1 Samuel 18:14-16 (KJV)
"14 And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and "THE LORD WAS WITH HIM". 15 Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him. 16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them."
David, in the end known as King David, was a man after GOD's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). David always took care to do what honored and glorified the LORD, and GOD blessed his life accordingly. Verse 16 says "all Israel and Judah" loved him as they observed his walk.
But even King David didn't always keep his eyes on the LORD. King David saw Bathsheba bathing one evening on her rooftop and let his lust and selfish desires overcome his desire to serve the LORD. Getting what "we want" sometimes is exactly what we don't need! King David got what he wanted, but it caused him (and Israel) much grief and heartache!
Making a wrong turn (such as King David made) does not mean that GOD can't use you for HIS Glory! After King David sinned against GOD and ultimately married Bathsheba, a son by the name of Solomon was born to them, who was mentioned in the lineage of JESUS in Matthew 1:6! Yes, King David "messed up" with Bathsheba, but GOD can use our messes for HIS Glory! "THE LORD WAS WITH HIM" and HE is with me! I'm so glad that GOD uses imperfect people to accomplish HIS Perfect Plan!!!
Monday, February 27, 2017
Friday, February 24, 2017
"LISTEN TO ADVICE!"
Proverbs 19:20-21 (ESV)
"20 "LISTEN TO ADVICE" and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand."
There seems to be advice being given by MANY people on most subjects, some with no experience or knowledge of the subject! For instance, some want to tell you how to remain fit and trim when they have never had to be concerned about their weight? Or one that really causes my teapot to whistle, how to raise a Godly child and they never been blessed with an offspring? So I submit to you that the BEST source to "LISTEN TO ADVICE" is to pray to GOD the CREATOR!
When you take time to "LISTEN TO ADVICE" from the CREATOR of all things (Colossians 1:16), you are getting some good advice! One cannot minimize the impact of having guidance from THE CREATOR! So how do you make sure you are hearing from HIM and not some "fake news", or false spirit? There are a couple of sessions on this that I highly recommend that I share at the bottom of this devotional. They continue to assist the in making sure I am "in tune" with the Spirit of GOD!
My biggest challenge is to SLOW MY LIFE DOWN ENOUGH to hear from Heaven! When I get caught up in the "rat race" of "this world", it is because I am moving too fast! GOD continually has to remind me that HE won't accommodate my schedule, rather HIS blessings operate on HIS timetable! So from time to time I have to slow everything down to a pace where I can hear the "still, small voice" (1 Kings 19:12) and MAKE SURE I "LISTEN TO ADVICE" from ABOVE!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqvi8-86Rak&sns=em
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwkSHuuig3k&sns=em
"20 "LISTEN TO ADVICE" and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand."
There seems to be advice being given by MANY people on most subjects, some with no experience or knowledge of the subject! For instance, some want to tell you how to remain fit and trim when they have never had to be concerned about their weight? Or one that really causes my teapot to whistle, how to raise a Godly child and they never been blessed with an offspring? So I submit to you that the BEST source to "LISTEN TO ADVICE" is to pray to GOD the CREATOR!
When you take time to "LISTEN TO ADVICE" from the CREATOR of all things (Colossians 1:16), you are getting some good advice! One cannot minimize the impact of having guidance from THE CREATOR! So how do you make sure you are hearing from HIM and not some "fake news", or false spirit? There are a couple of sessions on this that I highly recommend that I share at the bottom of this devotional. They continue to assist the in making sure I am "in tune" with the Spirit of GOD!
My biggest challenge is to SLOW MY LIFE DOWN ENOUGH to hear from Heaven! When I get caught up in the "rat race" of "this world", it is because I am moving too fast! GOD continually has to remind me that HE won't accommodate my schedule, rather HIS blessings operate on HIS timetable! So from time to time I have to slow everything down to a pace where I can hear the "still, small voice" (1 Kings 19:12) and MAKE SURE I "LISTEN TO ADVICE" from ABOVE!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqvi8-86Rak&sns=em
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwkSHuuig3k&sns=em
Thursday, February 23, 2017
"WHO AM I???"
Luke 23:39-42 (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."
I am 6'6" tall. I have been this height since I was a senior in high school. Being this tall there are a LOT of things that can be seen with no effort that a 5'10" person cannot see. For instance, with no problem I can see the top of most refrigerators. Most refrigerators have significant dust on top of them, but I don't go around telling people how dirty their refrigerator is!
While driving to work recently, GOD spoke to me that in the same way I can SEE the tops of refrigerators, a person dying from a lengthy disease SEEs death a lot differently than those who have always been healthy. Like the criminal on the cross, when you get to the point where you KNOW you are going to die, you SEE things through a totally different prism. You can SEE things that were previously withheld from your view, whether by your choice, or by the Heavens Father!
But not all who are in dire circumstances are able to SEE even where they are! The one criminal was bitter and smirking. The other was broken and humbled. Who am I, in regards to the criminals? Am I the arrogant criminal who, even though he was already nailed to a cross, wanted to ridicule the perfect SON of GOD? Or am I the broken, humbled criminal who could SEE the Lamb of GOD dying for the sins of all mankind? WHO AM I???
"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."
I am 6'6" tall. I have been this height since I was a senior in high school. Being this tall there are a LOT of things that can be seen with no effort that a 5'10" person cannot see. For instance, with no problem I can see the top of most refrigerators. Most refrigerators have significant dust on top of them, but I don't go around telling people how dirty their refrigerator is!
While driving to work recently, GOD spoke to me that in the same way I can SEE the tops of refrigerators, a person dying from a lengthy disease SEEs death a lot differently than those who have always been healthy. Like the criminal on the cross, when you get to the point where you KNOW you are going to die, you SEE things through a totally different prism. You can SEE things that were previously withheld from your view, whether by your choice, or by the Heavens Father!
But not all who are in dire circumstances are able to SEE even where they are! The one criminal was bitter and smirking. The other was broken and humbled. Who am I, in regards to the criminals? Am I the arrogant criminal who, even though he was already nailed to a cross, wanted to ridicule the perfect SON of GOD? Or am I the broken, humbled criminal who could SEE the Lamb of GOD dying for the sins of all mankind? WHO AM I???
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
"THE LORD IS NEAR!"
Psalms 145:16-18 (ESV)
"16 YOU open YOUR hand; YOU satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all HIS ways and kind in all HIS works.
18 "THE LORD IS NEAR" to all who call on HIM, to all who call on HIM in TRUTH."
I would love to have everyone I am associated with come to realization of GOD and HIS SON JESUS that I personally know HIM. On the other hand, I wish that I truly knew HIM as deeply as I really could! In Exodus 33:19 GOD tells Moses "And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy." Therefore, GOD chooses who HE will show grace and mercy to, and it's not because of any good we have done (Titus 3:5; 1 Timothy 1:9; Ephesians 2:9), rather because of HIS favor!
Sometimes it grieves me that others can't SEE that GOD is being so good to them. For them to take credit for all the blessings they enjoy seems almost like a slap in the face of GOD ALMIGHTY. Then I am made aware that the scales have not been removed from their eyes and they can only SEE what it is they see! Unless it is REVEALED to them (1 Corinthians 2:9-16) they will not SEE the TRUTH!
"THE LORD IS NEAR" alright, but the scripture above also goes onto say "to all who call on HIM in TRUTH". Unless we come to JESUS as broken, humbled vessels, HE will not use us in HIS Plan. Isaiah 42:8 says "MY glory will I give to no other"! "THE LORD IS NEAR", but HE is also jealous! May I always remember that in my feeble mind!
"16 YOU open YOUR hand; YOU satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all HIS ways and kind in all HIS works.
18 "THE LORD IS NEAR" to all who call on HIM, to all who call on HIM in TRUTH."
I would love to have everyone I am associated with come to realization of GOD and HIS SON JESUS that I personally know HIM. On the other hand, I wish that I truly knew HIM as deeply as I really could! In Exodus 33:19 GOD tells Moses "And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy." Therefore, GOD chooses who HE will show grace and mercy to, and it's not because of any good we have done (Titus 3:5; 1 Timothy 1:9; Ephesians 2:9), rather because of HIS favor!
Sometimes it grieves me that others can't SEE that GOD is being so good to them. For them to take credit for all the blessings they enjoy seems almost like a slap in the face of GOD ALMIGHTY. Then I am made aware that the scales have not been removed from their eyes and they can only SEE what it is they see! Unless it is REVEALED to them (1 Corinthians 2:9-16) they will not SEE the TRUTH!
"THE LORD IS NEAR" alright, but the scripture above also goes onto say "to all who call on HIM in TRUTH". Unless we come to JESUS as broken, humbled vessels, HE will not use us in HIS Plan. Isaiah 42:8 says "MY glory will I give to no other"! "THE LORD IS NEAR", but HE is also jealous! May I always remember that in my feeble mind!
Monday, February 20, 2017
"GOD is Spirit!"
John 4:23-24 (ESV)
"23 But the hour is coming, AND NOW IS HERE, when the true worshipers will worship the FATHER in Spirit and Truth, for the FATHER is seeking such people to worship HIM.
24 GOD is Spirit, and those who worship HIM must worship in Spirit and Truth."
"We should allow prayer back in schools" is a popular battle cry that the church is allowing "this world" to think they have taken away from us. The only reason that Believers in the TRUE and LIVING GOD are hampered by the enemy is because it is allowing itself to be enslaved. John 4:24 says "GOD is Spirit"! Since "GOD is Sprit", man cannot limit what/how HE is worshipped. Only a spirit can do that.
The sad testimony is that there are many pastors and so-called men of God who are at the forefront of the crowd saying "We should allow prayer back in schools". People, we must realize WHO we are in JESUS CHRIST and fulfill our role we have been left in earth to fulfill. GOD did not Call us out of darkness to remain in darkness. HE called us out of darkness to be a Light that shines in darkness for HIS Glory!
We are children of the Most High GOD and it's high time we began acting like it. Growing up(and sadly into my adult life), my temperament was extremely hot-headed. That was from my earthly father. My Heavenly FATHER instilled traits in me that I have not been real diligent about showing and sharing. "GOD is Spirit" and I will reflect that with the remainder of my earthly life!
"23 But the hour is coming, AND NOW IS HERE, when the true worshipers will worship the FATHER in Spirit and Truth, for the FATHER is seeking such people to worship HIM.
24 GOD is Spirit, and those who worship HIM must worship in Spirit and Truth."
"We should allow prayer back in schools" is a popular battle cry that the church is allowing "this world" to think they have taken away from us. The only reason that Believers in the TRUE and LIVING GOD are hampered by the enemy is because it is allowing itself to be enslaved. John 4:24 says "GOD is Spirit"! Since "GOD is Sprit", man cannot limit what/how HE is worshipped. Only a spirit can do that.
The sad testimony is that there are many pastors and so-called men of God who are at the forefront of the crowd saying "We should allow prayer back in schools". People, we must realize WHO we are in JESUS CHRIST and fulfill our role we have been left in earth to fulfill. GOD did not Call us out of darkness to remain in darkness. HE called us out of darkness to be a Light that shines in darkness for HIS Glory!
We are children of the Most High GOD and it's high time we began acting like it. Growing up(and sadly into my adult life), my temperament was extremely hot-headed. That was from my earthly father. My Heavenly FATHER instilled traits in me that I have not been real diligent about showing and sharing. "GOD is Spirit" and I will reflect that with the remainder of my earthly life!
Friday, February 17, 2017
"SPEAK, LORD, FOR YOUR SERVANT HEARS!"
1 Samuel 3:7-10 (ESV)
"7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.
8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the boy.
9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, 'SPEAK, LORD, FOR YOUR SERVANT HEARS.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "SPEAK, FOR YOUR SERVANT HEARS."
Sitting here with no noise happening around me is a rather splendid thing. There is nothing quite like hearing nothing but an occasional automobile in the distance. Samuel was in the quietness of the Temple and GOD was trying to speak to him, but he had no experience listening to GOD! There are times when GOD is speaking to me and I initially don't recognize HIM, nor HIS voice.
Eli was experienced in hearing from GOD, but the voice of the LORD was rare in those days (1 Samuel 3:1) and even Eli wasn't adept at hearing when he should have. Eli's sons were not in tune with the things of the LORD and could not hear from GOD. THEY PROBABLY WERE UNABLE TO HEAR FROM GOD BECAUSE TGEY WERE TOO BUSY LIVING A SELFISH LIFESTYLE THAT GLORIFIED THEMSELVES INSTEAD OF GOD.
My prayer is that I will be like Samuel and say "SPEAK, LORD, FOR YOUR SERVANT HEARS." GOD will generally speak to those who take the time, and slow their lives down enough, to hear from HIM! Keeping pace with "this world" will more than likely guarantee us to be like Eli's sons and NOT hear from GOD! Cause me LORD to SLOW MY LIFE DOWN and say "SPEAK, LORD, FOR YOUR SERVANT HEARS!!"
"7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.
8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the boy.
9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, 'SPEAK, LORD, FOR YOUR SERVANT HEARS.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "SPEAK, FOR YOUR SERVANT HEARS."
Sitting here with no noise happening around me is a rather splendid thing. There is nothing quite like hearing nothing but an occasional automobile in the distance. Samuel was in the quietness of the Temple and GOD was trying to speak to him, but he had no experience listening to GOD! There are times when GOD is speaking to me and I initially don't recognize HIM, nor HIS voice.
Eli was experienced in hearing from GOD, but the voice of the LORD was rare in those days (1 Samuel 3:1) and even Eli wasn't adept at hearing when he should have. Eli's sons were not in tune with the things of the LORD and could not hear from GOD. THEY PROBABLY WERE UNABLE TO HEAR FROM GOD BECAUSE TGEY WERE TOO BUSY LIVING A SELFISH LIFESTYLE THAT GLORIFIED THEMSELVES INSTEAD OF GOD.
My prayer is that I will be like Samuel and say "SPEAK, LORD, FOR YOUR SERVANT HEARS." GOD will generally speak to those who take the time, and slow their lives down enough, to hear from HIM! Keeping pace with "this world" will more than likely guarantee us to be like Eli's sons and NOT hear from GOD! Cause me LORD to SLOW MY LIFE DOWN and say "SPEAK, LORD, FOR YOUR SERVANT HEARS!!"
Thursday, February 16, 2017
"WHERE ARE THE NINE?"
Luke 17:11-19 (ESV)
"11 On the way to Jerusalem HE was passing along between Samaria and Galilee.
12 And as HE entered a village, HE was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance
13 and lifted up their voices, saying, "JESUS, MASTER, have mercy on us."
14 When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed.
15 Then one of them, WHEN HE SAW that he was healed, turned back, PRAISING GOD WITH A LOUD VOICE;
16 and he fell on his face at JESUS' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.
17 Then JESUS answered, "Were not ten cleansed? "WHERE ARE THE NINE?"
18 Was no one found to return and give praise to GOD except this foreigner?"
19 And HE said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."
Everybody has difficulties in this life. Some have more than others! The thing I have to be careful about is not recognizing BLESSINGS, especially when they are SO abundant in my life.
Many Christians experience BLESSINGS but they don't realize that the BLESSINGS come from GOD because they are living their lives "in the fast-lane", failing to recognize the CREATOR for what HE BLESSES them with. The "ten lepers" in Luke 17:11-19 were ALL healed, but only ONE came back to honor and praise his healer!
Will you be that person who pauses to appreciate your CREATOR, or will you be one who is TOO BUSY to recognize where your BLESSINGS are coming from??? Will the CREATOR say of you "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well", or will HE say of you "WHERE ARE THE NINE"???
"11 On the way to Jerusalem HE was passing along between Samaria and Galilee.
12 And as HE entered a village, HE was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance
13 and lifted up their voices, saying, "JESUS, MASTER, have mercy on us."
14 When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed.
15 Then one of them, WHEN HE SAW that he was healed, turned back, PRAISING GOD WITH A LOUD VOICE;
16 and he fell on his face at JESUS' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.
17 Then JESUS answered, "Were not ten cleansed? "WHERE ARE THE NINE?"
18 Was no one found to return and give praise to GOD except this foreigner?"
19 And HE said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."
Everybody has difficulties in this life. Some have more than others! The thing I have to be careful about is not recognizing BLESSINGS, especially when they are SO abundant in my life.
Many Christians experience BLESSINGS but they don't realize that the BLESSINGS come from GOD because they are living their lives "in the fast-lane", failing to recognize the CREATOR for what HE BLESSES them with. The "ten lepers" in Luke 17:11-19 were ALL healed, but only ONE came back to honor and praise his healer!
Will you be that person who pauses to appreciate your CREATOR, or will you be one who is TOO BUSY to recognize where your BLESSINGS are coming from??? Will the CREATOR say of you "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well", or will HE say of you "WHERE ARE THE NINE"???
Monday, February 13, 2017
"NO CORRUPTING TALK!"
Ephesians 4:29-30 (ESV)
"29 Let "NO CORRUPTING TALK" come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
30 And do not grieve the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."
The words we use are only one means of communication we can use. There are many different ways to get a message out to others. If someone were reading your social media post just before they were contemplating suicide, how many would change their mind?
When scripture tells us to let "NO CORRUPTING TALK" come out of your mouths, it is really addressing what we allow to dominate our "conversation", whether verbal or non-verbal. When we type something on a computer screen, and publish the words for the entire world to observe, they automatically become words that can not be taken back. And many times this communication is not edifying to the body of CHRIST?
Conversely, how many people contemplating suicide wouldn't change their minds? Our words can have a lot more power than we ever realize. Let your words be encouraging and uplifting, for you never know............?
"29 Let "NO CORRUPTING TALK" come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
30 And do not grieve the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."
The words we use are only one means of communication we can use. There are many different ways to get a message out to others. If someone were reading your social media post just before they were contemplating suicide, how many would change their mind?
When scripture tells us to let "NO CORRUPTING TALK" come out of your mouths, it is really addressing what we allow to dominate our "conversation", whether verbal or non-verbal. When we type something on a computer screen, and publish the words for the entire world to observe, they automatically become words that can not be taken back. And many times this communication is not edifying to the body of CHRIST?
Conversely, how many people contemplating suicide wouldn't change their minds? Our words can have a lot more power than we ever realize. Let your words be encouraging and uplifting, for you never know............?
Sunday, February 12, 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."
There seems to be a LOT of people who are looking to a political leader to "save us" from the mess we are in. GOD can use anyone HE chooses, but HE is not in the habit of sharing HIS Glory with another! Isaiah 42:8 says "I am the LORD; that is MY name; MY glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols."
Don't forget where praises should go for the blessings GOD allows us to experience. Don't get caught up with "this world" and believe that any human will deliver us from the evilness we find ourselves drowning in. We only have one recourse for our condition! "LOOKING TO JESUS" would be the correct answer!!!!
"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."
There seems to be a LOT of people who are looking to a political leader to "save us" from the mess we are in. GOD can use anyone HE chooses, but HE is not in the habit of sharing HIS Glory with another! Isaiah 42:8 says "I am the LORD; that is MY name; MY glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols."
Don't forget where praises should go for the blessings GOD allows us to experience. Don't get caught up with "this world" and believe that any human will deliver us from the evilness we find ourselves drowning in. We only have one recourse for our condition! "LOOKING TO JESUS" would be the correct answer!!!!
Thursday, February 9, 2017
"TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!"
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)
"19 Or do you not know that your body is a "TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT" within you, whom you have from GOD? You are not your own,
20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify GOD in your body."
Almost continually it seems I observe people being compared to another human in an attempt to determine if that person is good or bad? Their claims are that another human being is wiser, wealthier, in better health, or any other description we can use to make someone with "flesh" be revered as something they really are not!
Why do we settle for comparing ourselves to someone/something that is flawed and imperfect when we all have the opportunity to allow the HOLY SPIRIT to reside inside of us? And why do we compare fellow Believers with other humans who don't have the "TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT" tabernacling inside their bodies? When we are BORN AGAIN, we surrender our lives to the HOLY SPIRIT and it leads and guides us in our
actions.
But what happens when Believers either don't know, or forget who they are in JESUS CHRIST, and get off course by making choices that don't honor the CREATOR? Have you ever seen a boat with no sail nor guidance system try to navigate on open waters? When we attempt to make it through life with no navigation system, we resemble the rudderless boat. We can be blown out of one storm into another storm with reckless abandonment showing no hope of ever being on smooth seas.
It is vitally important for us to REMEMBER "You are NOT your own" and that our bodies are the "TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT"! When I begin putting that extra piece of cake in my already overweight body, I need to remember that this "TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT" probably doesn't need that! When I am tempted to give someone my opinion, the "TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT" may not be behind them hearing from me? Since I am NOT my own, I don't get to say or do what "I want"! This body is the "TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT", and it would do me well to remember that!!!
"19 Or do you not know that your body is a "TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT" within you, whom you have from GOD? You are not your own,
20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify GOD in your body."
Almost continually it seems I observe people being compared to another human in an attempt to determine if that person is good or bad? Their claims are that another human being is wiser, wealthier, in better health, or any other description we can use to make someone with "flesh" be revered as something they really are not!
Why do we settle for comparing ourselves to someone/something that is flawed and imperfect when we all have the opportunity to allow the HOLY SPIRIT to reside inside of us? And why do we compare fellow Believers with other humans who don't have the "TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT" tabernacling inside their bodies? When we are BORN AGAIN, we surrender our lives to the HOLY SPIRIT and it leads and guides us in our
actions.
But what happens when Believers either don't know, or forget who they are in JESUS CHRIST, and get off course by making choices that don't honor the CREATOR? Have you ever seen a boat with no sail nor guidance system try to navigate on open waters? When we attempt to make it through life with no navigation system, we resemble the rudderless boat. We can be blown out of one storm into another storm with reckless abandonment showing no hope of ever being on smooth seas.
It is vitally important for us to REMEMBER "You are NOT your own" and that our bodies are the "TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT"! When I begin putting that extra piece of cake in my already overweight body, I need to remember that this "TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT" probably doesn't need that! When I am tempted to give someone my opinion, the "TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT" may not be behind them hearing from me? Since I am NOT my own, I don't get to say or do what "I want"! This body is the "TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT", and it would do me well to remember that!!!
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
"a mighty man of valor"!!
One year ago GOD used me to write these words. This morning when I was reading this, my eyes were drawn to the words directly after "THE LORD IS WITH YOU", "Oh mighty man of valor"!
These words were not the opinion of some earthly counterpart who was friends with Gideon. These words were spoken by "the angel of the LORD"! Gideon was focused on being "the weakest in Manasseh, and I AM THE LEAST in my father's house."
GOD isn't limited by how we envision ourselves. HE sees things with a Heavenly prism and HE is ALWAYS right! Don't let the enemy blind you to what GOD has planned for your life! What we see as "the least", GOD may see as "a mighty man of valor"!!
Judges 6:12-16 (ESV)
"12 And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, "THE LORD IS WITH YOU", O mighty man of valor."
13 And Gideon said to him, "Please, sir, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, 'Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?' But now the LORD has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian."
14 And the LORD turned to him and said, "Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?"
15 And he said to him, "Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I AM THE LEAST in my father's house."
16 And the LORD said to him, "But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man."
The recollection of Gideon being used of GOD to deliver Israel from the Midianites is a miracle that must not be overshadowed. The first thing the angel of the LORD told Gideon was "THE LORD IS WITH YOU"! Then, in Judges 7:2 GOD told Gideon that people he had with him were "too many for me", so 22,000 returned to their home and 10,000 remained. Eventually, GOD reduced the number of men to 300 and said HE would only need that many to do what HE had Planned! But as it turned out, all those 300 had to do was blow a trumpet and break some jars and GOD took care of the rest!
On top of everything else, Gideon knew he was not from the biggest or strongest tribe. He responded to the LORD in Judges 6:15 "my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I AM THE LEAST in my father's house." GOD seems to use those who deflect all of HIS glory! But GOD knew he was obedient and wasn't too proud to give GOD glory for the battles, so HE tabernacled with Gideon. Do I deflect HIS glory, or do I tend to revel in it??
GOD can use captivity to slow us down and teach us lessons. Being held captive from "this world" and all distractions is sometimes the only way we will listen to GOD? Israel had been held captive for seven years (Judges 6:1), but that is nothing compared to the 430 years of being captive to the Egyptians (Exodus 12:40)! GOD is INTIMATELY involved in our lives and HE KNOWS when HIS timing is right! To say "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" can be easy to do. To actually LIVE "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" may mean a time of captivity for you SO GOD CAN GET GLORY!!
Gideon went with fewer resources than "prudent" people might have thought was needed in obedience to GOD, and GOD received glory from it. When "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" your hopes and dreams had better not be trusting in "common sense", as GOD's work is never "common"! When life's circumstances seem to be more than you can bare, don't forget "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" has born much more than this before! HE overcame death, the grave, and hell, all for me.............and you! We just need to give HIM all of HIS glory, because "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" is not about us, but all about HIM!!
These words were not the opinion of some earthly counterpart who was friends with Gideon. These words were spoken by "the angel of the LORD"! Gideon was focused on being "the weakest in Manasseh, and I AM THE LEAST in my father's house."
GOD isn't limited by how we envision ourselves. HE sees things with a Heavenly prism and HE is ALWAYS right! Don't let the enemy blind you to what GOD has planned for your life! What we see as "the least", GOD may see as "a mighty man of valor"!!
Judges 6:12-16 (ESV)
"12 And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, "THE LORD IS WITH YOU", O mighty man of valor."
13 And Gideon said to him, "Please, sir, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, 'Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?' But now the LORD has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian."
14 And the LORD turned to him and said, "Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?"
15 And he said to him, "Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I AM THE LEAST in my father's house."
16 And the LORD said to him, "But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man."
The recollection of Gideon being used of GOD to deliver Israel from the Midianites is a miracle that must not be overshadowed. The first thing the angel of the LORD told Gideon was "THE LORD IS WITH YOU"! Then, in Judges 7:2 GOD told Gideon that people he had with him were "too many for me", so 22,000 returned to their home and 10,000 remained. Eventually, GOD reduced the number of men to 300 and said HE would only need that many to do what HE had Planned! But as it turned out, all those 300 had to do was blow a trumpet and break some jars and GOD took care of the rest!
On top of everything else, Gideon knew he was not from the biggest or strongest tribe. He responded to the LORD in Judges 6:15 "my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I AM THE LEAST in my father's house." GOD seems to use those who deflect all of HIS glory! But GOD knew he was obedient and wasn't too proud to give GOD glory for the battles, so HE tabernacled with Gideon. Do I deflect HIS glory, or do I tend to revel in it??
GOD can use captivity to slow us down and teach us lessons. Being held captive from "this world" and all distractions is sometimes the only way we will listen to GOD? Israel had been held captive for seven years (Judges 6:1), but that is nothing compared to the 430 years of being captive to the Egyptians (Exodus 12:40)! GOD is INTIMATELY involved in our lives and HE KNOWS when HIS timing is right! To say "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" can be easy to do. To actually LIVE "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" may mean a time of captivity for you SO GOD CAN GET GLORY!!
Gideon went with fewer resources than "prudent" people might have thought was needed in obedience to GOD, and GOD received glory from it. When "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" your hopes and dreams had better not be trusting in "common sense", as GOD's work is never "common"! When life's circumstances seem to be more than you can bare, don't forget "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" has born much more than this before! HE overcame death, the grave, and hell, all for me.............and you! We just need to give HIM all of HIS glory, because "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" is not about us, but all about HIM!!
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
"YOUR WORD IS TRUTH!"
John 17:14-17 (ESV)
"14 I have given them YOUR WORD, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
15 I do not ask that YOU take them out of the world, but that YOU keep them from the evil one.
16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
17 Sanctify them in the TRUTH; "YOUR WORD IS TRUTH"."
Social media is used by SO many people in today's society, and we seldom use a "filter" to delineate truth from fiction. Even so called ministers of the Gospel can spew fiction based upon "their opinion", not mentioning what the Word of GOD says about a subject. That doesn't mean their words are false, only that real TRUTH comes only from GOD! (John 14:6).
"This world" contains many truths that won't make a difference in "the end", but John 17:17 says "YOUR WORD IS TRUTH", meaning the REAL TRUTH! There are humans who may speak the truth when speaking on a subject, but unless they speak "YOUR WORD IS TRUTH", they leave room for error!
There is a reason that JESUS says in John 14:6 "I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life...", and in John 1:1 "In the beginning was the WORD...". JESUS is the WORD and HE is the TRUTH! Unless it is the WORD, it can not be guaranteed to be the TRUTH! Don't let anyone sell you anything short of the real thing. Unless it is the WORD, it may not be the TRUTH, for "YOUR WORD IS TRUTH!!!"
"14 I have given them YOUR WORD, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
15 I do not ask that YOU take them out of the world, but that YOU keep them from the evil one.
16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
17 Sanctify them in the TRUTH; "YOUR WORD IS TRUTH"."
Social media is used by SO many people in today's society, and we seldom use a "filter" to delineate truth from fiction. Even so called ministers of the Gospel can spew fiction based upon "their opinion", not mentioning what the Word of GOD says about a subject. That doesn't mean their words are false, only that real TRUTH comes only from GOD! (John 14:6).
"This world" contains many truths that won't make a difference in "the end", but John 17:17 says "YOUR WORD IS TRUTH", meaning the REAL TRUTH! There are humans who may speak the truth when speaking on a subject, but unless they speak "YOUR WORD IS TRUTH", they leave room for error!
There is a reason that JESUS says in John 14:6 "I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life...", and in John 1:1 "In the beginning was the WORD...". JESUS is the WORD and HE is the TRUTH! Unless it is the WORD, it can not be guaranteed to be the TRUTH! Don't let anyone sell you anything short of the real thing. Unless it is the WORD, it may not be the TRUTH, for "YOUR WORD IS TRUTH!!!"
Monday, February 6, 2017
"GOOD SUCCESS!"
Joshua 1:7-8 (ESV)
"7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses MY servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have "GOOD SUCCESS" wherever you go.
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have "GOOD SUCCESS "."
I am amazed at the number of people who SHARE a post on social media because they are asked to by the originator of the post, or they see what is hard to see in someone's opinion, or anything else you care to insert. Yet, let GOD's Word instruct us to do/not do something and it's as if we are being requested to change the world! Why is that? What motivates people to do such?
GOD tells us IF we do what HE says we can experience "GOOD SUCCESS", and we evidently don't believe HIM? We continue to do what WE THINK is best, what WE THINK will provide the greatest success, and ultimately we have to be shown that HIS Ways are far better than our ways.
GOD is promising "GOOD SUCCESS " if we "be careful to do according to all the law that Moses MY servant commanded you". Very few times do I SHARE things on social media because I'm invited to. But since THE CREATOR of the Universe promises us "GOOD SUCCESS", I believe I will adhere, as best I can, to HIS Plan for my life!
"7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses MY servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have "GOOD SUCCESS" wherever you go.
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have "GOOD SUCCESS "."
I am amazed at the number of people who SHARE a post on social media because they are asked to by the originator of the post, or they see what is hard to see in someone's opinion, or anything else you care to insert. Yet, let GOD's Word instruct us to do/not do something and it's as if we are being requested to change the world! Why is that? What motivates people to do such?
GOD tells us IF we do what HE says we can experience "GOOD SUCCESS", and we evidently don't believe HIM? We continue to do what WE THINK is best, what WE THINK will provide the greatest success, and ultimately we have to be shown that HIS Ways are far better than our ways.
GOD is promising "GOOD SUCCESS " if we "be careful to do according to all the law that Moses MY servant commanded you". Very few times do I SHARE things on social media because I'm invited to. But since THE CREATOR of the Universe promises us "GOOD SUCCESS", I believe I will adhere, as best I can, to HIS Plan for my life!
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Repeat of "BE SEPARATE!"
In June of last year I shared the devotional below. Today, while reading a post from another Believer about Super Bowl Sunday, the Word from below returned to my mind. While it may be true we may have to live "in this world", scripture plainly states throughout the Bible that we are to "BE SEPARATE" from it!
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2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (ESV)
"14 DO NOT be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
15 What accord has CHRIST with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?
16 What agreement has the temple of GOD with idols? For we are the temple of the living GOD; as GOD said, "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their GOD, and they shall be MY people.
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."
"This world" continually tries to convince the church that we need to assimilate to the ideals and lifestyles that THEY approve and mandate. There is no greater frustration than a Believer trying to live a life that is not in accordance to how GOD directs one one to live. JESUS said in Matthew 6:24 that we cannot serve two Masters, so why do we even attempt to? Is the church trying to prove GOD wrong? In Revelation 3:16 scripture states "So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth." The way I read scripture, GOD doesn't want HIS children to try to be like "this world"!
Leviticus 11:44a says "For I am the LORD your GOD. CONSECRATE yourselves therefore, and be HOLY, for I am HOLY....". One dictionary defines CONSECRATE as "1. to make or declare sacred; SET APART or dedicate to the service of a deity." Am I "dedicated to the service of a Diety", or am I trying to NOT OFFEND "this world" by not standing for THE TRUTH when it is against what they practice? While it is true that a person must be drawn by the Spirit of GOD to have their life changed, GOD may need me to be DISTINCT and SEPARATE as an example of what HIS Child should be? Remember, I am NOT MY OWN (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), I have been bought with a price so I must live for HIM!
When the temptation comes to be "unequally yoked", we must "BE SEPARATE" from them, says the LORD! Believers are a part of the Vine (John 15:1-8) and we can't assimilate to "this world", we must "BE SEPARATE"! We don't need to accept their lifestyles just to show them we love them, for what kind of love allows a friend to spend eternity in the lake of fire! We will "BE SEPARATE" for eternity. To be obedient now, we need to "BE SEPARATE" from them now!
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2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (ESV)
"14 DO NOT be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
15 What accord has CHRIST with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?
16 What agreement has the temple of GOD with idols? For we are the temple of the living GOD; as GOD said, "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their GOD, and they shall be MY people.
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."
"This world" continually tries to convince the church that we need to assimilate to the ideals and lifestyles that THEY approve and mandate. There is no greater frustration than a Believer trying to live a life that is not in accordance to how GOD directs one one to live. JESUS said in Matthew 6:24 that we cannot serve two Masters, so why do we even attempt to? Is the church trying to prove GOD wrong? In Revelation 3:16 scripture states "So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth." The way I read scripture, GOD doesn't want HIS children to try to be like "this world"!
Leviticus 11:44a says "For I am the LORD your GOD. CONSECRATE yourselves therefore, and be HOLY, for I am HOLY....". One dictionary defines CONSECRATE as "1. to make or declare sacred; SET APART or dedicate to the service of a deity." Am I "dedicated to the service of a Diety", or am I trying to NOT OFFEND "this world" by not standing for THE TRUTH when it is against what they practice? While it is true that a person must be drawn by the Spirit of GOD to have their life changed, GOD may need me to be DISTINCT and SEPARATE as an example of what HIS Child should be? Remember, I am NOT MY OWN (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), I have been bought with a price so I must live for HIM!
When the temptation comes to be "unequally yoked", we must "BE SEPARATE" from them, says the LORD! Believers are a part of the Vine (John 15:1-8) and we can't assimilate to "this world", we must "BE SEPARATE"! We don't need to accept their lifestyles just to show them we love them, for what kind of love allows a friend to spend eternity in the lake of fire! We will "BE SEPARATE" for eternity. To be obedient now, we need to "BE SEPARATE" from them now!
Friday, February 3, 2017
"HUMBLE YOURSELVES!"
1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)
"6 "HUMBLE YOURSELVES", therefore, under the mighty hand of GOD so that at the proper time HE may exalt you,
7 casting all your anxieties on HIM, because HE cares for you."
It is very interesting that this scripture suggests that we "HUMBLE YOURSELVES" rather than ask GOD to do it for us? GOD is more than capable of doing an awesome job of making us "HUMBLE OURSELVES"! There are many instances where different people in the Bible have been HUMBLED by the LORD, and HE can be extremely creative with HIS methods.
When you back away and consider GOD's abilities, HE only had to SPEAK and the Heavens and earth came into being. HE can certainly take care of something as minor as humbling a servant who has too lofty a view of himself! HE controls the winds and seas, I'm sure HE can imagine circumstances to "HUMBLE YOURSELVES" whenever HE chooses?
Of course, then scripture states "So at the proper time HE may exalt you." My problem has always been I want to decide when the proper time was! And I want to decide how much I should be exalted? If you let HIM exalt you, the process will always be at the proper time and HE will get the Glory from the exaltation.
"Because HE cares for you" and your wellbeing is comforting, but first we must "HUMBLE YOURSELVES" before the mighty hand of GOD, because we don't want HIM having to do it for us!!!
"6 "HUMBLE YOURSELVES", therefore, under the mighty hand of GOD so that at the proper time HE may exalt you,
7 casting all your anxieties on HIM, because HE cares for you."
It is very interesting that this scripture suggests that we "HUMBLE YOURSELVES" rather than ask GOD to do it for us? GOD is more than capable of doing an awesome job of making us "HUMBLE OURSELVES"! There are many instances where different people in the Bible have been HUMBLED by the LORD, and HE can be extremely creative with HIS methods.
When you back away and consider GOD's abilities, HE only had to SPEAK and the Heavens and earth came into being. HE can certainly take care of something as minor as humbling a servant who has too lofty a view of himself! HE controls the winds and seas, I'm sure HE can imagine circumstances to "HUMBLE YOURSELVES" whenever HE chooses?
Of course, then scripture states "So at the proper time HE may exalt you." My problem has always been I want to decide when the proper time was! And I want to decide how much I should be exalted? If you let HIM exalt you, the process will always be at the proper time and HE will get the Glory from the exaltation.
"Because HE cares for you" and your wellbeing is comforting, but first we must "HUMBLE YOURSELVES" before the mighty hand of GOD, because we don't want HIM having to do it for us!!!
Thursday, February 2, 2017
"NO ONE CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS!"
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)
""NO ONE CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS", for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve GOD and money."
A lot of my friends are Believers in JESUS CHRIST being GOD in the flesh WHO came to earth and was crucified as a Sacrifice for my sins, and the sins of every person from Adam until THE END! Some of my friends seem to live with the mentality that they aren't "that bad" and they don't really have time to worry about Heaven or eternity? But when will they have time???
My next birthday I will be 57 years old. I spent my 47th birthday in a Rehab Hospital recovering from a near fatal Brain Hemorrhage. When I went to bed July 08, 2007 I had no idea what lie ahead for me in a few short hours! And to be honest, I was probably trying to serve two masters, doing what "I THOUGHT" was the right thing to do, instead of what GOD was leading me to do. I was operating at a pace that didn't allow for GOD's intervention, on for GOD to bail me out when I messed things up so badly that I was in trouble!
There are more times than I care to admit over the past 10 years that GOD has shown me "NO ONE CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS"! You can be your own master and die and go STRAIGHT TO HELL! You are either listening to GOD, or you are listening to the enemy. He is so crafty (Genesis 3:1) that you will not even know he is around, and you will be following him!
PLEASE BE AWARE, this life is VERY TEMPORAL! "NO ONE CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS" and NOW is the time to choose. Either you will love GOD and hate "this world", or vice versa? "NO ONE CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS"
""NO ONE CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS", for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve GOD and money."
A lot of my friends are Believers in JESUS CHRIST being GOD in the flesh WHO came to earth and was crucified as a Sacrifice for my sins, and the sins of every person from Adam until THE END! Some of my friends seem to live with the mentality that they aren't "that bad" and they don't really have time to worry about Heaven or eternity? But when will they have time???
My next birthday I will be 57 years old. I spent my 47th birthday in a Rehab Hospital recovering from a near fatal Brain Hemorrhage. When I went to bed July 08, 2007 I had no idea what lie ahead for me in a few short hours! And to be honest, I was probably trying to serve two masters, doing what "I THOUGHT" was the right thing to do, instead of what GOD was leading me to do. I was operating at a pace that didn't allow for GOD's intervention, on for GOD to bail me out when I messed things up so badly that I was in trouble!
There are more times than I care to admit over the past 10 years that GOD has shown me "NO ONE CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS"! You can be your own master and die and go STRAIGHT TO HELL! You are either listening to GOD, or you are listening to the enemy. He is so crafty (Genesis 3:1) that you will not even know he is around, and you will be following him!
PLEASE BE AWARE, this life is VERY TEMPORAL! "NO ONE CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS" and NOW is the time to choose. Either you will love GOD and hate "this world", or vice versa? "NO ONE CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS"
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
"IN ME!"
John 17:20-23 (ESV)
"20 "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe "IN ME" through their WORD,
21 that they may all be ONE, just as YOU, FATHER, are "IN ME", and I in YOU, that they also may be in US, so that the world may believe that YOU have sent ME.
22 The glory that YOU have given ME I have given to them, that they may be one even as WE are ONE,
23 I in them and YOU in ME, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that YOU sent ME and loved them even as you loved ME."
Over 30 years ago I was driving home from seeing a family member and I was stopped by a State Trooper and issued a citation for speeding. Not knowing as many people as I do now, I went ahead and paid the speeding citation. Another time I was driving home and a State Trooper wrecked in front of me and I was able to stop and render aid for him. It turns out he was a Sergeant over a few State Troopers. I've not paid many citations since, as "the connections" I now have is more intimate and sincere and can help me when I am in need. I didn't help the Sergeant because he would be able to help me. I helped him because he was in need and I was in a position to assist. Knowing who he is now has changed the outcome of a few traffic stops.
Knowing who we are "IN ME" (CHRIST) should elevate us beyond worries and doubts. But we (mainly I) constantly live in disbelief that JESUS and HIS FATHER are able to provide our needs and settle for living short of what HE could provide for us IF WE BELIEVED! GOD has never been beaten by the enemy when HIS followers actually believed that HE would deliver them. Occasionally HE delivers when HIS followers DON'T believe (i.e...Red Sea) and HE will gain Glory from HIS Works. If only we believed in HIM providing for HIS children, on HIS timetable, to fulfill HIS Plan, we might see a lot more Miracles than we do???
FATHER IN HEAVEN, forgive me for doubting YOUR provision and not truly believing in YOUR Plan. Cause me to remember daily WHO I am "IN ME"! Surely, since YOU are "IN ME" (CHRIST) and HE is in us, we cannot be conquered by "this world"! Cause me to forever be mindful that YOU are "IN ME" (CHRIST) and HE is "IN ME"!!
"20 "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe "IN ME" through their WORD,
21 that they may all be ONE, just as YOU, FATHER, are "IN ME", and I in YOU, that they also may be in US, so that the world may believe that YOU have sent ME.
22 The glory that YOU have given ME I have given to them, that they may be one even as WE are ONE,
23 I in them and YOU in ME, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that YOU sent ME and loved them even as you loved ME."
Over 30 years ago I was driving home from seeing a family member and I was stopped by a State Trooper and issued a citation for speeding. Not knowing as many people as I do now, I went ahead and paid the speeding citation. Another time I was driving home and a State Trooper wrecked in front of me and I was able to stop and render aid for him. It turns out he was a Sergeant over a few State Troopers. I've not paid many citations since, as "the connections" I now have is more intimate and sincere and can help me when I am in need. I didn't help the Sergeant because he would be able to help me. I helped him because he was in need and I was in a position to assist. Knowing who he is now has changed the outcome of a few traffic stops.
Knowing who we are "IN ME" (CHRIST) should elevate us beyond worries and doubts. But we (mainly I) constantly live in disbelief that JESUS and HIS FATHER are able to provide our needs and settle for living short of what HE could provide for us IF WE BELIEVED! GOD has never been beaten by the enemy when HIS followers actually believed that HE would deliver them. Occasionally HE delivers when HIS followers DON'T believe (i.e...Red Sea) and HE will gain Glory from HIS Works. If only we believed in HIM providing for HIS children, on HIS timetable, to fulfill HIS Plan, we might see a lot more Miracles than we do???
FATHER IN HEAVEN, forgive me for doubting YOUR provision and not truly believing in YOUR Plan. Cause me to remember daily WHO I am "IN ME"! Surely, since YOU are "IN ME" (CHRIST) and HE is in us, we cannot be conquered by "this world"! Cause me to forever be mindful that YOU are "IN ME" (CHRIST) and HE is "IN ME"!!
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