Tuesday, January 31, 2017

"NO ONE KNOWS!"

Mark 13:32-37                     (ESV)
"32 "But concerning that day or that hour, "NO ONE KNOWS", not even the angels in heaven, nor the SON, but only the FATHER.
33 Be on guard, keep awake. For YOU DO NOT KNOW WHEN THE TIME WILL COME.
34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake.
35 Therefore stay awake-for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning-
36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep.
37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake."




According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control report for the calendar year 2014, in the United States there were 2,626,418 deaths reported.  That calculates out to be almost 7,200 people each and every day that don't make it to the next sunrise. Yet as a whole, people in general feel as though THEY THEMSELVES will live forever.

The passage of scripture above let's us know that "NO ONE KNOWS" when their time will end.  There have even been people ATTEMPT to commit suicide and their efforts have proven fruitless.  We can drive to work today with the intentions of driving back home this afternoon, but a if a car is merely a few feet of course, our earthly life could end in a second.  JESUS HIMSELF was hailed early one week upon entering Jerusalem by the crowds proclaiming "Hosanna", a shout of praise or adoration, and before the week was over was being crucified for the sins of all mankind!

There is no one who knows exactly what the future holds for them.  We can spend our lives amassing great wealth and our life be required of us in one evening (Luke 12:13-21).  Even JESUS said "NO ONE KNOWS", not even the angels of heaven, nor the SON, but the FATHER only".

Don't let the things of "this world" cloud your mind to not prepare for the things in Heaven.  The great deceiver would like to have a lot of company in his eternal torment.  We can say we will prepare for Heaven later in life, after sowing our wild oats.  But our Creator says "NO ONE KNOWS" when our time is coming.  WHO would know better than our CREATOR???

Monday, January 30, 2017

"REFUGE IN THE LORD!"

Psalms 118:8-9                  (ESV)
"8 It is better to take "REFUGE IN THE LORD" than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take "REFUGE IN THE LORD" than to trust in princes."



Watching people, whether they are Believers or not, elevate any person beyond that which GOD called them to be is dangerous for them, AND for you.  Supporting President Donald Trump is something I do because I am an American, not because I agree with him on every issue.   He is going to make mistakes, as all of us do.  One thing I try NOT to do is to act as though anyone, especially politicians, are without error.  That would be setting them up for failure.  

1 Peter 2:17 says "Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear GOD. Honor the emperor."  Notice scripture states we should honor the emperor, but before that scripture states we should fear GOD!  When we take our eyes off of GOD and place them upon mankind we are saying that GOD is secondary to to them.  That should not be something are guilty of.  

When we praise any man before GOD we run the risk of getting our attention misplaced.  GOD, and GOD alone, should be the center of our lives and we should reflect that in our speech and actions.  While we should pray and support our leaders, in our church and government, keeping GOD on the thrones of our lives needs to be our main goal.  If we are more vocal about a preacher, politician, or any other "man", we are celebrating the created instead of the Creator!

Our hope can only lie in the ONE WHO is DIVINE in HIS DNA, not in a flawed human!  There is no way we can adequately give enough praise to HIM for HIS guidance and direction in our lives.  To say "It is better to take "REFUGE IN THE LORD" than to trust in man" is not just a suggestion, it is a recipe for a successful life.

Friday, January 27, 2017

"THE WORLD HATES YOU!"

John 15:16-19                      (ESV)
"16 You did not choose ME, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the FATHER in MY name, HE may give it to you.
17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
18 "If the world hates you, know that it has hated ME before it hated you.
19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore "THE WORLD HATES YOU!"."



Have you ever seemingly been in a position where you found it almost impossible to do anything right?  It can be awfully frustrating at times when everything you say or do puts you at odds with the people of "this world".  

The entire fifteenth chapter of John is spoken by JESUS.   HE states in verse 19 that "THE WORLD HATES YOU!"  So why shouldn't we be aware of this, if not expecting it?  The SPIRIT of GOD abides inside this temple (1 Corinthians 3:16), so therefore "this world" will always be against me.

There are some who apparently never experience conflict in their lives (or ministry), and that should cause a tremendous amount of concern.  If you are serving JESUS and furthering HIS Kingdom, the enemy will attack you from all sides in an attempt to slow your efforts.  If you are not posing a threat to his evilness, JESUS said you must be part of him (Matthew 6:24).

The book of James, chapter one verse two, says we should consider it JOY when we meet difficulties!  The enemy is against me because JESUS lives in me. Therefore, "THE WORLD HATES ME", and you shouldn't be surprised if "THE WORLD HATES YOU"!  If I had to choose, certainly I would choose JESUS!  We all, not only get to choose, but we MUST CHOOSE!  I choose to live for HIM and let "THE WORLD HATE ME"!!

Thursday, January 26, 2017

"LOOKING TO JESUS!"

Hebrews 12:1-2                  (ESV)
"1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 "LOOKING TO JESUS", the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."



This quotation was made by a friend of mine during a talk, "You don't have to know what I know, you just have to know WHO I know!"  There are countless people, many self-proclaimed Believers, who try to get into verbal disputes about Spiritual matters, but seemingly never wanting to speak about the Author of the Holy Bible?  The King James Version of the Bible of Hebrews 12:2 begins with "Looking unto JESUS the AUTHOR and finisher of our faith:....".

So many people want to get all caught up with the 'race of life' and never allow the AUTHOR and finisher of our faith to guide and direct their lives.  Even I thought I had a decent idea of what GOD had planned for my life.  It took me a few years after the  Brain Hemorrhage to understand that my plans didn't make a difference, it was only GOD's Plan that mattered!

Some people may have a plan for their lives, but have never considered that GOD might have a FAR GREATER Plan for them?   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." Knowing that there is a GOD is quite different than KNOWING the GOD Who created the Universes.

Although I may not know everything that some people know, and I may not have as many resources as others, and my "bottom line" may not be up to par like the wealthy, I have a personal, intimate relationship with the ONE WHO spoke the worlds into existence!  HE cares greatly for me and as long as I am "LOOKING TO JESUS", I am headed in the right direction!!!

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

"JESUS ONLY!"

Mark 9:2-8                         (ESV)
"2 And after six days JESUS took with HIM Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And HE  was transfigured before them,
3 and HIS clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.
4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with JESUS.
5 And Peter said to JESUS, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for YOU and one for Moses and one for Elijah."
6 For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.
7 And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved SON; listen to HIM."
8 And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but "JESUS ONLY"."




There are many, MANY questions about the TRANSFIGURATION that I would love to have answered, and I will one glorious day!  Until then, why did only three disciples get chosen to be with JESUS for the Transfiguration?  Even though the three were chosen by JESUS to be present at this monumental occasion, why didn't any of them understand what was going on, as verse six says "for they were terrified"!  And why did GOD tell them "This is my beloved SON; listen to HIM?"  Those are just a few things I would like to know.

You have to understand that GOD has a Plan, and that NOTHING happens out of chance or circumstance.  GOD may have CHOSEN Peter, James and John to be present because having more disciples may have seemed almost "too perfect" for skeptics to believe?  JESUS (GOD in the Flesh) could have actually played favorites as HE CHOSE me out of the depths (Psalms 130:1) of sin to select to be a Believer?  HE could have CHOSEN someone more eloquent in speech, more wealthy, more educated, more socially connected, and more intellectually astute, but HE chose me???

But there is hope for all of us, as it seems GOD has a tendency to choose the "lessers" of society to do HIS work because folks will SEE "JESUS ONLY" when they observe the work that HE performs from people of less stature?!?  While HE does use those who "seem" to have everything "worked out" in their lives, usually it only "seems" things are "worked out"!  Even the Apostle Paul was given a "thorn in the flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) to keep him from becoming conceited.  When my life is examined, either after I am departed or before, I pray that people will be able to see "JESUS ONLY" in my accomplishments!

Monday, January 23, 2017

"BLESSED IS THE NATION WHO TRUSTS IN THE LORD!"

Jeremiah 17:5-8              (ESV)
"5 Thus says the LORD: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD.
6 He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.
7 "BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO TRUSTS IN THE LORD", whose trust is the LORD.
8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."



Seeing so many people who are celebrating the election of the new President is wonderful and encouraging.  But those who are acting as though a new President is the answer to all of the problems facing our nation could prove to be a serious miscalculation.   Let me state unequivocally that I support the new administration and am encouraged by the apparent acknowledgment that GOD is to be thanked and praised for protecting and guiding us, even when we have chosen to follow our own paths.

However, blindly accepting what man says has proven to be the downfall of numerous nations and kingdoms.  America is no different, we can not expect to take our eyes off of the ALMIGHTY and expect to remain under HIS protection and guidance.  Only by following the guidance and leadership of the HOLY SPIRIT can any entity, government, church, or people, expect to remain in GOD's Will.

The enemy is sure to attack, as he is being assaulted by Godly actions.  We must pray for GOD to control our leaders, regardless of personal wishes or preferences, and lead our country back to HIS favor.  While it is true we can not control what anyone else says or does, GOD can!  In Exodus 14:4 GOD said HE would harden Pharaoh's heart, and Pharaoh promptly chased after the Israelites and to his death at the bottom of the Red Sea.  Unless GOD is recognized and glorified, why would HE continue to protect and guide us???

What I have written to this point has been directed to a nation.  But the same premise should apply to each and every individual life!  Everyone of us, MAINLY ME, has to guard the steps we take as though we are leading a nation through the wilderness.  We aren't sure where journey will lead us.  However,we need to try to be a people of "BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO TRUSTS IN THE LORD", and let HIM take care of our leaders.  HE is more than capable!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Friday, January 20, 2017

"YOU HAVE ONLY YO BE SILENT!"

Exodus 14:14                        (ESV)
"The LORD will fight for you, and "YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT ""



GOD continually displays to me that HE doesn't need me to help HIM be GOD, HE only needs for me and "YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT"!

Being silent at times has been (and continues to be) one of the hardest lessons I have ever been exposed to.  Typically, we want to interject our opinion on what we THINK the solution needs to be, when GOD is working "all things" out for HIS good (Romans 8:28).  Why do I want to try and play god when I've exhibited many times that my decisions are not worthy of consideration for even the least difficult situations?  The same GOD WHO spoke the Heavens and earth into existence may need to display to us HIS majesty, and may be getting in HIS way?!?  Especially I have a desire sometimes to work things out the way 'I THINK' they should be.  And usually I'm making it more difficult for GOD to work things out for HIS good.

FATHER IN HEAVEN ABOVE, cause me to get out of YOUR way and enjoy letting YOU be GOD!  For some of us, for "YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT" is to not try and share YOUR glory with YOU!

Thursday, January 19, 2017

"DRAW NEAR TO GOD!"

James 4:7-8               (ESV)
"7 Submit yourselves therefore to GOD. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 "DRAW NEAR TO GOD", and HE will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."


Sometimes I just begin to type and GOD directs my thoughts and hands. This morning GOD told me "Don't allow sin an entry into your life and you won't have to worry with getting rid of it"!!!

Pondering that the remainder of the day!!!

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

"MORE CRAFTY!"

Genesis 3:1a                   (ESV)
"Now the serpent (enemy) was "MORE CRAFTY" (other translations use the words subtle, cunning, clever and crude) than any other beast of the field that the LORD GOD had made........"




As humans, we get in so many ruts that become habits in our lives.  Formerly I used to read the newspaper when I first got out of bed everyday.   It seemed "I had to" see who was married, buried, in trouble, or whatever else would fill in the blank.   The negativity in the newspaper became so evident that I began only reading the obituaries every day.   Soon that turned into ever few days.   And it wasn't long before I had ceased reading other people's opinions, referred to as news by some, completely!

"This world", and it's ruler, has no interest in me becoming more like CHRIST's example for my life.  Social media can be the biggest example.  The HOLY BIBLE and JESUS CHRIST are extremely offensive to "this world", so much so that they tried to silence HIM when HE came to earth over two thousand years ago by crucifying HIM.  The ruts we allow ourselves to become trapped in are nothing more than the great deceiver trying to get us "blinded" to the TRUTH and living in our own little make-believe world.  But 2 Corinthians 4:4 says "In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of CHRIST, WHO is the image of GOD."

If the enemy can deceive people into believing a lie when the TRUTH is right in front of their eyes, then he MUST be the most crafty, subtle, cunning, clever and crude than any creature the LORD GOD has ever made!  Have you ever had your eyes opened to a TRUTH in an "ah hah" moment?  At the Judgement Seat the "ah hah" moment will be replaced with "weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth" when the masses find out that they have been "blinded" to the TRUTH and it is now too late for them!

Can you see TRUTH before your eyes?  Is the glory of CHRIST, WHO is the image of GOD, able to be seen by you?  Or are you blinded?!?!  The enemy is "MORE CRAFTY" than we give him credit for most of the time.  PLEASE make sure he doesn't fool you!!

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

"THY WILL BE DONE!"

Luke 11:1-13                   (KJV)
"1 And it came to pass, that, as HE was praying in a certain place, when HE ceased, one of HIS disciples said unto HIM, LORD, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 2 And HE said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our FATHER which art in heaven, Hallowed be THY name. THY kingdom come. "THY WILL BE DONE", as in heaven, so in earth. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

5 And HE said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? 7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. 8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he aska fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"



While sitting in Sunday School recently my mind was caused to wonder, "what if we sought the LORD's will with the confidence HE displayed prayed to HIS HEAVENLY FATHER with when HE was here on earth"?  Would I be timid with my requests as I typically am, or would I "boldly" approach HIS throne seeking assistance for HIS glory?  The thing is, if the truth were known, I typically ask what I think will make my life easier, more comfortable, with less trials and tribulations, than whatever GOD will get glory from!

We are only here on earth for MAYBE 100 years, many people less than that, and most of us are consumed with making our time as luxurious and safe as humanly possible.  Where in scripture does it promise to deliver us from trials and tribulations?  James 1:2-4 (ESV) says "COUNT IT ALL JOY, my brothers, when you meet TRIALS OF VARIOUS KINDS, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, THAT YOU MAY BE PERFECT AND COMPLETE, lacking in nothing!"  The trials and tribulations PERFECT us into what GOD can be glorified in.   Why then would we pray for GOD to make our paths comfortable and protected?

For me and my future, my prayer is that "THY WILL BE DONE", especially in my life!    That may mean Acts 9:16 will become part of my future, not just the Apostle Paul, when it says "For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for MY name's sake!"  For "THY WILL BE DONE" in my life may cost me my life, but JESUS paid for my life in Calvary and it is HIS to do with as HE pleases!!!

Friday, January 13, 2017

"WALK BY FAITH!"

2 Corinthians 5:7                (KJV)
"7 (For we "WALK BY FAITH", not by sight:)"



On July 08, 2007, when I put my head down on my pillow, do you think I was prepared to wake up the next morning with a brain hemorrhage?  In October of the same year, do you think a dear friend of mine, when he left for an afternoon bicycle ride, ever imagined that he was taking his last ride?  There is another friend who is currently battling dementia in a nursing facility in their early 50's.  Can you imagine preparing in your late 40's to go through such a terrible journey?

The ways of GOD are so much higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9) that we cannot begin to understand IN OUR FLESH!  The brain hemorrhage I experienced in 2007 was totally and completely unplanned.  But GOD knew before the foundation of the world that I would, not only survive the hemorrhage, but HE would bless me beyond measure and that I would serve HIM faithfully, yet imperfectly!

To "WALK BY FAITH" is not for the weak of heart, nor faint of Spirit!  No, I'm not worthy in man's eyes to have my health restored like it has been.  GOD has revealed to me part of HIS Plan for my remaining years here on earth, but HE hasn't revealed how HE plans to accomplish HIS Plan?  It is my desire to be found "WALKING BY FAITH" when my life is examined by history.  To "WALK BY FAITH" is to totally and completely trust in GOD to perform HIS Plan on HIS Timing!!!

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Psalms 115

Psalms 115                                (ESV)
"1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to YOUR name give glory, for the sake of YOUR steadfast love and YOUR faithfulness!
2 Why should the nations say, "Where is their GOD?"
3 Our GOD is in the heavens; HE does all that HE pleases.
4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.
5 They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.
6 They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell.
7 They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.
8 Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.
9 O Israel, trust in the LORD! HE is their help and their shield.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! HE is their help and their shield.
11 You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.
12 The LORD has remembered us; HE will bless us; HE will bless the house of Israel; HE will bless the house of Aaron;
13 HE will bless those who fear the LORD, both the small and the great.
14 MAY THE LORD GIVE YOU INCREASE, you and your children!
15 MAY YOU BE BLESSED BY THE LORD, WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND EARTH!
16 The heavens are the LORD's heavens, but the earth HE has given to the children of man.
17 The dead do not praise the LORD, nor do any who go down into silence.
18 But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the LORD!"

May the LORD bless the reading of HIS WORD!

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

"GOD IS SPIRIT!"

John 4:24                  (ESV)
"GOD IS SPIRIT."

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."

Colossians 1:15-20       (ESV)
"15 HE is the IMAGE of the invisible GOD, the firstborn of all creation.
16 For by HIM all things were created, in heaven and on earth, VISIBLE and INVISIBLE, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through HIM and for HIM.
17 And HE is before all things, and in HIM all things hold together.
18 And HE is the head of the body, the church. HE is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything HE might be preeminent.
19 For in HIM all the fullness of GOD was pleased to dwell,
20 and through HIM to reconcile to HIMSELF all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of HIS cross."



Since we are created in the IMAGE of GOD, and for the glory of GOD, why do we tend to build our lives around things that are temporary, ""where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19)?  GOD in flesh (JESUS) said in Matthew 6:20-21 "but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Do I keep as close of an eye on the Spiritual aspects of life as I do on my earthly bank account?  While it's true we must be good stewards over what we have been blessed with, there are some who find it hard to exist without "worrying" about if whether their earthly assets are more than their neighbors.

Shouldn't we be more concerned with our relationship with the Creator of the Universe than how much money is in our bank account?  Since "GOD IS SPIRIT" and the things of GOD are Spiritual, everything we do should be directed toward glorifying HIM!  Instead, we seem to have our priorities all out of whack to where everything is centered on ourselves.  Our physical wellbeing should be secondary to making sure HE is FIRST in everything, not us being first in everything.

Do we really grasp the magnitude of WHO GOD is?  Do I elevate HIM above all?  HE shouldn't have to REQUIRE that we adore HIM, that we celebrate HIS majesty more than a sports championship, that HE means more than a fancy home, OR CHURCH BUILDING.  "GOD IS SPIRIT" should mean that everything we do that isn't Spiritual is nothing but waste (Philippians 3:8) and shouldn't warrant a lot of effort.

FATHER IN HEAVEN, move me to be MORE focused on the things that draw glory and honor to YOUR Name!!!

Friday, January 6, 2017

"THE WORD OF GOD!"

2 Thessalonians 2:13                 (ESV)
"And we also thank GOD constantly for this, that when you received "THE WORD OF GOD", which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, "THE WORD OF GOD", which is AT WORK in you believers."



To be brief this morning, you have heard it said "you are a piece of work"!  Well, we all "are a piece of work", the question is, who is working on you???

The Apostle Paul says "you Believers" were being worked on by "THE WORD OF GOD".  If you are not being worked on by "THE WORD OF GOD", you must be trying to get through "this world" by your own strength?!?  I prefer "THE WORD OF GOD" mold and make me!!!

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

"RECOGNIZE and IDENTIFY!"

Matthew 5:21-26               (ESV)
"21 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.'
22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.
23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,
24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison.
26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny."




These scriptures caused my mind to reflect on a conversation recently with an acquaintance when the subject of him being done wrong by several of his adversaries came up.  He was telling how he was treated badly by others when an interview of Dr. Charles Stanley was brought to my mind by the Holy Spirit.  In the interview Dr. Stanley recalls GOD speaking to him and saying "You've got to see it all as coming from ME (GOD)"!  My initial response to the conversation with my acquaintance was to join with him in calculating a proper response to the people who were offending, but then I thought how JESUS would respond to them and my thoughts began changing.  Being able to RECOGNIZE and IDENTIFY" when the enemy is present should be one of the easiest things to do, but he blends in so well with our daily activities that it can be difficult to SEE him, unless we are keeping a keen eye on the lookout for him!

In the scripture passage above, JESUS is telling HIS disciples that we should not react the way "this world" reacts to being done wrong!  We are "called" (1 Peter 2:9) out of darkness into HIS marvelous light maybe in order for HIM to be glorified.  JESUS said in Acts 9:16 to Ananias "For I will show him (Saul) how much he must suffer for the sake of MY name."  Some are called to suffer for the sake of HIS name and exhibit that we are simply here to draw Glory to the FATHER!  It should be our privilege to be used of HIM to draw Glory to HIM.  Keeping our focus on the "main thing" will help us be able to SEE the Spirit world and the enemy at work!

Do I automatically SEE the lessons I am trying to be taught by the Holy Spirit?  Obviously NOT!  Sometimes I don't even SEE them until the person with whom I am speaking with has already left my company.   Being able to "RECOGNIZE and IDENTIFY" the snake that Satan is should be something we all need to improve on in our lives.  Genesis 3:1 says he is "more crafty" than any other creature that GOD has made.  Satan will disguise himself to us where to where we THINK others should be blamed for actions, when in reality, the reason we are offended is satan is seeking to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10)!

While I am far from where I need to be Spiritually, I can only thank the Heavenly Father that I am not where I used to be!  Being able to "RECOGNIZE and IDENTIFY" the enemy when he tries to slither into my surroundings is something that we all should continually improve upon.  We MUST be able to SEE that there are plenty of good people who are being used by the spirit of the enemy to assist him in stealing, killing, and destroying.  Basically, it is GOOD versus evil, and we are being used to further an agenda.  Whose agenda do I most often display???  How proficient am I at being able to "RECOGNIZE and IDENTIFY"???

GOD's Spirit?!?





Since the Spirit of GOD lives inside of my body, everyone I see may be depending on my witness to be exposed to GOD's love.  Don't assume just because people are mean, or discourteous to you that they don't like you.  They may have been expecting to see more of GOD than you were demonstrating at the time?

Just a thought to ponder during your daily walk!!