“THEY ARE FOLLY TO HIM!”

1 Corinthians 2:14                         (ESV)

“The natural person does not accept the things of the SPIRIT of GOD, for “THEY ARE FOLLY TO HIM”, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”

“This world” does not have the ability to SEE the Spiritual problems they are facing.  They can’t because the problems are not Spiritual, The problems are natural.  Looking for a Natural answer to a Spiritual problem will NEVER work!  Knowing that they can’t SEE problems makes it a little easier to understand their dilemma, but still an incurable situation.  

“THEY ARE FOLLY TO HIM” is not just a catchy phrase.  One definition of the word FOLLY is “a costly and foolish undertaking; unwise investment or expenditure”.  Living in the SPIRIT can bring PEACE, but trying to explain “THEY ARE FOLLY TO HIM” can be a challenging, if not totally frustrating thing.  

But the things of “this world” make just as little sense to we OF THE SPIRIT!  1 Corinthians 3:19 says “For the wisdom of this world is “folly” with GOD. For it is written, "HE catches the wise in their craftiness.”  Once again, the word “folly” is used to illiterate how those who are Believers can’t operate on the same thought patterns as non-believers.  It’s not that we are better than they are, or lives less sinful lives, we just have our sins forgiven by the blood of JESUS!

Jeremiah 17:9 says “The heart (of man) is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it”?  When man was created, GOD said he was “good” (Genesis 3:1).  But we became sinful with the fall of Adam and Eve and we inherited the the traits of sin from our ancestors.  It’s just who we are.  UNLESS we are “born again” (John 3:3). Don’t allow the enemy to deceive you into believing that we are ALL going to be saved from GOD’s Wrath!  JESUS paid a price on Calvary about 2,000 years ago TODAY so that some will be redeemed.  However, for some, “THEY ARE FOLLY TO HIM” will be the saddest thing they have ever heard!!!

“HE CALLED HIS DISCIPLES!”

Luke 6:12-16                                 (ESV)

“12 In these days HE (JESUS) went out to the mountain to pray, and all night HE continued in prayer to GOD.

13 And when day came, “HE CALLED HIS DISCIPLES” and chose from them twelve, whom HE named apostles:

14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew,

15 and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot,

16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.”  

There are some things that we cannot KNOW, we just have to accept by FAITH!  What JESUS was praying to GOD regarding in Luke 6:12 isn’t recorded, but almost immediately afterwards “HE CALLED HIS DISCIPLES”!  Everyone of them had a Purpose in being “CALLED”, from Peter to Judas Iscariot.  Peter, whose faith JESUS said HE would build HIS church on, even denied even knowing JESUS when HE was queried.   Judas Iscariot allowed “the Jews” to sway him with “money” to become a traitor to JESUS.  

This thing remains, “HE CALLED HIS DISCIPLES”, even with their deficiencies and shortcomings.  HE still CALLS people who are imperfect and “the lowest”!  I know, because HE CHOSE ME!!!

“THE THINGS OF GOD!”

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." 

Did you ever think that there always seems to be a catastrophe to keep the “news media” and their minions in a frenzy instead of just being still and knowing that HE is GOD???  Of course, the enemy is behind this, but someone is allowing themselves to be used by him.  

Peter was known to be one of the most zealous supporters of JESUS.  When JESUS told HIS disciples that HE was going to be killed, and on the third day risen from the dead, Peter “rebuked” HIM.  Peter had the audacity to tell GOD IN THE FLESH that HE didn’t know what HE was talking about!  Obviously Peter didn’t know what “he was talking about”, as GOD”s Redemption Plan for mankind REQUIRED a Perfect Sacrifice, and the only Qualifying Candidate was JESUS!!!

The enemy was/is more deceitful “than any other beast of the field that the LORD GOD had made.” (Genesis 3:1).  Peter was I match for his lies.  We Believers have been blessed to have the HOLY SPIRIT living inside of us, and we STILL DON’T recognize satan when he shows his ugliness in our midst!  But I’m convinced that we don’t recognize satan quickly because we don’t have a close enough relationship with his rival, JESUS CHRIST!  And we don’t get closer to JESUS by watching television or playing with our electronic devices!  

When we set our minds on “THE THINGS OF GOD”, our Spirit knows when something doesn’t bear witness with us.  Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not as close to HIM as I need to be.  But I pray that I am used to identify the enemy when he is opposing “THE THINGS OF GOD”, and I will expose him to all!!!

“THE LORD WOULD SPEAK TO MOSES!”

Exodus 33:9-11                            (ESV)

“9 When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and “THE LORD WOULD SPEAK WITH MOSES”.

10 And when all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise up and worship, each at his tent door.

11 Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent.”

Recently I observed a meme about the amount of hours a leader of Boy Scouts had to invest in order to be a successful Scout Leader.  The total time and monetary outlay required was astounding!    

Then I saw another meme the same day that started me thinking?  

How much daily time is required to validate the statement that I “really” LOVE the LORD?  The completed work of CHRIST allows us to “commune” with the CREATOR at any time we choose!!  Yet we can’t find the time to talk even with GOD, presumably because we are “too busy”?!?   

Can you imagine getting to Heaven and telling GOD that we knew HE existed, and that HE paid the price of giving HIS only SON to permit me to enter the Holy of Holies, but I “didn’t have time” to recognize HIM in prayer, or read HIS LOVE letter to me no more than I do???  Folks, Colossians 1:15-20 says that JESUS was the ONE WHO spoke these worlds into existence!  How can we expect to have others believe we acknowledge HIM as CREATOR and ignore HIM in our daily lives??

James 2:19 says “You believe that GOD is ONE; you do well. Even the demons believe-and shudder!”  The King James Version uses the word “tremble” in its translation.   The days when HE shall return to gather HIS bride continues to draw nearer, and we don’t seem to be overly concerned?  

“THE LORD WOULD SPEAK WITH MOSES” is a result of Moses entering the tent (Temple) and intently listening for/to the SPIRIT OF GOD!  HE still speaks, but for the majority of my life I was moving so rapidly that I couldn’t hear HIM, even if I wanted to.  The Boy Scout leader knew he had to sacrifice time and effort to make a difference in the lives of children. Nowadays we are too busy with our phones and tablets to spend time with ALMIGHTY GOD!  Would you be listening today if “THE LORD WOULD SPEAK TO MOSES”???  HE might be speaking to you???

“THE LORD NEEDS THEM!”

Matthew 21:1-11                           (ESV)

“1 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then JESUS sent two disciples,

2 saying to them, "Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me.

3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, '”THE LORD NEEDS THEM””,' and he will send them at once."

4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,

5 "Say to the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.'" 

6 The disciples went and did as JESUS had directed them.

7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them.

8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, "HOSANNA to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! HOSANNA in the highest!"

10 And when HE entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, "Who is this?"

11 And the crowds said, "This is the prophet JESUS, from Nazareth of Galilee."

Palm Sunday wasn’t just another day in History.   It was the beginning of the most Holy Week of the year for GOD’s chosen people, and indeed the entire world!  JESUS began HIS journey by sending two disciples into the village near them to get a donkey and her colt.   Why, “THE LORD NEEDS THEM” was the response they were given to report to anyone who asked.  

Formerly, I was angry with Peter and the rest of the disciples for abandoning my LORD when HE needed them most.  But then the “scales were removed from my eyes” and I understood that JESUS was fulfilling GOD’s Plan for mankind just so I could be redeemed by HIS precious blood.     Not one person, even HIS mother, was able to defend JESUS as HE was paying the debt that I was unable to pay.  GOD had a Plan and it took JESUS to complete HIS Plan.  

Scripture doesn’t indicate what happened to the donkey and colt after JESUS was delivered.  The disciples were told to respond “THE LORD NEEDS THEM” and after doing their job, the animals were left in anonymity.  Similar to the donkey and colt, we are CREATED to glorify GOD, AND NOT OURSELVES!  We can’t be so caught up in the “ministries” we are involved with that we fail to recognize WHO it is we are worshiping?  Sometimes we claim to be doing HIS work, and we fail to even recognize HE WHO is sovereign over ALL!

Colossians 1:15-20 says that JESUS Created ALL THINGS and HE could have made us to Praise and adore HIM by default.   But Hebrews 11:6 lets us know that WITHOUT FAITH IN HIM we can’t please HIM!  The only way that we can please HIM is to recognize that “THE LORD NEEDS THEM” to trust in HIM!!!

“BE GONE!”

Matthew 4:8-11                            (ESV)

“8 Again, the devil took HIM to a very high mountain and showed HIM all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.

9 And he (the devil) said to HIM, "All these I will give YOU, if you will fall down and worship me."

10 Then JESUS said to him, “"BE GONE”, Satan! For it is written, "'You shall worship the LORD your GOD and HIM only shall you SERVE.'" 

11 Then the devil left HIM, and behold, angels came and were ministering to HIM.”

When we SERVE THE LORD, satan has to flee!  My problem is I listen to “the enemy” far too often and allow his deceit blind my vision.  JESUS would not allow “the enemy” any traction when he was trying to deceive HIM.  GOD IN FLESH is HOLY and even though GOD IS LOVE, HE hates sin!  Satan IS lies and deception (John 8:44) and he is unable to speak TRUTH!

Although I am a blood bought Believer who has a desire to live for HIM, I seemingly am constantly crying out for forgiveness because of my weaknesses!  But just as the Apostle Paul in Romans 7:13-25, I am have to claim the blood and righteousness of CHRIST, because my righteousness is but “filthy rags” to a HOLY GOD!  

All I can do is rely on what JESUS CHRIST has done for me!  Without HIS sacrifice, I have no weapon against “the enemy”!  But through CHRIST, I am able to say “BE GONE” devil, and he has to flee!  

“I AM HE!”

Isaiah 43:18-25                            (ESV)

“19 Behold, I AM DOING A NEW THING; now it springs forth, do YOU NOT PERCEIVE IT? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 

20 The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to MY chosen people, 

21 the people whom I formed for MYSELF that they might declare MY praise. 

22 "YET YOU DID NOT CALL UPON ME, O Jacob; but you have been weary of ME, O Israel! 

23 You have not brought ME your sheep for burnt offerings, or honored ME with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with offerings, or wearied you with frankincense. 

24 You have not bought ME sweet cane with money, or satisfied ME with the fat of YOUR sacrifices. But you have burdened ME with your sins; you have wearied ME with your iniquities. 

25 "I, “I AM HE” WHO blots out your transgressions for MY own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”

In the New Testament in Hebrews 11:6 Scripture says “And WITHOUT FAITH it is impossible to please HIM, for whoever would draw near to GOD must believe that HE exists and that HE rewards those who seek HIM.”  Way back in Isaiah 43, ALMIGHTY GOD was instructing we who follow HIM to call upon the name of the LORD for our sustenance.   However, it seems to be our “nature” to try and accomplish everything on our own and NOT depend on HIM?  Why do we try and improve on what our CREATOR has planned for us when HIS Plan is the only way for us to experience PEACE?

If we believe that “HE (the CREATOR of the Universe) exists and rewards those who seek HIM”, then why do we even desire to exceed HIS Plan?  Israel of old didn’t learn that lesson, and apparently I haven’t for the biggest portion of my life.  GOD promises HE will “make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert”, but I want to build things with my own hands and say what great and mighty things I have done for the Kingdom!  “YET YOU DID NOT CALL UPON ME, O Jacob” should not be what GOD says about me, but do I trust in HIM TOTALLY???

My entire life should be a testimony of “I AM HE” WHO has brought you through the trials, but I seem to get my bearings out of sorts at times!  FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to develop a dependency on YOU for everything I want AND NEED during my service to YOU!  Trusting in “I AM HE” should become “natural” to me, even though YOU ARE SPIRIT!  Help me become a vessel that SEES the Spirit as my nature and BELIEVING in “I AM HE”!!!

“YOU HAVE SEEN!”

Deuteronomy 29:2-4                   (ESV)

“2 And Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: "YOU HAVE SEEN” all that the LORD did before your eyes in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land,

3 the great trials that your eyes saw, the signs, and those great wonders.

4 But to this day the LORD has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear.”

There are those who never SEE the miracles performed in their lives daily.  They are unaware that they drive down streets with vehicles opposing them at a presumably equal speed and a broken steering mechanism could cause instantaneous death!  Or something as basic inhaling and exhaling can cease at anytime without their knowledge or approval.   Someone or something has to be “in control” of holding things “together” (Colossians 1:17) or everything would be without order?  

The children of Israel had been delivered from the Egyptians and Pharaoh some 40 years earlier, but they had obviously forgotten their miraculous exit?  They were being reminded by GOD ALMIGHTY where HE delivered them from and where they would be without HIS guidance.  But they couldn’t SEE the Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:24) transpiring around them because GOD had not revealed that to them.  Why hadn’t HE???

Hebrews 11:6 says “....without FAITH, it IMPOSSIBLE to please HIM....”!  GOD wants us to TRUST HIM for everything!  If HE revealed HIMSELF “fully” to us, I’m sure we would be so in awe of HIS Majesty and Omnipresence that we would probably sit around HIS throne constantly saying “WORTHY IS THE LAMB” (Revelations 5)!  Of course, by then HIS Glory will be fully revealed to all and there will be no question HE IS GOD!!!

How many miraculous signs can we say “YOU HAVE SEEN”, but like the children of Israel, we have allowed their luster to fade?   There are some of us who are still overwhelmed by HIS Work in our lives and can’t express our gratitude enough.   Our memories may not recollect every precise detail, but we are almost constantly reminded that “YOU HAVE SEEN” the Hand of GOD and have to give HIM Glory constantly!!!

“THE SUFFERING SERVANT!”

There are times when I am LED to write a devotional, but The SPIRIT will stop me from sharing it.  So it has been the past few days.  The Word is still speaking to me, but I cannot find the exact words to say what HE is laid upon my heart?  

This morning while perusing Scripture I was caused to read Isaiah 53:7.  Our Savior was “oppressed” and “led to the slaughter”, but HE didn’t say one word!  Probably, I would have been screaming my innocence for the entire world to hear?   Yet JESUS, led by the SPIRIT OF GOD, remained SILENT for my sake!  

Perhaps GOD is trying to teach me that HE sometimes REQUIRES us, like HE did JESUS, to be SILENT and let HIM be GOD???  

The Suffering Servant 

Isaiah 53                                 (ESV)

“1 Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 

2 For HE grew up before HIM like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; HE had no form or majesty that we should look at HIM, and no beauty that we should desire HIM. 

3 HE was despised and rejected by men, a MAN of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as ONE from whom men hide their faces HE was despised, and we esteemed HIM not. 

4 Surely HE has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed HIM stricken, smitten by GOD, and afflicted. 

5 But HE was pierced for our transgressions; HE was crushed for our iniquities; upon HIM was the chastisement THAT BROUGHT US PEACE, and with HIS wounds we are healed. 

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned-every one-to his own way; and the LORD has laid on HIM the iniquity of us all. 

7 HE was oppressed, and HE was afflicted, yet he opened not HIS mouth; like a lamb that is LED TO THE SLAUGHTER, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, SO HE OPENED NOT HIS MOUTH!

8 By oppression and judgment HE was taken away; and as for HIS generation, who considered that HE was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? 

9 And they made HIS grave with the wicked and with a rich man in HIS death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. 

10 Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush HIM; HE has put HIM to grief; when HIS soul makes an offering for guilt, HE shall see HIS offspring; HE shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in HIS hand. 

11 Out of the anguish of HIS soul he shall see and be satisfied; by HIS knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and HE shall bear their iniquities. 

12 Therefore I will divide HIM a portion with the many, and HE shall divide the spoil with the strong, because HE poured out HIS soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet HE bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.”

“The TRUTH!”

Briefly this morning.......

As I mature Spiritually, I find myself more and more intolerant of views of “this world” as opposed to hearing TRUTH!  John 8:31-32 “So JESUS said to the Jews who had believed HIM, "If you abide in MY Word, you are truly MY disciples, and you will know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE."  Anything less than the TRUTH simply doesn’t satisfy!!!

“DENY HIMSELF!”

Matthew 16:24-25                        (KJV)

“24 Then said JESUS unto HIS disciples, If any man will come after ME, let him “DENY HIMSELF”, and take up his cross, and follow ME. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for MY sake shall find it.

The idea that ALMIGHTY GOD is like a humongous Genie from never, never land WHO is waiting anxiously to poor HIS untold wealth and knowledge upon any who has a problem in life is a lie hatched by the enemy to deceive all he can.  He keeps us so caught up in what is going on with “this world”, we usually don’t have the Spiritual foresight to SEE what the enemy, and all who fail to TRUST in JESUS, have waiting for them for ETERNITY!

GOD is HOLY, and those who worship HIM “MUST” worship HIM in SPIRIT and TRUTH (John 4:24)!  We can’t serve HIM just on Sunday mornings, and possibly Wednesday night.  We can’t just serve HIM when things get tough!  As a matter of fact, JESUS said in the scriptures above that one is required to “DENY HIMSELF” to be able to follow HIM!  Along with “DENY HIMSELF”, we take up our cross (that one HE assigns to us!), and follow HIM!  Where will HE lead us?  HE went to Calvary to be crucified , and we ALL must crucify our selfish desires and live for HIM!  We all have our own Path we are delegated to follow for HIS Glory.  

To clarify what “prosperity gospel preaching” would have you believe, GOD “promises” that “this world” WILL hate you!  John 16:33 PROMISES “I have said these things to you, that in ME you may have peace. In the world YOU WILL HAVE TRIBULATION. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”  James 1:12 says “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for WHEN HE HAS STOOD THE TEST he will receive the crown of life, which GOD has promised to those who love HIM.”  Sure, we ARE going to receive our TRIBULATIONS, but our reward is JUST as sure!!!

Don’t let the enemy deceive you, you must “DENY HIMSELF” to be eligible to receive CHRIST!  When HIS Plan becomes our will, HIS PEACE and JOY will become your new found desire!  To be able to “take up our cross” is a price that many are unwilling to pay.   We need to have the Spiritual foresight to “DENY HIMSELF” and accept HIS Plan for our lives.   

“HUMBLE YOURSELVES!”

James 4:1–10                                (ESV)

“1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?

2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.

3 You ask and do not receive, because YOU ASK WRONGLY, to spend it on YOUR PASSIONS.

4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD JS ENMITY WITH GOD? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world MAKES HIMSELF AN ENEMY OF GOD.

5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, "HE yearns jealously over the Spirit that HE has made to dwell in us"?

6 But HE gives more grace. Therefore it says, "GOD opposes the proud but GIVES GRACE to the HUMBLE."

7 Submit yourselves therefore to GOD. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

8 Draw near to GOD, and HE will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.

10 “HUMBLE YOURSELVES” before the LORD, and HE will exalt you.”

One of the most useful Bible Study tools I have is the internet search engine on my tablet.  Today I entered “Bible Be content where the LORD has you” and a response was James 4:1-10.  Only recently my mind was directed to “HUMBLE YOURSELVES” before the LORD, and HE will exalt you”, so to see that verse again let me know that GOD wasn’t through dealing with me about it.  To understand that ALMIGHTY GOD can direct my thoughts down a path that can lead me to a specific Bible verse is one of the easiest things for me to realize.  GOD knows that I never have had the Scripture recall I have wanted, so HE gave me a method of finding Scriptures via a tool that most people wouldn’t associate with the Bible.  

GOD opposes the proud but GIVES GRACE to the HUMBLE!  What makes you think that a HOLY GOD will change HIS Word just because you are having a bad day?  HE isn’t someone that will share HIS Glory with another (Isaiah 42:8)!  Again, a phrase I ran across recently will not let me go, “GOD, however, never invited me to be a co-GOD with HIM.” The sobering fact is that GOD doesn’t maim or kill me when I try to get “my way”!  

Then why do I have to constantly battle the enemy when I’m trying to hear from GOD ALMIGHTY?  Maybe it’s because I’m so wanting to hear what I want rather than what GOD is saying??  There is nothing more dangerous than to have a preconceived idea of what GOD is going to say when Scripture tells us HIS ways are NOT our ways (Isaiah 55:8)!

HOLY GOD, YOU are the GREAT I AM and I am but a lowly servant!  Use me to Glorify YOUR NAME however YOU choose and direct my thoughts to do whatever YOU desire me to do.  YOUR Scripture says “HUMBLE YOURSELVES” before the LORD, and HE will exalt you.”  My my hearts desire be to “HUMBLE YOURSELVES” to do YOUR Will in my life!!

“THE WILL OF GOD!”

Romans 12:1-2                             (ESV)

“1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of GOD, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to GOD, which is your spiritual worship.

2 Do not be CONFORMED to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, THAT BY TESTING you may discern what is “THE WILL OF GOD”, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

A few years ago, surgery was performed on me to improve my breathing when I was sleeping.   My “Upper Airway” was made larger, but the Doctor said my nose had been broken at least three times in the past and I needed to “have a nose job” to enable me to breathe properly.  Basically, they had to BREAK my nose and place several screws in it, AND THEN RESET it to open my airway so my breathing would be less encumbered.   

When GOD wants to perform a work in our lives, HE has to change our hearts by BREAKING our own will and convincing us to surrender to HIS Will!   From personal experience, I have found out that when I “am broken”, I am much more receptive to having my CREATED put me back for what HE created me to be.  Trying to operate outside of what GOD’s Plan for our lives brings discontentment and turmoil.  Only by living put HIS purpose for our lives can we experience HIS PEACE that only HE gives!  

“THE WILL OF GOD” is not some method that we desire it to be, nor are our ways HIS Ways (Isaiah 55:8-9)!  During a recent Bible Study I read a statement that will not let me go, “GOD, however, never invited me to be a co-GOD with HIM.”  We are only “tools” to be used by HIM for HIS purpose. “THE WILL OF GOD” is “submitting” to HIS Plan for our lives and accepting that we are Created to Glorify HIM, not to be live our lives as comfortably as possible!  Living for CHRIST “requires” dying to self (Romans 6-8) and our own will.  “THE WILL OF GOD”, therefore, should take over leadership in our lives when we recognize our inability to live for HIM on our own.  

Like the surgery that re-opened my airway, our Spirit can be opened to “THE WILL OF GOD”, but our “will” has to die before HE will move in and be in control.  Being able to breathe with no obstruction is a wonderful thing that cannot be described.  Surrendering to “THE WILL OF GOD” is just as liberating, only more so.  Our SPIRITS were created in HIS likeness (Genesis 1:27), yet we are required to crucify our own “wills” before we can yield to “THE WILL OF GOD”!  It’s as simple as that!!!

“MY PEACE I GIVE TO YOU!”

John 14:27-31                               (ESV)

“27 Peace I leave with you; “MY PEACE I GIVE TO YOU”. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

28 You heard ME say to you, 'I am going away, and I will come to you.' If you loved ME, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the FATHER, for the FATHER is greater than I.

29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.

30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on ME,”

Several years ago I heard an interview with a famous actor from Hollywood that was asked what he would do differently if he had it all to do over again.   He had experienced success as a comedian, a star of several movies, had money, women, and everything “this world” has to offer, yet his answer was simply “I want PEACE”!  

JESUS said in John 14:27 “MY PEACE I GIVE TO YOU”.   Note that HE doesn’t say that we can earn HIS PEACE by doing good works like helping those less fortunate, or building a greater monument to his god!  JESUS simply says “MY PEACE I GIVE TO YOU” because HIS FATHER chose us before the foundation of the world!  Picture that the CREATOR OF ALL THINGS (Colossians 1:15-20) only left out one ingredient when HE made everyone of us, and that was “”MY PEACE I GIVE TO YOU”?  All we have to do to accept HIS offer is to have our eyes opened to SEE we need HIM?  Just like a recipe that has left out one key ingredient, we cannot he completed without GOD ALMIGHTY!!

John 14:30 says in part “...for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on ME,...”.  The enemy, the ruler of “this world”, has NO CLAIM on JESUS and cannot offer the PEACE HE has to offer.  He tries to deceive and manipulate people into believing his peace is what they are looking for, but ultimately his answer for the empty space in our hearts can only be filled by our CREATOR, it’s how we were built!!!

Matthew 13:13-16 says we can SEE because we are BLESSED!  Only because we have been BLESSED with “MY PEACE I GIVE YOU” can we SEE the things HE reveals to us, NOT because we are so pure and worthy!  The enemy will attempt to replicate HIS PEACE.  But JESUS has forewarned us saying “Not as the world gives do I give to you”, but “MY PEACE I GIVE TO YOU”!!!

“STAND FAST!”

Galatians 5:1                                 (KJV)

“1 “STAND FAST” therefore in the liberty wherewith CHRIST hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

There are MANY scriptures that can be shared about “setting ourselves apart” from “this world” and its entrapments.  The enemy is cunningly deceptive like no other creature (Genesis 3:1)!  When will we learn to “identify and recognize” him and walk closely with ALMIGHTY GOD to ward the enemy away?  

Since the beginning of time mankind has been sold the lie that the Spirit World is some sort of “paranormal” detached from what we see as the “real world”.  However, John 4:24 says GOD IS SPIRIT, and HE is NOT “paranormal”!  HE just has to be connected to while HE is calling in order for us to have a RELATIONSHIP with.  

But “this world”, with satan as its leader, strives to keep us so busy that we can’t HEAR FROM GOD nor SEE HIM (John 14:17)!  Matthew 6:24 says “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve GOD and mammon (or money).”  

The time for choosing is drawing to an end!  JESUS will soon return to claim HIS Bride.  Will you be found faithful to HIM?  Or will you still be busy trying to get ahead in “this world”?  “STAND FAST” therefore in the liberty wherewith CHRIST hath made us free, and BE NOT ENTANGLED again with the yoke of bondage” is not a suggestion for a more successful pilgrimage through this earthly life.  “STAND FAST” is a command to battle the enemy who WILL attack us, because JESUS lives in our SPIRITS!   

“WITHOUT FAITH!”

Hebrews 11:1 and 11:6                               (ESV)

“Now FAITH is the assurance of THINGS HOPED FOR, the conviction of things NOT SEEN.”

“And “WITHOUT FAITH” IT IS IMPOSSIBLE to please HIM, for whoever would draw near to GOD must believe that HE exists and that HE rewards those who seek HIM.

How many of us actually believe that GOD is GOD and will do what HE needs to to accomplish HIS Will?  Oh, we “say” we do, and we try to act like we do!  But how many of us live it with our actions, not just our words?  Our lifestyle is the only “stage” that matters.  The signs and signals we give, especially when we are under pressure, are the best indicators of where our FAITH lies!

The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is known by some as “Hall of FAITH”!  There are many saints who are mentioned in these verses, all of them with a testimony of how GOD came through for them, in HIS timing.  From Abel to Abraham, to David, all the way to “the Author and Perfecter” of our FAITH, JESUS....., GOD has continually established HIS LORDSHIP over ALL creation, and humans continually refuse to TRUST HIM as GOD!  

A “sinner” is one who refuses to TRUST GOD.  Doing “evil” is just a byproduct of NOT Believing in GOD.  Even when I am writing this devotional I “think” some words would be more effective or appropriate, but GOD troubles my Spirit to place what HE directs me to use on the sheet!  The Apostle Paul states in 1 Timothy 1:15 “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”  To me, Paul’s statement is debatable, because I feel it should have my name there as the foremost!  

Yet, when ALMIGHTY GOD looks at me, HE “SEES” HIS sacrifice, JESUS CHRIST, simply because I trust in HIS work performed on earth and Calvary.  “WITHOUT FAITH”, it is IMPOSSIBLE to please, or satisfy, GOD!  Why then do I want “be god” and do what it is that I think is best?  Letting ourselves live “WITHOUT FAITH” is akin to putting an outboard motor on a rudderless ship!  We can get there IN A HURRY, but we have NO CONTROL over where it is we are going?  The only way we can avoid disaster, is to make sure we are not living “WITHOUT FAITH”!!!

“I WENT AWAY TO ARABIA!”

Acts 9:18-22                             (ESV)

“18 And immediately something like scales fell from his (Saul’s) eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;

19 and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.

20 And immediately he proclaimed JESUS in the synagogues, saying, "He is the SON of GOD."

21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?"

22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that JESUS was the CHRIST.”

Galatians 1:15-19                     (ESV)

“15 But when HE who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by HIS grace,

16 was pleased to reveal his SON to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I DID NOT IMMEDIATELY CONSULT WITH ANYONE;

17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but “I WENT AWAY INTO ARABIA”, and returned again to Damascus.

18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days.

19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the LORD’S brother.”

The Apostle Paul was, without a doubt, one of the most devout Believers of the New Testament.  Yes, the same person who had previously murdered some Believers, and delivered some over to the “Jews”!  JESUS told Ananias to “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry MY name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.  For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of MY name."  Paul demonstrated an obedience to GOD that few others ever have, but only AFTER he was converted.  

Paul went to Arabia AFTER his calling by ALMIGHTY GOD.   It wasn’t the time frame that many would have imagined, but GOD is in the business of doing things HIS Way, NOT according to man’s idea of what is right!  GOD displayed that Saul/Paul was SOLELY led by the SPIRIT OF GOD, and not of man, even the other disciples.  We can speculate why GOD worked in this manner, but venture to say that Paul needed to show that the HOLY SPIRIT was directing him, not man!  When he went to Arabia, he didn’t have any “church leaders” to sway his thoughts on what he believed.  He only had the SPIRIT OF GOD to direct his thoughts and mind.  

Demonstrating that the HOLY SPIRIT is guiding your life isn’t for the weak nor immature.  Paul went to Arabia and Damascus for three years, not necessarily to get away from others (perhaps those he preferred to not be around), but to be alone with GOD and to get familiar with GOD’S Voice!  Moses was on Mount Sinai in Arabia when he got the Ten Commandments from GOD.  Now Paul was in Arabia getting his own instructions from GOD!  

Are we operating in such an intense environment that we are precluded from hearing from ALMIGHTY GOD?  Maybe “I WENT AWAY INTO ARABIA” should be an option for us to consider?  No, we don’t have to go to the Middle East to the dessert sands of Saudi Arabia, but we definitely need to get alone with GOD where interruptions are removed from our sight and our total focus is on HIM!  Don’t limit what GOD can and will do when “I WENT AWAY TO ARABIA!”  

“HAVE THINE OWN WAY LORD!”

Jeremiah 18:3-6                          (KJV)

“3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.

4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

5 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.”

Recently the words to an old hymn have been on my mind.  “HAVE THINE OWN WAY LORD” was reportedly first published in 1907.  Written by Adelaide A. Pollard (1862-1934) in Iowa.  The song was written after a prayer was enunciated by an elderly woman at a prayer meeting in 1902, but was based off of Jeremiah 18:3-6. 

Verse six of Jeremiah eighteen is the one that I cannot get out of my mind!  “Cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in MINE hand.” GOD continually has to break me and “mold me” after HIS Will.  The thing I am continuously fighting in my life is “while I am WAITING YIELDED AND STILL”!!!!

Why is so difficult for us to WAIT ON THE LORD?  Perhaps if we would submit to ALLOWING HIM to “break us”, we wouldn’t have a problem WAITING ON HIM?!?  Being broken by our Master is something that we have to accomplish with our children, our pets, and in our own lives!  If we continue to submit to sin, it must be our Master?  On the other hand, if we submit to the true MASTER, we must be a child of the KING!!  

GOD IN HEAVEN, “HAVE THINE OWN WAY”with my life and use me for YOUR Glory!!!

Have Thine own way Lord

Have Thine own way

Thou art the potter I am the clay

Mold me and make me after Thy will

While I am waiting yielded and still

Have Thine own way Lord

Have Thine own way

Search me and try me Master today

Whiter than snow Lord wash me just now

As in Thy presence humbly I bow

Have Thine own way Lord

Have Thine own way

Hold over my being absolute sway

Filled with Thy spirit till all can see

Christ only always living in me