Monday, July 31, 2017

"THE TRUE VINE!"

John 15:1-2                            (ESV)
"1 "I am "THE TRUE VINE" the true vine, and MY FATHER is the vinedresser.
2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit HE takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit HE prunes, that it may bear more fruit."



The first time I remember being asked to give a devotional I was in the youth department of the church I was attending in my early teen years and I spoke about the 15th chapter of John.  Now, over 40 years later ALMIGHTY GOD still speaks to me using the same scriptures, only in a slightly more mature understanding of HIS WORD! 

According to one commentary, the words "true vine" could mean "1. I am the true vine] We have here the same word for ‘true’ as in John 1:9, John 6:32; Revelation 3:14. Christ is the true, the genuine, the ideal, the perfect Vine, as He is the perfect Light, the perfect Bread, and the perfect Witness".  JESUS CHRIST completed everything that The FATHER required for redemption of mankind, therefore the statement in John 19:30 when HE said "It is finished"!

But THE FATHER is the ONE WHO does the pruning of "THE TRUE VINE".  Now I'm no vinedresser, but I'm told that the best branches are pruned with greater emphasis and they respond by producing more and more grapes.  GOD THE CREATOR knows exactly how much HE should prune each branch for the production HE desires to receive from that branch.  Sadly, I often question the Vinedresser about how much HE is cutting me back, when HE is the ONE WHO created me and only HE knows what will cause me to produce the crop that will most Glorify HIM!


Don't be disgruntled when you experience "pruning" in your life that gives the appearance of being a little drastic!  THE FATHER is the Vinedresser and HE knows what will Glorify HIM the most!  The branches that do not bear fruit HE takes away!  The branches that DO bear fruit are connected to "THE TRUE VINE" and will be pruned to produce more fruit!  Are you apart of "THE TRUE VINE"???

Saturday, July 29, 2017

"NO KING!"

John 19:14-15                                              (ESV)
"14 Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He (Pilate) said to the Jews, "Behold your King!"
15 They cried out, "Away with HIM, away with HIM, crucify HIM!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The CHIEF PRIESTS answered, "We have "NO KING" but Caesar.""



The CHIEF PRIESTS and upper echelon of the Jews during the time of JESUS' earthly ministry had become so caught up in the worldly aspects of serving a god of their own imaginations that they couldn't SEE THE SON OF GOD walking right in their midst!  The thought of losing their "standing" among the Jews was not something that interested them in the least.  They were more interested in what their worldly companions thought about them than what ALMIGHTY GOD knew about them!!!

To become a CHIEF PRIEST was an honor bestowed on a very limited amount the Jewish people.  They were supposed to be leaders in and of the Temple, but the position had been hijacked by ungodly, worldly people who were more interested in themselves than serving GOD and HIS Kingdom.  One of the most damning statements made by them was in John 19:15 when "the CHIEF PRIESTS answered, "We have "NO KING" but Caesar"!!  It is rather easy to say how blinded they were, but we don't SEE ourselves doing the same thing with our own lives.  


We say we are children of GOD, but sometimes we serve our own desires, or worldly leaders, or "NO KING" at all!  JESUS said in John 14:15-31 that if we love HIM we will keep HIS commandments!  Yet we want to impose our will into scripture and make PEOPLE think we are doing His Will in our lives!  The CHIEF PRIESTS of JESUS' time have been/will be held accountable for their words and deeds, and we will be likewise!  Are you following GOD'S commandments, or "NO KING" at all?  

Friday, July 28, 2017

"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."



My writings give evidence that the Exodus story of the children of Israel from Egyptian captivity is one that I continuously refer back to, as there seem to be so many lessons that GOD still uses to teach me in my daily walk with HIM.  Not only do I SEE my GOD's Supernatural imposition of HIS Divinity upon humanity, but recent scientific evidence has proven HIS Word to be precise in its depiction of what transpired.  And apparently, when GOD is leading us, HE doesn't necessarily lead us in the shortest, easiest, most comfortable path!

In the passage of scripture above, GOD does not lead the Israelites "by way of the land of the Philistines", although that was the shortest path to take.  HE led them "toward the Red Sea", because HE had a Plan to get Glory, not only over Pharaoh and all his hosts, but on the rest of the people who doubted that HE is/was/will be the ONE TRUE GOD!  GOD not only proved HIMSELF to the Egyptians, but everywhere "GOD LED THE PEOPLE"!  After 430 years of slavery, the people had become so accustomed to captivity that GOD didn't want them running back to their old ways at the first sign of trouble!  And that proved to be a good move!!

"GOD LED THE PEOPLE" with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, not by circumstance, but to fulfill their needs!  One modern day tutorial says "Even though the sun and moon is bright, the dust and humidity has a lower visibility for the traveler", so the Israelites NEEDED GOD to direct them in the way they needed to go.   HE didn't just lead them down the easiest path, HE led them where HE would gain the most Glory!  


There are times in my life when I have an short, easy path mapped out for myself and GOD interrupts my schedule for HIS PLAN!  Yes, "GOD LED THE PEOPLE" many years ago, but HE still leads HIS people today, even when HE has to do so with me kicking and screaming!  In my latter years, I am learning to trust that GOD loves me too much to lead me down a path of least resistance, but down a path where HE IS GLORIFIED!!!  My prayer is that I will recognize and follow HIS leadership!  

Thursday, July 27, 2017

"ONE BODY IN CHRIST!"

Romans 12:3-5                        (ESV)
"3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that GOD has assigned.
4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,
5 so we, though many, are "ONE BODY IN CHRIST" and individually members one of another."




The United States of America can be taken very wrongly, in that citizens of major cities can get so caught up with their busy lives that they think of anyone else as being disconnected from reality.   Conversely, people who live in remote areas of the country can assume that residents of the "big cities" are too busy to pay attention to the smaller things in life.  
Basically, we are ALL Americans and we need to remember that before we start denigrating others who have differing opinions than us.  

The same principle could be used to describe Believers in JESUS CHRIST!  All who believe in HIM are on the same team.  We may have different assignments, we may not be as committed as our comrades, but we all have been bought with the precious blood of JESUS CHRIST and that can't be taken away from us.  

The Apostle Paul says in the scripture above that we are all "ONE BODY IN CHRIST" and we should NOT consider ourselves more "highly" than we should.  That should leave us all in a humble state, as Paul wrote to Timothy that Paul was the "foremost" (1 Timothy 1:15) of sinners!!!


Without great words today, let us make a diligent effort to be "ONE BODY IN CHRIST" and lift up a neighbor who might be down.  There are many days that I feel as though I am the worst of the worst, much like Apostle Paul must have felt.  But JESUS CHRIST died for ALL of us and we shouldn't consider ourselves worthless simply for that reason!  We are "ONE BODY IN CHRIST!!!"

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

"GOD IS SPIRIT!"

John 4:23-26                            (ESV)
"23 But the hour is coming, and is now 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."
25 The woman said to HIM, "I know that Messiah is coming (JE WHO is called CHRIST). When HE comes, HE will tell us all things."
26 JESUS said to her, "I who speak to you am HE." 



It appears that the modern church has become so fixated on the material aspects of Believing in GOD and JESUS that we have forgotten, OR IGNORED, what JESUS said to the woman at the well while speaking to her.  My belief that ALL SCRIPTURE is given by GOD for a purpose (2 Timothy 3:16-17) is supported by HIS words in the brief exchange between HE and this woman whose sordid past was revealed with so much compassion.  Never did HE berate her or ask her why she was living in sin.  HIS sole interest seemed to be changing the life and lifestyle of a sinner!

The same GOD WHO spoke the world's into existence in Genesis 1 is also the ONE WHO was speaking to this woman.   Colossians 1:16 says "For by HIM all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through HIM and for HIM."  That same GOD is the ONE WHO "draws" (John 6:44) me into HIS service today!  HE generally uses we who have FAITH that HE exists (Hebrews 11:6) and rewards we who seek HIM!  

I'm so blessed to have been selected to be a servant of GOD ALMIGHTY!  Did HE choose me because I'm better leader than others?  Or because I follow directions more efficiently?  Maybe it's because I'm more needy than others??  


No, HE selected me because I Believe "GOD IS SPIRIT" and HE has a purpose for every life HE created.  Scripture says that we are created "in HIS image" (Genesis 1:27), and since we are, then we are Spirit also!  As a matter of fact, 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!"  We need to be reminded from time to time that "GOD IS SPIRIT" and HE is living inside of our bodies!!  Especially when we are being examined by a lost and dying world?!?!

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

"OWN DOING!"

Ephesians 2:8-10                       (ESV)
"8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your "OWN DOING"; it is the gift of GOD,
9 not a result of works, SO THAT NO ONE SHOULD BOAST.
10 For we are HIS workmanship, created in CHRIST JESUS for good works, which GOD prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."



So many times I hear people when asked if they are going to Heaven say that "I'm doing the best I can!", thinking that they actually have something to do with their salvation.  The scripture above tells us rather plainly that it is not your "OWN DOING", that JESUS CHRIST "completed" salvation for ALL on Calvary!  

As for me, I try to err on the side of caution and not to say or do anything that I have not been specifically instructed to by the Holy Spirit of GOD!  In Exodus 14:14 (ESV) scripture records "The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."   One of the greatest miracles ever witnessed by mankind, the crossing of the Red Sea, and GOD ALMIGHTY didn't allow humans to interfere, for surely we would have messed things up royally!  HE alone received ALL of the Glory as Pharaoh and all his hosts went down into history, and the Red Sea! 

And THE GREATEST MIRACLE of all was when GOD sent HIS SON to earth just so HE could be rejected by, not only a sinful world, but even HIS closest friends, in order that our sin debt could be paid in full!  Now I have often thought that I would not have allowed a friend of mine to be brutally beaten and crucified for me and my sins, but GOD's Plan demanded that HIS Perfection be offered as a sacrifice.  With someone interfering with their "OWN DOING", like I have often thought I would have done (John 18:13-27), I would have ruined the Perfect Plan!  And more than likely, I would have done so in order that I could BOAST!!


That is why that ALMIGHTY GOD didn't allow anyone to help JESUS during HIS torment and death, so that REDEMPTION would ALL be paid for by HIM.  GOD still has a Perfect Plan that HE has in place and HE doesn't need me trying to replace HIS Perfect Plan with our "OWN DOING"!  We aren't smart enough, nor do we love enough, to change to our "OWN DOING" over GOD's Perfect Plan, so why don't we allow HIM to be GOD and run the show?!?!

Friday, July 21, 2017

"WAIT CONTINUALLY FOR YOUR GOD!"

Hosea 12:6                             (ESV)
""So you, by the help of your GOD, RETURN, hold fast to love and justice, and "WAIT CONTINUALLY FOR YOUR GOD"." 



The world we live in is operating at an increasingly unsustainable pace.  It seems nobody has time for the things of GOD, although we all have so many "time saving" devices with which we crowd our lives.  The WORD of GOD is filled with messages to WAIT ON THE LORD, but it seems we don't want to break away from the "things" of "this world", fearing that we might lose out on making a dollar!  

The scripture above vividly instructs us to RETURN (to GOD), hold fast to love and justice, and "WAIT CONTINUALLY FOR YOUR GOD"!  The sad thing is, too many people who "WAIT CONTINUALLY FOR YOUR GOD" may not be waiting for GOD JEHOVAH, but some earthly god who will deliver nothing but pain and heartache!  Remember, John 10:10 says "The thief comes only to STEAL and KILL and DESTROY. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly"!  


As I mature, both physically and Spiritually, I am caused more and more to "WAIT CONTINUALLY FOR YOUR GOD".  In my younger days I was one of those people who were running so fast trying to make sure that I wasn't missing anything, while all the time I needed to "WAIT CONTINUALLY FOR YOUR GOD".  My prayer is that when my life and legacy are completed that my testimony will be that I "WAITED CONTINUALLY FOR YOUR GOD"."

Thursday, July 20, 2017

"THIS IS WHY!"

Matthew 13:10-13                        (ESV)
"10 Then the disciples came and said to HIM, "Why do you speak to them in parables?"
11 And HE answered them, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.
12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
13 "THIS IS WHY" I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand."




From my past history, not being able to communicate can be as difficult a thing as you can experience.  It can be extremely frustrating trying to make some people understand things that you have had revealed to you, but you can't find the words to make others SEE!  In my case, I had the ability to say "words", but they were being said in no coherent order, therefore what I said didn't make any sense!  People could not UNDERSTAND what I was trying to say!

JESUS was, and is, so much "more" than any human could ever be that HE had to speak to those who still had eyes blinded, and their ears closed, and their understanding dimmed to the TRUTHS HE was speaking to them.  HIS disciples eyes and ears had seen and heard, and they had understood the Message, but what they couldn't UNDERSTAND is why everyone couldn't do the same.  "Why do you speak to them in parables?"  JESUS replied "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given."


Over 2,000 years have passed and there are some Followers who still have a problem with understanding that it is only because it is ONLY because "it has been given" to us, not because we are worthy, but because of GOD's Grace!  "THIS IS WHY" we are called, set aside, to perform a Mission that we aren't worthy of fulfilling, solely for the Glory of GOD ALMIGHTY! Don't allow the enemy to fill your hearts and minds with any of his lies!  GOD's Glory is the only reason we remain on earth, "THIS IS WHY"!!!!

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

"I HAVE NOT COME TO BRING PEACE!"

Matthew 10:34-39                           (ESV)
"34 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. "I HAVE NOT COME TO BRING PEACE", but a sword.
35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
36 And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.
37 Whoever loves father or mother more than ME is not worthy of ME, and whoever loves son or daughter more than ME is not worthy of ME.
38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow ME is not worthy of ME.
39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for MY sake will find it."



In John 10:30 JESUS says "I and the FATHER are ONE"!  In 1 John 4:8 scripture points out that "Anyone who does not love does not know GOD, because GOD is love."  Then in 1 Corinthians 14:33 it is written "For GOD is not a GOD of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,".  And again in Ephesians 2:14 that "For HE HIMSELF is our peace, WHO has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility."?

So why did JESUS say in Matthew 10:34 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth."?  Why would JESUS (GOD IN THE FLESH) say that HE came to earth with a sword?  That is unless HE was expecting to be in a battle for the hearts and Spirits of we who Believed in HIM and HIS Kingdom?  After all, HE did say in John 18:36 while being questioned by Pilate, "JESUS answered, "MY kingdom is not of this world. If MY kingdom were of this world, MY servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But MY KINGDOM IS NOT FROM THE WORLD"!  

JESUS does bring peace, but you won't experience HIS peace trusting in worldly possessions, or from anything that the enemy is peddling!  True peace comes from trusting in HIM and HIS Kingdom, which is to come.  JESUS came to separate HIS children from "this world", to instruct us on how to HE DIFFERENT!  HE didn't come to earth to teach us on how to get along with the enemy, rather on how to OVERCOME the enemy!!


Don't let those who are for getting along with "this world" influence you on how to live your life!  JESUS CHRIST said "I HAVE NOT COME TO BRING PEACE"!  HE was crucified because HE would NOT follow the lead of "this world"!  Don't try to do the impossible!  JESUS said ""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...." (Matthew 6:24)!  You can choose to get along with the enemy, or you can choose PEACE!!!

Monday, July 17, 2017

"GET BEHIND ME, SATAN!"





Matthew 16:21-23                          (ESV)
"21 From that time JESUS began to show HIS disciples that HE must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.
22 And Peter took HIM aside and began to rebuke HIM, saying, "Far be it from YOU, LORD! This shall never happen to YOU."
23 But HE turned and said to Peter, "GET BEHIND ME, SATAN!" You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of GOD, but on the things of man." 



Many times it has been written about "recognize and identify the enemy" is one of the most crucial elements of winning a battle.  You stand a far better chance of defeating the enemy if you can "recognize and identify the enemy" before he is allowed to infiltrate your camp.  This word was is a commentary I was reading recently:

From Barnes' notes on the Bible

Get thee behind me, Satan - The word "Satan" literally means "an adversary," or one who opposes us in the accomplishment of our designs.

JESUS (GOD IN THE FLESH) never had problems "recognizing and identifying the enemy", and this time was no different.  HE  readily recognized that Peter was being used by the enemy to try and push his (devils) agenda in place of the Will of GOD being performed.  JESUS quite quickly told the enemy "GET BEHIND ME SATAN" because HE "KNEW" the Will of the FATHER!  After all, HE and the FATHER are ONE (John 10:30)!!!

In contrast to what JESUS did when HE encountered the enemy, most times we (mainly I) ostracize the person who has spoken the words instead of the enemy who is behind the words being spoken.  I'm quite certain that I have been used to interject my selfish desires into GOD's Plan and claim it was for HIM!  And GOD usually doesn't need any help from me completing HIS Plan!  Exodus 14:14 plainly states "The LORD will fight for you, and YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT." 


JESUS knew HE was headed to suffer and DIE, and rise again for the sins of all mankind, not to be an earthly potentate.  HE recognized that the enemy didn't want HIS Plan to be fulfilled, so he tried to interject his plan in it's place.  When we set our minds on the things of man, instead of the things of GOD, we are missing the mark!  We need to be able to "recognize and identify our enemy" and to tell him "GET BEHIND ME SATAN"!!!

Friday, July 14, 2017

"THIS WORLD!"

John 18:36                               (ESV)
"Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of "THIS WORLD". If MY kingdom were of "THIS WORLD", MY servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But MY kingdom is not from the world." 



If you are familiar with my writing, you no doubt have seen me often referring to "THIS WORLD", and I often have the words in quotation marks.  JESUS made it very clear that HE was not of "THIS WORLD" and HIS mission was to save as many who would call upon HIS Name would be saved.  Yet it seems we humans are so "busy" making "THIS WORLD" comfortable, as if we are going to live here forever!  

The comfortable accommodations of "THIS WORLD" will one day SOON be burned (2 Peter 3:10) to be remembered no more.  Then what will be done with the monies and treasures that have been stored up for the proverbial rainy day?  

Just because we are in "THIS WORLD" doesn't mean we should act as though we are OF "THIS WORLD"!  We are liken to aliens, those who don't have citizenship for the country they are living in.  We can build fancy homes and have all the luxuries that money can buy, but it won't do us any good at the Judgement!  When GOD ALMIGHTY declares "THIS WORLD" to be over, HE will make a New Heaven and a New Earth (Revelation 21:1) for we who have Believed on HIM!  


Yes, I'm kind of proud to be one who is NOT of "THIS WORLD", for the next world is where I am a citizen!  If you are a Believer, don't let the ruler of "THIS WORLD" blind you from the TRUTH!  If you aren't a Believer, I pray that your eyes will be opened to SEE that "THIS WORLD" is not what it seems!!!

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

"PUT HIM TO DEATH!"

Luke 22:1-6                                     (ESV)
"1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover.
2 And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to "PUT HIM TO DEATH", for they feared the people.
3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve.
4 He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray HIM to them.
5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money.
6 So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray HIM to them in the absence of a crowd."



When we get to Heaven and we TOTALLY understand (SEE) the events surrounding the betrayal, death, and resurrection of JESUS CHRIST, maybe then we will grasp the infinity of HIS LOVE for mankind. The underworld (satan) was seeking to eradicate HIM, chief priests and scribes (upper class of Jews) were seeking to put HIM to death, and even one of HIS trusted disciples became part of the plot to get rid of JESUS.  "This world" did not want to deal with "the next world" because they knew "the next world" would end their ruling over "this world"!

Before I understood how GOD divinely planned for the redemption of my soul, I used to say that I wouldn't have allowed JESUS to be scourged and murdered on the cross of Calvary.  But even HIS closest friends, those HE had spent the past three years with, couldn't "SEE" GOD's Plan unfolding right before their eyes!  All they could "SEE" was JESUS was heading for a tremendous amount of trouble, and they didn't want to risk being a part of "PUTTING HIM TO DEATH" or joining HIM!


John 20:29 tells us "JESUS said to him (Thomas), "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who HAVE NOT SEEN and YET HAVE BELIEVED."  We are a part of those who HAVE NOT SEEN!  However, just because we weren't present to help drive the nails that were used to mount JESUS on the cross, my sins and yours we what "PUT HIM TO DEATH"!  Don't be a part of the hierarchy of "the church" who boasts that we are not as bad as those sinners"!  It was the sins of ALL MANKIND that "PUT HIM TO DEATH", but only because of HIS LOVE!!!

Monday, July 10, 2017

"I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS!"

Matthew 28:18-20                      (ESV)
"18 And JESUS came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to ME.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER and of the SON and of the HOLY SPIRIT,
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, "I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS", to the end of the age."



Not long ago I saw someone displaying a sentence that said something like "we need to put JESUS back in the classroom"!    Well, who are we that we actually think we can expel JESUS CHRIST from anywhere HE wants to be?  Doesn't scripture say in Colossians 1:15-16 "HE is the image of the invisible GOD, the firstborn of all creation.  For by HIM all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through HIM and for HIM?"  Since HE is the image the invisible GOD, why doesn't HE just impose HIS will on us?

ALMIGHTY GOD, whether we agree with HIS decisions or not, allows us to CHOOSE to follow HIM, or not to follow HIM.  Now HE uses hardships and difficulties to "persuade" some (Saul/Paul in Acts 9 among many others), but we still have to CHOOSE to follow HIS leadership out of the darkness we are battling.  The children of Israel followed a "cloud" when exiting Egypt.  We have to follow the same GOD by allowing the HOLY SPIRIT to guide and direct our lives!  

1 Corinthians 3:16 says "Do you not know that you are GOD's temple and that GOD's SPIRIT dwells in you?"  We can't allow the lie to be promulgated that we have expelled GOD ALMIGHTY from any venue as long as HE is in the hearts of fellow Believers.  What we can do is to pray that HE embolden the hearts of us who serve HIM to reflect HIM for this dark world to SEE!


To say that we need to do something magnificent to display our love for our HEAVENLY FATHER sounds real good, but what we REALLY need to do is display that "I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS"!  Trying to make GOD more of what we think HE needs to be to suit a specific situation may not a part of HIS Plan.  Making sure that others can SEE that "I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS" is all I need to be concerned with!!!  

Sunday, July 9, 2017

"GOD IS ABLE!!!"

2 Corinthians 9:8
"And "GOD IS ABLE" to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."


Ten years is a long time when you are going jail!  However, ten years is not so long a period when the current average life expectancy in the United States is almost 79 years old.   Ten years ago this morning my brain developed a leak in the portion of my brain that I call the word recall area of my grey matter!  Although medical expertise continues to improve, in 2007 the fatality rate for a Brain Hemorrhage was around 80%!  When you consider just these numbers alone, it is easy to see why I don't subscribe to the "lucky" word being used to describe me.  I AM UNEQUIVOCALLY BLESSED!!!

You don't know how many times I have heard "GOD's not through with you yet", and don't I know those words ring loud and clear.  But when one looks back to the day when everything came to a screeching halt in my life, it seems like it was a really LONG time ago, yet it also seems like it was just a short time ago.  

To add to the equation, on April 11 of this year, quadruple bypass surgery was performed on me because of some blockages that were found during a heart cath.  Although the seriousness of the surgery is well known, my surgery and recovery was astounding.  Only four days post surgery I was dismissed from the hospital and three weeks later I was released by the heart surgeon.  And even though I would love to take credit for the rapid recovery, there are too many examples of people who didn't do so well to believe that I had anything to do with it.  


There are folks that say that if GOD still performed miracles like HE did when the children of Israel were leaving Egypt, or crossing the Red Sea, or maybe conquering Jericho.  Or if JESUS were still here on earth turning water into wine, or raising dead people to life, or feeding five thousand with only a few fish and a small portion of bread, that they might believe in HIM!  Well people, I'm living proof that miracles still happen!  There are miracles that have happened in your life too.  "GOD IS ABLE" to perform miracles today, the thing is, are we prepared to SEE them???  

Thursday, July 6, 2017

"EVEN THOUGH!"

Psalms 23:4-5                    (ESV)
"4 "EVEN THOUGH" I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for YOU are with me; YOUR rod and YOUR staff, they comfort me. 
5 YOU prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; YOU anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."


Dr. Charles Stanley says that when he was going through a difficult time in his life, he was questioning GOD about what his enemies were doing to him.  GOD then told him, "You've got to see it all as coming from ME"!  He said when he was able to do that, it "totally transformed" his life!  

So if GOD sees fit for me to go through the "valley of the shadow of death", who am I to complain?  HE gave HIS SON for me on Calvary and I should have no qualms about serving HIM while I am here on earth.  Often there are those who will complain about the path that GOD has placed them on.  As a matter of fact, there have been many times that I have cried out to GOD begging HIM for relief from my predicament, when in reality, I might should have requested enough strength and grace to get me through the difficulty. 

GOD doesn't choose us based on how much we have to offer HIM, nor how much money we can add to HIS coffers!  We are chosen because GOD's grace and HIS Plan for our lives.  The scripture above doesn't say IF BAD/SAD TIMES BEFALL US, it says "EVEN THOUGH" I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL, for YOU are with me; YOUR rod and YOUR staff, they comfort me".  Having FAITH that "EVEN THOUGH" there may be trials and tribulations in my future, GOD will always be there to guide and direct me in the way HE would have me go.  


As HE leads me through this life, I may have to experience more pitfalls than I would prefer.  But "EVEN THOUGH" HE leads me into a storm, I have the assurance that HE is still in control and HE hasn't seen a problem that befuddles HIM!  Thank YOU HEAVENLY FATHER for YOUR companionship when YOU are leading me, "EVEN THOUGH" at times we are walking in the dark!!!!

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

"SANCTIFIED IN THE TRUTH!"

John 17:15-19                   (ESV)
"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.
18 As you sent ME into the world, so I have sent them into the world.
19 And for their sake I CONSECRATE MYSELF, that they also may be "SANCTIFIED in TRUTH."




John 17 carries many TRUTHS that many of us will never fully grasp until we get to Heaven.  For instance, in verse 15 JESUS prays to HIS FATHER to "keep them (us) from the evil one".  But I frequently surrender to "the evil one" and have to return to my LORD begging for mercy and forgiveness.  Why can't I just simply do what I need to do to Glorify HIM before all mankind?  One of these days...........?!?

When you look up the word "sanctify" in the dictionary, one definition is "to make Holy; set apart as sacred; CONSECRATE".  But in verse 19 JESUS prays that HE has CONSECRATED HIMSELF "that they (us) also may be SANCTIFIED in TRUTH."  As previously stated, apparently I don't have the ability to live a pure life before a HOLY GOD!  But JESUS prayed to HIS FATHER that we would be "SANCTIFIED in the TRUTH"!  


The way I see my life is a total failure in my attempt to live HOLY.  But when JESUS' perfection is made as a "propitiation" (1 John 2:2) for my sins, I am made "SANCTIFIED in the TRUTH"!  In John 14:6 JESUS says "I am the Way, and the TRUTH, and the life. No one comes to the FATHER except through ME!"  With HIM being the TRUTH, JESUS first CONSECRATED HIMSELF so we could be "SANCTIFIED in the TRUTH", all for the Glory of GOD ALMIGHTY!!!  That is LOVE!!!

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Since today is Independence Day, I am choosing to post a copy of The Declaration of Independence written for all to see, but most notably the King of England on July 04, 1776.  As usual for me, I will capitalize all references to GOD ALMIGHTY, both direct and indirect.  

On a side note, the Congress of the United States of America might take notice that this Declaration of Independence was written by free people who were subjected to a ruler who refused to listen to those he was ruling!!!!


In Congress, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of NATURE's GOD entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their CREATOR with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

    *He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
    *He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
    *He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
    *He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
    *He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
    *He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
    *He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
    *He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
    *He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
    *He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
    *He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
    *He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
    *He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
    *For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
    *For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
    *For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
    *For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
    *For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
    *For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
    *For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
    *For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
    *For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
    *He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
    *He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
    *He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
    *He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
    *He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.


We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Monday, July 3, 2017

"YOUR FATHER WHO SEES!"

Matthew 6:1-4                          (ESV)
"1 "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order TO BE SEEN BY THEM, for then you will have no reward from your FATHER WHO is in Heaven.
2 "Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
4 so that your giving may be in secret. And "YOUR FATHER WHO SEES" in secret will reward you."



Most people have noticed that I most often capitalize words that identify GOD in any form.  Today, however, the word SEEN in verse one is capitalized merely to emphasize a word to not go unnoticed as we speed-read through this brief devotional.  

JESUS was speaking to HIS disciples and the "crowds" in what is known as the Sermon on the Mount.  HE had no sermon notes to draw from, yet HE nailed so many key things that we need to HEAR, even today.  The ministry of JESUS centered around GOD IS SPIRIT (John 4:24), and that "this world" was centered around itself!  We are to worship GOD ALMIGHTY in Spirit and Truth, but most of us try to worship HIM in flesh and material goods!  

Practicing our "righteousness" before men is tantamount to building a house that no one will ever live in or admire.  You can work to make it absolutely perfect, but when it comes time to show it off, a fire will consume it.  Your reward has already been consumed when you gave to be recognized, when you tried to do right for the wrong reasons!!


As I previously said, GOD IS SPIRIT and we who worship HIM must worship HIM in Spirit and Truth!  The things we accomplish Spiritually will be noted by THE SPIRIT OF GOD, WHO keeps flawless records.  "YOUR FATHER WHO SEES" is recording everything we do, and that is done to us, and HE will make sure it is justified in the end.  Don't try to settle w score on your own.  "YOUR FATHER WHO SEES" has it written down!!!

Sunday, July 2, 2017

"AT HOME WITH THE LORD!"

2 Corinthians 5:1-10                                (ESV)
"1 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from GOD, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling,
3 if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked.
4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened-not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
5 HE WHO has prepared us for this very thing is GOD, WHO has given us the SPIRIT as a guarantee.
6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body WE ARE AWAY FROM THE LORD,
7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.
8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and "AT HOME WITH THE LORD".
9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him HIM.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of CHRIST, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil."



Understanding that the scripture of this post is rather lengthy, I will do my best to keep the commentary brief.  There are several, SEVERAL friends who still grieve over loved ones who have are "AT HOME WITH THE LORD" and left us to remain in "this world"!  

I guess, for the most part, I did too.  That is until my mother exited from her earthly captivity into her glorious reward in February 2008.  My mom, sister and I had gone to see our family doctor on February 05, 2008 and he handed me a release to go back to work following the Brain Hemorrhage of July 2007.  Only seconds later he turned to my mother and said "Miss Alice, I don't have as good of news for you.  You have Stage Four Breast Cancer!"  Twenty-two days later she transitioned from her broken earthly body to her heavenly body, free from her earthly wear and tear, cancer, and all of the diseases that we all are susceptible to, into her heavenly body.  She was "AT HOME WITH THE LORD"!  


We ALL have a destination we are headed for.  The enemy wants us to focus on the here and now, not being concerned about eternity, whether it's in Heaven with our Savior, or in Hades with him.  He doesn't want us to think about being "AT HOME WITH THE LORD", for that is not an option for him!  So don't grieve over loved ones gone on before you.  Just glory in the fact that they aren't fighting the fight any longer, for they are now "AT HOME WITH THE LORD"!!!