“INCAPABLE!”

Hebrews 13:7-13                         (ESV)

“7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the WORD of GOD. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

8 JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY AND TODAY AND FOREVER.

9 DO NOT BE LED AWAY by DIVERSE and STRANGE TEACHINGS, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.

10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat.

11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp.

12 So JESUS also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through HIS OWN BLOOD.

13 Therefore let us go to HIM outside the camp and bear the reproach HE endured.”

The natural health industry is one of the swiftest growing in the world with people just beginning to SEE THE LIGHT that not all prescription medications are as good for us as they are sold to be.  It is hard to KNOW precisely what is good for us and what does harm to us??  JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY AND TODAY AND FOREVER, but I know of few parents that would instruct their children to “sacrifice” their lives for those who wold mock, deride and persecute their offspring?  

In John 1:1, Scripture states “In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD.”  THE WORD it is talking about is JESUS.  Yet when OUR CREATOR came to “this world”, HE was rejected as someone WHO didn’t fit in, WHO was different than everyone else.  HE didn’t fit the narrative of what everyone expected, so we continued searching, looking for THE ANSWER to LIFE.  But JESUS didn’t come just to make us healthy, wealthy and wise.   HE came to overcome our unholiness.  HE to restore our relationship with a HOLY GOD, something we were INCAPABLE of doing.   

THE WORD, JESUS CHRIST, was and is INFALLIBLE and INERRANT.   INFALLIBLE defined means “INCAPABLE” of being wrong or making mistakes”!  INERRANT defined means “INCAPABLE” of being wrong”!  HE is “INCAPABLE” of being wrong YESTERDAY AND TODAY AND FOREVER!  What HE says in Genesis 1:1 still holds true today.  JESUS fulfilled THE LAW (Matthew 5:17-20), HE didn’t erase THE LAW!  

There is a tendency to trust medical professionals more than Scripture, for they are occasionally right.  But JESUS CHRIST IS ALWAYS RIGHT, HE has NEVER failed, and we don’t trust HIM with hardly anything!  When will my EYES SEE that JESUS is the ONE that I should be trusting in and not mans limited knowledge??  JESUS IS “INCAPABLE” of being wrong YESTERDAY AND TODAY AND FOREVER!!!

“EVIL SPIRIT!”

Acts 19:13-16                                          (ESV)

“13 Then some of the itinerant (traveling) Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the LORD JESUS over those who had EVIL SPIRITS, saying, "I adjure you by the JESUS whom Paul proclaims."

14 Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this.

15 But the evil spirit answered them, "JESUS I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?"

16 And the man in whom was the “EVIL SPIRIT” leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they FLED out of that house NAKED and WOUNDED.”

With Halloween occurring this week, it would be negligent of me to not make known to everyone who chooses to listen what kind of danger there is in dealing with an “EVIL SPIRIT”.  True Believers, whether Jewish or Gentiles, understand that the only way that an “EVIL SPIRIT” is defeated is through the blood of JESUS!  Outside of HIM, we don’t have the power or authority to eradicate fire ants, let alone an “EVIL SPIRIT”!  

Some people, I think out of not knowing who they are dealing with, toy with “EVIL SPIRITS” trying to be cute or funny, but these Jewish “exorcists” soon found out that an “EVIL SPIRIT” isn’t anything to play with.  The were caused to FLEE “out of that house NAKED and WOUNDED” for ALL to see.  They were NO MATCH for an “EVIL SPIRIT” which was made evident by “mastering all of them and overpowered them” before sending them running!

 A kind and loving Word of warning, “EVIL SPIRIT” has been defeated, but only through JESUS!  In Luke 9:42 and Luke 4:33-37 JESUS rebuked an “EVIL SPIRIT” and they fled because they were overmatched!  Unless JESUS lives in you, you might want to reassess dealing with “EVIL SPIRIT” before you are caused to flee NAKED and WOUNDED!!!

“NO CREATURE!”

 Hebrews 4:11-13                             (ESV)

“11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.

12 For the WORD OF GOD is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

13 And “NO CREATURE” is hidden from HIS sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of HIM to whom we must give account.”

There are many books in today’s world that cover subjects of ALL areas, and I do mean ALL AREAS!   Everyone seems to have “an answer” for the maladies that wreck our hearts, minds and bodies.  You can find people that don’t believe in GOD saying that worshipping HIM is a travesty, while others proclaim that HE is THE ONLY way to find PEACE?  Does anyone have he answer???

1 Corinthians 2:14-15 plainly 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.  The SPIRITUAL PERSON judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.”  A person who depends on “human nature” to guide them will never find the answers, for mankind can’t figure out the intricacies of life.  The SPIRITUAL person must place his FAITH in JESUS to guide us through “this world” and to Glorify HIS NAME while we are here.  

Either we are trusting that ALMIGHTY GOD is in control, or we are believing that humanity is running things.  Since humans are STILL learning that other solar systems are in existence, that tells me that humanity is limited in its knowledge and purpose.  “NO CREATURE” is able to oversee a dealings of a nation by themselves, let alone the entire world!  But ALMIGHTY GOD has kept the sun shining since creation, with the exception of three hours when JESUS was on the cross.  HE has caused the solar system to operate in order without planets getting off course.  HE also can change mankind’s heart, JUST LOOK AT ME!

In the end, “NO CREATURE” will escape HIS Holy wrath.  JESUS paid my entire sin debt on Calvary and I am not left with a BALANCE DUE.  There won’t be an excuse for not knowing HE existed, nor that JESUS was your ONLY HOPE!  “NO CREATURE” will be exempt!  “NO CREATURE” will be able to escape being “naked and exposed to the eyes of HIM to whom we must give account.”  PLEASE, PLEASE heed this warning!  “NO CREATURE” means YOU AND ME!  

“WOE IS ME!”

Isaiah 6:1-7                                            (ESV)

“1 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the LORD sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of HIS robe filled the temple.

2 Above HIM stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two HE covered HIS face, and with two HE covered HIS feet, and with two HE flew.

3 And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of HIS glory!" 

4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of HIM who called, and the house was filled with smoke.

5 And I said: "”WOE IS ME”! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the KING, the LORD of hosts!"

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar.

7 And he touched my mouth and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for."”

There is a growing number of devotionals in my unused file that I use occasionally, especially when I am running behind in my daily routine.  Because of me awaking late this morning I was inclined to draw from the well of past lessons ALMIGHTY GOD has used to mold me.  Until I saw this from a friend.  He wrote “I am more surprised GOD saved me than I am HE saved Kanye West.  I am the worst sinner I know.”  That is when I caused to adjust my SIGHT to what GOD SEES when HE examines me?!?

In Isaiah 6, the writer writes “WOE IS ME”! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips”.....!  It is worth noting that Isaiah didn’t begin by writing that everyone around him had unclean lips, rather he wrote “WOE IS ME”!  Now I’m not a prophet, a priest, nor even a minister, but GOD so loved me that HE sent JESUS to earth to pay my sin debt.  Can you imagine when Paul was converted he had Doubters and detractors who wanted to SEE PROOF that his fruit was genuine, that he wasn’t trying to tear down, but build up the church?  Paul writes in 1 Timothy 1:15 “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners, OF WHOM I AM THE FOREMOST.”

To say that Kanye West has to prove himself isn’t being mean spirited, but more truthfully realistic!  We ALL have to prove ourselves daily. 2 Timothy 2:15 says “DO YOUR BEST TO PRESENT YOURSELF TO GOD AS ONE APPROVED, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”  The VERY NEXT verse says “But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness”!  

Perhaps I need to be more concerned about cleaning my own mirror and let the HOLY SPIRIT clean my friends mirror?  From personal experience, the cleaner my mirror gets, the BRIGHTER the LIGHT SHINES on the dirt that is left on it.  We are CALLED to help brothers SEE dirt on their mirrors, but we are also called to allow GOD to clean our mirrors as well.  “WOE IS ME” if I fail to SEE my sin while looking at others!!!

“MY PEACE!”

John 14:26-27                                         (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.”

Twila Paris made the song “GOD IS IN CONTROL” popular.  The song was released in 1993.  My wife heard it in 2007 when I was hospitalized with a Brain Hemorrhage and she knew that everything was going to be okay.  After the Brain Hemorrhage, I discovered how fatal they were and I realized that SOMEONE far wiser and compassionate than me was calling me shots AND I SERVE HIM, not HE serves my every whim!  

When our EYES are finally opened and we are able to SEE that GOD IS IN CONTROL we should be confident that “MY PEACE” will guide and direct us through “this world”!  To recognize that GOD is involved with even the smallest details of our lives, is a way of proclaiming that we are NOT calling the shots in this life.  Others may not be privileged to SEE that ALMIGHTY GOD is over all, so it we are called to spread the WORD 

Our diets and lifestyle’s are greatly to blame, but antidepressants and anti anxiety prescriptions are currently used in massive amounts in an attempt to bring “MY PEACE” to a world searching for answers.   We could cure so many ailments if we would just identify and recognize that GOD IS GOD and we are not! ONLY HE is capable of delivering “MY PEACE” to those who are without GOD.  ONLY GOD can fix a broken life.  Exodus 14:4 says “And I (GOD) WILL HARDEN PHARAOH’S HEART, and he will pursue them, and I WILL GET GLORY over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD." And they did so.”  

Pharaoh didn’t realize that he was playing right into GOD’s PLAN!  One might say that they wouldn’t have chased after the Children of Israel.  But GOD is calling the shots, Pharaoh didn’t have a say in the matter!  We are here to draw GOD Glory, and the sooner we realize and recognize it the sooner we will find “MY PEACE” in everything we do. GOD ALMIGHTY might call our little sister HOME, and HE may cause us to travel a road we cannot imagine, but when we understand that “MY PEACE” is all we need, we are finally SEEING that GOD IS GOD!!!

“PRAISE THE LORD!”

Psalms 146:1-5                                      (ESV)

“1 “PRAISE THE LORD”! “PRAISE THE LORD”, O my soul! 

2 I will “PRAISE THE LORD” as long as I live; I will sing praises to my GOD while I have my being. 

3 Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. 

4 When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. 

5 Blessed is he whose help is the GOD of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his GOD..”

AMAZING is the only way that describes how GOD works in my life.  A friend posted this morning about GOD answering NO.  I responded “I use to get annoyed when GOD didn’t answer in the affirmative as soon as I prayed.  But the I learned that HE may just enjoy hearing from me so much that I am made to WAIT ON THE LORD just so I will continue going to HIM for my desires.  Then I found out that my desires had “morphed”!?!🤔🤔🤔”.  

We are not left on this earth for ALMIGHTY GOD to solely display HIS SOVEREIGNTY by giving us blessings.  Romans 1:20 and surrounding verse says “For HIS invisible attributes, namely, HIS eternal power and divine nature, have been CLEARLY PERCEIVED, ever since the creation of the world, IN THE THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE. So they are without excuse!”  Even those who choose to NOT acknowledge our CREATOR as GOD can CLEARLY PERCEIVE that HE is GOD, and one day they will acknowledge HIM (Romans 14:11)!  

So why do we act as though we are defeated at times, surrendering to a defeated foe?  Earlier this morning I wrote on another friends wall “King David messed up terribly when he slept with Bathsheba and she became pregnant.  He tried to cover his sin, but the killing of her husband was known by GOD.  He wound up marrying Bathsheba and their child conceived in sin died.  A following child (Solomon) was mentioned in Matthew 1:6 in the ancestry of JESUS!  “and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah”.  GOD has a PLAN for you to Glorify HIM, not to elevate yourself, but to elevate HIM!!!”

This PLAN isn’t about how righteous I can live for CHRIST.  Now I love HIM and my heartfelt desire is to live for HIM with my every breath, but HIS PLAN is far better than anything that I can accomplish on my own.  HE has HIS PLAN and I will “PRAISE THE LORD” that HE has CHOSEN me to be a part of HIS PLAN.  I will “PRAISE THE LORD” as long as I live;  I will sing praises to my GOD while I have my being”.  HIS PLAN is being fulfilled in my life, not because I am worthy, but because HE IS GOD!!!

“THERE WAS DARKNESS!”

Luke 23:44-45                                                  (ESV)

“44 It was now about the sixth hour, and “THERE WAS DARKNESS” over the whole land until the ninth hour,

45 while the SUN’S LIGHT failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.”

There are days when the DARKNESS seems to be almost “deafening”!  But that is usually caused by cloudy skies or a solar eclipse.  When JESUS was crucified, the SUN’S LIGHT failed.  You might say that this phenomenon is impossible, for the sun operates at 8,999,540 degrees Fahrenheit!  But JESUS said in Matthew 19:26 "With man this is impossible, but with GOD ALL THINGS are possible." 

The phrase “THERE WAS DARKNESS” might be misunderstood?  There are varying degrees of DARKNESS in our vocabulary.  At 2AM in the morning it’s DARK, but the moon REFLECTS the light from the sun so we can see.  When the SUN’S LIGHT failed, my belief is that the earth was totally dark!  You couldn’t SEE anything.  

A dear friend of mine told me a story about FAITH being taught to him by GOD.  He says that he was walking where “THERE WAS DARKNESS” one evening on a large pile of scrap metal.  He couldn’t see, so his steps had to be very, VERY careful.  He would make sure of his footing before slowly taking the next step.  He wasn’t even trying to win a race, he was trying to not take a step in the wrong direction!  

Just like my friend , without JESUS leading our way, we cannot SEE where we are going in life!  Charles Spurgeon is quoted as saying “To trust in GOD in the light is nothing, but trust HIM in the dark—-THAT IS FAITH”!!!  When “THERE IS DARKNESS” in my life, I pray that I will TRUST in GOD to lead me steps!!!

“DISCIPLINE!”

Hebrews 12:5-8                             (ESV)

“5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the “DISCIPLINE” of the LORD, nor be weary when reproved by HIM. 

6 For the LORD “DISCIPLINES” the one HE loves, and chastises every son whom HE receives." 

7 It is for “DISCIPLINE” that you have to endure. GOD is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not “DISCIPLINE”?

8 If you are left without “DISCIPLINE”, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.”

I was CREATED by a PERFECT and HOLY GOD to be “imperfect” so HE can mold me into something more like JESUS, which is different than “this world” who are satisfied with remaining how they were created. Remaining how GOD created me should be nothing to to rejoice in.  Conversely, being constantly “DISCIPLINE”D by HIS SPIRIT into the image of HIS SON is precisely what we should desire to be.  

When I was born, my upper palate was smaller than it needed to be, causing several teeth to “come in” incorrectly, if they came in at all.  Surgery corrected that as best as doctors could, but it will never be perfect.  A couple of years ago I had heart bypass surgery adding a vessel from my leg to the abnormally small vessels in my heart.   There was some blockages, but the coronary arteries were smaller than the rest of my body.....until surgery repaired that.

Those are the just some of the physical flaws that I have to live with.  I have numerous character flaws that GOD continues to work out of my life.  The SPIRIT OF GOD sometimes does not work as quickly as medical doctors can.  HE routinely has to perform surgery on me, and it is best that I take time away (Sabbatical) from “this world” lest HE be required to “intervene”!!!

Allowing ALMIGHTY GOD to gently mold you is far less painful than HIM performing the necessary changes without your cooperation.  When I have been wrong (which is a lot times than I enjoy remembering!), I have experienced “DISCIPLINE” to correct my bad behavior.  My mother and grandparents LOVED me, so “DISCIPLINE” had to be administered.  GOD lovingly administers “DISCIPLINE” in my life, but if HE didn’t, I would be an illegitimate child!!!!  

“KEEPE HIMSELF OUT OF TROUBLE!”

Proverbs 21:23                                (ESV)

“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue “KEEPS HIMSELF OUT OF TROUBLE”.”

Although the text today is short, the commentary could be quite lengthy! The word KEEPS might be the main focus of the entire verse.  Another translation uses the word GUARDS.  Regardless, it is rather evident that we need to use GREAT discretion before we spout off our feelings to others.   In reality, I need all the help I can get to “KEEP MYSELF OUT OF TROUBLE!”   

Emotions have gotten me into more difficulties than I ever planned.  Saying what “just came naturally” to me was largely the wrong thing to say.  1 Corinthians 2:14 explains that the “natural” man does not accept the things of GOD!  Doing what is “natural” might be easiest, but is seldom what is Scriptural.   Emotions are generally used by the enemy, not used by the Spirit of GOD!   

Doing what “KEEPS HIMSELF OUT OF TROUBLE” usually takes me recognizing and identifying “the enemy” and avoiding the urge to respond with a curt or smart response.  Getting a laugh isn’t as important as avoiding hurting people we love.  It has taken GOD almost sixty years to remove the desire to be “cute” from my personality.  Committing to “KEEP HIMSELF OUT OF TROUBLE” has taken its place!!!

“NO UNBELIEF!”

Romans 4:20-25                            (ESV)

20 “NO UNBELIEF” made him (Abram) waver concerning the promise of GOD, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to GOD,

21 fully convinced that GOD was able to do what HE had promised.

22 That is why his faith was "counted to him as righteousness."

23 But the words "it was counted to him" were not written for his sake alone,

24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in HIM who raised from the dead JESUS our LORD,

25 WHO was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.”

The Pastor of the church where I worship is currently preaching through the book of Romans.  He was in Romans 4 a few weeks ago, and GOD is continuing to cause me to meditate on these verses.  In reflecting on one sermon, the man of GOD said that a man once came up to him and questioned Abraham having “NO UNBELIEF” since he had a son with Hagar by the name of Ishmael.  

This is what has caused me to be troubled since.  Until within the last day or so when a lightbulb came on above my head and my EYES were opened to SEE TRUTH.  Abraham had FAITH that GOD would do what HE promised, yet he did still have a child with Hagar.  Abraham may not have been experiencing UNBELIEF, but he may have been not waiting on GOD.  His wife, Sarah, suggested that he sleep with Hagar so he could have an offspring.  But even though Sarah “got what she wanted”, ultimately she had Hagar and Ishmael sent away because she wanted her son, Isaac, to be a sole heir.

It wasn’t as if Abraham ever doubted what GOD said to him, but Abraham listened to someone other than GOD when determining his future.  Yes, I do the same thing at times, allowing “the enemy” to make his lies more believable when GOD has already promised me a future.  Oswald Chambers has been quoted as saying "When in doubt, DON'T"!  My tendency is to do WHATEVER it takes to get results!  FAITH is trusting GOD with the results while living my life in accordance to HIS WORD.  

“NO UNBELIEF” is FAITH that GOD will do what HE has promised.  But it also means that I have to WAIT ON THE LORD (Psalms 27:14) to act on HIS timing......not my timing!  Although I may get really frustrated with waiting for GOD, “the words "it was counted to him" were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also”!  His example is plain to me that I am CALLED to have “NO UNBELIEF”!!!

“A DOER!”

James 1:22-25                                                   (ESV)

“22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.

24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.

25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but “A DOER” who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”

Far too often I seek to listen to the news media, view social media, or even listen to sermons instead of getting my guidance and direction from THE WORD OF GOD, which is “...living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)!  I am so BLINDED at times that I am unable to SEE TRUTH, for the enemy has so many lies in front of me that my judgement and discernment is distorted.  

Acts 17:11 says “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received THE WORD with all eagerness, EXAMINING THE SCRIPTURES DAILY to see if these things were so.”  So then why do I assume that my intellect is so much better that I can NOT TRUST in THE WORD OF GOD to steer me in the direction where GOD can receive Glory from me?  

Applying THE WORD in our lives is paramount in discipleship.  When we manage to SLOW OUR LIVES DOWN long enough to HEAR from GOD, we must become “A DOER” of HIS WORD, not merely hearers!  Listening to the news, social media, and everything else under the sun will NOT draw us closer to our Creator.  Only by becoming “A DOER” will we be more in HIS IMAGE!!!

“FIFTY-TWO DAYS!”

Nehemiah 6:15-16                                         (ESV)

“15 So THE WALL was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in “FIFTY-TWO DAYS“.

16 And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of OUR GOD.”

When OUR GOD performs a work, HIS Handiwork is frequently hard to miss.  When Nehemiah asked to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, King Artaxerxes only ask him how long he would be gone?  Nehemiah had to overcome obstacles, but he kept his eyes on the task assigned to him and completed the work in record time, “FIFTY-TWO DAYS”!

GOD Created the Heavens and earth in six days, so getting a wall built in “FIFTY-TWO DAYS” should be simple???  Adding humans into the mix must have slowed HIM down though?!?  We seem to always have questions and doubts about what HE is doing and how HE is going to get it done!  

ALMIGHTY GOD might have just SPOKE THE WALL into existence.  After all, HE had SPOKEN the worlds into existence, a tiny wall shouldn’t be that big of a deal!  “FIFTY-TWO DAYS”would be more than enough time to build anything for GOD.  

JESUS (Matthew 13:54; Mark 6:5-6) could do “no mighty work” in HIS hometown because of their UNBELIEF.  On July 09, 2007 I left my house headed to the hospital.  “FIFTY-TWO DAYS” later, I returned to my house after giving my doctors, family and friends a pretty big scare.  There were a very few who never doubted that I was going to “be just fine”!  GOD didn’t need “FIFTY-TWO DAYS” to heal me, but I needed “FIFTY-TWO DAYS” to reset my priorities!  Thanks for those of you who Believed!!!

“ALL MY PURPOSE!”

Isaiah 42:8-10                                             (ESV)

“8 "Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, 

9 remember the former things of old; for I am GOD, and THERE IS NO OTHER; I am GOD, and there is none like ME, 

10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'MY counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish “ALL MY PURPOSE”,'”. 

Nobody understands MIRACULOUS healing more than I do.   Many people, especially people who are trained in the medical profession, have made that clear to me since 2007.  According to friends, prayers were sent to heaven on my behalf from all over the world!  I’m not that well known, but a dear friend was working in Iraq at the time and I know he was praying for me!  Regardless, my recovery from the Brain Hemorrhage has been remarkable and I praise GOD for that.

But do you suppose that my survival depended on faithful prayer warriors begging and beseeching THE LORD for my restoration?  I have written many times that GOD HAS A PLAN, and I’m just blessed to be apart of it!  Who do I think I am to “inform” ALMIGHTY GOD about everything going on in my world?  Ahhh, but HE tells us in Philippians 4:6b-7 “....but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN TO GOD.  And the peace of GOD, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in CHRIST JESUS.”  

GOD DESIRES our dependence on HIM!  THERE IS NO OTHER that is able to accomplish “ALL MY PURPOSE”!  Medical Doctors can aid in healing, but there are still some who can’t be saved.   Bankers can assist in dire financial times, but people still have needs they can’t cover.  When we finally realize that HE WILL ACCOMPLISH “ALL MY PURPOSE”, only then are starting to SEE that GOD IS IN CONTROL!  HE calls the shots and we can only beg HIM for HIS mercy.  

To exclaim that I am forever grateful for the prayers and support during my life is way beyond an understatement.  But ALMIGHTY GOD is the ONE WHO heals and HIM accomplishing “ALL MY PURPOSE” is the thing I am most thankful.  According to one doctor, GOD is the ONLY ONE WHO could have accomplished what HE did and it had to be “ALL MY PURPOSE!!!”

“THE RACE IS NOT TO THE SWIFT!”

Ecclesiastes 9:11-12                     (ESV)

“11 Again I saw that under the sun “THE RACE IS NOT TO THE SWIFT”, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all.

12 For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them.”

Things in “this world” happen at such a pace that no one is interested in “taking their time” for anything any longer.  News reports routinely have “death breaking news”, but they are more “unconfirmed” reports than ever, and it seems the validity of reports are a thing of the past.  

Pure TRUTH can only be found in ONE PERSON.   JESUS said in John 14:6 “I am the WAY, and the TRUTH, and the LIFE. No one comes to the FATHER except through ME.”   However, most people aren’t satisfied to operate at HIS pace.  They want to move as quickly as “this world” supposedly demands, whatever it takes to make it happen.  

The things of GOD still take as long as it always has though.  A tree still takes years to be strong and tall.  A full-term baby still takes about nine months to grow inside a womb.  The earth still moves around the sun at the same pace it was moving when GOD spoke it into existence!  And GOD can allow the plans of man to be made, but only through DIVINE intervention will those plans be fulfilled.   Even the air we breathe comes from HIM (Isaiah 42:5)!  

It seems we all want to proclaim that GOD IS IN CONTROL, but when we have to admit that we are NOT in control, we usually are saddened, if not heartbroken!  Now I am NOT the swiftest of people, either mentally or foot speed, but according to Scripture “THE RACE IS NOT TO THE SWIFT”!  GOD IS IN CONTROL!  If GOD has it in HIS Plan for a elephant to outrun a cheetah, it will happen!  There are many who know more Scripture, and more about Scripture, than I do.  But my heart is open to whatever GOD wants to accomplish with my life!?  I’m just thankful that “THE RACE IS NOT TO THE SWIFT”!!!

“THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND!”

Luke 2:48-52                                  (ESV)

“48 And when HIS parents saw HIM, they were astonished. And HIS mother said to HIM, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress."

49 And HE said to them, "Why were you looking for ME? Did you not know that I must be in MY FATHER’S house?"

50 And “THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND” the saying that HE spoke to them.

51 And HE went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And HIS mother “treasured up all these things in her heart”.”

The writer of the song entitled “Mary did you know” says that Mary KNEW better than anyone that she was a virgin and was carrying the SON OF GOD in her womb.  But when JESUS was twelve years old (Luke 2:42), Mary must not have remembered that conversation with Gabriel (Luke 1:26-38)?  She said in Luke 2:40, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress."  Apparently, in the hustle and bustle of “this world”, she forgot that ALMIGHTY GOD had blessed her with her CHILD, not Joseph.  

Joseph too must have been accustomed to having JESUS under his tutelage.  When JESUS responded “Why were you looking for ME? Did you not know that I must be in MY FATHER’S house?", Scripture says “THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND”!  How could they forget a message both had plainly been given by angels?  (Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:26-38).   But don’t be too critical of Joseph and Mary, we do the same thing in our lives!  

We become so comfortable with our schedules and demands for our time that we live a large portion of our lives outside of the leadership of the HOLY SPIRIT.  “The enemy” tries to get us to add to what GOD has said, or take away from what HE has said, anything to get the TRUTH skewed in our minds and cause confusion.  At least twice in the book of Luke the earthly mother of JESUS “treasured up all these things in her heart”!  She had to keep her mouth shut until GOD opened her heart to grasp the TRUTH!

We might be wise to learn a lesson from Mary.  There are many times that we need to “treasure up all these things in our hearts” and let GOD work like only HE can!  When “THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND”, it might be because GOD doesn’t want us to understand AT THAT TIME!!!  HE doesn’t need my help in being GOD.  Even though GOD has given me a desire to help people in need, HE is the only ONE WHO can give them the help they really need.  “THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND” was said about the earthly father and mother of JESUS.  Sometimes GOD may WANT me to not understand???

“HIS PRIESTHOOD!”

Hebrews 7:18-25                           (ESV)

“18 For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness

19 (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to GOD.

20 And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath,

21 but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: "The LORD has sworn and will not change HIS mind, 'You are a priest forever.'" 

22 This makes JESUS the guarantor of a better covenant.

23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office,

24 but HE holds HIS priesthood permanently, because HE continues forever.

25 Consequently, HE is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to GOD through HIM, since HE always lives to make intercession for them.”

There is a post on social media saying “I just need one person to never give up on me.  Just one!”  That directed my thoughts to how we are saved from Spiritual death by the ONLY ONE capable of saving our Souls.   In John 4:24 JESUS says “GOD IS SPIRIT”!  Not GOD IS “A” Spirit!  And in Matthew 19:26 (and Mark 10:27) JESUS says "With man this is impossible, but with GOD all things are possible." ONLY HE CAN SAVE OUR SOULS!!!

Under the law, we were constantly needing to confess to a priest for 

“ASK IN FAITH!”

James 1:5-8                                             (ESV)

“5 IF ANY OF YOU LACKS WISDOM, let him ask GOD, WHO gives generously to all without reproach, and IT WILL BE given him.

6 BUT LET HIM “ASK IN FAITH”, WITH NO DOUBTING, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the LORD;

8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

How does GOD work HIS PLAN in our lives?  JESUS said anything was possible with GOD, so why doesn’t HE give us the things we want to make our lives a little bit easier???  Couldn’t GOD make us wealthy before making us wise?  While I was leading a discussion at church on a book about PRAYER, a subject line was brought about a few weeks back entitled GOD’s Presence and GOD’s Provision.  That phrase has caused my to ponder whether I want HIS PROVISIONS greater than I want HIS PRESENCE?!?

GOD’s WISDOM is far greater than anything that I can imagine.  HE doesn’t need to make me understand how HE works HIS PLAN, I just need to WALK BY FAITH and trust that HE IS GOD, AND I AM NOT!!!  Surrendering to HIS WILL in our lives is something that is we all need to do.....and that I have done.  But how do I seemingly constantly slip back into doing what “I THINK” is the best thing to do without “diligently” seeking HIS WILL?  

Maturing in FAITH can be a “puzzling” thing.  When we “ASK IN FAITH” like Abraham had, we WILL NOT always have to be righteous in our actions, but GOD WILL COUNT it as righteousness.   Genesis 15:6 says “And he (Abraham) believed the LORD, and HE counted it to him as righteousness”.  Now Abraham made several recorded “errors” in his life, but GOD still blessed him (and Sarah) with Isaac when they were TOO OLD to have children!  Abraham may have veered from TRUTH occasionally, but he always knew that GOD was GOD, and he wasn’t!  

My life seems to be replete with doing what I think is best, and so many times I take the direction that appears to be the wrong choice.  We can make wrong choices, but GOD can use them for HIS GLORY.  Solomon was an indirect result of King David’s indiscretion with Bathsheba, and GOD used this in the lineage of JESUS (Matthew 1:6-7)!  We don’t have to live a perfect life to honor GOD.  But we must always “ASK IN FAITH” to accomplish HIS PLAN!  

“FULLY CONVINCED!”

Romans 4:16-25                                      (ESV)

“16 That is why it depends on FAITH, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring-not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,

17 as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations"-in the presence of the GOD in WHOM he believed, WHO gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.

18 In HOPE he believed against HOPE, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, "So shall your offspring be."

19 He did not weaken IN FAITH when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb.

20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of GOD, but he grew strong in his FAITH as he gave glory to GOD,

21 “FULLY CONVINCED” that GOD was able to do what HE had promised.

22 That is why HIS FAITH was "counted to him as righteousness."

23 But the words "it was counted to him" were not written for his sake alone,

24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in HIM WHO raised from the dead JESUS our LORD,

25 WHO was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.”

When someone mentions the name Abraham, they usually aren’t discussing the book of Romans in the Bible.  As a matter of fact, Genesis 15:6 says “And he (Abram) BELIEVED the LORD, and HE COUNTED IT TO him AS RIGHTEOUSNESS” is the verse that I believe Scripture points to as the transformation of mankind.  The Jews claim Abraham as their Father.  But so do the children of Ishmael.  The thing about Isaac is that he was the PROMISE OF GOD fulfilled, and Ishmael was the result of man (Abram & Sarai) trying to help GOD!  

Now my bloodlines cannot be traced to Isaac nor Ishmael (to the best of my knowledge), but the FAITH that Abraham was in the same GOD that I place my FAITH in.  Isaac was PROMISED to Abraham and Sarah, not Abraham and Hagar.  GOD had to supernaturally cause Sarah to become pregnant, because she was past her childbearing years!  True, Ishmael was born before Isaac, but just because Abraham listened to Sarai and tried to do what only GOD was able to accomplish.  But I do the same thing sometimes.  I try to help GOD pit by “making” things happen instead of waiting for GOD to orchestrate events.  In that way, I am tremendously similar to Abraham!

No matter what Isaac did that seemed “wrong”, the fact remains that Isaac was still CHOSEN.  He was CHOSEN before the foundations of the world (Ephesians 1:4), just like HE CHOSE me to be a follower of JESUS.  No matter what I do wrong and how much I miss the mark, I am still CHOSEN!  

Abraham understood that GOD was, and is, able to perform whatever HE said, and HE was “FULLY CONVINCED” that GOD would fulfill HIS PROMISE!  My FAITH is not in my abilities to follow the Ten Commandments, nor obey the Golden Rule!  However, the GOD I serve has me “FULLY CONVINCED” that HE will accomplish HIS PLAN, in spite of my weaknesses and failures.  It’s not about how closely I follow HIS PLAN, it’s about me being CHOSEN to live for HIM!!!