“WHEN THE FULLNESS OF TIME HAD COME, GOD!”

Galatians 4:4-5                          (ESV)

“4 But “WHEN THE FULLNESS OF TIME HAD COME, GOD” sent forth HIS SON, born of woman, born under the law,

5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”

Throughout Scriptures GOD has displayed HIS Power and Glory for HIS chosen people JUST IN THE NICK OF TIME over and over again!  Remember in Genesis 22 when Abraham payed Isaac on the altar?  GOD provided a ram caught in a bush as a substitute!  Remember in Exodus 14 when the children of Israel were encamped on the banks of the Red Sea?  GOD parted the Red Sea and “got glory over Pharaoh and all his hosts” as HE delivered HIS children!  

Can you imagine Abraham desiring an answer for his problem when Isaac was on the altar, or the children of Israel desiring GOD to send a solution to their captivity in Egypt that fit “their idea” of freedom?  What about when the disciples were waiting for JESUS to “assume” HIS Kingdom on earth to become KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS?  What we THINK GOD has planned for our future should not be confused with what HE SAYS will happen.  

But “WHEN THE FULLNESS OF TIME HAD COME, GOD” had a Plan, a DIVINE PLAN, to redeem fallen man.   What do we do fulfill that Plan?  Hebrews 11:6 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.”   We MUST Believe that our redemption is bought and paid for by the finished work of CHRIST.  We can do nothing to add to, and certainly not improve, what JESUS did over 2,000 years ago.  

Don’t allow the enemy to cause worry and doubt to cloud your view of the prize before you.  Keep your eyes on the JESUS, the Author and Finisher of our FAITH (Hebrews 12:2), and IN HIS TIMING, HE WILL DELIVER YOU!  Likewise, “WHEN THE FULLNESS OF TIME HAD COME, GOD” will send JESUS back to earth, but not until then!!!

“MAN PLANS HIS WAYS!”

Proverbs 16:9                                (ESV)

“The heart of “MAN PLANS HIS WAY”, but the LORD establishes his steps.”

Today is Sunday, July 29.  Eleven years ago today was my mom’s 77th birthday; which would turn out to be her final one on this earth.  AND, it was the day I was brought out of a seventeen day coma after my brain had hemorrhaged about three weeks prior.  The hemorrhage was caused by a sleep disorder, so there were no warning signs whatsoever.   When I awoke at 5:30AM, my legs wouldn’t carry me, so I was abruptly reintroduced to my bedroom floor.  Since then, I have a new appreciation of just how much GOD is in control, and we ARE NOT!

The PLANS that I had for the future on July 09, 2007 were things I felt I was being led to by the LORD.  However, ALMIGHTY GOD established STEPS for me over the next few years that I could have NEVER dreamed, but that I am SO THANKFUL for!  The PLANS involved beginning a Non-Profit dedicated to underprivileged children who were not receiving the guidance from home required for them to be successful.   However, the STEPS the LORD was establishing didn’t involve the same things as MY PLANS!  

Typically “MAN PLANS HIS WAY” in a method that offers the least difficulties and trials.  Overcoming a Brain Hemorrhage was certainly not something that I would have listed on my proverbial “bucket list”!  Going back to work in just under 24 months seemed as though I was avoiding catastrophe.  SEEing how blessed I was just to be alive is something that I still don’t think I appreciate enough.   But understanding the LORD has established my steps gives me comfort in knowing HE will never leave me, nor forsake me!  

When this “MAN PLANS HIS WAYS” from now on I will seek HIS guidance first and allow HIM to establish my steps!  My PLANS cannot allow unforeseen circumstances, but GOD knows what is best for me, and to draw HIM honor and glory.  The PLANS HE has for me far exceed anything that I have, so I am content with living for HIM!!!

“DESPISED AND REJECTED!”

Isaiah 53:3-10                                    (ESV)

“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.”

It seems that we all have a desire to be ACCEPTED.  Whether it’s having someone verbally agree with us, or simply smiling and nodding when you pass them, acknowledging that others are “of worth” is a trait that we all could probably do a better job of in our lives.  The Spiritual gift of encouragement (or exhortation) is one that I want to do better in, but it isn’t something that ALMIGHTY GOD hasn’t chosen to GIFT me with, as of YET!  

When I consider that my LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST came to earth and was “DESPISED AND REJECTED” by all mankind, it astounds me.  As much as I admit to loving HIM now, why wouldn’t at least HIS disciples stand with HIM in HIS plight for righteousness?  Didn’t HE deserve someone who would STAND with HIM?  I’ve always thought that I would have gladly went to my death for JESUS?  That, however, would be directly opposed to what Isaiah wrote almost 2,800 years ago. GOD said that JESUS would be “DESPISED AND REJECTED” by man, and even Peter (considered by most to be one of HIS most loyal followers) denied HIM three times!  

ALMIGHTY GOD had a Plan for JESUS’ life, and HE has a plan for our lives.  As for me, I deserve death, but JESUS went to Calvary in my place to REDEEM me!  Why???  John 3:16 says “For GOD SO LOVED.......”! GOD permitted JESUS to be “DESPISED AND REJECTED” by this world so I would have fellowship with HIM through the atonement offered by and through HIS SON.  To be CHOSEN by GOD, to be CALLED OUT of the darkness into HIS marvelous light is amazing, especially when HE was “DESPISED AND REJECTED” all for me!    

#blessed

“I HAVE SINNED!”

Luke 15:11-32                         (ESV)

“11 And HE said, "There was a man who had two sons.

12 And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.' And he divided his property between them.

13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.

14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need.

15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.

16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

17 "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!

18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, “I HAVE SINNED” against heaven and before you.

19 I AM NO LONGER WORTHY to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants."'

20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, HIS FATHER saw him and FELT COMPASSION, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

21 And the son said to him, 'Father, “I HAVE SINNED” against heaven and before you. I AM NO LONGER WORTHY to be called your son.'

22 But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.

23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.

24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.

25 "Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.

26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.

27 And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.'

28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him,

29 but he answered his father, 'Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends.

30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!'

31 And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and ALL THAT IS MINE IS YOURS.

32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'"

There is something about being placed into a hopeless situation that causes us to more readily accept less than ideal solutions with more acceptance, maybe even an eagerness.  In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the young man found himself DESTITUTE, with NO HOPE, UNTIL he realized that all he had to do was ADMIT that he had made a mess of his life and he needed to ADMIT it and return to his FATHER for restoration.  He “squandered” everything he had on the things of “this world” and was required to pay the cost for his riotous living.  He had to go to his FATHER and humbly confess “I HAVE SINNED”!  

Trouble has a way of bringing me RUNNING to the LORD.   Psalms 34:18 says “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the CRUSHED in spirit.”   Getting to the point where we are HUMBLED enough TO ADMIT that “I HAVE SINNED” can be one of the most gut-wrenching, yet liberating places we ever experience.  There is something about ADMITTING that we are “imperfect” and need help getting through our lives that allows us to accept help in our time of need.  The Prodigal Son was precisely in a spot where he knew what he had done, knew what he deserved, and became willing to let THE LORD bail him out!  

We ALL have the same HEAVENLY FATHER.  Some of our EYES have been opened to SEE that we are “in a pig sty” with NO HOPE of getting out without our FATHER’s help.   We can continue “in a pig sty”, or we can go to our HEAVENLY FATHER and say “I HAVE SINNED” and let HIM forgive us and put a robe on us!  We don’t deserve this, it’s just that ALMIGHTY GOD is forgiving enough to do that for me, AND YOU!  

“DAY AND NIGHT!”

Joshua 1:8-9                       (ESV)

“8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall MEDITATE on it “DAY AND NIGHT”, so that you may BE CAREFUL TO DO according to ALL that IS WRITTEN in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your GOD is with you wherever you go."”

My children are out of college and both have degrees and jobs that are drawing far better salaries than their dad ever made!  To say how proud I am of them would be one of the greatest understatements ever made.  Their mother and I stressed getting a good education, maybe too much at times, because we wanted them to become successful as they matured into adulthood.  

One thing I wish that I would have tried to instill more BY EXAMPLE was to study Scripture more fervently.  Remembering back, I’m not sure that I was witnessed by them searching the Scriptures for answers to the problems life threw at me as much as I wish I had been.  Learning from instruction does not carry the same weightiness as learning by example.  When you see someone scouring Scriptures “DAY AND NIGHT”, it let’s them know where your HOPE lies!  

Keep in mind, we wanted our children to become “successful” in their chosen careers.  Joshua 1:8 says “THIS Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall MEDITATE on it “DAY AND NIGHT”, so that you may BE CAREFUL TO DO according to ALL that IS WRITTEN in it. FOR THEN you will make your way PROSPEROUS, and THEN YOU WILL HAVE GOOD SUCCESS.”  What better way can you think of to become “successful” than to have ALMIGHTY GOD guiding your path?  Why do parents these days not instruct their children to memorize Joshua 1:8?  Why not SEE if GOD will honor HIS Word?  

As I am approaching my 58th birthday, and I am probably on the backside of my life, I am left to wonder how little I have put GOD’s Word to the test?  How often have I been in HIS Word “DAY AND NIGHT”?  How much better of a Husband and Dad could I have become had I sought HIS guidance instead of doing what “I thought” was best for my family?  I am finding out that it doesn’t matter what we THINK is the best thing, it matters what GOD says is best!  May we all stay in HIS Word “DAY AND NIGHT” so HIS WORD will be a ready response through our actions!!!

“MY WAYS HIGHER THAN YOURS!”

Isaiah 55:8-9

“8 For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, declares the LORD. 

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are “MY WAYS HIGHER THAN YOUR WAYS” and MY thoughts than your thoughts.”

“LORD, whatever YOU are baking outside, it’s done!”  This was posted on a social media site recently because of the hotter than normal temperatures in our area.  In the part of the country I’m currently in, the temperature was 105 degrees a few days ago, and that was before adding the Heat Index into account!  There is no doubt that it is “uncomfortable”, to say the least!  

Although I understand that people regularly share things in jest, and they don’t consider that GOD ALMIGHTY SEES ALL of their activity, can you imagine getting to Heaven one day and explaining to our CREATOR how you were just attempting to make a joke about HE was “running things”?  We, in our limited, finite minds, are trying to express to a HOLY, HOLY, HOLY BEING how much better “we know” HIS CREATION than HE does?  It kind of makes me ashamed when I look at it from this angle.   

In 1996 I was 36 years old and rather confident in my abilities (putting it mildly!) when my younger sister was diagnosed with Stomach Cancer in late October.  For almost two months straight I beseeched the LORD to heal her body and restore her health.  The day after Christmas 1996 she slipped into eternity, and I was wondering what o did wrong that GOD didn’t answer my requests to heal her.  It has only been within the past few years that I have realized that HE DID HEAL her, and she has been where we all are hoping to get to, around the THRONE OF GOD!  

To finally “get it” that I am NOT “all of that and a box of chocolates” is something that is rather liberating.  To understand that GOD is in control, AND I AM NOT, makes this journey so much easier than me trying MAKE it happen!  Although today might be a little warmer than some days, we must remember that so are  “MY WAYS HIGHER THAN YOUR WAYS”!  Remember, we aren’t GOD and HE didn’t request our help running the universes!  

“IMAGE OF HIS SON!”

Romans 8:28-30                           (ESV)

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

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

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

Just this weekend our fellowship was watching a video series entitled “BEHOLD YOUR GOD” and a couple of phrases used by the presenter really caused me seriously look at the level I look to SEE GOD.   They were “Have we invented a GOD WHO will do whatever we want” and “Is HE (GOD) enough for you”?  

Several people claiming to be ministers of the gospel regularly espouse proclaiming to love for Christ will bring health, wealth and prosperity.  However, the same JESUS they claim to worship is recorded as saying in John 16:33 “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." JESUS most certainly COULD have just as easily said (in HIS final conversation with HIS disciples before HE went to Calvary) words that would assure their health, wealth and prosperity, but HE knew “this world” was only a brief moment of our LIVES and eternity is what we needed to be concerned with.  

Instead, JESUS instructed us on how to have PEACE, and prepare ourselves for eternity with HIM!  The only way to have assurance that we will spend eternity with HIM, is “to be conformed to the “IMAGE OF HIS SON”!  The only way for that to happen is to surrender to GOD’s calling you “out of darkness into HIS marvelous light”! 

But what life is HE “calling into”?  Could HE be calling us into “health, wealth and prosperity?”  I’m sure Ananias and Sapphira (Acts chapter 5) THOUGHT they were healthy, wise and prosperous IN THEIR OWN EYES!  When we cloud our “eternal vision” with the things of “this world”, our Spiritual Compass can become misguided and lead us astray.  It is IMPERATIVE that we “fix our EYES on JESUS, the author and finisher of our FAITH” and adapt to HIS Plan for our lives, not trying to have our CREATOR adjust to our foolish desires!   

Seeing your hearts desires change before your very eyes FOR HIS GLORY can be a sign that the SPIRIT OF GOD has taken up residence inside of your heart?  Knowing that GOD ALMIGHTY is molding us into the “IMAGE OF HIS SON” is the greatest blessing and honor one can imagine!  The price JESUS paid to bring about this transformation (Divine imputation) was indescribable, yet we n brush it off as something we are owed!  GOD allowed JESUS to humbled HIMSELF to death on the cross so that I can be seen in the “IMAGE OF HIS SON”!!!  SIMPLY AMAZING!!!

“BREATH TO THE PEOPLE!”

Isaiah 42:5-8                             (ESV)

“5 Thus says GOD, the LORD, WHO created the heavens and stretched them out, WHO spread out the earth and what comes from it, WHO gives “BREATH TO THE PEOPLE” on it and Spirit to those who walk in it: 

6 "I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I WILL TAKE YOU BY THE HAND and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, 

7 to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. 

8 I am the LORD; that is MY name; MY glory I give to no other, nor MY praise to carved idols.”

Should mankind ever truly grasp how magnificent and complete ALMIGHTY GOD is, our prayer time would forever be changed!  Instead we treat GOD as some “deified” ATM WHO is there to provide withdrawals whenever we request them.  When we aren’t allowed to “withdraw” at our pleasure, we want to know what we did wrong to bring HIS displeasure upon us?

Our enemies would consume so much less of our thoughts, as GOD is in control of ALL things and HIS memory works A LOT better than mine!  But that same memory works when HE looks at me, as well!  EXCEPT FOR THE BLOOD OF JESUS COVERS MY SINS, and the devil doesn’t want to get near the BLOOD OF JESUS!  John 10:27-28 says “MY sheep hear MY voice, and I know them, and they follow ME.

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and NO ONE WILL SNATCH THEM OUT OF MY HAND”.  

Our HEAVENLY FATHER is intricately involved in our earthly lives as well, more so possibly than even the greatest theologian realizes.  HE is there to guide and direct our lives, even when we fail to acknowledge HIS presence.  Never have I been so humbled and moved as when my wife found the letter I wrote for a friend who worked for a local hospital in August 2002 supporting a Neurologist transferring to our city.   On July 09, 2007 (almost five years later) that Neurologist was used to save my life as a Brain Hemorrhage wreaked havoc in my life.  The letter I wrote supporting his VISA transfer was found in 2009, seven years after it was written and two years after the doctor helped me!  When I was able to SEE the Hand of GOD working in my life through my own actions, I cried profusely, and the doctor teared up as well!  

ALMIGHTY GOD may not display HIS SOVEREIGNTY in others lives the way HE has in my life, but HE is just as involved as HE gives “BREATH TO THE PEOPLE”!  GOD decided that I was worth a few more breaths in 2007, and again in 2017, and I am humbled by that beyond mortal expressions!  That the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES would give “BREATH TO THE PEOPLE”, especially me, after I have failed HIM so greatly, is love beyond measure!  I AM BLESSED!!!

“ LET YOUR WORDS BE FEW!”

Ecclesiastes 5:1-3                              (ESV)

“1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of GOD. To DRAW NEAR TO LISTEN is BETTER THAN to offer the SACRIFICE of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil.

2 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”.

3 For a dream comes with much business, and a FOOL's VOICE with MANY WORDS.”

Have you ever been classified as a know-it-all?  Whether justly or unjustly, the cost of dealing with a “loose tongue” may be more than was realized when the HASTY HEART was expressing itself?  In my younger years, I was assuredly a man with MANY WORDS, and most of the time those WORDS weren’t bathed in prayer!  As I have matured I have been taught by the HOLY SPIRIT that I need to “LET YOUR WORDS BE FEW” and let GOD ALMIGHTY work on the hearts of others, for only HE can change a heart!

Identifying a HASTY HEART can be an easy thing to accomplish.  Being “rash with your mouth” is a sure sign of someone who isn’t putting tremendous thought into what they are saying.   Raising an objection is one thing, but arguing a point is a totally different.  Trying to prove a point just to prove your point of view is the best option might display a haughtiness that can appear as though you have all the answers!  GOD alone is the only ONE WHO has all the answers!  

DRAWING NEAR TO LISTEN, on the other hand, is a sign of somebody looking for a solution, someone who maybe wanting to seek a Biblical solution to an issue?  LISTENing to others can be a Blessing.  GOD has used others, even unbelievers, to deliver Wisdom to me when I was searching for HIS direction.  GOD even spoke through a donkey in Numbers 22!  When THE ALMIGHTY is speaking, I need to be LISTENing!!

It has been said that it is difficult learn anything when our mouth is moving!  LEARNING to DRAW NEAR TO LISTEN is the first step when it comes to “LET YOUR WORDS BE FEW”!  Having the answer that people heed is one thing, but giving the answer that people NEED is a worthy option.   “LET YOUR WORDS BE FEW” until you have heard from above is what I want to do with this life I have left!!!

“OPEN HIS EYES!”

2 Kings 6:15-19                 (ESV)

“15 When the servant of the man of GOD rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, "Alas, my master! WHAT SHALL WE DO?"

16 He said, "Do not be afraid, for THOSE WHO ARE WITH US ARE MORE THAN THOSE who are with them."

17 Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, please “OPEN HIS EYES” that he may see." So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, THE MOUNTAIN WAS FULL of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

18 And when the Syrians came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD and said, "Please strike this people with blindness." So he struck them with blindness in accordance with the prayer of Elisha.

19 And Elisha said to them, "This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek." And he led them to Samaria.”

From time to time I am astonished that some people can’t SEE that current events are actually the Scriptures being fulfilled right in front of our eyes!  “GOD IS SPIRIT (John 4:24) and those who Worship HIM must Worship in Spirit and Truth”!  What makes it so difficult to get grasp that the Spirit World is where we should look to SEE the greatest battles occurring?  We are tricked (by the deceiver) into believing that the physical is “the real world”, when the Spiritual is where he has been defeated!  

JESUS said in Mark 11:22 “Have FAITH in GOD”!  In Hebrews 11:6, Scripture records “And without FAITH it is impossible to please HIM,.....”.  We MUST have FAITH in GOD over what our physical eyes see in the natural.  In Luke 24:31 JESUS was walking on the road to Emmaus with two disciples when their EYES were OPENED and they recognized HIM!  HE then “vanished from their sight”!   Now you may say that this was a child spirit, that the disciples were too emotional and could not be trusted to relay what happened to them.  But in Luke 24:39, JESUS once again was standing in front of HIS disciples and said to them “See MY hands and MY feet, that it is I MYSELF. Touch ME, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.”  

Having FAITH may lead us to Believe the unbelievable!  In John 17:1 JESUS prays “....."Father, the hour has come; glorify your SON that the SON may glorify YOU,”.  Nobody would have Believed that JESUS would be crucified within hours, and then be Miraculously brought back to life and walk among men for 40 days before ascending into Heaven!  But FAITH that JESUS is GOD could “OPEN HIS EYES” to be able to SEE the Miraculous when no one else can SEE it?  Remember Scripture said “And without FAITH it is impossible to please HIM,....”, and it should be every Believers desire to please HIM!  

FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to have unquestionable FAITH in YOU as I am led through this wilderness!  “OPEN HIS EYES” to SEE what YOU desire me to SEE, and to TRUST in YOU when I cannot SEE my way forward!!!

“LOOKING TO JESUS!”

Hebrews 12:1-4                          (ESV)

“1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every WEIGHT, AND SIN WHICH CLINGS SO CLOSELY, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

2 “LOOKING TO JESUS”, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before HIM ENDURED THE CROSS, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of GOD.

3 Consider HIM who endured from sinners such hostility against HIMSELF, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.”

It can be extremely easy to have our eyes FIXED on those around us instead we of “LOOKING TO JESUS” for our example of how to live our our lives.   Usually a minster has earned respect and admiration for his walk with the LORD.   However, a minister is human, fighting the same enemy we fight, and they need our prayers and support, just as our other friends in CHRIST!  Experiencing another human being less than perfect should be common, if not expected, in our fight against evil.   

But when we are committed to “LOOKING TO JESUS”, proper humility and awe should rightfully follow!  It’s not just seeing a Holy MAN when we observe JESUS, but HE is the ONE WHO spoke these worlds into existence and placed our entire solar system in order.  HE created ALL THINGS (Colossians 1:16-17) and then lowered HIMSELF to be born in a manger, live a life of meager means, die a death of unimaginable suffering, but overcame death, hell and the grave ALL because HE LOVED ME AND YOU!  

We can love and respect our ministers and leaders, but NO ONE should be elevated above JESUS CHRIST in our lives, most especially our own selves!  How many times have you heard, “I don’t think it should be done that way”, or “I don’t like that” or similar words?  The word “I” is leading a sentence can be a good thing when it is being used to say “I was wrong”, or “I apologize”.   But when we aren’t “LOOKING TO JESUS” we tend to elevate ourselves to the Throne of our lives and we begin our downfall!  

“LOOKING TO JESUS” helps me realize how unimportant I really am and prohibits self-righteousness.  When I “consider HIM” and what HE went through for me, and has accomplished for me, all while we were sinners (Romans 5:8), it causes me to shudder in shame!  But understanding that HE did if for me OUT OF LOVE makes me realize how BLESSED I am to be “called out of the darkness into HIS marvelous light”!  It’s hard not to be “LOOKING TO JESUS” when we grasp what HE is and has done for us!   

“HE IS A LIAR!”

John 8:39-47                          (ESV)

“39 They answered HIM, "Abraham is our father." JESUS said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did,

40 but now you seek to kill ME, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from GOD. This is not what Abraham did.

41 You are doing the works your father did." They said to him, "We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one FATHER-even GOD."

42 JESUS said to them, "If GOD were your FATHER, you would love ME, for I came from GOD and I am here. I came not of MY OWN accord, but HE sent ME.

43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because YOU CANNOT BEAR TO HEAR MY WORD.

44 You are of your father the devil, AND YOUR WILL IS TO DO YOUR FATHER’S DESIRES. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the TRUTH, because there is NO TRUTH in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for “HE IS A LIAR” and the father of lies.

45 But because I tell the TRUTH, you do not believe ME.

46 Which one of you convicts ME of sin? If I tell the TRUTH, why do you not believe ME?

47 Whoever is of GOD hears the words of GOD. The reason why you do not hear them is that YOU ARE NOT OF GOD."”

Before I begin, let me say that people who Believe are only able to SEE because their EYES have been opened by ALMIGHTY GOD (Luke 24:31) brought “into HIS marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9)!  We are no better than “this world”, as our only “goodness” is in CHRIST JESUS!  

The people of “this world” cannot understand TRUTH as it is spoken.   It is almost as though someone is speaking a foreign language to them?  JESUS said in verse 43 above “Why do you not understand what I say? It is because YOU CANNOT BEAR TO HEAR MY WORD.”  And one of the most effective tools used to prevent them from hearing is the “busyness” of their schedules.  They prefer living in the “rat-race” and to not “BE STILL, and KNOW that I AM GOD “!!!   

“The enemy”, “HE IS A LIAR”, and when he speaks he uses deception to color his lies with anything and everything that is a “delight to the eyes” (Genesis 3:6) to prevent us from SEEING what blessings GOD has for us!  Even “the Scribes and Pharisees”, the hierarchy of the temple, were blinded and couldn’t SEE the TRUTH!  Their hearts were so proud and self-righteous that humility wasn’t an option for them.  They were “deceived” by “HE IS A LIAR”!!!

The only way for us to not be “deceived” is to know the TRUTH!  Now I am certainly not the prime example of HOLINESS (JESUS should be the only ONE we observe for that!), but I am honored and blessed to be one that “HE has called out of the darkness into HIS marvelous light”!  Making sure that “HE IS A LIAR” is exposed to the “marvelous light” shouldn’t be difficult, as LIGHT obliterates darkness!  Always has, always will!!!

“BEFORE FAITH!”

Galatians 3:23-29                                (ESV)

“23 Now “BEFORE FAITH” (in JESUS) came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed.

24 So then, the law was our guardian until CHRIST came, in order that we might be justified by faith.

25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian,

26 for in CHRIST JESUS you are all sons of GOD, through faith.

27 For as many of you as were baptized into CHRIST have put on CHRIST.

28 There is NEITHER JEW NOR GREEK, there is NEITHER SLAVE NOR FREE, there is NO MALE AND FEMALE, for YOU ARE ALL ONE in CHRIST JESUS.

29 And if you are CHRIST's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.”

As a parent, it can become quite frustrating when you can’t make children SEE that what they are doing isn’t best for them?  Trying to get them to understand that what they are doing will bring them harm or heartache can be one of the most difficult things for a parent to do.  The Apostle Paul must have had this feeling in his writings to the various churches of the New Testament.   Getting them to SEE the finished work of JESUS CHRIST, AND RECEIVE IT, AND LIVE IT, proved to be a difficult challenge!  

Most modern day Believers are so entrenched in skin color, social status, and gender based thinking that we can’t SEE the work that JESUS performed for the sake of the FATHER while here on earth 2,000 years ago.  I’m not sure that we even want to SEE the finished work, because the enemy uses the divisiveness to hinder the furtherance of the Kingdom.  Paul writes in Galatians 3:28 that “There is NEITHER JEW NOR GREEK, there is NEITHER SLAVE NOR FREE, there is NO MALE AND FEMALE, for YOU ARE ALL ONE in CHRIST JESUS.”   If the enemy can keep us from being “YOU ARE ALL ONE in CHRIST JESUS”, then we are living “BEFORE FAITH”, and refusing ALL of the finished work of JESUS!   

One of the least CHRIST-like moments of raising my children was when I was trying to convince one of my sons that what I wanted hi to do WASN’T going to hurt him.  My patience and tutoring skills weren’t very evident that day!  I’m not certain that the lesson was learned that day, no matter how much I wanted it to be.  GOD ALMIGHTY never has run short of patience and love with me.  HE does continually remind me that living “BEFORE FAITH” is asking to go through more trials to understand what CHRIST has done for me.  JESUS CHRIST broke the bonds of sin and now we are FREE to live in the PROMISE!!!

“PRAISE THE LORD!”

Psalms 150:1-6                                   (ESV)

“1 Praise the LORD! Praise GOD in HIS sanctuary; praise HIM in HIS mighty heavens! 

2 Praise HIM for HIS mighty deeds; praise HIM according to HIS excellent greatness! 

3 Praise HIM with trumpet sound; praise HIM with lute and harp! 

4 Praise HIM with tambourine and dance; praise HIM with strings and pipe! 

5 Praise HIM with sounding cymbals; praise HIM with loud clashing cymbals! 

6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! “PRAISE THE LORD!””

As I was reviewing photos of my grandchildren recently on the MEMORIES page on a social media site, my mind was caused to ponder?   I love my grandchildren more than life itself, and I am very BOLD about sharing their photos whenever I have the opportunity.   Their parents (my children and their spouses) are special to me, but those babies are simply a DELIGHT!!!

Do you imagine that that if GOD ALMIGHTY had a social media account that HE would be as crazy about HIS “babies” as I am about my grandkids???  What do you give GOD credit for in your daily lives?  Do you realize that GOD loves us SO much, HE sent HIS only SON for the explicit purpose to be sacrificed for the sins of mankind and to purchase our redemption on Calvary?  And we want to stay home from worshipping HIM when the speaker isn’t one we prefer, or the air conditioner is too cold, or not cool enough, or the sound system doesn’t suit our taste, or any other menial item that we use as an excuse to NOT Worship the KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS?  

Yes, ALMIGHTY GOD paid an unimaginable price for mine and your salvation.   HE thinks so much of us that HE sacrificed HIS SON for our transgressions.  Although I love my children and grandchildren more than I know how to describe, GOD loves me more!  HIS SON was a sinless, spotless Lamb WHO “everything that has breath” should declare “PRAISE THE LORD!!!”

“TO LIVE QUIETLY!”

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12                      (ESV)

“9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by GOD to love one another,

10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more,

11 and to aspire “TO LIVE QUIETLY”, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,

12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.”  

February 17, 1984 was a MAGNIFICENT day for this man!  I was able to convince (some say swindle!) my girlfriend into becoming my wife, and she is still by my side after 34 1/2 years!  Some kept waiting for her to “come to her senses”, but I’m beginning to think she is going to stick around for awhile!  She gave me this passage of scripture recently and did not know that I was almost instantly spoken to by them. 

My wife has never had a problem with “TO LIVE QUIETLY”!  She didn’t have much of a choice, as I was very talkative, maybe to a fault!  However, the Brain Hemorrhage caused both of us to “adjust”, as I was “brain damaged” and she was thrust into the “head of the house” roll very quickly.   The leak in my brain occurred in the “word recall” portion of my brain, so my speech is not as fluent as it once was.   In fact, my speech has become much more deliberate and more thought is required to be put into words before I speak since the recovery.   

GOD ALMIGHTY definitely has a Plan, not just for my life, but for each of us!  HE knew that I needed to SLOW DOWN my life, especially my mouth, and to only orate the words HE approved.  There have been many times since the Hemorrhage that the opportunity was presented to me to voice my thoughts, and a few times I have actually listened to HIS Guidance.   However, I am still working on “TO LIVE QUIETLY” as my old nature is still a part of me.  

“TO LIVE QUIETLY” is something that has taken a bit of getting used to, but it has certainly been rewarding!  As a matter of fact, the following verse above says “so that you may walk properly”, something that we all should strive to accomplish.  Formerly I was very quick to speak, but have had that ability curtailed by GOD above!  I am learning “TO LIVE QUIETLY” and more and more to “walk properly” as a result!  My wife says she kind of misses the old man I was, but “TO LIVE QUIETLY” has to be more peaceful than I was???

“WAIT ON THE LORD!!!!”

Eleven years ago TODAY I awoke at 5:30AM to go to the restroom.   Low and behold, my legs  would not carry me, so I ABRUPTLY introduced myself to the bedroom floor!  Without boring people with the gory details, necessity caused me to take a two year hiatus from work, and allowed me the opportunity to SLOW my life DOWN and properly evaluate why GOD elected to allow me to remain on earth.  

My life has changed rather dramatically since.  This morning my blood pressure is 121/83, and that is before I take my morning medicines.  Of course, priorities have most definitely been adjusted with ALMIGHTY GOD being elevated to HIS rightful Throne!  Formerly, I would say that HE was LORD of my life, but very often I was living my life at such a pace that I didn’t have time to defer to HIS SPIRIT leading me.  Operating “in the fast lane” is no longer an option, as my critical thinking skills won’t allow me to burn both ends of the candle.  

Sure, I am the same person that I was before July 09, 2007, but I am taking time for the LORD to lead me in the paths HE desires for me to go.   Psalms 27:14 (KJV) says “WAIT ON THE LORD: be of good courage, and HE shall strengthen thine heart: WAIT, I SAY, ON THE LORD.”  

My prayer is that I will never again be caught up in the vortex that “this world” attempts to suck us into!  PLEASE, PLEASE, don’t allow yourself to be drawn into a similar situation.   “WAIT ON THE LORD”!!!!

“FOR ALL!”

Hebrews 10:8-10 (ESV) “8 When HE (JESUS) said above, "YOU (GOD) have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law), 9 then HE added, "Behold, I have come to do YOUR (GOD’s) will." HE does away with the first in order to establish the second. 10 And by that will we (Believers) have been sanctified (made HOLY ) through the offering of the body of JESUS CHRIST once “FOR ALL”.” From time to time, I type memos to myself so that I can remind myself of what GOD is speaking to me at a particular time. Recently I had occasion to do so during video my fellowship is watching on Sunday evenings entitled “BEHOLD YOUR GOD”! While pondering the great sacrifice JESUS paid out of LOVE for me, I jotted these words:: JESUS CHRIST died “FOR ALL” of mankind knowing that the majority of people would refuse to serve HIM, would reject HIS free pardon for sin,,and elect to spend an eternity suffering GOD’s wrath for their sin, when JESUS had already paid the sin debt for them. How can a HOLY GOD “call” a person and they reject Him??? (Are they) Too busy???? (Are they) Too wealthy??? While trying to grasp why the crucifixion had to be so brutal and inhumane, I finally saw that GOD ALMIGHTY had to have a sacrifice “FOR ALL” the sins, from Adam to the last sinner, before JESUS judges the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1). Can you fathom “such a loving GOD” declaring “depart, I never knew you”, and sentencing those who rejected HIM to an eternity in torment? The was recently a post shared on a social media site that says “GOD is not WHO you think HE is. HE is what HE says HE is”!!! The WORD of GOD is rather explicit about what the outcome for our choices will one day be. It matters not what “you think”, it only matters what GOD says will transpire!!! Scripture says what will happen “FOR ALL”. Where will you spend eternity???