“IT IS BETTER!”

Psalms 118:6-9                                            (ESV)

“6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? 

7 The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. 

8 "IT IS BETTER” to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. 

9 “IT IS BETTER” to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.”

“This world” offers so many different avenues to achieve PEACE and FULFILLMENT, but they ALL leave one empty, wanting an answer for life.  Drugs, sex, money, are just a few of these “solutions” that never seems to fix what ails us.  The DIVINE vacuum that exists in every HEART can only be FILLED with ONE SUBSTANCE, JESUS CHRIST!!!

In the late 1980’s there was a musical group that sang a song that went something like this: “Deep within our hearts is a GOD like shape, a perfect fit for JESUS in every way.  No heart is to big, no heart to small, HE’s the Missing Piece in one and all.”  Unless, and until, we fix our problems with NOTHING OTHER THAN JESUS we will continue trying everything under the sun to satisfy our desires.  The SON is the only PERSON that can bring PEACE!!

“IT IS BETTER” when we understand this.  “IT IS BETTER” when we rely on HIM for our every breath.  “IT IS BETTER” to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in god the money and wisdom of men and princes.”  “IT IS BETTER!!”

“THE WORD OF GOD!”

1 Thessalonians 2:13-16                                         (ESV)

“13 And we also thank GOD constantly for this, that when you received “THE WORD OF GOD”, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, “THE WORD OF GOD”, which is at work in you Believers.

14 For you, brothers, became IMITATORS of the churches of GOD in CHRIST JESUS that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews,

15 who killed both the LORD JESUS and the prophets, and drove us out, and DISPLEASE GOD and oppose all mankind

16 by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved-so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. BUT WRATH HAS COME UPON THEM AT LAST!”

““We live, in fact, in a world starved for solitude, silence, and private: and therefore starved for meditation and true friendship.”

#CSLewis”

This post was on a Social Media site recently, and it caused me to ponder exactly what I was doing looking at Social Media when the HOLY SCRIPTURES were available to me to be reading?  Why do we prefer hearing about, keeping up with, simply knowing what is going on with “this world” when “THE WORD OF GOD” is literally at our fingertips BEGGING us to venture into it, allowing our lives to be molded into what HE desires us to be?  

Truly, this is a devotional designed out of conviction and guidance for me, not a tutorial for others!  It is so very easy to identify the faults of others while basically turning a blind eye to the area lacking my own life.  Am I a TRUE IMITATOR of the churches of GOD (v14), or do I simply preach about others sins instead of getting “the log out of your own eye” (Matthew 7:5)!!!  GOD HELP ME!!!

There is no need for further discussion about the subject at hand until my closet is cleaned!  There is hope, for even me, as I continue maturing my seeds into a plant that will Glorify and honor the LORD JESUS CHRIST.  “THE WORD OF GOD”, which is at work in you Believers” has a LOT OF WORK to do in me!!!

“GOD HAS COME UPON YOU!”

Luke 11:14-23                                     (ESV)

“14 Now HE was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled.

15 But some of them said, "HE casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,"

16 while others, to test HIM, kept seeking from HIM a sign from heaven.

17 But HE, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.

18 And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul.

19 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.

20 But if it is by the finger of GOD that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of “GOD HAS COME UPON YOU”.

21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe;

22 but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil.

23 Whoever is not with ME is against ME, and whoever does not gather with ME scatters.”

We all perform certain things that are distinct to us, sort of like our emotional DNA, where we leave our fingerprint on a particular situation.  We don’t even have to struggle to make our presence known, others just KNOW that we were there and left our mark!  Being 6’6” tall is something that is very hard to hide, because no matter how hard you try to not be seen, you cannot hide that you are 6’6” tall!  

Likewise, you can try to hide that you are a Believer that JESUS CHRIST is GOD IN THE FLESH, but the TESTIMONY OF FAITH will soon be made manifest to the entire world, no matter how hard you try to disguise it!  There are many people who are extremely shy and reserved, but even those are placed into positions, from time to time, where their TESTIMONY OF FAITH speaks loud and clear.  

When JESUS cast the demon out of the mute, some said HE did so through Beelzebul, another name used for satan.  There are many names used to identify the enemy, but rest assured that “Whoever is not with ME is against ME, and whoever does not gather with ME scatters.”  No other NAME infuriates the devil like the name of JESUS, and the reason is that HE IS GOD and HE HAS DEFEATED THE ENEMY!!!

When “GOD HAS COME UPON YOU” and instills in you HIS DNA, you have no alternative than to excrete HIS LOVE wherever you are.  You can try to be shy a reserved, but it will stain whatever and whomever It comes in contact with, regardless of their willingness to hear!  All we have to do is live for HIM and display that “GOD HAS COME UPON YOU”!!!

“LED BY THE SPIRIT!”

Romans 8:12-17                              (ESV)

“12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.

13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the SPIRIT you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

14 FOR ALL WHO ARE “LED BY THE SPIRIT” OF GOD ARE SONS OF GOD.

15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the SPIRIT of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! FATHER!"

16 The SPIRIT HIMSELF bears witness with our spirit that we are children of GOD,

17 and if children, then heirs-heirs of W and fellow heirs with CHRIST, provided we suffer with HIM in order that we may also be glorified with HIM.”

Having experienced GOD’s Matchless Grace in ways that few others have, there is rarely a hesitance on my part to wait and see what HE is up to next!!!  HE has always “bailed me out” before?  Surely HE will do it again?  Everyone has seen my quoting Exodus 14:14, “The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent”, but from time to time I elect to be talking when ALMIGHTY GOD is wanting to talk to me!  It is awfully difficult to listen when your mouth is open!  

Most of us want to input our thoughts and feelings into a discussion without being led by the HOLY SPIRIT to do so.  Being “LED BY THE SPIRIT” is not something that we should claim without even praying about it.  In Exodus 33:9 Moses didn’t go into THE TENT OF MEETING, not to tell GOD how rebellious the Children of Israel were being, but in order that “the LORD would speak with Moses”.  Since the LORD was speaking with Moses, one would have to agree that Moses was listening?  

Do I listen to ALMIGHTY GOD when I am approaching HIS THRONE?  Or do I bring my WISH LIST to HIM and abruptly cast it before HIM in an almost irreverent manner like HE is some sort of genie?  King David, after battling Saul, said in Psalms 18:30, “This GOD-HIS way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; HE is a shield for all those who take refuge in HIM.”  David didn’t take credit for anything he accomplished against Saul.  Instead he talked about how magnificent and majestic is.  

When we are “LED BY THE SPIRIT”, we are typically in a position of doing what GOD is directing us to do, not begging for more “stuff”!  When we are being “LED BY THE SPIRIT”, we are submitting to HIS Leadership in where we should go, and doing what we should do.  When we are explaining how we think HE should be doing things, we are basically telling GOD that our thoughts are higher than HIS (Isaiah 55:8-9)!  It is IMPOSSIBLE to be “LED BY THE SPIRIT” until we surrender to HIS LORDSHIP over our direction!  

“THE TENT OF MEETING!”

Exodus 33:7-10                              (ESV)

“7 Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it “THE TENT OF MEETING”. And everyone who sought the LORD would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp.

8 Whenever Moses went out to the tent, ALL THE PEOPLE would rise up, and each would stand at his tent door, and watch Moses until he had gone into the tent.

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.”

It has been said, and very astutely so, that “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it”!  The Children of Israel had been rescued from Egyptian slavery almost 40 years prior to these Scriptures.  One would think that they would remember the torture of having NO FREEDOM and would NEVER do ANYTHING to succumb to the entrapment of Slavery again?!?  

However, in Deuteronomy 31:20 it is written “For when I have brought them into the land flowing with milk and honey, which I swore to give to their fathers, and they have eaten and are full and grown fat, THEY WILL TURN to other gods and serve them, and despise ME and break MY covenant.”  GOD told Moses before he “laid down with his fathers” that the Israelites would not be able to stand the prosperity that HE would Bless them with.  

Before the Israelites were Blessed with abundance of THE PROMISED LAND, they were watching Moses go into “THE TENT OF MEETING” to speak with GOD, and the LORD would speak with Moses!  They knew that it would be happening, yet they were becoming so comfortable with there rewards that were from ALMIGHTY GOD that they turned away from worshipping HIM and began following other gods!  They couldn’t SEE their past for the Blessings that they were enjoying!  

Am I any better?  Do I get so caught up with HIS Blessings that I fail to recognize that HE is the ONE WHO provides them?  HEAVENLY FATHER, cause me to remember that TRUE FREEDOM comes from YOU, and that the slavery of sin is waiting to entrap me IF I CHOOSE TO TAKE MY EYES OFF OF YOU! Cause me to remember “THE TENT OF MEETING” and that YOU are wanting to fellowship with me daily!!!

“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”

Psalms 147:3-5                                                (ESV)

“3 HE heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 

4 HE determines the number of the stars; HE gives to all of them their names. 

5 “GREAT IS OUR LORD”, and abundant in power; HIS understanding is beyond measure.”

Lately it seems I have been writing a lot about the Brain Hemorrhage I experienced in July 2007.  Please don’t get the wrong impression, I do NOT Glory in being where I found myself to be, but I will NEVER allow the lessons learned to be minimized for fear of offending people.  Teaching me sometimes isn’t the easiest thing to accomplish, but ALMIGHTY GOD didn’t even break a sweat when it came to bringing me through the valley of the shadow of death.  HE is so capable, and I am not!  

Lately I have been writing on the theme of how we seem to have the mindset that the entire world revolves around the events that we have in our lives.  There are currently approximately 7.7 BILLION people in the world according to worldometer.info.  ALMIGHTY GOD is so vast that HE knows the number of hairs on each head (Luke 12:7)!  HE isn’t caught off guard by the happenings of this world and HE isn’t surprised by my lack of obedience and FAITH!  As a matter of fact, GOD is constantly moving me towards perfecting my obedience and FAITH for HIS Glory.  

While driving home from the hospital one evening in w2007, my wife tells about hearing a song, I believe sung by Twila Paris, entitled GOD IS IN CONTROL.  She says that she received PEACE when realizing that GOD had EVERYTHING in HIS HANDS!  Just as ALMIGHTY GOD was IN CONTROL when my brain developed a leak, HE remains IN CONTROL today.  HE doesn’t relinquish HIS CONTROL to anyone, even when we think we are defying HIS Sovereignty!  In Exodus HE caused the Israelites to GO BACKWARDS (Exodus 14:2) and gave the appearance that they were “wandering in the land”!  Of course,Scripture records that the enemy of GOD was introduced to the bottom of the Red Sea later in Exodus 14.  

Another translation of Psalms 147:5 says “GREAT IS OUR LORD” and HE is STRONG IN HIS POWER and THERE IS NO END to HIS understanding.”  Our limited vision cannot grasp the magnitude of GOD’s POWER.  JESUS HIMSELF said in Matthew 19:26, “With man this is impossible, but with GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE."  My tendency is to say that something cannot be accomplished, but with GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!  HE can heal a Brain Hemorrhage after a seventeen day coma, and there is NO END to what HE can do!  “GREAT IS OUR LORD”!!!

“HIS WILL!”

Hebrews 13:20-21                                                  (ESV)

“20 Now may the GOD of peace who brought again from the dead our LORD JESUS, the great SHEPHERD of the sheep, by the blood of THE ETERNAL COVENANT,

21 equip you with everything good THAT YOU MAY DO “HIS WILL”, working in us that which is pleasing in HIS sight, through JESUS CHRIST, to WHOM be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

As I ponder the journey I am taking that is called MY LIFE, I am humbled to know that ALMIGHTY GOD has chosen to reflect HIS LOVE through the prism of my life.  Hardly is there a day that goes by that I do not think about WHY HE not only CREATED me, but has kept me here for 58 plus years, sometimes having to MIRACULOUSLY intervene to get me through various situations.  Recently viewing a documentary called “American Gospel: Christ Alone”, it has been brought to the forefront of my mind that I have to be careful NOT TO allow myself to confuse my wishes for “HIS WILL”!

When we are trying to KNOW GOD’s purpose for our lives, we have to be extremely careful NOT TO interject our own emotions and dreams to cloud our vision of where “HIS WILL” is leading us.  Knowing that my wishes and desires usually lead me through valleys of despair, I should be more cautious when I am about to follow every whim and notion that pops into my head!  But Numbers 23:19 says “GOD is NOT MAN, that HE should lie, or a son of man, that HE should change HIS mind. Has HE said, and will HE not do it?  Or has HE spoken, and will HE not fulfill it?”  If GOD has said something, HE WILL DO IT, it just is probably not going to be on my timetable.  “HIS WILL” doesn’t have to make sense.  As a matter of fact, FAITH doesn’t require anything making sense at all!  It does, however, require us TRUSTING IN HIM for our next step in life, even when the next step appears to be into a fiery furnace! 

Serving GOD ALMIGHTY doesn’t require us following a “seven-step plan” that this world has approved.  For me, I don’t want to settle for what man believes is the best way of being successful and then letting someone write a book about how I “made it”.  2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 says “To this end we always pray for you, that our GOD may make you worthy of HIS calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work OF FAITH by HIS power, so that the name of our LORD JESUS may be glorified in you, and you in HIM, ACCORDING TO THE GRACE of our GOD and the LORD JESUS CHRIST.”  We should be longing to find “HIS WILL” for our lives, excited about being used to be a role-player in HIS magnificent Plan to Glorify HIMSELF!

“HIS WILL” doesn’t indicate that our paths will always be the proverbial bed of roses.  

“HIS WILL” may lead us through the valley of the shadow of death, but HE is there to guide us and protect us as we serve HIM, or HE will be there to guide us home!  Either way, we are winners because JESUS CHRIST has already won the war.  We don’t deserve HIS goodness and mercy, but HIS Grace is sufficient for everyone who is CALLED to Believe.  Making certain that I remain in “HIS WILL” is vital for my Spiritual wellbeing, my inner PEACE, and avoiding the pitfalls of the enemy.  

“BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD!”

1 Peter1:17-21                                                (ESV)

“17 And if you call on HIM as FATHER WHO judges impartially according to each one's deeds, CONDUCT YOURSELVES WITH FEAR throughout the time of your exile,

18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,

19 but with the precious blood of CHRIST, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

20 HE was foreknown “BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD” but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you

21 who through him are believers in GOD, who raised HIM from the dead and gave HIM Glory, so that your faith and hope are in GOD.”

Most of us have a MAJOR CRISIS that has happened in our lives where there is no earthly explanation for how we made it through our dilemma.  Many are aware of the Brain Hemorrhage I experienced on July 09, 2007.   It would be easy for the Doctors assigned to deal with my case to claim that their knowledge and medical training sure helped them, AND ME, while I was hospitalized for 52 days.  However, my medical records from September 25, 2007 tell the actual story.  They say “However, he has had a remarkable recovery that can only be defined as a miracle from God.  He is walking without assistance.  He is speaking normally and eating well.”

Doctors are used by ALMIGHTY GOD to oversee some miraculous events.  They are also assigned to oversee situations where they not as successful.  My little sister was diagnosed with Gastric Carcinoma (Stomach Cancer) on October 25, 1996.  She died on December 26, 1996!  GOD used a brutal disease to usher her into Heaven, just as HE used a Brain Hemorrhage to draw honor and glory to HIM in 2007.  The doctors had no idea what caused my Brain Hemorrhage, other than being overweight and treated for hypertension, but why do some grossly overweight (500+ pounds!) people have blood pressure below 120/80, without medication???  

My thoughts were directed this morning while watching a documentary entitled “American Gospel: Christ Alone”.  Rev. Matt Chandler, a Brain Cancer survivor himself, and others were explaining that the entire Bible is about GOD Glorifying HIMSELF, NOT ONLY ABOUT GOD MEETING OUR NEEDS!!!  Sure, GOD meeting our needs is used to Glorify HIS Name, but “GOD IS NOT A SUPPORTING ACTOR IN MY LIFE MOVIE!”, according to Dr. Michael Horton.  “I have been cast as a player in HIS unfolding story of redemption!”  Skewing the focal point of where the Glory should go violates the FIRST COMMANDMENT!  

We should be honored that our CREATOR is using us to have a small part in HIS Divine production of LIFE.  Instead, we act as though we are the lead character and everything is about us?  There is NO ROOM for co-stars in our lives.  Either we surrender our starring role to our MAKER, or we can try making everything about us?  JESUS CHRIST and ALMIGHTY GOD is the star of our show and we have a very small part that lasts only a few years, at best.  We are called a simply REFLECT HIS Love into the darkness of this world.   

ALMIGHTY GOD knew “BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD” that JESUS would have to be sacrificed for the sins of all mankind.  HE created us anyway!  When we act as though we are god, we are attempting to elevate ourselves beyond our abilities to function.  None of us are capable of managing a nation, let alone the entire world and the future of it!  We can only TRUST the ONE WHO was on HIS Throne “BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD”, for HE ALONE IS WORTHY!!!

“HE EXISTS!”

Hebrews 11:4-6                                 (ESV)

“4 By FAITH Abel offered to GOD a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, GOD commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his FAITH, though he died, he still speaks.

5 By FAITH Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because GOD had taken him. Now before he was taken he was COMMENDED as having PLEASED GOD.

6 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.”

Hebrews 11:6 has always been a favorite verse of mine.  Having FAITH is not a silver bullet to alleviate most of our problems.  We have FAITH that the chair at our desk will hold us up when we sit in it, yet that isn’t what Hebrews 11:6 is all about.  

Having FAITH IN GOD is something that we can’t trick our way into experiencing.   GOD is SPIRIT (John 4:24) and our Spirit either is either for HIM, or it is against HIM (Luke 11:23; Matthew 12:30)!  Now I am as poor of an example of a Spirit-filled Believer as the Apostle Paul claimed he was in 1 Timothy 1:15, but I KNOW “HE EXISTS” and HE has already won the war.  We simply have to reflect HIS GOOD NEWS to everyone and allow HIS SPIRIT to do the rest!  

Outside of Enoch, everyone of us will be required to die, AND THEN THE JUDGEMENT (Hebrews 9:27).  Enoch PLEASED GOD with his FAITH that GOD existed.  Even though I know that GOD exists, the fact that I some of the make the choices that I make is evident that I either don’t FEAR GOD, or I don’t FEAR HIS JUDGEMENT?  Romans 7:20 says “Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.”  Then in Romans 7:24-25 Scripture reads “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?  Thanks be to GOD through JESUS CHRIST our LORD! So then, I myself serve the law of GOD with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.”

When will I realize that “HE EXISTS” even when I am thinking that HE is not paying attention?  ALMIGHTY GOD doesn’t sleep nor slumber (Psalms 121:4) and GOD is not required to rest from HIS labor.  “HE EXISTS” because HE IS, I AM, and forevermore WILL BE!  JESUS said in Luke 18:27 “What is impossible with man is possible with GOD."  “HE EXISTS” and we NEED TO live our lives like “HE EXISTS”!  Not like HE can’t SEE what we are doing!?!?

“HE WOULD WITHDRAW!”

Luke 5:12-16                               (ESV)

“12 While HE was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw JESUS, he fell on his face and begged him, "LORD, if YOU will, YOU can make me clean."

13 And JESUS stretched out HIS hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." And immediately the leprosy left him.

14 And HE charged him to tell no one, but "go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to them."

15 But now even more the report about HIM went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear HIM and to be healed of their infirmities.

16 But “HE WOULD WITHDRAW” to desolate places and pray.”

Many times in my life I have been caught up in what I thought was helping others and would allow my focus to become the act of helping instead of worshipping ALMIGHTY GOD!   JESUS knew better than to get caught up in what others thought about the miracles HE performed, so “HE WOULD WITHDRAW” to a quiet place and pray! 

When we begin to look at what “we have done” instead of what GOD has done through us, perhaps we need to WITHDRAW and pray???  JESUS didn’t admire the miracles that HE performed.  No, “HE WOULD WITHDRAW” from having HIMSELF glorified and would instead focus on THE FATHER being Glorified!  

Perhaps I could learn a lesson from this and be more willing to WITHDRAW and let GOD receive Glory rather than man???  

“I SHALL GO TO HIM!”

2 Samuel 12:13-23                              (ESV)

“13 David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." And Nathan said to David, "The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die.

14 Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the LORD, the child who is born to you shall die."

15 Then Nathan went to his house And the LORD afflicted the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and he became sick.

16 David therefore sought GOD on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground.

17 And the elders of his house stood beside him, to raise him from the ground, but he would not, nor did he eat food with them.

18 On the seventh day the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, "Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us. How then can we say to him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm."

19 But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, "Is the child dead?" They said, "He is dead."

20 Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. He then went to his own house. And when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate.

21 Then his servants said to him, "What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive; but when the child died, you arose and ate food."

22 He said, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, 'Who knows whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?'

23 But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? “I SHALL GO TO HIM”, but he will not return to me."”

Last week was a trying time for me and my family.  One day a dear friend was healed from Dementia.  That evening a 25 year old wife of a friend died.  A couple of days later a family patriarch entered her Heavenly reward.  So evidence of how uncertain this life can be has once again been brought to the forefront of my thoughts.  

King David was in this particularly uncomfortable position a time or two during his life.  When his child with Bathsheba was born, the child became sick, so badly sick that he died when he was seven days old.   During the sickness King David was inconsolable, he was unable to be ministered to by his servants.  When the child died, it was if ALMIGHTY GOD removed the burden of the child from David, allowing him to eat and function again.  

While I am not able to identify with King David failure to uphold his marriage vows regarding Bathsheba, I have been unfaithful to GOD in more ways than I care to admit.  King David was spared having to surrender his life for the adulterous affair with Bathsheba, he had to live with the pain of that sin for the remainder of his life.  However, the history of sin in my life is such that I wouldn’t be shocked if GOD would elect to skip over me to use another of HIS servants?  

GOD ALMIGHTY is capable of using even a murderer for HIS GLORY.  Remember Moses, or maybe the Apostle Paul, or any other number of examples that could be stated??  None of us are “qualified” to be used by our CREATOR for HIS GLORY.   We don’t deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as GOD, but because of the NAME OF JESUS we are.  We cannot go and change our past, but “I SHALL GO TO HIM” one day and Worship HIM FOREVER!!!

“THY WORD!”

Psalms 119:11-16                                     (KJV)

“11 “THY WORD” have I hid in mine heart, that I MIGHT NOT SIN against THEE.

12 Blessed art THOU, O LORD: teach me THY statutes.

13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of THY mouth.

14 I have rejoiced in the way of THY testimonies, as much as in all riches.

15 I will MEDITATE in THY precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

16 I will delight myself in THY statutes: I will not forget “THY WORD”.”

The current society we live in, as a whole, is so disconnected from ALMIGHTY GOD and HIS precepts that we can have no direction on how to act according to HIS WORD, nor how to avoid the pitfalls of the enemy.  The only deterrent that anyone can blame is ourselves.   We CHOOSE to read the newspaper, or watch the television news, engage in Social Media, rather than immerse ourselves in GOD’s WORD and ultimately changing our lives for HIS GLORY.  

As I was growing up, I envisioned myself memorizing Scripture and quoting it when the enemy would tempt me to follow his paths.  That is not how reality has unfolded in my life though.  Nowadays I just recall certain verses out of using them so frequently that they are a part of my fabric, something that I was unaware that I had in my proverbial pocket.  You know when you discover a dollar in a pocket of a jacket you are wearing that you were totally oblivious to?  That is how GOD typically reveals “THY WORD” to me, amazingly enough.   

The only part that I am ashamed of is that the closer I get to “THY WORD”, the more I discover how unworthy I am as I reflect on HIS WORD.  My only HOPE is that “I will MEDITATE in THY precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.  I will delight myself in THY statutes: I will not forget “THY WORD”.”  Maybe GOD will Supernaturally do a work in my life that can only be credited to “THY WORD” being hid in my heart?  HE is that good to me!!!

“I AM JESUS!”

Acts 9:1-9                                  (ESV)

“1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the LORD, went to the high priest

2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to THE WAY, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him.

4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"

5 And he said, "Who are you, LORD?" And HE said, "”I AM JESUS”, WHOM you are persecuting.

6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do."

7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.

8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, “HE SAW NOTHING”. So they (Saul’s entourage) led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.

9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.”

The day was Sunday January 08, 1978.   Being a 17 year old young man, I thought I was a bit invincible.   I was a senior in high school and my stature was already 6’6” in height and I weighed 225 lbs., or so.   There wasn’t many things I feared, but most of that was because I was ignorant, not because I was wise!  When I got home following church service that Sunday evening, I was miserable from the “unsettledness” in my life!  I remember begging for GOD to give me direction and purpose in my life........and HE did!!!

The conversion of Saul was a bit more dramatic.  He was going “... to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to THE WAY, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.”   Persecuting those following THE WAY was exactly what I would have been doing in the first century.  Ignoring the Spiritual and advancing the Physical was the way, aw far as I could SEE!  However, Saul was about to have his eyesight adjusted, and by Heavenly means!  For three days he “fasted and prayed”, not due to Spiritual Intervention, but rather because his life was being turned upside down!  

“This world” seems to have the opinion that Believers in JESUS CHRIST are “more holy” than others, people with NO SIN in our lives?  Saul would soon be renamed to Paul, and in 1 Timothy 1:15 states that “.....CHRIST JESUS came into the world to SAVE SINNERS, OF WHOM I AM THE FOREMOST (or CHIEF)!”  Being one who is nowhere close to Saul/Paul in his Spiritual walk, admitting that I AM the FOREMOST of sinners isn’t something that I Glory in, but Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “...for when I am weak, then I am strong”.  As a matter of fact, Paul writes in the preceding verse “...Therefore I will BOAST ALL THE MORE GLADLY of my weaknesses, so that the power of CHRIST may rest upon me”.  

Don’t be shocked when I am found imperfect in my example of living for CHRIST.  Yes, I am a poor example of living for HIM and sometimes I get very frustrated that I am not the servant that I need to be.  NO, I am not one who YET can Glory that I BOAST THE MORE GLADLY of my weaknesses!  But I am trying to be used of HIM to be exactly what HE is calling me to be and going where HE wants to use me!  “I AM JESUS” is WHO I want others to SEE when they are SEEING me, not myself!!!

“SHUT THE DOOR!”

Matthew 6:5-6                                           (ESV)

“5 "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.

6 But when you pray, go into YOUR ROOM and “SHUT THE DOOR” and pray to your FATHER WHO IS IN SECRET. And your FATHER WHO sees in secret will reward you.”

Imagine if you will a greater Honor and Privilege than praying to our FATHER, GOD OF THE UNIVERSES, and having unfettered access to HIM at anytime?  It’s not as if we have to schedule an appointment with HIM, allowing HIM to clear HIS calendar to make time for us.  GOD ALMIGHTY allows us to bring our cares to HIM at any time, especially when we recognize that we cannot properly function without HIS Guidance and leadership in our lives.  

It seems very astute that when JESUS was instructing us on how to approach ALMIGHTY GOD that HE said to go into YOUR ROOM and “SHUT THE DOOR”, presumably blocking out all interference from “this world” and establishing that HE was the most important Person in our lives?  Of course, JESUS knew what we didn’t, and that was ALMIGHTY GOD was providing the very air that we breathe and we were simply tools to draw HIM Glory!  

Why then are we so set on doing what we want to glorify ourselves instead of Glorifying GOD?  The enemy causes us to have a predisposition to having praise directed towards us, instead of GOD, and doing it so stealthily that we don’t even recognize him!  When we go into our closet and “SHUT THE DOOR” we have a lot better opportunity to elevate GOD, and debase ourselves, therefore placing us where we really are before ALMIGHTY GOD.  Until we “SHUT THE DOOR” our focus is in danger of remaining on self, and that is where we get into trouble!  

When JESUS was hanging on Calvary’s cross (Mathew 27:50-51) the temple veil was torn from top to bottom, signifying that is was Divinely removed.  No longer do we require a Chief Priest to enter the HOLY of HOLY’s for us, but we can approach GOD, through JESUS, and “commune” with HIM.  Knowing that JESUS instructs us to “go into YOUR ROOM and “SHUT THE DOOR”” should not be forgotten.  It cost HIM a great price, and we should be reverent when accessing the THRONE.  

“LET NOT!”

Jeremiah 9:23-24                                  (ESV)

“23 Thus says the LORD: "”LET NOT” the wise man boast in his wisdom, “LET NOT” the mighty man boast in his might, “LET NOT” the rich man boast in his riches,

24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he UNDERSTANDS AND KNOWS ME, that I AM THE LORD WHO practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD."”

Very FEW WORDS are required to add to today’s Scripture.  “LET NOT” is telling us what we SHOULD NOT allow ourselves to be deceived into doing.  Any good thing we are caused to accomplish is because we are good people, but because HIS LIGHT is reflecting upon us.  “I AM THE LORD WHO practices love, justice, and righteousness in the earth” occasionally spills over onto HIS Creation.  

“LET NOT” people praise our works for good that we have done, but because we are simply reflecting HIS LOVE, JUSTICE, and RIGHTEOUSNESS with our actions.  HE IS CAPABLE OF HUMBLING US, IF HE IS REQUIRED!!!

“BEFRIEND FAITHFULNESS!”

Psalms 37:1-4                             (ESV)

“1 Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! 

2 For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. 

3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and “BEFRIEND FAITHFULNESS”. 

4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and HE will give you the desires of your heart.”

While I was searching this morning to SEE where ALMIGHTY GOD was directing my paths (Proverbs 3:5-7), I came across this study on the website of DesiringGod.org:

“The life of faith involves the miracle of seeing above your circumstances....

Have we confused American prosperity to be the norm of present Christian existence? Have we let all the good things that this world can give us blind us to the more important things that it can’t?

Maybe. But the psalms won’t let us go. They just won’t, especially Psalm 37.”

GOD has been working my life, similar to a farmer working the soil where HE is preparing to plant a crop.  HE has been adding fertilizer and minerals to the soil in an attempt to create a growing environment that HE can use for HIS Glory.   

My grandfather was a Master Gardener, not because he earned a degree from institutes of “this world”, but the EVIDENCE was made manifest by results every harvest!  One of the most painful things that I experienced was most mornings I had to “collect” cow manure onto a pile in the barnyard to be used as fertilizer when the crops needed it.  From experience he knew when the fertilizer would be best applied to the soil to reap the greatest rewards.  Very few times he was wrong because he seemingly always had a good harvest.

GOD has a far better understanding of when to apply fertilizer and minerals to apply fertilizer and minerals to our lives to produce bunker crops for HIS Glory!  Although we may not totally understand how placing the waste of a cow into the soils we use to grow our food, GOD can use anything for HIS Glory and purpose.  Far too many times in my life I have been guilty of being in TOO BIG OF A HURRY to even read an entire Bible Study.  GOD had to display that in my life this morning as I was attempting to “speed read” the devotional above in order to get through.  Until I grasped that GOD isn’t moved by my impatience and worldly tendencies, HE just keeps on making me collecting HIS manure for HIS Glory!

When I finally learn to “BEFRIEND FAITHFULNESS”, waiting on ALMIGHTY GOD to provide my needs, maybe I can continue my manure collecting, and allow GOD to be the ONE to make everything grow!!!

“DO NOT BE HAUGHTY!”

Romans 12:14-21                         (ESV)

“14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

16 Live in harmony with one another. “DO NOT BE HAUGHTY”, but associate with the lowly. NEVER be wise in your own sight.

17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.

18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of GOD, for it is written, "Vengeance is MINE, I will repay, says the LORD."

20 To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head."

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

We are exposed to, no, SWAMPED by filthy and unGodly actions by “this world” CONSTANTLY, and then we raise our hands in disbelief that ALMIGHTY GOD will not BLESS our nation???  How can we expect a HOLY GOD to BLESS AMERICA when we are acting just like Sodom and Gomorrah?  And I am not just pointing the finger at others, I am including myself in this Judgement!  I don’t steal, kill, or cheat on my wife, but I resemble the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 1:15 when he says “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!!!”

Folks, we are instructed, maybe even ADMONISHED, to “DO NOT BE HAUGHTY” with our neighbors.  Yet we think our actions are somehow better than our brothers actions, when all that we have going for us is FAITH that JESUS CHRIST lived a perfect life and HIS Righteousness is IMPUTED on my wretched soul!  While it is true that we CHOSEN have for forgiveness etched beside our names, the Scripture above plainly states that EVERYONE of us is to “associate with the lowly”.  It is difficult to look down your nose at others when you are “associating with the lowly”!  

The only thing that I believe that “this world” has to be thankful for is that ALMIGHTY GOD is a merciful GOD and HE hasn’t YET blown HIS TRUMPET!  People who think that THE HOLY BIBLE is a Book of parables only and a Loving GOD would never allow harm to come upon HIS CREATION must not be familiar with Exodus 14, nor Isaiah 37:36 where the Angel of GOD killed 185,000 in one night?!?  Folks, Judgement IS COMING!  

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” is something that I am continually adapting to.  The HOLY SPIRIT must love a challenge, because I am proving to be a hard case!  Thinking too highly of ourselves is something that we must overcome daily.   “DO NOT BE HAUGHTY” isn’t just a self-help suggestion!  “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.”   .....and “DO NOT BE HAUGHTY!!!”