“DEVOID OF THE SPIRIT!”

Jude 1:14-19                               (ESV)

"14 It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, "Behold, the LORD comes with ten thousands of HIS holy ones,

15 to EXECUTE JUDGMENT on all and to convict ALL THE UNGODLY of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him."

16 These are grumblers, malcontents, FOLLOWING THEIR OWN SINFUL DESIRES; they are LOUD-MOUTHED boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.

17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

18 They said to you, "In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions."

19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, "DEVOID OF THE SPIRIT"."

There are so many today who ignore the TRUTH.  It is WRITTEN for ALL to SEE, yet they CHOOSE to believe a lie from the enemy, and walk on the broad way that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13)!  Without a lot of extra commentary, the Scriptures above PLAINLY state that those who are "DEVOID OF THE SPIRIT" of GOD will be judged!  Those who are "FOLLOWING THEIR OWN SINFUL DESIRES", and "ALL THE UNGODLY" will not just miss Heaven, they will spend eternity under the WRATH OF GOD ALMIGHTY!!!  “Behold, the LORD comes with ten thousands of HIS holy ones” is NOT some idle Promise, it WILL happen!!

You cannot be "good enough" to enter the Pearly Gates.  The ONLY ones who will enter will be those of us who have the SPIRIT OF GOD abiding inside of us.  The ones who are "DEVOID OF THE SPIRIT" will be too late, for GOD IS SPIRIT (John 4:24) only operates on HIS OWN timeframe.  If you are unsure if you are "DEVOID OF THE SPIRIT", now is the day of Salvation!  You have been warned!!!

“JESUS WEPT!”

John 11:32-37                              (ESV)

"32 Now when Mary came to where JESUS was and saw HIM, she fell at HIS feet, saying to HIM, "LORD, if YOU had been here, my brother would not have died."

33 When JESUS saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, HE was deeply moved in HIS spirit and greatly troubled.

34 And HE said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to HIM, "LORD, come and see."

35 "JESUS WEPT".

36 So the Jews said, "See how HE loved him!"

37 But some of them said, "Could not HE who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?""

The phrase "I know just how you feel" is one that I am slowly learning not to use.   Many can say that when their mother left this world that they grieved immensely.  For me, when my mom exited her earthly abode, I rejoiced for she was free from the shackles that can come with physical restraints. When my little sister graduated into Glory, grief and sorrow were flooding my emotions.  Sure, I was 22 years older when my mom died, but the experience of my little sister leaving this world had prepared me a little for the exodus of my mom.  With that being said, we all travel a path that is unique to only us, and we need to realize that! We can’t say that we know how someone feels when we haven’t experienced the exact same history they have.  

Now THE JEWS, who seemingly always had an opinion about everything even though it was flawed a lot of the time said, "See how HE loved him" speaking of which Lazarus, the deceased.  They weren’t familiar with JESUS or Lazarus to know just how HE felt.  Although there is no exact known cause for JESUS WEEPING, knowing that Lazarus was 'absent from body' should indicate that he was in Heaven, wouldn't it?  Why would JESUS cause Lazarus to come back to earth just to satisfy Mary and Martha, and the remainder of Lazarus' family?  The answer can be found in verse 40 of John 11.  There JESUS says "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would SEE THE GLORY OF GOD?"  

JESUS could have WEEPING because HE was seeing what was before HIM on the cross?  JESUS could have been saddened that the FAITH that GOD could raise Lazarus was not being manifested?  JESUS could have been moved by the grief of people HE loved being grieved by the death of Lazarus?  What we do know for certain is that Lazarus eventually physically died and is now in Heaven.  Exactly why "JESUS WEPT" will be answered for ALL who have need to inquire one day when we get to Heaven.  Personally, I believe being in Heaven will be enough for me, to be able to see my JESUS and worship HIM FOREVER!!!

"THE PLACE OF GOD!"

Genesis 50:15-21                           (ESV)
“15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "It may be that Joseph will hate us and PAY US BACK for ALL THE EVIL that we did to him."
16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, "Your father gave this command before he died:
17 'Say to Joseph, "Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you."' And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the GOD of your father." Joseph wept when they spoke to him.
18 His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, "Behold, we are your servants."
19 But Joseph said to them, "DO NOT FEAR, for am I in “THE PLACE OF GOD?”
20 As for you, YOU MEANT evil against me, but GOD MEANT it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones." Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.”



My method of operation has always been to read do whatever I had to, AS QUICKLY AS I COULD, and move onto the next thing to do, AS QUICKLY AS I COULD!  My reading “comprehension” was always lacking because I WOULD NOT slow down and absorb the words being read.  I was satisfied just pronouncing them and move on, AS QUICKLY AS I COULD!

The Scripture above is a great example of how I lived my life.  In reading the verse of Genesis 50:19, I have always read it to be a statement.  But Genesis 50:19 has a question mark at the end of it, and that generally means it is someone seeking an answer to a question?  Joseph was his father’s favorite son.  He was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers in an attempt to make him “go away”!  Joseph, who had ascended to a lofty position, second only to the king of Egypt, was inquiring of his brothers “DO NOT FEAR, for am I in “THE PLACE OF GOD?”  Joseph KNEW he was right where GOD had ordained him to be.  His brothers couldn’t SEE that because they were living in the natural, while Joseph was living in the Spirit!

1 Corinthians 2:14 says “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.”  For me, I have been required to SLOW MY LIFE DOWN and get on GOD’s timetable to get HIS meaning of what I was reading, AND LIVING!  My SPEED READING may have gotten the words read, but the seeds of those words weren’t planted because I was moving too quickly.  For example, those who can’t understand why I don’t get to the office at 8AM now just can’t SEE what I am doing!  GOD, however, doesn’t have to satisfy “this world’s” questions as part of HIS Plan!  HE IS GOD and all I need to do is be in “THE PLACE OF GOD”!!!

Do you picture GOD as being in a hurry for anyone or anything???  For me, I need to do everything I can to walk in “THE PLACE OF GOD”!  Being where “this world” believes I should be is not what I desire.  Being in “THE PLACE OF GOD” is!!!

“COMPLETE PATIENCE!”

2 Timothy 4:1-5                        (ESV)

“1 I charge you in the presence of GOD and of CHRIST JESUS, WHO is to judge the living and the dead, and by HIS appearing and HIS Kingdom:

2 PREACH THE WORD; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with “COMPLETE PATIENCE” and teaching.

3 For the time is coming when people WILL NOT ENDURE SOUND TEACHING, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves TEACHERS TO SUIT THEIR OWN PASSIONS,

4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

5 As for you, always be sober-minded, ENDURE SUFFERING, do the work of an evangelist, FULFILL YOUR MINISTRY.”

After seeing a post from a so-called “minister” on a social media site recently that basically said “here is your god fix for today”, my Spirit was deeply troubled.  ALMIGHTY GOD, our CREATOR and Sustainer, has been teaching me over the past few years that HE desires us to BE STILL, to disconnect from ”this world” and commune with HIM, and these false prophets are saying anything that will sell another book for them and tickle a few ears!  GOD doesn't want to give out Spiritual servings like a Daily Recommended Allowance from the USDA, HE wants me to try and overdose on HIM!

Mankind has developed a ‘TO GO’ mentality, a give it to me quickly lifestyle, but ALMIGHTY GOD has instructed us in HIS WORD that we really need to WORSHIP HIM, and NOTHING more!  "BE STILL" (Psalms 46:10), "BE SILENT" (Exodus 14:14), and "WAIT FOR THE LORD" (Psalms 27:14) are just a few of HIS instructions, but they are so often ignored by, or NOT TRUSTED BY, HIS army!  Suppose you were in an armed conflict (a war!) and you ignored, or didn't trust, your superiors?  In the military, "willful dereliction" can bring serious repercussions. Yet in the Spiritual Warfare we are engaged in, we seem to act as though we know better than ALMIGHTY GOD and do what we think is best?  Is it any wonder that we live in a defeated state when we refuse to follow HIS leadership in our lives?  

GOD is currently working on me about improving myself every day, even if it is just a little bit. Most of us would love to get on the scales tomorrow and weigh 20 lbs less!?! But that usually won't happen without Divine Intervention!  It takes a commitment to following a discipline that is conducive to weight loss.  To exhibit  "COMPLETE PATIENCE" in our walk should mean to eat, sleep, and breathe doing what GOD is leading us to accomplish for HIM.  Displaying a casual obedience to a HOLY GOD is in effect showing that HE doesn't carry much significance in our decisions.  Showing "COMPLETE PATIENCE" with whatever GOD is wanting to accomplish in our lives should be our goal.  

When I get to moving so quickly in “this world” that I am unable to SEE things happening from a Spiritual standpoint, I am moving faster than HE designed me to go!  I don’t need GOD to quicken HIS pace so I can fit HIM into my schedule.  I need my schedule to find the speed GOD is moving and adjust to HIS timeframe, displaying “COMPLETE PATIENCE” as HE directs my path!!!

“GROW UP!”

Ephesians 4:7-16                                  (ESV)

“7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of CHRIST’S gift.

8 Therefore it says, "When HE ascended on high HE led a host of captives, and HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN." 

9 (In saying, "HE ascended," what does it mean but that HE had also descended into the lower regions, the earth?

10 HE who descended is the ONE who also ascended far above all the heavens, that HE might fill all things.)

11 And HE gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,

12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of CHRIST,

13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the SON of GOD, to MATURE MANHOOD, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of CHRIST,

14 so THAT WE MAY NO LONGER BE CHILDREN, TOSSED TO AND FRO by the waves and carried about by EVERY WIND of DOCTRINE, by human cunning, by craftiness in DECEITFUL SCHEMES.

15 Rather, speaking the TRUTH in LOVE, we are to “GROW UP” in every way into HIM WHO is the head, into CHRIST,

16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

Digging a well takes precision, especially digging an oil well.  However, digging for ancient artifacts requires tedious requires slow and painstakingly tedious examination of the area being scoured for in an attempt to glean a nugget of WORTH from the soil!  “Ancient Digs” have been known to last for month, even years, depending on their importance.  Some people invest far more money than one can imagine trying to find the mystery they are looking for.  

Many people want others to think they are “Believers”, yet they display very little, if any, evidence of MATURE MANHOOD.  Our physical bodies require nourishment and exercise to mature into adulthood.  Without proper nutrition, a person’s growth will not be what it should, and without exercise a person will not be a strong when strength is needed.  Our Spiritual beings are no different.  We can’t expect to grow Spiritually when we aren’t feeding ourselves the WORD OF GOD.  And without exercising our FAITH we won’t develop the Spiritual strength needed to see us through “the valleys of the shadow of death”.  

So often people, myself included, react to a trial or difficulty with fear and doubt instead of PEACE and ASSURANCE.  Exhibiting a certain amount of pain can be understood, but when we can’t let the pain go we are acting as though GOD is either not in control, or HE doesn’t know what HE is doing!  Losing a family member is a prime example.  My FAITH has grown tremendously after having a family member precede me into Glory.  But I am not wise enough to assist ALMIGHTY GOD with decisions such as when someone is required at the Throne!  

We need to “GROW UP” Spiritually, not only for our good, but so others can SEE JESUS living through our lives.  We don’t need to be swayed by EVERY WIND of DOCTRINE and DECEITFUL SCHEME that comes along.  Spending time in GOD’S WORD and becoming intimate with HIM through FAITH exercises is the only way to Spiritually “GROW UP” into MATURE MANHOOD!  The reward for this excursion will be great, so we need to prepare for a large investment, so we must spend appropriate time ingesting the nutrition to develop where we can be used for HIS Glory!  It will take more than reading HIS Word and praying for 10 minutes per day, IF WE WANT TO “GROW UP”!!!

“LORD, LORD!”

Matthew 7:21-23                          (ESV)

“21 "Not everyone who says to ME, '”LORD, LORD”,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of MY FATHER WHO is in HEAVEN.

22 On that day many will say to me, '”LORD, LORD”, did we not prophesy in YOUR name, and cast out demons in YOUR name, and do many mighty works in YOUR name?'

23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from ME, you workers of lawlessness.'”

The song “When we all get to Heaven” was on my mind this morning as I awoke from sleeping.  As I was pondering the lyrics of the song, my heart was caused to be saddened as many will not get “to Heaven”!  The part of that song that says “When we all see JESUS, we’ll sing and shout the victory” was particularly distressing as MANY of “this world” are displaying NO DEPENDENCE on any spirit whatsoever leading and guiding their lives?!?

Then the song “I wish we’d all been ready” came to mind.  It says, 

“Life was filled with guns and war

And everyone got trampled on the floor

I wish we'd all been ready

Children died, the days grew cold

A piece of bread could buy a bag of gold

I wish we'd all been ready

There's no time to change your mind

The Son has come and you've been left behind

A man and wife asleep in bed

She hears a noise and turns her head, he's gone

I wish we'd all be ready

Two men walking up a hill

One disappears and one's left standing still

I wish we'd all been ready

There's no time to change your mind

The Son has come and you've been left behind

Life was filled with guns and war

And everyone got trampled on the floor

I wish we'd all been ready

Children died, the days grew cold

A piece of bread could buy a bag of gold

I wish we'd all been ready

There's no time to change your mind

How could you have been so blind

The Father spoke, the demons dined

The Son has come and you've been left behind”

There will be many who say “LORD, LORD”, remember the things I performed for you YOU?  But The LORD will reply “depart from ME”!  I’m no more “worthy” to enter eternity with JESUS as my Savior than anyone else. But ALMIGHTY GOD has “CHOSEN” me (John 15:16) to be a witness for god HIM to “this world”!  

Don’t simply assume that you are going to Heaven because you have lived a good life.  Please fall down before HIS THRONE and beg for Mercy from “LORD, LORD” before HE comes back.   Because after the trumpet sounds, crying out “LORD, LORD” won’t do you any good.  Because as the song says, “There's no time to change your mind

How could you have been so blind

The Father spoke, the demons dined

The Son has come and you've been left behind”!!!

HAPPY CHRISTIAN THANKSGIVING !!

The United States of America may no longer be a “Christian” nation, but our founding fathers certainly knew WHO provided our Providence!!!

                 Thanksgiving Proclamation 1777

                     By the Continental Congress

The First National Thanksgiving Proclamation

IN CONGRESS

November 1, 1777

FORASMUCH as it is the indispensable Duty of all Men to adore the superintending Providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with Gratitude their Obligation to him for Benefits received, and to implore such farther Blessings as they stand in Need of: And it having pleased him in his abundant Mercy, not only to continue to us the innumerable Bounties of his common Providence; but also to smile upon us in the Prosecution of a just and necessary War, for the Defense and Establishment of our unalienable Rights and Liberties; particularly in that he hath been pleased, in so great a Measure, to prosper the Means used for the Support of our Troops, and to crown our Arms with most signal success:

It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive Powers of these UNITED STATES to set apart THURSDAY, the eighteenth Day of December next, for SOLEMN THANKSGIVING and PRAISE: That at one Time and with one Voice, the good People may express the grateful Feelings of their Hearts, and consecrate themselves to the Service of their Divine Benefactor; and that, together with their sincere Acknowledgments and Offerings, they may join the penitent Confession of their manifold Sins, whereby they had forfeited every Favor; and their humble and earnest Supplication that it may please GOD through the Merits of JESUS CHRIST, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of Remembrance; That it may please him graciously to afford his Blessing on the Governments of these States respectively, and prosper the public Council of the whole: To inspire our Commanders, both by Land and Sea, and all under them, with that Wisdom and Fortitude which may render them fit Instruments, under the Providence of Almighty GOD, to secure for these United States, the greatest of all human Blessings, INDEPENDENCE and PEACE: That it may please him, to prosper the Trade and Manufactures of the People, and the Labor of the Husbandman, that our Land may yield its Increase: To take Schools and Seminaries of Education, so necessary for cultivating the Principles of true Liberty, Virtue and Piety, under his nurturing Hand; and to prosper the Means of Religion, for the promotion and enlargement of that Kingdom, which consisteth "in Righteousness, Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost."

And it is further recommended, That servile Labor, and such Recreation, as, though at other Times innocent, may be unbecoming the Purpose of this Appointment, be omitted on so solemn an Occasion.

“BUT GOD” “BY GRACE!”

Ephesians 2:1-10                      (ESV)

“1 And YOU WERE DEAD in the trespasses and sins

2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, FOLLOWING THE PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-

3 among WHOM WE ALL ONCE LIVED in the passions of our FLESH, carrying out the DESIRES OF THE BODY and the mind, and WERE BY NATURE children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

4 “BUT GOD”, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which HE loved us,

5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with CHRIST-“BY GRACE” you have been saved-

6 and RAISED US UP WITH HIM and seated us with HIM in the heavenly places in CHRIST JESUS,

7 so that in the coming ages HE might show the immeasurable riches of HIS grace in kindness toward us in CHRIST JESUS.

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is NOT YOUR OWN DOING; it is the GIFT of GOD,

9 NOT A RESULT OF WORKS, so that no one may boast.

10 For WE ARE HIS workmanship, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS FOR GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD PREPARED BEFOREHAND, THAT WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM.”

Intentionally, I am not offering any commentary on these Scriptures.  I will only offer excerpts to emphasize what GOD is saying.  You tell me where we are “good enough” to escape the punishment of hell....without HIM???

“YOU WERE DEAD, FOLLOWING THE PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR, AMONG WHO WE ALL ONCE LIVED.  BUT GOD, BY GRACE, RAISED US UP WITH CHRIST JESUS.  AND THIS IS NOT YOUR OWN DOING, NOT A RESULT OF WORKS.  WE ARE HIS, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS FOR GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD PREPARED BEFOREHAND, THAT WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM.”

“BLINDED THE MINDS!”

2 Corinthians 4:3-6                              (ESV)

“3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.

4 In their case the god of this world has “BLINDED THE MINDS” of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the Glory of CHRIST, WHO is the image of GOD.

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

6 For GOD, WHO said, "Let LIGHT shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to GIVE THE LIGHT of the knowledge of the Glory of GOD in the face of JESUS CHRIST.”

FRUSTRATING can be a greatly overused word.  But when there are people in your life that the enemy has “BLINDED THE MINDS” of, it becomes very easy to write them off as “bad people” that ALMIGHTY GOD is unable to change their hearts.  You know, the kind that aren’t as mature Spiritually as you think you are?  Or the people who read a different version of Scripture than you prefer?  

But what about the people who the god of this world HAS “BLINDED THE MINDS” of, and they don’t even recognize it?  ALMIGHTY GOD GIVES US THE LIGHT to be able to SEE to recognize the “knowledge of the Glory of GOD in the face of JESUS CHRIST”, and we sometimes act as though we are elevated above the ones who MINDS have been BLINDED!  What is it about GOD GIVES US THE LIGHT that makes us so much holier and acceptable in HIS sight?  

The Apostle Paul was initially “born” with the name Saul.  He has a reputation that caused Ananias to question JESUS about going to minister to him in Acts 9:13-14.  But JESUS told Ananias in Acts 9:15-16 “...."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."  Now Saul was KNOWN to be a persecutor of people that Believed in “The Way”!  And what means did JESUS use in Saul’s Spiritual conversion???  HE BLINDED him!!!  Then removed “the scales” from his eyes so he could SEE!  

GOD is able to change hearts and minds of anyone HE “chooses” (John 15:16)!  We are not any better than those who HE hasn’t “chosen”, we are simply BLESSED!  Being BLESSED can be difficult remaining humble.  When you experience what doctors describe as a miracle, you could start to believe that you are special.  But then you realize that even doctors aren’t taking credit for your recovery and you are brought back into humility very quickly.  Just be thankful that we now can SEE after the enemy once had “BLINDED THE MINDS” of our souls.  We don’t deserve it, ALMIGHTY GOD CHOSE US!!!

“ALL PEOPLE WILL KNOW!”

John 13:34-35                    (ESV)

“34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

35 By this “ALL PEOPLE WILL KNOW” that you are MY disciples, if you have LOVE for ONE ANOTHER."”

Have you ever seen people sharing pictures of how close they are to be the stage at a concert, or a sporting event, or some other special event?  It’s as if being “up front” will allow you to hear more clearly music that is generally way too loud in the first place.  You don’t have to convince me that you had more money to spend on tickets than the rest of us, I believe you!  Your priorities are just a little different than mine.  It could be that neither of us is right and neither of us is wrong.  

But reflecting the love of CHRIST can’t be taken with such levity.  John 13:35 says “By this “ALL PEOPLE WILL KNOW” that you are MY disciples, if you have LOVE for ONE ANOTHER."  We can’t fake our LOVE for ONE ANOTHER.  There is not a doubt that I love my wife, children, and GRANDCHILDREN!  Giving my life for any of these would not be a question for me. 

But what about my enemies?  What about those who have hurt me, or worse, my family???  We are CALLED to be like JESUS, and HE gave HIS life for us, in that while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8), HE paid for our sins!  Where is it that I am supposed to seek retribution, or simply get even?  Our Creator is in Control of even the breath we breathe (Isaiah 42:5), so don’t you think that HE IS ABLE to handle people who treat us badly?  When we are treated unfairly and we don’t get our feathers ruffled, we are exemplifying the LOVE of CHRIST for ALL to SEE. What better way to testify than to be treated unjustly!

The words REFLECT has been on my heart for several months now.  JESUS CHRIST is the LIGHT OF THE WORLD, and I should Glory in the fact that I am considered worthy to be REFLECT HIS LOVE to others.  The thing is, when “ALL PEOPLE WILL KNOW” that we are Believers in CHRIST, they could ostracize us because a different spirit is controlling their lives.  JESUS CHRIST wasn’t crucified by Romans, HE was crucified by the Jewish leadership, THE CHURCH!  If they crucified JESUS, we should expect nothing less when “ALL PEOPLE WILL KNOW” that we are HIS!!!

"THE WAY!"

John 14:1-7                                          (ESV)
"1 "LET NOT YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED. Believe in GOD; believe also in ME.
2 In my FATHER'S house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I WILL COME AGAIN and will take you to MYSELF, that where I am you may be also.
4 And you know "THE WAY" to where I am going."
5 Thomas said to HIM, "LORD, we do not know where YOU are going. How can we know the way?"
6 JESUS said to him, "I am "THE WAY", and the TRUTH, and the LIFE. NO ONE comes to the FATHER except through ME.
7 If you had known ME, you would have known MY FATHER also. From now on you do know HIM and have seen HIM.""



It can be awfully easy to SEE the condition of "this world" and become TROUBLED by the actions displayed by many.  JESUS, WHO was/is GOD IN THE FLESH, OUR CREATOR, instructs us to LET NOT YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED though in the Scripture above.   Why doesn't HE send Judgment on those that willfully and blatantly disregard the TRUTH HE died to reveal to us?  The same Scripture tells us in Numbers 32:23 "But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD, AND BE SURE YOUR SIN WILL FIND YOU OUT."  JUDGMENT DAY IS COMING, it is as certain as the air we breathe.  

JESUS said 'LET NOT YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED. Believe in GOD; believe also in ME.'  How did HE know what was going to happen in the future?  HE IS GOD, that is how!  So why do I fret and concern myself with the actions of others when their CREATOR will judge them for their actions AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME!  Not only "them", but I will be judged the same way!  My ONLY HOPE is in the Sacrifice HE paid for me on Calvary.  I don't deserve it, nor does anyone else, but HIS LOVE  covers a multitude of sins (1 John 4:8).

How do we avoid the punishment for our sins that are sure to find us out?  JESUS said "I am "THE WAY", and the TRUTH, and the LIFE. NO ONE comes to the FATHER except through ME".  HE is the ONLY WAY we can see the FATHER.  Acts 4:12 says "And there is salvation in NO ONE ELSE, for there is NO OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN given among men by which we must be saved."  We must 'LET NOT YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED' and remember WHO WE SERVE!  Regardless of the actions of the people of "this world", JESUS CHRIST is "THE WAY", THE ONLY WAY!!!

“MARTHA, MARTHA!”

Luke 10:40-42                     (ESV)

“40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to HIM and said, "LORD do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me."

41 But the LORD answered her, "MARTHA, MARTHA”, you are ANXIOUS and TROUBLED about many things,

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

Matthew 14:15-21                    (ESV)

“15 Now when it was evening, the disciples came to HIM and said, "This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves."

16 But JESUS said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat."

17 They said to HIM, "We have only FIVE LOAVES here and TWO FISH."

18 And HE said, "Bring them here to ME."

19 Then HE ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, HE looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then HE broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.

20 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over.

21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.”

JESUS fed five thousand men, along with their women and children, all by HIMSELF with FIVE LOAVES and TWO FISH in Matthew 14!  Yet in Luke 10 Martha was ANXIOUS and TROUBLED about many things when Mary wasn’t that helping her serve her Master and guests.   There was obviously something wrong, because JESUS wouldn’t want someone to “sit around” and not help when HE was being served, WOULD HE???  It would serve us MUCH BETTER to grasp just WHO is living inside of our bodies, guiding us through “this world”!  

Let’s take a look at a few instances and SEE what JESUS said about us “helping” HIM:::

Exodus 14:14 (ESV)  “The LORD will fight for you, and YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT."

Genesis 28:15  (ESV)  “Behold, I AM with you and WILL KEEP YOU wherever you go, and WILL BRING YOU BACK to this land. For I will not leave you until I HAVE DONE what I HAVE PROMISED you." 

Proverbs 15:3  (ESV)  “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”

1 Samuel 12:16  (ESV)  “Now therefore STAND STILL and see this great thing that the LORD WILL DO before your eyes.”

And I could go on and on!  There are times when man has to observe ALMIGHTY GOD to be able to SEE a MIRACLE!   Isaiah 42:8 says “I am the LORD; that is MY name; MY GLORY I give to no other, nor MY praise to carved idols”.  GOD will NOT share HIS Glory with another, and most of us cannot help but “brag” a little when HE “blesses” us, even when we had nothing to do with the blessing!  Perhaps we should testify more about HIS Goodness to us and less about our own accomplishments???

“MARTHA, MARTHA” wasn’t looking for a miracle, she saw a need and wanted to meet that need.  Mary was more interested in gleaning what she could from JESUS, and letting everything else fall into place.  

Aren’t we a little similar to “MARTHA, MARTHA”?   We SEE the need and we desire to solve the problem when we should be listening to HIS direction for our lives?!?  

“MY PEACE!”

John 14:25-27                             (ESV)

"25 "These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you.

26 But THE HELPER, the HOLY SPIRIT, whom the FATHER will send in MY name, HE will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

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."

JESUS was trying to prepare HIS disciples for the Spiritual Warfare that they would experience when HE was physically departed from "this world".  It is remarkable that HE didn't prepare the disciples for "health, wealth, and prosperity" like is taught by several modern day speakers hiding behind a pulpit.  Getting through the easy times in our lives will not drive a person to their knees nearly as rapidly as "the valley of the shadow of death" might!  

My personal experience tells me death can be a shock for some, and a blessing for others!  My younger sister was only 34 years and three days old when she departed from "this world".  Although her body was riddled with cancer and she was ready to go, I still needed "MY PEACE" to get me through the separation.  When my dear friend departed at age 35 suddenly while exercising, once again I required "MY PEACE" from above to sustain me.  

Very few preachers want to speak candidly about death in any sense, probably because it reminds us of our frailty.  But JESUS gave us HIS GIFT, the HOLY SPIRIT, to get us through the difficult times.  HE knew that HE would only be here for a brief time, so HE gave us "MY PEACE" through the HOLY SPIRIT to be our Comforter when we need Comforting, PEACE when the storms are battering our ship, and CALM when "the enemy" tries to rattle our cage.  

"LET NOT YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED...." is a command, not a suggestion.  In John 16:33 JESUS said "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."  HE did not say that HE would provide smooth sailing, but that HE would give "MY PEACE" to we who are HIS!!!

“THE TRUTH!”

truth

[trooth]

noun, plural truths [troothz, trooths] /truðz, truθs/.

1. the true or actual state of a matter:

John 14:6 (ESV) “JESUS said to him, "I AM THE WAY, AND THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. No one comes to the FATHER except through ME”.

While recently watching a video/documentary/movie filmed circa 1953 entitled “Martin Luther”, I was caused to wonder if I would have exhibited the same courage that Martin Luther showed when he nailed the 95 theses on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany, October 31, 1517.  Martin Luther KNEW Scripture, as he was a well thought of Priest in the Catholic Church.  He saw, however, that “the Holy Church” in Rome wasn’t following Scripture, and he called them out because of it.  Being someone who was entrusted by the Roman Catholic Church to protect their beliefs, he instead wrote “Out of love for THE TRUTH and from desire to elucidate it,...”!  

Scripture reveals many things, and one of those is in Matthew 10:22 when JESUS says “.....you will be hated by all for MY name's sake......”.  Martin Luther was HATED by the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church because he was initially turned off by “indulgences”, which he saw as a way of extorting people to make the Church wealthy.   The main thing was, Martin Luther was convicted by “THE TRUTH”, knowing that he WOULD have to stand before ALMIGHTY GOD one day and give an account for what he taught.  Most people had to allow “the church” to interpret Scripture, as they were written in Latin and the uneducated didn’t know Latin.  But GOD can do the IMPOSSIBLE (Matthew 19:26), which HE accomplished with a humble priest from Wittenberg Germany.  

Martin Luther sacrificed greatly to make sure that “THE TRUTH” was presented to the common people of the world.   He was excommunicated from “the church” and was considered a criminal by its leadership.  The LORD JESUS CHRIST sacrificed HIS life to bring “this world” “THE TRUTH”!  Yet, I don’t properly appreciate either sacrifice as I don’t have an AWE of Scripture, and must not of the ONE Scripture is written about, or why don’t I live more HOLY???  

When a person lives “THE TRUTH”, they WILL UNDOUBTEDLY alienate “this world”!  It is almost as if “this world” WANTS TO BELIEVE a lie??  In John 8:44, JESUS says “.....When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies....”.   Keep in mind JESUS is “THE TRUTH”, so it only stands to reason that “the enemy” is a liar!  I thank GOD ALMIGHTY that HE chose me to serve HIM and called me out of the darkness into HIS marvelous light!  My EYES are opened to “THE TRUTH” and now I can see SEE!  

“GOD IS SOVEREIGN!”

Psalms 135:4-6                      (ESV)

“4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob for HIMSELF, Israel as HIS own possession. 

5 For I know that the LORD IS GREAT, and that our LORD IS ABOVE ALL GODS. 

6 Whatever the LORD pleases, HE DOES, IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH, in the seas and all deeps.”

When someone experiences physical death we often hear, “I’m sorry for your loss”, or simply “I’m so sorry”.  In reality, what are we to be sorry about?  We can testify about what we have seen in their life as a testimony as to where they are going, but the thief on the cross would probably not have a lot of people looking for him “this day in Paradise”.  Although we can say things such as that “we know where our friends have gone”, we still are hurt and grieved by seeing them leaving “this world”.  Maybe it is “unknown” about where they are, and maybe it is that we are left behind, the fact is our hearts hurt when a loved one dies.  

Psalms 116:15 says “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of HIS saints”.  Then why do we grieve and miss those who experience physical death before we get to?  Our CREATOR says it is precious in HIS sight when we die, IF WE ARE ONE OF HIS SAINTS!  The Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:8 that “.....we would rather be away from the body and at home with the LORD”.  So why ON EARTH do we so often “wish” someone back to “this world” when they have already completed their assignment?  Might it be that we only have earthly eyesight, and HE is looking from Heaven???

JESUS left HIS Throne in Glory to sacrifice HIMSELF for the sins of all mankind so we can experience eternal life in HIM.  When we are Born Again, we are left here to “....be MY witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  Not until “our appointed time” to GO HOME arrives, and only HE can determine that time, we should be read to join HIM.  GOD gives us the very air we breathe (Isaiah 42:5) and has determined our number of days (Psalms 139:16) and ONLY HE HAS PREDETERMINED when HE should call us home!!

Maybe we can’t grasp that because “.....MY (GOD’s) thoughts are not your (our) thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways and MY thoughts than your thoughts”. (Isaiah 55:8-9)!  Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that “....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”.  Former President Ronald Reagan once said “Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face."  Evidently I have to EXPERIENCE some “answers” rather than physically hearing them.  ALMIGHTY GOD has shown me over the past few days that just because I am can’t understand or make sense of HIS actions doesn’t mean that HE doesn’t love me, or that HE is punishing me, or most especially, that HE isn’t Sovereign!  HE wants to grow my FAITH IN HIM!!!  

ALMIGHTY GOD IS SOVEREIGN!!!

"ABHOR WHAT IS EVIL!"

Romans 12:9-10                      (ESV)
“9 Let love be genuine. “ABHOR WHAT IS EVIL”; hold fast to what is good.
10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”




Doesn’t GOD amaze you with the way HE orchestrates our lives to grow us into vessels that ultimately draws honor and glory to HIS Name!  When I was growing up my family lived next door to my grandparents.  My grandfather was a huge role model for me my entire life.  We were always taught that personal responsibility was a key to a being a success. However, voting for candidates was always for a particular POLITICAL PARTY, not for the candidates, was the practice for the most part.  A political PLATFORM was never discussed.  Nobody ever DREAMED OF supporting anyone who didn’t BELIEVE IN, and LIVE FOR, the HOLY BIBLE! It just wasn’t debatable back then,

There is a debate going on about “who” is to “blame” for current status of our nation.  The Scripture above says we should “ABHOR WHAT IS EVIL”, not abhor WHO is evil!  In the dictionary the word ABHOR has synonyms including “detest, HATE, loathe, despise, execrate”.  It seems that because “the enemy” uses people to do his handiwork that we assume it is okay to HATE the person, when we should be hating their actions.  Imagine, if you will, the Apostle Paul denouncing anyone who persecuted Believers in his day?  And then recall what Saul was doing when he was CHOSEN by JESUS!  

The current the POLITICAL climate has deteriorated to such depths that no POLITICAL PARTY is void of corruption and greed.  BUT, we cannot ASSUME that all members of a POLITICAL PARTY are GOOD or BAD.  2 Corinthians 5:16 says that we should “...know NO MAN after the flesh...”!  We are ALL sinners, only some of us have been CHOSEN (John 15:16) while others have not been chosen YET!  They may be used one day as a tool by JESUS, like Saul was?

Developing a HATE is something that it very “natural” to do.  “The enemy”:will try to help us “justify” our HATE.  On September 11, 2001 it became very easy to HATE a group of a certain “religious” people.  On July 09, 2007 a member of that same “religion” was used by GOD ALMIGHTY in saving my life!  My brain doctor is definitely NOT the same as the terrorists.  But my “eyes had to be opened” to SEE that!  When we “ABHOR WHAT IS EVIL” we mustn’t ABHOR the person, but “the enemy” behind that person’s actions.  Even Peter was told by JESUS in Matthew 16:23 “..Get behind me, Satan”!  We are ALL imperfect.  We ALL sin.  Be careful to DEFINITELY “ABHOR WHAT IS EVIL”, but without HATE developing for the people being used to perpetuate the evil.