12) should let us know of HIS LOVE, but some of us cannot SEE "THE TRUTH" even though HE is all around us. When JESUS was explaining to the Jews WHO HE was, they couldn't even SEE HIM, because "HIS hour had not yet come" (John 8:20)! Unless GOD reveals things to us, we will not be able to SEE them. When "GOD CREATED" the heavens and the earth, I'm amazed that HE was able to chart history without any human input, some committee or judicial body! No, "GOD CREATED" everything for HIS Glory with no guidance or direction from mankind, and HE doesn't need any help today!
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