1 Chronicles 17:16-27

1 Chronicles 17:16-27                   (ESV)

“16 Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, "Who am I, O LORD GOD, and what is my house, that YOU have brought me thus far?

17 And this was a small thing in YOUR eyes, O GOD. YOU have also spoken of YOUR servant's house for a great while to come, and have shown me future generations, O LORD GOD!

18 And what more can David say to YOU for honoring YOUR servant? For YOU know YOUR servant.

19 For YOUR servant's sake, O LORD, and according to YOUR own heart, YOU have done all this greatness, in making known all these great things.

20 There is none like YOU, O LORD, and there is no GOD besides YOU, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

21 And who is like YOUR people Israel, the one nation on earth whom GOD went to redeem to be his people, making for YOURSELF a name for great and awesome things, in driving out nations before YOUR people whom YOU redeemed from Egypt?

22 And YOU made YOUR people Israel to be YOUR people forever, and YOU, O LORD, became their GOD.

23 And now, O LORD, let the word that YOU have spoken concerning YOUR servant and concerning his house be established forever, and do as YOU have spoken,

24 and YOUR name will be established and magnified forever, saying, 'The LORD of hosts, the GOD of Israel, is Israel's GOD,' and the house of YOUR servant David will be established before YOU.

25 For YOU, my GOD, have revealed to YOUR servant that YOU will build a house for him. Therefore YOUR servant has found courage to pray before YOU.

26 And now, O LORD, YOU are GOD, and YOU have promised this good thing to YOUR servant.

27 Now YOU have been pleased to bless the house of YOUR servant, that it may continue forever before YOU, for it is YOU, O LORD, who have blessed, and it is blessed forever.””

“YOU DID IT TO ME!”

Matthew 25:35-40                       (ESV)

“35 For I was hungry and you gave ME food, I was thirsty and you gave ME drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed ME,

36 I was naked and you clothed ME, I was sick and you visited ME, I was in prison and you came to ME.'

37 Then the righteous will answer HIM, saying, 'L, when did we see YOU hungry and feed YOU, or thirsty and give YOU drink?

38 And when did we see YOU a stranger and welcome YOU, or naked and clothe YOU?

39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit YOU?'

40 And the KING will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these MY brothers, “YOU DID IT TO ME”.'”

The message in the Scripture above is pretty plain for most eyes to see, but apparently some eyes can’t SEE very plainly when “this world” is clouding their vision?  Not only should we SEE others who need help when they are needy, but when we look at a NEED with utter disregard and apathy, it is as if we are telling JESUS HIMSELF that HIS “NEEDS” are of no concern to us!  

FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to SEE with HEAVENLY EYES and recognize those who NEED YOUR assistance and respond accordingly.   There is no greater feeling than to know “YOU DID IT TO ME”, but no greater shame than to know we neglected to help YOU when a NEED was presented to us. 

“IT IS NOT YOU!”

Matthew 10:19-22                        (ESV)

“19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.

20 For “IT IS NOT YOU” who speak, but the SPIRIT of your FATHER speaking through you.

21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death,

22 and you will be hated by all for MY name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

There are MANY things that Scripture states that I don’t fully understand, but I don’t have to understand them to make them TRUTH!  There are times when ALMIGHTY GOD has spoken through me that I hardly remember exactly what HE said through me, and there are other times that the Words HE has spoken have transformed my life!  Regardless of what was said through me, there are times when the SPIRIT of GOD says “IT IS NOT YOU”, rather it is ME that is using your mouth to relay HIS Message!  

The Scripture above states that “you will be hated by all for MY name's sake”!  Now most people have an innate desire to be “liked” by others.  Speaking for myself, it is a lot more gratifying to see encouraging words than to see people who disagree with the Word of GOD.   But JESUS said to be prepared WHEN they deliver you over, not IF they deliver you over!  We should be aware that the enemy IS roaming to and fro seeking whom he may devour, and this game is not for the weak in Spirit!  The Word spoken through us needs to be heeded, not only by others, but by the ones used to speak these Words!  

The Message delivered by our Words are intended to Glorify the FATHER.   If we aren’t listening to what is communicated by our own lips, then who better can HE use to reach us?  We need to realize that “IT IS NOT YOU” that is delivering a Message when we are used, but the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD speaking through us.  HIS Message must be listened to, AND OBEYED, by ALL!!!

“Lydia of Thyatira!”

“14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. THE LORD OPENED HER HEART to pay attention to what was said by Paul.

15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." And she prevailed upon us. - Acts 16:14-15

“Lydia of Thyatira” had been studying the OLD TESTAMENT so much so that she was considered a literary scholar, but her Spiritual eyes were only opened when THE LORD OPENED HER HEART to the TRUTH!    That was when GOD “called” her out of the darkness into HIS marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).   

Wikipedia has this to say about the woman known as “Lydia of Thyatira”:

Paul, Silas, and Timothy were traveling through the region of Philippi when they encounter “a reputable businesswoman and possibly a widow… [who] was a righteous Gentile or ‘God-fearer’ attracted to Judaism”.[4] “[S]he was one of a large group [considered]…sympathizers with Judaism, believers in the one God, but who had not yet become ‘proselytes’ or taken the final step to conversion to Judaism”.[5]

Because these encounters and events take place “in what is now Europe,” Lydia is considered “the first ‘European’ Christian convert”.[6]

It is widely suspected by most that “Lydia of Thyatira” had been walking a “good life”, but that wasn’t enough to save her soul!  Only GOD ALMIGHTY can perform that miracle!  Unless and until GOD “calls you out” (1 Peter 2:9) of the ways of the deceiver, you CANNOT walk in the LIGHT!   1 Peter 2:11 says “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to ABSTAIN FROM THE PASSIONS of the flesh, WHICH WAGE WAR AGAINST YOUR SOUL!”  

Ephesians 6:12 says “For we do not wrestle (battle) against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places”.  The enemy is trying to deceive us in any way he can because wants to carry as many with him as possible.  It is said that “misery loves company”, and Hell is the ultimate misery!!!

“Lydia of Thyatira” had her eyes opened to GOD’s call on her life!  I’ve had my eyes opened to the call that GOD has on my life!  Have you had your eyes opened by ALMIGHTY GOD to HIS call and purpose for your life?  Just like “Lydia of Thyatira”, you can’t work your way or intellect your way into Heaven!  GOD has to call you!!!

“BE FOUND FAITHFUL!”

1 Corinthians 4:1-5                       (ESV)

“1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of CHRIST and stewards of the mysteries of GOD.

2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they “BE FOUND FAITHFUL”.

3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.

4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the LORD who judges me.

5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the LORD comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from GOD.”

JESUS will judge ALL of us on that day!  Thanks be to HIM that my sins are “blotted out” (Isaiah 43:25) because of HIS unmatched sacrifice for me and ALL mankind on Calvary!  In NO WAY am I worthy, but because of HIS amazing grace I have been “called out of the darkness into HIS marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9), to glorify The FATHER!  

GOD, grant my desire that I “BE FOUND FAITHFUL”!!!

“I WILL GIVE YOU!”

Luke 31:10-19                                (ESV)

“10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.

12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake.

13 THIS WILL BE YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO BEAR WITNESS.

14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer,

15 for “I WILL GIVE YOU” A MOUTH AND WISDOM, which NONE OF YOUR ADVERSARIES will be able to withstand or contradict.

16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death.

17 YOU WILL BE HATED by all for MY name's sake.

18 But not a hair of your head will perish.

19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.”

One of the most difficult things I had to adjust to following the Brain Hemorrhage was not being able to have the quick and witty responses THAT I USED TO have prior to July 09, 2007!  To describe this as a BLESSING would appear that I was loosing my mind, but learning to TRUST IN GOD even for the words that come out of your mouth isn’t anything that someone else can be credited with.  The Speech Therapists that were assigned to my case were simply the best, but they couldn’t “fix” something that THE ALMIGHTY had Planned for my life.  

Just as human nature would have done everything possible to prevent the Brain Hemorrhage, we too will quite possibly (and unsuccessfully I might add) attempt to avoid the perilous times that GOD IN THE FLESH tries to prepare us for.  HE said in the Scriptures above that “I WILL GIVE YOU” WORDS that none of our adversaries will have an answer for.  Even family will turn on family because “the enemy” is all about tearing apart all the things of GOD.  

In Genesis 50:20 Joseph was speaking to his brothers who had sold him into slavery and said “....you meant evil against me, but GOD meant it for good...”!  JESUS said “YOU WILL BE HATED by all for MY name's sake” and then follows that up with the word BUT!  BUT not a hair of your head will perish!  

There might be heartache and difficulties ahead in our future, but we are PROMISED that ALL THINGS (Romans 8:28) will work together for our good.  “I WILL GIVE YOU”, not only WORDS to speak, but also WISDOM to know when to speak them and when to NOT speak them. 

“TODAY!”

Luke 23:39-43                              (ESV)

“39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at HIM, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save YOURSELF and us!"

40 But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear GOD, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?

41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the DUE REWARD of our deeds; but THIS MAN has done nothing wrong."

42 And he said, "JESUS, remember me when YOU come into YOUR kingdom."

43 And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, “TODAY” you will be with ME in paradise."”

Recently my thoughts have been on whether we will have to give “an account” (Romans 14:12) before a HOLY GOD on Judgement Day.   Scripture teaches us that “our sins HE will remember no more” (Hebrews 8:12), so how can we get around Romans 14:12?  

GODs Grace is such an AMAZING thing that we can’t just ignore it because we don’t understand why it exists!  I don’t pretend to have all the answers to any question that “this world” can dream up regarding the magnificence of THE SALVATION PLAN.  What I do know is that JESUS told the thief hanging on a cross next to HIM that “TODAY” you will be with ME in paradise!   

This man didn’t have to walk down the aisle at church, he didn’t have to have his name on a church membership roll, he didn’t have to tithe or give alms to the poor!  He only had to humble himself and BEG ALMIGHTY GOD for mercy and he was granted forgiveness!  

We can prognosticate and speculate for our remaining days on the earth about the intricacies of how GOD will dispense HIS Grace and join the one thief who left “this world” without acknowledging WHO JESUS is.   Or we can join the forgiven one who JESUS said “TODAY” you will be with ME in paradise!  It is that simple!!!!

“KNOW THAT I AM GOD!”

Psalms 46:9-11                             (KJV)

“9 HE maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; HE breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; HE burneth the chariot in the fire. 10 BE STILL, AND “KNOW THAT I AM GOD”: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the GOD of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”

Most people know about the Brain Hemorrhage I experienced in 2007, AND I CERTAINLY HOPE they have heard about the miraculous recovery following!  GOD blessed me with an IRS approved Nonprofit in 2013 named Psalms 46:10 Ministries, Inc. mainly because I was in a coma for 17 days and you don’t move a lot in a coma, this BE STILL!!  

But just BEING STILL isn’t where the BIBLE stops on the aforementioned verse.   It says and “KNOW THAT I AM GOD” directly behind the words BE STILL!  I’m not a Biblical Scholar, but GOD ALMIGHTY does speak to me and I refuse to not share what HE reveals to me.  For us to BE STILL and not recognize that HE IS GOD is borderline blasphemous.   How can we disconnect from “this world” without acknowledging that GOD IS GOD?  

Sometimes we act as though we are GOD!    We don’t want to recognize that HE simply spoke the Universes into existence and HE controls ALL that happens in them.   But what about hurricanes, and earthquakes, and other natural disasters?  We want to say that GOD would NEVER allow what we consider being BAD to happen, especially to THOSE WE LOVE!  

When we BE STILL and “KNOW THAT I AM GOD” maybe we realize that “this world” is so utterly small compared to HIM that we can’t have a huge say in how things happen???  Or can we???  HE loved “this world” SO MUCH that HE gave HIS only begotten SON as a sacrifice for our wretched, sinful lifestyles!  Yes, we NEED to “KNOW THAT I AM GOD” and HE absolutely cares for us, regardless of what “the enemy” tries to sell us.  

“DO NOT BE ANXIOUS!”

Matthew 6:31-34                         (ESV)

“31 Therefore “DO NOT BE ANXIOUS”, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'

32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your HEAVENLY FATHER knows that you need them all.

33 But seek first the kingdom of GOD and HIS righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

34 "Therefore “DO NOT BE ANXIOUS” about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Different versions of the HOLY BIBLE say these words differently, but most modern day translations use the words “don’t worry” when writing about Matthew 6:34.  There are many times we try to say that we aren’t WORRIED about a concern, we are just planning to avoid a catastrophe!  However, the King James Bible says it rather plainly when it says “Take therefore NO THOUGHT for the morrow:”

When you Believe GOD has given you a promise about what HE will do for you in the future, HIS Promise isn’t dependent upon what you can do to make that happen!  Do you think the Children of Israel could have poss possibly dreamed that they would have to wander in the wilderness for 40 years before being allowed to enter the Promised Land?  Sure, they were disobedient heading to the land GOD promised, but GOD was getting Glory over ALL the victories that HE was allowing them to experience!  

‘GOD HAS A PLAN’ has been written men since we knew how to write.  There are numerous times that I begin my “devotional” with a different subject or outcome in mind, but GOD HAS A PLAN, not only for our lives, but even for my writings!  We don’t need to “help” GOD accomplish things that we “think” are required for HIS Plan to be fulfilled.   We just need to “DO NOT BE ANXIOUS” when the enemy traps us near the Red Sea and watch ALMIGHTY GOD gain the Glory!!!

“AGITATING!”

Acts 17:10-15                                  (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.

12 Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.

13 But when the JEWS from Thessalonica learned that the word of GOD was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, “AGITATING” and STIRRING up the crowds.

14 Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there.

15 Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.”  

It seems as though some people see it as their mission in life to “AGITATE” others, no matter the subject.  I know, I used to be one of those guys, not having a purpose for “AGITATING” and STIRRING up trouble, but just to hear myself in conversation.  It was as if I had to be contributing to a conversation to deem it worthwhile.

However, the JEWS from Thessalonica had a PURPOSE, they were filled with the spirit of the enemy and did anything they could to disrupt the Work of the Kingdom.  It can be a DANGEROUS thing to oppose the Work of GOD, for HE is able to intervene in our lives without notice!  

In Acts 9, Saul WAS headed to Damascus to continue persecution of the Church, but GOD ALMIGHTY interrupted his journey with a health concern that caused him to neither eat nor drink for three days!  A little over ten years ago, I had a health concern that put me in a coma for 17 days!  GOD can place you where only HE can fix the situation you find yourself in, and leave NO DOUBTS it was HIM that delivered you.  

Writing about these verses earlier this week would normally cause me to ignore what GOD was saying to me for at least a few weeks, but I am learning that sometimes ALMIGHTY GOD doesn’t work the way we project or expect!  “AGITATING” and STIRRING up trouble is a tool of the enemy and using his tools makes us ann instrument of deception and conflict.  Being a tool for GOD will bring PEACE and COMFORT!  Don’t get caught up in doing things the enemy can use to divide!  If you aren’t being used to unify and draw together, you may be “AGITATING” and pulling apart???

“SONS AND DAUGHTERS!”

2 Corinthians 6:17-18                    (ESV)

“17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the LORD, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, 

18 and I will be a FATHER to you, and you shall be “SONS AND DAUGHTERS” to ME, says the LORD ALMIGHTY."”

As most of you know, I am extremely in LOVE with my granddaughters.   Now I love my sons and daughter-in-laws, but those granddaughters are special like no other, AT LEAST TO ME!!!

Do you reckon that we are special like that to our HEAVENLY FATHER?  HE instructs us to SEPARATE ourselves from “this world” and HE will welcome us.  Knowing that the same GOD that spoke the universes into existence wants me to “Be Holy, for I am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16) should be all we need to live SEPARATE from others!  But we are weak and need a Savior!!

GOD knew we wouldn’t be able to live HOLY, as HE required, so HE made a way through HIS Grace for we who Believe in JESUS.  HIS Grace flows freely because HE is good, not because we are worthy!  HE called us out of the darkness into HIS marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9) because HE longed for us to be “SONS AND DAUGHTERS”.   We don’t deserve being chosen by HIM, but I’m so glad HE did!!!

“A LOW WHISPER!”

1 Kings 19:11-13                             (ESV)

“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?"”

Hearing from ALMIGHTY GOD has been written about for many, MANY , but can be difficult, to say the least.   Even when I am alone with GOD, sounds from “this world” interfere with my thoughts and mind.   Hearing traffic on a highway, or a plane overhead, or a locomotive going down the tracks, there seems to be always something competing with hearing from HIM, especially when I am having my quite time.   

The enemy is “more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD GOD had made” (Genesis 3:1).  He uses all kinds of distractions attempting to prevent me from hearing from my COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.  When Elijah was trying to get a Word from GOD, he had to listen intently for GOD, so much so that to withstand a GREAT WIND, an earthquake, and a raging fire before he heard GOD in “A LOW WHISPER” speaking to him.  

Can we say the same about our discipleship??  Most of us try to listen to GOD as long as HE is speaking when we allot time for HIM in our busy schedules, or when we “are ready” for HIM to speak to us.  We don’t elevate GOD to HIS rightful THRONE, instead to an advisory role where we choose to obey when HIS commands fit into our goals and dreams.   

Elijah had to withstand this world’s chaotic clutter to listen for GOD speaking to him in “A LOW WHISPER”.   Am I any better?  Shouldn’t I be required to listen intently for HIS Battle Plan for my life?  The noise from this world can never replace the PEACE that only GOD can bring.  When you think about it, true PEACE can only be heard when we can hear “A LOW WHISPER”!!!

“TRUTHS!”

Genesis 1:27                                   (ESV)

“So GOD created man in HIS own image, in the image of GOD HE created him; male and female HE created them.”

John 4:24                                        (ESV)

“GOD IS SPIRIT, and those who worship HIM must worship in SPIRIT and TRUTH." 

John 10:30                                       (ESV)

“I (JESUS) and the FATHER are ONE." 

Since TRUTH is in JESUS (John 14:6), and Belief that HE is the ONLY WAY is a gift from GOD, we SHOULD BE consumed with a desire to scour scriptures and delve into knowing more about HIM?  When we wake up each morning, when we lay down at night, or anytime we have a few extra minutes we should be searching for HIS TRUTHS!  

But we are so entranced by the things of “this world” that tends to draw us into its vortex that we usually don’t recognize until we are so far gone that it consumes us.  The enemy is a spirit also, but he decorates himself with such temporal, earthly beauty that even devout Followers can be deceived.  That is why it is imperative that we KEEP OUR EYES ON THE THINGS OF GOD and do the things that are RIGHT IN HIS EYES (Exodus 15:26), we will not have a lot of the struggles that others have.  

Remember though, in John 16:33 JESUS HIMSELF said that in “this world” you WILL HAVE TROUBLE, but HE has overcome the world!  There is HOPE for Believers in JESUS, and that HOPE is that HE lives inside of me and I will reign with HIM eternally!  GOD THE FATHER, JESUS HIS SON AND THEIR HOLY SPIRIT live within this temple known as my body.   I don’t deserve that, but I’m so blessed HE does!!!

“SET THEIR MINDS!”

Romans 8:5-8                                (ESV)

“5 For those who live according to the flesh “SET THEIR MINDS” on the things of the FLESH, but those who live according to the SPIRIT “SET THEIR MINDS” on the things of the SPIRIT.

6 For to set the mind on the FLESH IS DEATH, but to set the mind on the SPIRIT IS LIFE and peace.

7 For the mind that is set on the FLESH IS HOSTILE TO GOD, FOR IT DOES NOT SUBMIT TO GOD’s LAW; indeed, it cannot.

8 THOSE WHO ARE IN THE FLESH CANNOT PLEASE GOD.”

With all of the hustle, bustle of the CHRISTMAS season it can become overly simple to get caught up in OUR business and NOT seek THE LORD and HIS PLAN for our lives.  Colossians 3:2 says “SET YOUR MINDS on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.", but sometimes I don’t obey what HIS WORD instructs me to do.  We can make excuses that PRESSURES of this life are stronger than they once were, but in Romans 5 it is written rather plainly that we have a choice, to “SET YOUR MINDS” on the things of the FLESH, or to “SET YOUR MINDS” on the things of the SPIRIT”!  

To set the mind on the FLESH IS DEATH, yet sometimes I CHOOSE to blatantly disobey GOD and HIS Principles for my own self gratification.  It’s not as if the enemy deceives me and I just didn’t SEE that I was doing the wrong thing.  I intentionally elect to do the wrong things out of weakness or selfish motives.  Most of the time I attempt to begin my sentences with something other than the word “I”.  But when you are focused on “I” it becomes difficult to accomplish that.  

But to set the mind on the SPIRIT IS LIFE and peace!  We have a CHOICE to CHOOSE life and peace or the ways of the enemy.  FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to CHOOSE life and peace over the things of “this world” and it’s temporary rewards.  To “SET THEIR MINDS” on something is to start becoming more that way.   Our desire should be to “SET THEIR MINDS” on the things of the SPIRIT!  

“THE VOICE!”

Acts 9:7-9                                       (ESV)

“7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing “THE VOICE” but seeing no one.

8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, HE SAW NOTHING. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.

9 And for three days he was without sight, and NEITHER ATE NOR DRANK.”

Saul, as indicated in Acts 13:9, was also known as Paul and was INTENT on persecuting people (Acts 9:1-2) of THE WAY, including killing those who refused to see things his way.  Stephen (Acts 7:54-60) was stoned to death and Saul watched the garments of the people stoning him!  But in Acts 9 Saul had his actions interrupted by Divine Intervention and he dealt with it in a way that most of us have to be forced into!  He NEITHER ATE NOR DRANK for three days until GOD spoke to him through Ananias.  

Do we ever spend time alone with GOD, the Creator of the universes, to download our marching orders for our lives?  Saul/Paul was on his way to continue his plan for his life, but GOD had to put everything on PAUSE in his life for three days.  During this time I can only imagine what was going through his mind.  He couldn’t see and evidently didn’t want to eat.   Maybe he had time to ponder “THE VOICE” that spoke to him on the road to Damascus.  

Do you reckon he actually Believed that JESUS had spoken to him, even though his companions could hear “THE VOICE”, but couldn’t SEE anyone around him?   When ALMIGHTY GOD wants to get our attention, HE doesn’t have to duplicate HIS actions of the past.  HE is able to do whatever HE needs to draw honor and Glory to HIS NAME no matter the circumstance.  Even if that means using “THE VOICE” to deliver a Divine Message to a tool HE will use for HIS Glory in the future.  

“BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT!”

Acts 9:10-17                                    (ESV)

“10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The LORD said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, LORD."

11 And the LORD said to him, "RISE AND GO TO THE STREET CALLED STRAIGHT, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying,

12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight."

13 But Ananias answered, "LORD, I HAVE HEARD FROM MANY ABOUT THIS MAN, how much evil he has done to YOUR saints at Jerusalem.

14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on YOUR name."

15 But the LORD said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of MINE to carry MY NAME before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.

16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of MY NAME."

17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the LORD JESUS WHO appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and “BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT”."

The WORD of GOD has told many people to do many things that they didn’t understand.  In Genesis 22 GOD instructed Abraham to offer his ONLY son as a sacrifice.   Abraham was obedient until GOD intervened with a ram in a bush.  

When GOD told Ananias to go to a street called Straight to allow Saul to regain his sight, he must have thought He misheard his instructions.  Saul had been struck with blindness on the road to Damascus to persecute Christians, many possibly who were friends of Ananias and he knew to avoid him at all costs.  Like most of us, his (Saul’s) reputation preceded him and Believers were steering clear of him.  Now GOD was giving Ananias orders to go and heal his blindness???  That just doesn’t make sense!!!

ALMIGHTY GOD, most of the time, doesn’t make sense!  In fact, “LORD, I HAVE HEARD FROM MANY ABOUT THIS MAN” is his recorded response!  But GOD replied “Go, for he 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."  

Saul was about to be shown that he was going to “suffer” for the name of JESUS!  Is that what you hear being preached in churches today?  Do you hear that all but one of the original disciples gave their physical lives because of their testimony that JESUS is GOD?  It’s time the church return to sacrifice and persecution that it once experienced and “BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT”!!!

“IF YOU OBEY!”

Deuteronomy 28:1-6                      (ESV)

“1 "And if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your GOD, being careful to do all HIS commandments that I command you today, the LORD your GOD will set you high above all the nations of the earth.

2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, “IF YOU OBEY” the voice of the LORD your GOD.

3 Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field.

4 Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock.

5 Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.

6 Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.”

The Holy Bible is an amazing Book in that the Spirit of the ONE WHO CREATED the worlds simply by speaking inspired earthly authors to write books/letters so we could have an instruction manual, and a love letter, to assist us in our journey through “this world”.  Of course, one has to BELIEVE these TRUTHS, but just because you don’t believe doesn’t make it so!  In the book of Hebrews 11:6 it is written “And without FAITH it is impossible to please HIM, for whoever would draw near to GOD must believe that HE exists and that HE REWARDS those who seek HIM.”  Today’s scripture was written by man (Moses) thousands of years before Hebrews 11:6.  However, the two passages go hand in hand.  

GOD doesn’t operate in chance or circumstance.  HIS Plan is as precise and exact as man can calculate!  It’s been said that for JESUS to have fulfilled all the scriptures that HE fulfilled, the “odds” would be unbelievable.  For JESUS to fulfill ONLY eight of the Messianic Prophecies the estimated number would be 1 in 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000!

So why do we doubt and worry when we are faced with trusting HIM?  “The enemy” is a sly, deceiving manipulator whose chief objective is to draw as many away from FAITH IN GOD as he possibly can while he is loosed.  There is coming a day (Revelation 20:1-10) when he and all his followers will be bound forever in hell.   

GOD instructs us in Deuteronomy that “IF YOU OBEY” you will be blessed, no less than four times just in the scriptures above.   However, don’t overlook John 16:33 where JESUS says “........In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."  “IF YOU OBEY” becomes a lot easier when we actually BELIEVE HE EXISTS!  Conversely, if we actually BELIEVE, why don’t we OBEY????

“RECONCILED TO GOD!”

“RECONCILED TO GOD!”

2 Corinthians 5:18-21                    (ESV)

“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.

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for CHRIST, GOD making HIS appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of CHRIST, be “RECONCILED TO GOD”.

21 For our sake HE (GOD) made HIM (JESUS) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in HIM (JESUS) we might become the righteousness of GOD.”

Growing up in church you get exposed to certain words or language that you feel must have good connotations, but finding out FOR SURE what these words mean can open your eyes to revelations that enables a Belief to emerge strong enough to base your FAITH upon.  “IMPUTATION” is one such word.  According to the dictionary I use, the word “Imputation” means — 3 Theology: to attribute (righteousness, guilt, etc.) to a person or persons vicariously; ascribe as derived from another.

ALMIGHTY GOD, in HIS Divine foreknowledge, willingly gave HIS SON to become sin, even when HE had lived a perfect life in “this world”, so that “we might become the righteousness of GOD.”  One might ask why HE would do such a loving, merciful act when HE could have created us to worship HIM with no doubts or inhibitions?  In Luke 19:39-40 JESUS said to the Pharisees, “And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." HE answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out."  

Evidently GOD wanted more than rocks to worship HIM, HE wanted we who have a choice to Believe HIM to express our need for a Savior and admit that HE in our ONLY HOPE!!!  Becoming “RECONCILED TO GOD” allows HIM to SEE the blood of CHRIST when HE looks at me.  Until we become “RECONCILED TO GOD” we cannot know how HE could ever be so merciful, but we who have been drawn into HIS Mercy can, by FAITH, accept HIS love toward us (Romans 5:8)!  

Believing that a HOLY, RIGHTEOUS GOD would sacrifice SO MUCH for a worthless wretch like me is almost impossible to believe!  But SEEING that HE is that loving and merciful is part of HIS Plan that I have to have my eyes opened to BY HIS GRACE!  Being “RECONCILED TO GOD” is admitting that HE provided EVERYTHING we needed in JESUS CHRIST (Colossians 1:15-20) according to HIS Plan!!!

“HE HAS MERCY!”

“HE HAS MERCY!”

Romans 9:13-18                             (ESV)

“13 As it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."

14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on GOD’s part? By no means!

15 For HE says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."

16 So then it depends NOT ON HUMAN WILL OR EXERTION, but on GOD, who has MERCY.

17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show MY power in you, and that MY NAME might be proclaimed in all the earth."

18 So then “HE HAS MERCY” on whomever HE wills, and HE hardens whomever HE wills.”

The events surrounding the “blessing” being placed on Jacob (later known as Israel) instead of Esau used to seem so unfair to me.   Esau was the oldest of twin sons born to Isaac and Rebecca and was therefore expected to be granted the heirs portion when it was passed down by the father.  Isaac’s eyesight was failing and Jacob came in and was “blessed” with the inheritance that Isaac thought was being placed on Esau.  But Esau had GIVEN UP his birthright to Jacob when he was hungry for a bowl of stew.   

Now I’m sure this sell wasn’t published in the Wall Street Journal of the time?  Jacob must have been made aware that the birthright was FAR more valuable than Esau understood AT THE TIME?  Regardless, ALMIGHTY GOD knew that transaction had taken place, just like HE knows who chooses to serve HIM today!  

Is it because some are more worthy than others that they get selected as followers?  There is no rhyme or reason why some are chosen and others are not chosen.   If you are being “wooed” by the HOLY SPIRIT it could be the ALMIGHTY is trying to get you to acknowledge HIM and HIS Plan for your life.  

To be “selected” by the CREATOR of the UNIVERSE to serve HIM is not for the weak to attempt.   JESUS said in Matthew 10:22 that “... you will be hated.....” for MY Names sake!  We must get our focus beyond the things of this world and onto the things that are above and celebrate that “HE HAS MERCY”, even on me!!!