“THE VEIL IS REMOVED!”

2 Corinthians 3:16-18                    (ESV)

“16 But when one turns to the LORD, “THE VEIL IS REMOVED”.

17 Now the LORD is the SPIRIT, and where the SPIRIT of the LORD is, there is freedom.

18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the LORD, are being transformed into the SAME IMAGE from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the LORD WHO is the SPIRIT.”

It is humbling, yet amazing, how GOD uses seemingly unconnected circumstances in our lives to “fit” into HIS Plan!   Last evening I prayed while going to sleep that GOD would place the Words HE needed me to write on my heart this morning so I could be used for HIS Glory.   Sure enough, this morning GOD gave me the opportunity to share that making sure our LIGHT shines is what we are ALL called to do for the Kingdom.  And I didn’t even realize that GOD was leading me to this scripture!  

This scripture begins with “But when one turns to the LORD”, leaving me to deduce that until one turns to the LORD the veil will remain over their eyes.  One can’t know where to go until “THE VEIL IS REMOVED” and they can SEE clearly.  We can allow sin to so cloud our vision that we can’t SEE the direction GOD is leading us in, and frustrations usually follow.  Being led by the SPIRIT of GOD brings PEACE, as stated in verse 17 “...where the SPIRIT of the LORD is, there is freedom.”  

Making sure “THE VEIL IS REMOVED” has to come from a continuous cleansing by the HOLY SPIRIT, convicting us of our faults and causing us to repent and be cleansed!  We are ALL dirty vessels that need to be cleaned daily.  Until we SEE our need to be cleansed, we may need to make certain “THE VEIL IS REMOVED”?!?!

“DO NOT BE DECEIVED!”

Galatians 6:6-8                             (KJV)

“6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.

7 “DO NOT BE DECEIVED”: GOD is not mocked, for whatever one SOWS, that will he also REAP.

8 For the one who SOWS to his own flesh will from the flesh REAP corruption, but the one who SOWS to the SPIRIT will from the SPIRIT REAP eternal life.”

Modern day Believers tend to pick and choose scriptures to stand on that bolster their beliefs whether the scripture is taken out of context or not.  I’m sure that sharing select scripture is something I have been guilty of in my dreadful past.  

Recently I saw an article that said GOD IS LOVE so HE can’t help but love us.  But what do you say about Proverbs 6:16-19 which begins with “There are six things that the LORD “hates”, seven that are an abomination to HIM:...”.   GOD SO LOVED (John 3:16) this world that HE gave HIS ONLY HOLY SON as a recompense for our souls.   But if we fail to surrender to HIS LORDSHIP over our lives GOD can’t SEE HIS SON’s sacrifice for our sins.  HE only SEES our sinful existence and HE hates sin!!!

Far too often we want to let our gardens grow up with weeds and unwanted things instead of taking the time and effort to weed and nurture our plants.  When we do that with our lives, we run the risk of trying to dress up our gardens with the weeds and unwanted growth in them.  On Judgement Day when ALL THINGS will be tested, we will be left with the things we have done in THE SPIRIT!  Everything else will be consumed by the fire of purification.  

Genesis 3:1 (KJV) says “Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD GOD had made”.  The word SUBTIL has also been translated SNEAKY, CRAFTY and DECEIVING!  The enemy wants to cause us to believe anything except what ALMIGHTY GOD has spoken.  Our sin WILL find us out (Numbers 3:23) and it MUST be paid for!  Thankfully JESUS offers THE ONLY redemption for our sins.  “DO NOT BE DECEIVED”, NOTHING else will suffice!  

“THE LORD SAID!”

Exodus 14:1-3                                 (ESV)

“1 Then “THE LORD SAID” to Moses,

2 "Tell the people of Israel to turn back and encamp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, in front of Baal-zephon; you shall encamp facing it, by the sea.

3 For Pharaoh will say of the people of Israel, 'They are wandering in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.'”

There are times when we ALL experience tremendous difficulty in our lives.   Whether it is the death of a loved one, or a personal illness, or any other circumstance that takes our focus away from ALMIGHTY GOD, we are human and we NEED a Savior!   

This morning I have had a song by the Gaither Vocal Band on my heart and mind.   “Sometimes it takes a Mountain” (https://youtu.be/xNT7EeF0NUA) is a reminder for me that those mountains are divinely places in our paths so GOD can receive glory from them.   

Do you think the Israelites just stumbled to the banks of the Red Sea while on their way to the Promised Land?  No, GOD sent them to the EXACT SPOT in the face of the earth where HE could be the only ONE WHO could get Glory from what was going to transpire!  GOD had a Plan for the Israelites and Pharaoh to bring HIM Glory by being used for HIS purpose.  The Israelites weren’t happy about it and Pharaoh wasn’t happy with the results, but GOD received Glory from it and that’s all that mattered!  

It is my desire to be used to bring GOD Glory with my life, even though it may bring me to the banks of my own Red Sea!    This world may think “They are wandering” in the wilderness, GOD may be setting me up to Glorify HIS NAME?  We cannot HEAR the Voice of GOD speaking to us if we aren’t listening for HIS direction.  LORD, cause me to be IN TUNE with YOU when “THE LORD SAID” HIS direction to me!!!

“THEY WHO WAIT!”

Isaiah 40:30-31                           (ESV)

“Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 

but “THEY WHO WAIT” for the LORD shall renew their strength;

    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary;

    they shall walk and not faint.”

From time to time I wake up in the middle of the night with a Bible verse on my mind.  Recently I did just that and was up in the wee hours of the morning writing what GOD was speaking to me.   I do this trying hard not to rely on my memory, as it is becoming more and more unreliable as I age.  Is this because I am getting old, or do you think I am FINALLY learning to listen when HE speaks and document what I’m being told?  

Waiting for the LORD has never been a strong suit of mine.  To be honest, if stubbornness and pig-headedness were positive traits, I would probably be a saint!  Finding myself barreling full speed ahead and doing what “I think” is best was how I lived most of my life, and it is how I developed this lifestyle that I am having a difficult time breaking free from.  The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 that he asked GOD to remove a “thorn in my flesh” three times, but GOD told him “MY grace is sufficient” for you.  

Do you think GOD is telling me that HIS grace will be sufficient for me until I learn how to be one of “THEY WHO WAIT”?  Do I pause hoping that ALMIGHTY GOD will deliver HIS Plan for me in a “fast-food drive through” time span?  Or is GOD patiently waiting for me to learn to become “THEY WHO WAIT” for HIS direction before I try to forge ahead?

“THEY WHO WAIT” are people who can see past what they want and SEE forward to that which GOD has Planned for their lives.  There is NO FEAR in waiting for THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE to deliver HIS Promise, only when we are operating on our own timeline!  

HEAVENLY FATHER, cause me to be one of YOUR chosen who have become “THEY WHO WAIT” and trust, not only in YOU, but in YOUR timing!!!

“HAPPY THANKSGIVING!”

1 Chronicles 16:34                          (ESV)

“Oh give THANKS to the LORD, for HE is good; for HIS steadfast love endures forever!”

As I sit in my recliner this morning, my wife has the television on watching a parade celebrating “Thanksgiving Day”?  It seems “this world” commercializes everything in effort to minimize the effect that GOD and HIS Goodness brings.

“Thanksgiving Day” was initially intended to give thanks to ALMIGHTY GOD for HIS providence and sustenance.  An Internet search of “original Thanksgiving celebration” brings this response....

“The English colonists we call Pilgrims celebrated days of thanksgiving as part of their religion. But these were days of prayer, not days of feasting. Our national holiday really stems from the feast held in the autumn of 1621 by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag to celebrate the colony's first successful harvest.”

Just for one day, perhaps we could eliminate most of the “noise” offered by the enemy and truly be THANKFUL to ALMIGHTY GOD for allowing us to be used by HIM today?  Maybe we can make these “days of prayer, not of feasting”?!?  Happy Thanksgiving doesn’t mean eat all you can.   A day where we GIVE THANKS should be all about GOD and HIS MERCIES.  

“LEAVE THAT HOUSE!”

Matthew 10:12–15                          (ESV)

“12 As you enter the house, greet it.

13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.

14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you ”LEAVE THAT HOUSE” or town.

15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.”

Several years ago while my family was on vacation in another town, we encountered an area of that town known for its sorcery and evilness.   I told the LORD (and my wife) that if HE got me out of this part of town, I would never come back!  And to this day I have never gone to that place again.  

In the passage of scripture above, JESUS is speaking to HIS disciples about “recognizing” when we are in circumstances where HIS Spirit isn’t welcome.  The “modern day” church has become so weak and ineffective that we don’t have any Power!  In an attempt to “not offend” we have become like watered down coffee that is cold with no flavor.   It isn’t worth drinking!  

Oswald Chambers reminds us that, "The words of the Lord hurt and offend until there is nothing left to hurt and offend."  We have to realize that it isn’t always us who is offensive, but the SPIRIT of JESUS CHRIST WHO lives inside of us!  No matter what sin it is, the one’s who are in that sin WILL BE OFFENDED if we present the GOSPEL to them.  

We can be exposed to the sin, but scripture says that we must “LEAVE THAT HOUSE” once we have identified the sin.  Over exposure to a disobedient spirit can cause “weeds” to grow in our garden of life.   When we SEE growth that isn’t originating from ABOVE, we need to remove that growth from our lives and “LEAVE THAT HOUSE”!!!

“THEY REMEMBERED HIS WORDS!”

Like 24:1-8                                      (GNV)

“Now the first day of the week early in the morning, they came unto the sepulcher, and brought the odors which they had prepared, and certain women with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher, And went in, but found not the body of the LORD JESUS. And it came to pass, that as they were amazed thereat, behold, two men suddenly stood by them in shining vestures. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said to them, Why seek ye HIM that liveth, among the dead? HE is not here, but is risen: remember how HE SPAKE UNTO YOU, when HE was yet in Galilee, Saying, that the SON of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And “THEY REMEMBERED HIS WORDS”!

Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt, these women had witnessed JESUS CHRIST be crucified only days before and NO ONE had ever survived that punishment.  They brought with them ointments and oils that were known for burial procedures, but they weren’t able to do what they were prepared to do.  JESUS had been resurrected by GOD THE FATHER just as HE said HE would but they were having a difficult time remembering what HE said. 

Don’t we do the same thing in our lives?  We get caught up in the circumstances of life and fail to remember GOD’s Promise to us about how HE will come through for us.   Then the HOLY SPIRIT kindly reminds us that the GOD of CREATION HAS SPOKEN and HE never fails to keep a promise!  Sometimes HE has to use circumstances to improve our FAITH, but HE only does that for HIS Glory and our benefit.  

These followers of JESUS CHRIST weren’t “blessed” with a formal education with which to cloud their minds.  When it was ordained by GOD, “THEY REMEMBERED HIS WORDS” and KNEW HE had risen from the dead!  Anything HE does in our lives will NEVER rise to the level of defeating the enemy and the grave!  So why do we doubt ANYTHING HE has promised?  All it should take is “THEY REMEMBERED HIS WORDS” and the enemy AND hIs DOUBTS will flee!!!

“PROVE YOURSELVES!”

James 1:19-25                                 (NASB)

““This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of GOD. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the Word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But “PROVE YOURSELVES” doers of the Word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.”

When a baby is born most of them hear adequately.   As we mature we develop an ability to better understand what is being said to us and are better able to satisfy what is being requested of us.  Likewise, just because we can HEAR Spiritually the Word doesn’t mean we are doers of the Word.  As we Spiritually mature we are able to HEAR more clearly what GOD may be saying to us,and we are expected to obey!  

There are some of us who are Spiritually malnourished and underdeveloped as Believers.  James (believed to be the half-brother of JESUS) wrote that we should “PROVE YOURSELVES” as doers of the Word, not merely hearers!  When JESUS came into my heart HE began to make radical changes for the glory of GOD!  While it is true that I am ashamed of my actions since, HIS Blood forgives me and I “press on toward the goal” (Philippians 3:14) of living for HIM!  My goal is to live the remainder of my earthly life as a servant of HIS and a defender of the FAITH!  

Heavenly Father,  my prayer is that my heart will be changed by the Word being engrafted into my life and I will continually strive to be more like YOU everyday.  Cause me to “put aside” anything and everything that separates me from YOUR love and to “PROVE YOURSELVES” worthy of being chosen by YOU!!!

“THEIR EYES WERE OPENED!”

Luke 24:13-32                                (ESV)

“13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem,

14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened.

15 While they were talking and discussing together, JESUS HIMSELF drew near and went with them.

16 BUT THEIR EYES WERE KEPT FROM RECOGNIZING HIM.

17 And HE said to them, "What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad.

18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered HIM, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem WHO does not know the things that have happened there in these days?"

19 And HE said to them, "What things?" And they said to HIM, "Concerning JESUS of Nazareth, a MAN who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before GOD and all the people,

20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him.

21 But we had hoped that HE was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.

22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning,

23 and when they did not find HIS body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that HE was alive.

24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but HIM they did not see."

25 And HE said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!

26 Was it not necessary that the CHRIST should suffer these things and enter into HIS glory?"

27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, HE interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning HIMSELF.

28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. HE acted as if HE were going farther,

29 but they urged HIM strongly, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So HE went in to stay with them.

30 When HE was at table with them, HE took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them.

31 And “THEIR EYES WERE OPENED”, and they recognized HIM. And HE vanished from their sight.

32 They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while HE talked to us on the road, while HE opened to us the Scriptures?"

How many times do I set something in my vision AND CLAIM IT IS FROM GOD only to have the ALMIGHTY reveal to me later on my misconception of what HE was trying to get me to understand?  We mustn’t be so convinced that what we SEE or HEAR is from GOD, because we may have gotten HIS method or timing off just a little!  GOD didn’t mess up HIS Plan, but we surely may have experienced faulty vision or hearing!  

These followers of JESUS had been told what to expect in the future by THE LORD, but their mind couldn’t imagine that JESUS would have to SUFFER and DIE for the sins of ALL mankind.  Scripture says their EYES were even KEPT from recognizing JESUS, a man they had previously spent numerous hours with before.   Surely JESUS could have selected Peter or someone more notable than “Cleopas” and his friend.  

Could it be that ALMIGHTY GOD knew that many of us in years to come would need to HEAR how JESUS, in HIS resurrected form, would spend time with a “Cleopas” to clarify with him that HE is/was the CHRIST and get a better understanding of what HIS Words that were said before HIS crucifixion really meant?  “Cleopas” and his friend were thoroughly confused, until “THEIR EYES WERE OPENED” to THE TRUTH!   

Don’t be surprised when something comes to be different than what you thought it might!  GOD has a way of doing things that completely make NO SENSE to “this world” to prove that HE is not limited by “this world”!  Only when “THEIR EYES WERE OPENED” were “Cleopas” and his friend able to SEE WHO JESUS was.   When “THEIR EYES WERE OPENED” we will SEE what lies in front of us, for HIS GLORY!!!

“GOD SO LOVED!”

John 3:16                                        (KJV)

“For GOD SO LOVED the world, that HE GAVE HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

We all think we know what LOVE is.  I didn’t think the love I have for my wife could be more than I had for her when we were married.  But I now see that love was minuscule in comparison to the love I have for her today.  Then came my children and I couldn’t imagine my heart being more full!  Even though disappointment with their actions sometimes caused grief, my love for them continues to mature.  Now I am experiencing grandchildren and the love I now experience is unimaginable!  Great-grandchildren, should I be so blessed, will be.........well, GREAT!!

JESUS even says in scripture in John 15:13 “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Would I lay down my life for my wife?  Or my children?  Do we even have to ask about my grandchildren?  Of course I would gladly lay down my life, in a heartbeat, for any of my offspring, and certainly for the one GOD gave me to love, honor and protect.  My life doesn’t seem like much of a price for any of the ones I love! 

But why would ALMIGHTY GOD sacrifice HIS only begotten SON for someone as selfish, egotistical, vile and corrupt as I am?  For certain, I don’t acknowledge HIM like I should, although I have been where few others have been, medically speaking.  But weren’t we ALL lost with NO HOPE before being called into HIS MARVELOUS LIGHT (1 Peter 2:9)?  Why would a HOLY GOD sacrifice a HIS only PERFECT SON for someone as despicable as me?  

John 3:16 begins with “GOD SO LOVED”!  HIS LOVE is something we can’t imagine nor describe. We can’t draw a picture of something so immense and inclusive.  My prayer is, that as I mature Spiritually, that the love I exhibit will look more like the “GOD SO LOVED” kind and HE will be honored and Glorified in my actions.  We are instructed to “die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31) and allow HIS reflection to shine through our lives.  Why? So we can display that “GOD SO LOVED” and HE can use our lives to draw others to HIM!!!

“WHEN YOU MEET!”

James 1:2-4                                    (ESV)

“2 Count it all joy, my brothers, “WHEN YOU MEET” trials of various kinds,

3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Today is Veterans Day in America, commemorating the end of “the war to end all wars”!  Actually, “Armistice Day” was First celebrated on the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918 remembering the cessation of hostilities of World War I.  Most Americans are interested in celebrating anything that gets us another day off from work, especially a paid day off from work.  

However, how many of us remember the time when we surrendered our lives to JESUS as our LORD and SAVIOR.  The disciples had their “Armistice Day” documented as they all left their “way of life” to follow a path laid out for them by JESUS.  All but one of the disciples succumbed to a martyrs death as following JESUS is not a life of comfort and ease.  

Most of us have been taught since we were young that “hard work will pay off” some day.  But do we ever see anyone going around looking for “trials and tribulations” at the end of their earthly journey?  Scripture is rather plain that trials and heartaches will plague us until we complete our earthly journey.  

The passage of scripture above says “Count it all joy, my brothers, “WHEN YOU MEET” trials, not IF YOU MEET them!!!  We  “BROTHERS” are going to experience trials so that GOD can be glorified in our lives.  We should expect, maybe even relish in the fact, that we are BROTHERS and are considered worthy “WHEN YOU MEET” trials so GOD can be exalted in our lives.   After all, it’s all about HIM receiving Glory, not us being exalted, isn’t it???  

“LET YOUR WORDS BE FEW!”

Ecclesiastes 5:2                        (ESV)

“Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before GOD, for GOD is in Heaven and you are on earth. THEREFORE “LET YOUR WORDS BE FEW!””

Regrettably there are a number of people who have yet to have some things revealed to them.   Only GOD can change a heart, but some people need to understand that their heart needs changing by THE CREATOR!  

The most prevalent manner in which GOD speaks to us is through HIS Word, not through our mouths!  There are some “ministers” who act as though they are the only mouthpiece for GOD, even though HE spoke through a donkey in Numbers 22:21-39.  When difficult times arise, like we are PROMISED they will, we are not instructed to go to “the preacher” for an answer from GOD.   JESUS HIMSELF tells us in Matthew 6:5-15 “......go into your room and shut the door and pray to your FATHER.......”!  

The pace of “this world” dictates a swift, concise response to most calamities.  But GOD doesn’t operate on “this worlds” timetable.  We are called to be Holy (set apart) to/from “this world”.   Since we are called to be different from most people, we will be ridiculed for our way of doing things, IF we obey HIS Word!  

Pleasing GOD will not endear us to those who are opposed to HIM.  When we “LET YOUR WORDS BE FEW” it might be categorically opposite of what they are looking for.  But that may be the only way they will be able to hear from GOD ALMIGHTY!  They will HAVE to listen to HIM, If we “LET YOUR WORDS BE FEW!””

“WHO HEARS!”

Matthew 7:24-25                           (ESV)

“24 "Everyone then “WHO HEARS” these WORDS OF MINE and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”

There is a lot of talk about a song performed by Carrie Underwood’s last night entitled “Softly and Tenderly”.   No, I didn’t watch it for I hardly watch television, but Carrie Underwood’s rendition of “How Great Thou Art” with Vince Gill in the guitar a few years ago was something to remember.  There is little doubt in my mind that the song last night was also memorable.  

Isn’t it amazing how some people listen to a recording artist with expectations of hearing a song performed that will be remembered for a long time, but when we are searching for answers to questions in our lives we want to figure it out on our own?  Not everyone “WHO HEARS” can hear the voice of GOD.   JESUS said in the scripture above that everyone “WHO HEARS”, leaving me to understand that some people can’t hear because their ears aren’t tuned into the things of GOD.   

 In Matthew 13:13-16 JESUS says that some people can hear HIM talking, but they don’t understand what HE is saying.  There are MANY other verses that speak about listening to ALMIGHTY GOD, but perhaps one of the best is Jeremiah 17:23 which states “Yet they DID NOT LISTEN or “incline” their ear, but stiffened their neck, that they might not hear and receive instruction.”  

We are directed not only to LISTEN to GOD, but to “incline” our ears to obey HIM!   Having an “inclination” to do something usually means we are leaning towards doing it.   So why do I have an “inclination” to do that which I “don’t want to do”?  The Apostle Paul writes 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”!   The answer to his dilemma is in verses 24 & 25 of the same chapter where he identifies JESUS CHRIST as the only solution to his problem!

Being one of the Chosen “WHO HEARS” GOD doesn’t mean that is all we are required to do.   We must not only HEAR, but DO what we are told to DO.  When the rains fall, and the floods come, and the winds blow, we must rest assured that we are part of the group “WHO HEARS” our LORD leading and guiding us to HIS reward!!!

“GROW!”

2 Peter 3:17-18                               (ESV)

“17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are NOT CARRIED AWAY with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.

18 But “GROW” in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. To HIM be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”

My grandfather forgot more about “GROW”ing things than most people (myself included) will ever know, mainly because he had plenty of practice at his craft!  He began helping in the family garden long before he ever went to school (around 1916) and finished gardening in his late 80’s (1997).  Passing on his knowledge was not one of his greatest gifts, so what little I learned was from distant admiration and respect.   

To be able to “GROW” in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST takes a dogged determination, probably similar to my grandfathers gardening.   He gardened during the Great Depression when his very  survival was dependent upon his ability to raise crops.  There can be times when we have no hope but to trust in a Holy GOD to provide our needs.   At least for me, the path isn’t that far away, but I can’t SEE it because my eyes are may have “scales” over them, like the Apostle Paul did in Acts 9:18.  It’s not as if we don’t want to SEE, but ALMIGHTY GOD may not be ready for us to have the answers to our needs just yet because we aren’t ready yet?  

“GROW”ing to where we can be used for HIS Glory can be one of the most uncomfortable experiences you (or I) will ever go through.  To adequately “GROW” all weeds have to be pulled and proper fertilizer has to be apply.   Similarly, we almost continuously have to confess our sinful ways and stay in HIS WORD to fertilize our “GROW”th.  

Only GOD will be able to judge how much we “GROW”.   My grandfather has been receiving his eternal reward since May 2000, but his ability to “GROW” things continues to foster his legacy.   Will my legacy be to “GROW” anything?  We have to be careful to be NOT CARRIED AWAY by false teachings from “the enemy”!  True seeds are found in HIS WORD and we need to make sure we “GROW” those seeds!!!

“TOO MANY!”

Judges 7:2-7                                  (ESV)

“2 The LORD said to Gideon, "The people with you are “TOO MANY” for ME to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over ME, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.'

3 Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, 'Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.'" Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained.

4 And the LORD said to Gideon, "The people are still “TOO MANY”. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there, and anyone of whom I say to you, 'This one shall go with you,' shall go with you, and anyone of whom I say to you, 'This one shall not go with you,' shall not go."

5 So he brought the people down to the water. And the LORD said to Gideon, "Every one who laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set by himself. Likewise, every one who kneels down to drink."

6 And the number of those who lapped, putting their hands to their mouths, was 300 men, but all the rest of the people knelt down to drink water.

7 And the LORD said to Gideon, "With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home."”

ALMIGHTY GOD didn’t need thousands of men to fight for HIM with Gideon.  HE still doesn’t need a majority to accomplish HIS Plan today!  GOD only requires HIS chosen to have FAITH and trust HIS Word.  HE will do the work!   Exodus 14:14 says “The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." 

We attempt to load up our army with “TOO MANY” people who aren’t qualified to be warriors when GOD only needs a few to be unquestionably committed to HIS cause.  GOD’s Promise was “I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand”!  Don’t try to “help” GOD, just “be silent” and let HIM do HIS thing!!!

“WISDOM!”

Proverbs 2:1-5                                (ESV)

“1 MY son, if you receive MY words and treasure up MY commandments with you, 

2 MAKING YOUR EAR attentive to “WISDOM” and INCLINING YOUR HEART to understanding; 

3 yes, if you CALL OUT for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 

4 if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, 

5 then you will UNDERSTAND the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of GOD.”

It seems we are bombarded with other people’s opinions and points of view!  Take television for example, they make a lot of money instructing others about what they should be doing according to this or that so-called “expert”, when in reality THE HOLY BIBLE is the only TRUTH people should be concerned with.  “This world” loves to tell us what everyone else has to say about anything under the sun, but they don’t want to KNOW what ALMIGHTY GOD has to say about how we should live out the life that we have been given by HIM?!?

It has taken me most of my life to come to the realization that I don’t have the answers to the many questions that mankind faces.  Why should we look to the world for answers to questions that arise when ALMIGHTY GOD grants wisdom to those who are humble enough to ask it of HIM (James 1:5).  We cannot just ASK from GOD and expect to be granted “WISDOM” by some great genie in the sky.  Our HEARTS must be INCLINED to hear from HIM and our EARS must be in tune with HIM or we will be working with no attainable goals.  Without having direction from the HOLY SPIRIT we are liken to a rudderless ship with no ability to reach a harbour safely.  

“WISDOM” from our MAKER is the only guidance that will lead us to our desired destiny.  The wisdom of “this world” will make sense to those who operate on “this world’s” principles.  HEAVENLY FATHER, cause me to SEEK YOU and YOUR “WISDOM” in all I do and leave the results to YOU!!!