"EMPTIED HIMSELF!"

Philippians 2:4-8                       (ESV)

"4 Let each of you look NOT ONLY to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in CHRIST JESUS,

6 WHO, though HE WAS IN THE FORM OF GOD, did not count equality with GOD a thing to be grasped,

7 but "EMPTIED HIMSELF", by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

8 And being FOUND IN HUMAN FORM, HE humbled HIMSELF by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

Seeing so many people who are seemingly obsessed with "their rights" reveals an interesting position to assume.  According to the scripture above, JESUS CHRIST was "IN THE FORM OF GOD", but gave that position up to come to earth to pay an unbelievable price for the redemption of the souls of mankind.  Scripture tells us that we are NOT ONLY look after our own interest, but to look after the interests of others.  

JESUS lived HIS life as an example of how we should live our lives.  Since HE "EMPTIED HIMSELF" to become a mortal man, shouldn't we be willing to forego some of our earthly rights for the glory of GOD?  We don't have to understand what we are being asked to do, we only need to obey when we are led BY THE SPIRIT to respond a certain way.  We are NOT GOD and we aren't built to understand (Isaiah 55:8-9) everything.  But we are built to TRUST GOD ALMIGHTY with our entire being and let HIM work out the intricacies.  

Maybe I need to "EMPTY HIMSELF" of what I feel I am entitled to and let GOD be GOD?!?

"YOU ARE MINE!"

Isaiah 43:1;7                         (ESV)

"But now thus says the LORD, HE WHO CREATED YOU, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, "YOU ARE MINE"."

My spirit has been moved recently by a point made by the pastor of the fellowship I attend.  He said something like one of the greatest deficiencies of the modern day church is praying to the Heavenly Father like we should.  I carried that thought to my meditation chamber and the list of emotions it causes is humbling.  

The Creator of the Universes loved us so much that HE sent HIS SON to live a sinless life so we could have unlimited access to HIS Throne room, and we respond by barely acknowledging HIM in our daily lives.   Most people are so caught up with the existence in "this world" that we fail to even acknowledge our CREATOR, WHO IS SPIRIT (John 4:24), and communicate with HIM on a frequent basis.  Some are so BUSY trying to get ahead in "this (temporary) world" that they never even consider that we are placed on earth for a purpose in the first place, to Glorify HIM and not ourselves!

Do you really think that GOD created us to see how much money we could make in the allotted time we are given?  Can you imagine getting to Heaven and their being a Divine bookkeeper who determines whether or not we have "enough" to enter in?  Then why do we put so much emphasis on acquiring earthly wealth when we should realize that it won't do us any good where we are going?  

The SPIRIT OF GOD isn't impressed by how big our bank accounts are, or how much we give to our favorite charity, or anything related to "this world"!  Isaiah 43:7 says "everyone who is called by my name, WHOM I CREATED FOR MY GLORY, whom I formed and made."  FATHER IN HEAVEN, may I be more focused on YOU and YOUR statutes than the things of "this world"!  Cause me to remember that "YOU ARE MINE" and our purpose is to Glorify YOU and not ourselves!!!

"YOUR ADVERSARY!"

1 Peter 5:6-8                       (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.

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. "YOUR ADVERSARY" the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

How many different avenues does the enemy use to occupy our minds to where we are not pondering the things of GOD?  I have a friend who quit watching television a little over a month ago.  Of course, he could go back to watching tomorrow, but al least he is experiencing what it is like to break away from just one of the addictions that the enemy has on our nation and the world!  The passage of scripture above indicates that "YOUR ADVERSARY" wants to DEVOUR US, even though he wants us to believe he has our best interest as heart!

We should not be surprised by his tactics.  A hunter or fisherman does similar things while stalking his prey.  A lure of some sort is placed on the end of a fishing line where a HOOK is that is intended to capture the fish.  I've seen hunters spend a lot of money in an attempt to get their intended prey to be FOOLED by their deception and succumb to a trap.  Ultimately, the goal is to make the victim believe that the LURE is the real thing, but we all know that it's a lie!!

No matter how smart we convince ourselves that we are, we are not intelligent enough to SEE the TRAPS the enemy wants to use on us.   We pride ourselves in thinking we are wise enough to avoid traps of the enemy, but I'm sure most prey's intentions are not to be captured by their pursuer either!  That is why there is shock a lot of the time when the capture is complete!  

"YOUR ADVERSARY" isn't interested in doing anything but seeing how many people he can deceive into believing his lies!  Genesis 3:1 says "Now the serpent (YOUR ADVERSARY) was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD GOD had made.....".  His expertise is tricking people into believing that he is the real deal.   Don't let "YOUR ADVERSARY" deceive you and allow you to be one of his prey!!!  The best way to recognize "YOUR ADVERSARY" is to have a solid relationship with THE TRUTH (John 14:6)!!!

"GOD IS SPIRIT!"

John 4:24                             (ESV)

"GOD IS SPIRIT", and those who worship HIM must worship in spirit and truth."

There was a recent message on a social media site that basically said "If we prayed for people instead of making snide remarks...."!  Typically we want to see someone receive retribution for their actions that we don't agree with.  But do we understand that GOD ALMIGHTY IS IN CONTROL and HE doesn't necessarily work in ways we understand.  HE could be working to change their heart in ways we don't SEE???

Imagine living in the time of the Apostle Paul?  He was known for his brutal treatment of people who were following "the Way" (Acts 9:2).  There would probably be those who were contemplating different methods to interrupt his actions.  But GOD ALMIGHTY had a Plan for Saul and would use him as "a chosen instrument of MINE to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel".  (Acts 9:15).  

Because "GOD IS SPIRIT" means that fleshly men aren't meant to understand HIS methods or actions.  Isaiah 55:8-9 says in part "....MY ways higher than your ways and MY thoughts than your thoughts."!  So if we KNOW HE is working "all things work together for good" for us, why would we want to intervene in HIS Perfect Plan???

Could it be that I am so self-centered in my thoughts that I fail to SEE that GOD has this already worked out for HIS good?  Could HIS Plan be already working in my favor and I just have to wait for it to be put into place?  Oh HOLY GOD, forgive me for not SEEING that "GOD IS SPIRIT" and that YOUR Plans are perfect and my selfish desires will only lead to a mess!!!

"NOW AM OLD!"

Psalms 37:25                           (ESV)

"I have been young, and "NOW AM OLD"", yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread."

How "old" is "old"?  Looking at life through the eyes of a child brings a totally different perspective than from being older.  When we are "restrained", such as in a hospital bed, to where we can't operate in the same realm we are accustomed to, we are forced to look at life through a different lens than we normally do.  Recently being "restrained" caused me to realize that I "NOW AM OLD" and I can't operate any longer as I did when I was younger.  My physical body will not perform as it did 30 years ago!

Hopefully my Spiritual body is maturing as rapidly as this physical shell that it is assigned to?  Do you think that ALMIGHTY GOD designed us to not be able to physically perform at the same level we did when we were younger in our "golden years"?  When I was in my 20's I would say that I was going to play outfield (referring to softball) until I was 50 years old and then begin pitching!  Of course, my sons came along and being a father was more important than the accolades of playing games, so my plans changed!  

My family has never been "wealthy", but we have always had food and water and a place to lay out head!  And occasionally we have been able to assist others who didn't have as much as we did.  ALMIGHTY GOD takes care of our needs and has allowed us to help others HE directs to our path so we can display HIS love in our actions.  

My prayer is that one day, before my time is completed on this earth, ALMIGHTY GOD will see fit to bless us with the resources to bless others HE directs us to.  Until then, we will glory in becoming "NOW AM OLD" and that HE is the only reason I "NOW AM OLD"!  Heaven knows, my journey so far has been filled with GOD's Hand being all over my feeble existence!!

"IMAGE OF GOD!"

2 Corinthians 4:4-7                    (ESV)

"4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of CHRIST, WHO is the IMAGE OF GOD.

5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but JESUS CHRIST as LORD, with ourselves as your servants for JESUS' sake.

6 For GOD, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of GOD in the face of JESUS CHRIST."

When GOD fills a hunger with only what HE is able to provide, there is nothing that can compare to the satisfaction.   Acknowledging that HE has created us and only HE knows what will satisfy our souls is part of worshipping HIM.  Knowing that HE so intimately knows us (better than we know ourselves) and can fulfill our needs to a precise degree is a humbling thing.  

What are your "needs"?  Most of us confuse our desires with what we really "need" when evaluating our lives.  We THINK we need a nice home, a fine automobile, all of the finer things in life.   But then you are faced with maybe a serious health issue and your "needs" seem to change immediately.   And then you begin to break things down even further and you realize that life on "this world" is NOT what it's all cracked up to be and you NEED to prepare for the afterlife.  Ultimately, when it is all boiled down to the essentials, we only need to have a relationship with THE ETERNAL GOD and let HIM take care of everything else!  

My "vision" tends to get clouded with things from "this world" and not things that really matter most.  In 2 Corinthians 4 the Apostle Paul writes that the people of "this world" have their minds blinded by the god of "this world" and cannot SEE the things of the "glory of CHRIST, WHO is the "IMAGE OF GOD"."  Hating to admit it, I too have chosen to be blinded by the enemy at times in my life.  When I begin to gaze more upon what "this world" offers than what THE LORD has planned for my life, I always get off track. 

Why do I allow myself to slip back into captivity?  I have been rescued by the sacrifice of JESUS CHRIST on Calvary, and yet I am having my vision obscured by the things of "this world"!  Only GOD ALMIGHTY can fulfill the needs I have, and I don't need to let my vision be clouded by the enemy.  The things of "this world" can't compare to the "IMAGE OF GOD" no matter how much the enemy tries to convince me otherwise.  Keeping the "IMAGE OF GOD" in my target zone is the healthiest choice I could ever make!

"WE WAIT!"

Romans 8:24-30                      (ESV)

"24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?

25 But if we hope for what we do not see, "WE WAIT" for it with patience.

26 Likewise the SPIRIT helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the SPIRIT HIMSELF intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

27 And HE who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the SPIRIT, because the SPIRIT intercedes for the saints according to the will of GOD.

28 And we know that for those who love GOD all things work together for good, for those who are called according to HIS purpose.

29 For those whom HE foreknew HE also predestined to be conformed to the IMAGE of his SON, in order that HE might be the firstborn among many brothers.

30 And those whom HE predestined HE also called, and those whom HE called HE also justified, and those whom HE justified HE also glorified."

"This world" has become so filled with "information", much of it meaningless, that we are becoming increasingly intelligent at the expense meditating the things of GOD ALMIGHTY and gaining Wisdom from above.  It seems that our "microwave" society has caused us to expect instantaneous results on everything, when the things of GOD are generally experienced in a more deliberate fashion, almost like gardening?

GOD has chosen to allow us to plant seeds, water and tend them for several weeks, and then reap the harvest.  You can plant seeds and expect to see them germinate and sprout the same day.  On the other hand, a full term pregnancy for humans lasts about 40 weeks.  Nothing can compare to having a newborn baby placed in your arms!  GOD seems to have set a "waiting period" for the most important things of life!  So why do I expect to have answers from Heaven immediately, if not sooner sometimes?  

"The enemy" desires to do anything and everything to get our focus and attention OFF of ALMIGHTY GOD!  If satan can get us moving at such a pace to NOT wait on the LORD and HIS direction, then we are already headed down the wrong path.  Since GOD has "called according to HIS purpose" surely HE has everything worked out to mature us into tools appropriate for HIS service in HIS timing?  

Romans 8:28 seems to be the verse most people are familiar with of the verses above.  But I need LEARN Romans 8:25 where is reads "..."WE WAIT" for it with patience"!  FATHER IN HEAVEN, my prayer is that I will submit to "WE WAIT" for it with patience and allow YOUR SPIRIT to help me in my weaknesses!  

"UNDER SIN!"

Romans 3:9-12                        (ESV)

"9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are "UNDER SIN",

10 as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one; 

11 no one understands; no one seeks for GOD. 

12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." 

Recognizing that we are ALL "UNDER SIN" can be awfully easy to forget sometimes.  We get our attention shifted occasionally by the great deceiver and we can sometimes fail to readjust it to the CROSS!JESUS CHRIST paid a heavy ransom for my soul (and the entire world) and we do HIM a tremendous disservice if we allow our focus to be taken away from HIS sacrifice.  

In the day this was written the JEWS and the GREEKS were in a huge racial divide.   The JEWS seemingly KNEW that they were GOD's chosen people and they thought that was all they needed to be better than the rest of creation.  The GREEKS were rulers of the world at the time and they probably felt that they were invincible.   However, JESUS said in John 3:18 that "Whoever BELIEVES in HIM is not condemned, but whoever does not BELIEVE is condemned already, because he has not BELIEVED in the NAME of the only SON OF GOD."  

Having people that show no evidence of BELIEVING that JESUS is the SON OF GOD can be a tremendous burden, as we feel as though all of our friends should hear the same CALL that we have heard?  But scripture says in John 6:44 that the ONLY was anyone is saved is the Spirit of GOD must CALL them.  

Yes, we are ALL "UNDER SIN", but some of us are "CALLED out of darkness into HIS marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9) to serve HIM.  We are not better than others because of HIS CALLING, only we have received mercy and grace because of HIS boundless love.  In around 1972 Andre Crouch wrote a song entitled "I don't know why?".  The song states "I don't know why JESUS loved me, I don't know why HE cared.  I don't know why HE sacrificed HIS life, oh but I'm glad, I'm glad HE did!".  Without HIS CALLING, I would still be "UNDER SIN", and would have no hope.  

"GOD SO LOVED!"

John 3:16-17                              (ESV)

"16 "For "GOD SO LOVED" the world, that HE GAVE gave HIS ONLY SON, that whoever believes in HIM should not perish but have eternal life.

17 For GOD did not send his SON into the world TO CONDEMN THE WORLD, but in order that the world might be saved through HIM."

How many times do we dream of writing a book about our disobedience to GOD ALMIGHTY and the repercussions of doing so.  Generally speaking, I would rather speak of how I follow HIS guidance and direction in my life rather than discussing my choice of doing things on my own.  King David is one of the most publicized examples of displaying his faults in scripture.  Yet, King David was a man after GOD's own heart, attempting to live his life as a testimony to serving HIM.  

There is no human that can exhibit a sinless life, no matter how hard he tries.  GOD knew before creation that mankind would need a Savior to provide redemption for our sinful nature, and HE created us anyway because of HIS great love.  Genesis 1:27 says "So GOD created man in HIS own "image" (or reflection), in the image of GOD HE created him; male and female HE created them."  Despite what some people may think, mankind wasn't created to be gods!  Scripture even states in Isaiah 42:8 that "I am the LORD; that is MY NAME; MY glory I give to no other, nor MY praise to carved idols."  So as much as we want to think we are "in charge" of what is going on in our lives, GOD is ultimately in control, we are here for HIS Glory!

We always seem to celebrate our personal achievements, such as graduation from school, getting a new car, or maybe a new job, but how many times do we give praise to the ONE WHO gives us breath everyday to live?  HE is the ONE that we are made "in the image" of, so why do we as mirrors try to accept any Glory?  

I will be 57 years old soon, and it is finally beginning to sink in that it's a lot more than me getting recognition for things that GOD ALMIGHTY has accomplished in my life, FOR HIS GLORY!  If I have WRONGED someone it is totally and completely my fault!  It I have "reflected" HIS GOODNESS to anyone, it is simply because "GOD SO LOVED" and I am just reflecting HIS characteristics in my life!  

"the LORD!"

Psalms 118:7-9                               (ESV)

"7 "The LORD" is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. 

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."

Shortly after Barak Obama was elected President it seemed "this world" tried to capitalize on his fame by sending emails and advertising claiming to give anything and everything because he had been elected President.  Donald Trump was elected in November of last year and he has replaced the former President as the answer for all our woes!  In all fairness, neither man probably had anything to do with the "marketing" of the name or position, it's just some greedy people who care more about profits than their company than hearing from ALMIGHTY GOD.  

There are all kinds of opinions as to whether either leader has any abilities to LEAD the United States out of the rain.  Your opinion can be shared other places, but this is not the place to get into that, for neither exhibits the traits that "the LORD" has.  Proclaiming that this one or that one has better qualities than another is comparing them to humans, and will wind up disappointing in the end.  Only placing a person against "the LORD" will render a TRUE depiction of who they really are and what their agenda is trying to accomplish.  

But most prefer not to be compared to perfection, for our flaws are so well pronounced.  GOD ALMIGHTY designed a Plan to overcome our inadequacies, but we must surrender to living our lives for "the LORD"!  John 17:23 says "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."  The only hope I have is for a HOLY GOD to control my life and to gain Glory for HIMSELF by doing so.  

There's not a one of us who has done, nor will ever do, anything worthy of consideration for Heaven.  When I stand before GOD ALMIGHTY and HE inquiries what I have done worthy of entering Heaven, my only reply shall be that "the LORD" paid for my ticket!  

"MY EYE UPON YOU!"

Psalms 32:8                                     (ESV)

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with "MY EYE UPON YOU"."

"I'm very, very, extremely lucky to be alive."   This quote was recently used to describe a man escaping a home explosion with his life.  It was a rather amazing sequence of events that led to the man's survival.  Why didn't he give GOD credit for sparing his life?  Why did he not get knocked unconscious by the explosion and die from his injuries?  

How many times do we have an opportunity to give GOD credit for being able to live another day when we have opportunities each day to exit "this world"!  Most days when driving to the office I drive on a US Highway with oncoming traffic traveling possibly 55MPH.  If I am going 55MPH then that means a 110MPH crash is less than 10 feet away!  A broken tie rod at just the right time can happen with no warning.  Yet GOD protects me and others in HIS matchless grace and mercy.  

Remembering back when my Brain Hemorrhaged in 2007, there were numerous things that had to happen JUST RIGHT for me to survive.  Looking back to April 08, 2017 I was able to SEE everything lining up for GOD to do something great as it was happening.  Never did I think that the next day I would be riding in an ambulance to Little Rock, AR to have heart bypass surgery within a couple of days.  But I could SEE GOD working through all the happenings and had a peace about things that can't be explained!  

Will you ever hear me proclaiming "I'm very, very, extremely lucky to be alive", or "I am so lucky that my kids make the right choices", or "I'm so lucky to have made that decision"???  I will have to be on some heavy drugs before I dishonor my LORD and say I am lucky or karma is favoring me!  GOD ALMIGHTY has had "MY EYE UPON YOU" through too many circumstances for me to believe in chance or circumstance and I will not forget HIS goodness to me!!!

"FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST!"

2 Corinthians 12:9-10                  (ESV)

"9 But HE said to me, "MY grace is sufficient for you, for MY power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will BOAST ALL THE MORE GLADLY OF MY WEAKNESSES, so that the power of CHRIST may rest upon me.

10 FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST, then, I am CONTENT WITH WEAKNESSES, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

I'm not sure if the Apostle Paul was a muscled up man or not, but I am 6'6" 290lbs and have always been strong enough to basically do whatever needed to be done.  However, the recent surgery I had has limited my ability to use my strength, as you can't push or pull without using your upper body strength, something I currently don't have access to.  I can see what NEEDS to be done, and I have the muscles to perform the work, but this scar on the breastbone tells me that I have to wait another month or so before I can use those muscles!  The ramifications of not following my instructions are painful, I'm sure, and I hope I'm wise enough to adhere to wise counsel!!

Attempting to repair my riding mower Saturday was a prime example.  All I need to do is change two spindles, something I have previously done with no problems.  I had gotten my mower out and began taking some bolts out, but I came to one that was in a position where I was needing to exert a bit more muscle than I felt comfortable doing.  Now I am going to have to wait until someone can help me, or until I am better able to get the bolt loose myself.  And did I BOAST ALL THE MORE GLADLY OF MY WEAKNESSES like Apostle Paul?  I wish I could say I did, but I was upset that I was unable to do that what I thought I should be able to do!  

The LORD has already proven to me just last week that HE was able to take care of my needs.  And here I am already trying to take control again and do things within my own STRENGTH!  When I observe CHRIST and all HE has done for me, why should I get unsettled when things don't happen exactly when I think they should?  My condition has me rather WEAK right now, and I pledge "FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST" to be CONTENT WITH WEAKNESSES and hardships!  

Learning the lesson of WAITING ON THE LORD is one of the toughest things I have ever experienced.  Could it be that GOD has me in a temporary position of WEAKNESS so that HE can be Glorified?  Who am I to try and rob HIM of being the supplier of my needs?  Maybe I should submit myself to HIM and acknowledge that "FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST" I will display my WEAKNESSES so HIS power may rest upon me!!!

The "LORD JESUS CHRIST!"

Philippians 3:18-21                      (ESV)

"18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of CHRIST.

19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a SAVIOR, the LORD JESUS CHRIST,

21 who will transform our lowly body to be like HIS glorious body, by the power that enables HIM even to subject all things to HIMSELF." 

An "immigrant" is defined by one dictionary as "a person who migrates to another country, usually for permanent residence".  Typically, an immigrant is  someone who has yet to become familiar with or accustomed to the lifestyle of a resident.  A lot of times the immigrant has customs and habits from their "home" country instilled in them that just come out, no matter how much they attempt to hide them.  

The scripture above tells about those who have made their home in "this world".  In verse 18 scripture says they "walk as enemies of the cross of CHRIST.  Their end is destruction,...." and all they are worried about is "this world" and what they can increase their wealth inside "this world".  Even those who aren't Spiritual beings admit that "you can't take it with you", but that doesn't preclude them from trying to amass more and more "stuff" to leave for someone else to be concerned with when their time is through.  

BELIEVERS on the other hand should understand that their "citizenship is in heaven" and we should have an "immigrant" status emblazoned upon our foreheads.  Since "GOD IS SPIRIT" (John 4:24), we should live as though we are foreigners in "this world" just passing through on our way to our "permanent residence"!  It's extremely tempting to get earthly things in our eyesight and allow them to begin controlling our thoughts.  GOD ALMIGHTY has to remind me constantly that I only have a short time left in "this world" to Glorify HIS Name, and I don't need to allow the enemy any footholds in my life!

The "LORD JESUS CHRIST" will remove all doubt and questions when HE returns to earth.  HE promised HE would rise from the dead, and HE did!  HE promised HE would come back to earth, and HE will!  Do you think that all of the wealth and possessions will make any difference on that day?  Do you think that earthly power or position will count for anything?  Only a relationship with the "LORD JESUS CHRIST" will deliver us from the wrath of GOD at the Judgement!  Then what will we do with our wealth and possessions???

"GOD LED THE PEOPLE!"

Exodus 13:17-22                      (ESV)

"17 When Pharaoh let the people go, GOD did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For GOD said, "Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt."

18 But "GOD LED THE PEOPLE" around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.

19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, "GOD will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones with you from here."

20 And they moved on from Succoth and encamped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness.

21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.

22 The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people."

The accounting of the Exodus from Egypt by the children of Israel continues to teach me lessons all these years later.  GOD had to show HE was the ultimate authority to a unbelieving lost world was back then, and HE still proving it today to anyone that will look and listen.  The closest, and easiest exit from Egypt would have appeared to be through the land of the Philistines, according to the map!  But following the leadership of GOD was the thing that stands out for me as the biggest lesson to be learned from the Exodus, not doing the easiest thing.   

GOD is the ALMIGHTY and HE could have defeated the Philistines as well as HE did all of the wilderness nations, but HIS Plan called for HIS people to FOLLOW "the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night" as they journeyed.  GOD not only wanted to have the Israelites trusting in HIM to conquer the enemy, but HE wanted HIS children relying on HIM for their very sustenance to survive!  

"GOD LED THE PEOPLE" to just the place where HE could get Glory over Pharaoh and all his hosts (Exodus 14:4) at the Red Sea, but throughout their journey "in the wilderness" the Israelites followed "the cloud" and were victorious in their battles, with the exception of Ai (Joshua 7)!  

As long as "GOD LED THE PEOPLE", and they followed HIS lead, there was success.  While it is true that going through the wilderness wasn't the closest, nor easiest path, the journey allowed GOD to get Glory over all HIS enemies, and ultimately isn't that our goal?!?  We generally are always looking for the shortest, easiest, path with the least resistance.  Sometimes GOD "leads us" through the wilderness so HE can be glorified.  Just because you see someone going through some difficult times in their lives doesn't mean GOD isn't using them for HIS Glory.  "GOD LED THE PEOPLE" through the wilderness before, and HE could be doing it again, FOR HIS GLORY!!!

"BUT JESUS SAID!"

Mark 14:3-9                                                (ESV)

"3 And while HE was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as HE was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over HIS head.

4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, "Why was the ointment wasted like that?

5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor." And they scolded her.

6 "BUT JESUS SAID", "Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to ME.

7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have ME.

8 She has done what she could; she has anointed MY body beforehand for burial.

9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.""

It seems we all have a perception of what the "right" thing to do is for a given situation.  There are some people who would spend all discretionary funds on caring for "the poor", while others would spend everything they could on missions!  There are many desires in most churches that go unfunded.  Supplying NEEDS is a lesson for another day, but hearing from GOD is what I would like to expound on today.

Recently I saw a quote from an author who said what THEY THOUGHT GOD was trying to do.   It gave no scripture to base the opinion, nor did it refer to any scripture for its basis, yet it still gave the author's opinion of what GOD was trying to do.  Let me humbly state that I too have been known to say what I think GOD would do in a specific situation. But we KNOW that "For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, declares the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways and MY thoughts than your thoughts."  

There were those around JESUS on this day who THOUGHT they had a better understanding than the woman who was anointing HIS body.  "BUT JESUS SAID", leave her alone!  A lot of people today wouldn't be able to identify the voice of JESUS unless it was a Damascus road experience similar to Acts 9.  They would have to be physically blinded and halted in their tracks before they ever acknowledged a DIVINE entity was speaking to them.  

Once you have experienced "BUT JESUS SAID", there is nothing that will be acceptable, nor anything that will suffice to lead you through the trials and tribulations of "this world"!  The enemy will attempt to sell you his lies (John 8:44), but they will never stand against "BUT JESUS SAID"!  Don't be swayed by anything other than "BUT JESUS SAID" in living your life.

"DISTRACTED WITH MUCH SERVING!"

Luke 10:38-42                          (ESV)

"38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.

39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching.

40 But Martha was "DISTRACTED WITH MUCH SERVING". And she went up to him and said, "LORD, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me."

41 But the LORD answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are ANXIOUS and TROUBLED about MANY things,

42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.""

"This world" today has many different distractions that the enemy uses to occupy our minds.  Whether it is a ball game, a dance, doing something to further a career, or any number of other activities, all he needs to do is keep us from slowing our lives down and listening to the still, small voice of GOD ALMIGHTY and he has accomplished his objective.  And we allow making a profit, trying to be the biggest or best in our profession, or anything other than what can be used to glorify THE LORD to control our thoughts and actions?  Why haven't I SEEN that the things of "this world" will soon pass away and only the things that are from above will last.  

In the passage of scripture above, Martha was "busy" getting things prepared to serve JESUS while Mary sat listening to JESUS.  What else would be more important than serving THE LORD?  What else could better occupy a person's time than working for HIM?  Apparently Mary had her priorities straight and was spending time allowing JESUS to mold and make her into what HE wanted her to be?  Martha on the other hand was so BUSY doing, that she wasn't able to listen, something I have a hard time with in my life.  

When we finally get to the point in our lives that we would rather hear from GOD than serve people, we are allowing ourselves to be molded into tools HE can use for HIS Glory.  Some people are built to perform acts of service, but they can become "DISTRACTED WITH MUCH SERVING" so much that they can't listen to GOD!  I believe that is why Psalms 46:10 says "BE STILL, and KNOW THAT I AM GOD..". and not know HIM more intimately by serving HIM.  

A lot of people are so BUSY "serving" that they can't SEE that they may be serving a false prophet.  That is why, I believe, that JESUS emphasized developing a close, intimate relationship with HIM over service.  Serving HIM can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but listening to HIM can change your life in ways only HE can receive Glory from.  Don't allow yourself to be "DISTRACTED WITH MUCH SERVING" when you should be LISTENING to the MASTER!  

"WAIT, I SAY, UPON THE LORD!"

Psalms 27:14                          (KJV)

"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and HE shall strengthen thine heart: "WAIT, I SAY, ON THE LORD".

Sometimes you have to be listening intently to GOD ALMIGHTY to hear the message HE is trying to teach you.   Recently I was convalescing at home from an operation.  As I didn't have anything else to do I noticed the length of the grass in my yard was beginning to look rather unkempt.  A friend of mine responded to my need, but his mower broke about 10 minutes into the job, and the grass continued to grow!  Since I had cut the grass the day I went to the hospital three weeks prior, it wasn't out of control, but it was needing to be cut, and quickly!  

Being released by my doctor on Wednesday, I went to the office on Thursday and Friday.   I left the office early Friday and went to the lawn mower shop to see if I could buy a part for my mower that would get me by for a couple of weeks.  Sure enough, I was told that the only fix for my problem was to do extensive work on my mower, and they couldn't get to it for three weeks.  I came home a bit dejected but knowing GOD was in control, but wanting to get my yard mowed! 

Upon arriving at my home my grass had just been cut, and my neighbors yard was cut as well!  I had cut her yard the day I went to the hospital as she only has a push mower and it is a huge task for her to cut her yard.  I saw another neighbor finishing up mowing her yard, so I knew who GOD used to accomplish HIS work for HIM.  Emotions overcame me and so I didn't go out and thank the man mowing, but I did leave him a card on his door very soon afterward.  

GOD hardly ever operates on my timeline.  As a matter of fact, HE usually is behind where I think things should happen.  How wonderful it will be when I realize and finally understand that I must "WAIT, I SAY, ON THE LORD"?  

"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." 

There is something to be said for being able to "HUMBLE YOURSELVES" and NOT being humbled by the LORD!  Granted, HIS grace and mercy causes us to submit to HIS Plan for our lives, but I have been subjected to HIS discipline and it is not pleasant, to say the least.  

GOD is love, and HE sometimes has to expose us to what we think nobody should be exposed to in order to grow us into tools that can be used for HIS Glory.  HIS love for us far exceeds anything we have knowledge of, and we may not be able to fathom how deeply HE will pursue us to develop us into what HE needs us to be.  Have you ever read about Job in the Old Testament?  He experienced tremendous grief and hardship only to eventually be restored beyond his expectations.  

We don't deserve anything beyond total rejection from a HOLY GOD.  Yet, we think we are due royal treatment, even though we are only "saved by grace"!  When everything "good" we have done is placed before the throne of GOD, the only thing we will have to offer is to "HUMBLE YOURSELVES", as we are only tools used by HIM!  Think about it???

"YOUR LIFE IS HIDDEN!"

Colossians 3:1-4                      (ESV)

"1 If then you have been raised with CHRIST, seek the things that are above, where CHRIST is seated at the right hand of GOD.

2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

3 For you have died, and "YOUR LIFE IS HIDDEN" with CHRIST in GOD.

4 When CHRIST WHO is your life appears, then you also will appear with HIM in glory."

It seems that the HOLY SPIRIT guides me to this passage more than any scripture.  Usually my focus is on SET YOUR MINDS as I have a tendency to just allow my thoughts to be on whatever my mind rests on for that moment.  Today my mind was being battled for and I began to realize that SINCE I have been risen with CHRIST, my life SHOULD be hidden with CHRIST in GOD!  

Why then do I allow my life to be exposed to the enemy and his deception?  The enemy comes only to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10) and it's like I'm inviting him to feast on my life robbing me of the joy that CHRIST has purchased for me?  Remembering that we are human and we have an predisposition and inclination to sin is one of the most difficult things for me.  However, I am not alone as the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 7:15 "For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate!" 

We must constantly remind ourselves that "YOUR LIFE IS HIDDEN" with CHRIST in GOD and the enemy has no power over us.  JESUS CHRIST not only paid for my redemption on Calvary, HE also paid to make sure "YOUR LIFE IS HIDDEN" with CHRIST in GOD!  Social injustice, racial discrimination, and all of the limitations brought on by "this world" are "things that are on earth", not "things that are above"!  When we focus on "things that are on earth", we forfeit thinking on "things that are above!   

We can live in the freedom that JESUS bought for us, or we can wallow in the past and live enslaved by the "things that are on earth"!  When "YOUR LIFE IS HIDDEN" with CHRIST in GOD we can live "in things that are above"!  The choice is ours!!!

"GIVE THANKS!"

1 Thessalonians 7:16-18                  (ESV)

"16 Rejoice always,

17 pray without ceasing,

18 "GIVE THANKS" in all circumstances; for this is the will of GOD in CHRIST JESUS for you."

This morning I am caused to slow my life down enough to SEE how blessed I truly am.   Getting the report that I did Wednesday afternoon from the Heart Surgeon REALLY is an eye-opener.   When you SEE where you COULD have been versus where you are right now, lamenting about the hand you have been dealt just doesn't make sense!  Except for GOD's grace, I could be a slave in the wildest African jungles.  Sure, my selfish, egotistical desires want to compare my life to a Billionaire's son, but GOD knew that humility and servant hood would be best taught to me from where I currently reside, not through wealth and fortune!

The notes on/in my Bible app are there to remind me of lessons I have learned.  This morning on verse 17 the following notes have been written:  "Pray?  Or Commune with GOD? Commune-World English Dictionary- intimate conversation; exchange of thoughts.   We are to "Unceasingly have intimate conversation with the Creator of the Universe"!  ". When I am having these "intimate conversations" with GOD ALMIGHTY and HE speaks to me to remain "humble", I am immediately caused to recollect the Brain Hemorrhage of 2007, and now the heart surgery of last month, and how GOD has manifested HIMSELF so mightily in both happenings.  How can I ignore what GOD has taught, and continues to teach, me during these "illnesses"?  

When we "GIVE THANKS" IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES it becomes clear rather quickly that we "deserve" the cross of Calvary.  There is nothing that I could have done to warrant living in a nation that allows me to worship and celebrate The King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  And yet HE continues to keep me on HIS Plan of deliverance for my life.  

LORD IN HEAVEN, cause me to SEE that although I may appear to be wandering through the Wilderness at times, YOU go before me with a Cloud and Pillar guiding me where YOU choose for me to go.   If YOU desire to get Glory through illness or trials, I am willing.  Whatever I am called to do, I will "GIVE THANKS" and let YOUR NAME be elevated above all names!!!

"SUIT THEIR OWN PASSIONS!"

2 Timothy 4:3-4                          (ESV)

"3 For the time is coming when people will NOT ENDURE not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they WILL ACCUMULATE for themselves teachers to "SUIT THEIR OWN PASSIONS",

4 and WILL TURN AWAY FROM LISTENING TO THE TRUTH and wander off into myths."

More and more it appears that "this world" not only doesn't like listening to "the TRUTH", it doesn't want the church to hear "the TRUTH"!  Things that the HOLY BIBLE leaves no doubt about being wrong, "this world" wants to say are fine and that we need to evolve with the times.  

ALMIGHTY GOD doesn't change, nor will HE change, and we can't rewrite the BIBLE to soothe our ""itchy ears"!  When the people find "teachers" who will "SUIT THEIR OWN PASSIONS", their followers may be many, but they won't be be grounded and withstand the heat of the day when exposed!  

It is in love I tell you that if your only exposure to the SPIRIT OF GOD is what you receive in a sermon on Sunday morning, your root system may not be adequately developed?  Don't let "this world" dictate how deeply into GOD's WORD you cultivate.  While others are "SUITING THEIR OWN PASSIONS", may we be growing a root system that will endure the trials that may come our way!!!