“GOD HAS COME TO TEST YOU!”

Exodus 20:18-21                                                         (ESV)
“18 Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, THE PEOPLE WERE AFRAID and trembled, and they stood far off
19 and said to Moses, "You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let GOD speak to us, LEST WE DIE."
20 Moses said to the people, "Do not fear, for “GOD HAS COME TO TEST YOU”, that the fear of HIM may be before you, THAT YOU MAY NOT SIN."
21 The people stood far off, while MOSES DREW NEAR TO the thick darkness WHERE GOD WAS.”

In Genesis 22 Abraham, a man who was called a friend of GOD and had FAITH like no other, was PROVEN to be who GOD knew all along that he was.  In my notes I have written “GOD knew all along that Abraham would be obedient.  Now, Abraham knew he could be obedient and the rewards of obedience.  GOD already knew Abraham’s obedience, now Abraham knew GOD’s faithfulness!”

The children of Israel had already been made aware of the goodness of GOD through ten plagues and HIS deliverance from Egypt, through the parting of the Red Sea, and by THE CLOUDS that were going before them.  Why could they not SEE that ALMIGHTY GOD was IN CONTROL, and that they weren’t???

Now the Israelites were in the wilderness, alone WITH GOD, and they were saying “... but do not let GOD speak to us, LEST WE DIE."  GOD, on the other hand, wanted to display that HE was where their FAITH needed to reside, and not just when things were going smoothly!  That “GOD HAS COME TO TEST YOU” could have meant that HE was about to PROVE the same FAITH that Abraham displayed.  But the children of Israel didn’t have the same FAITH, even though they had seen GOD’S providence time and again.  Joshua 5:6 says “For the people of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, until all the nation, the men of war who came out of Egypt, PERISHED, BECAUSE THEY DID NOT OBEY THE VOICE OF THE LORD; the LORD swore to them that HE would not let them see the land that the LORD had sworn to their fathers to give to us, a land flowing with milk and honey.”

GOD might have tremendous Blessings ahead for us (me), but we are going to have to display when “GOD HAS COME TO TEST YOU” that HE is able, and willing, to Glorify HIMSELF with our lives.  Will I be like “... THE PEOPLE WERE AFRAID and trembled, and they stood far off and said to Moses, "You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let GOD speak to us, LEST WE DIE?”  Or will I be like Abraham, although he loved Isaac, was about to sacrifice him on an altar?  “GOD HAS COME TO TEST YOU”.  Will I pass the test???

“ARM YOURSELVES!”

1 Peter 4:1-6                                                     (ESV)
“1 Since therefore CHRIST suffered in the flesh, “ARM YOURSELVES” with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of GOD.
3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.
4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;
5 but they will give account to HIM WHO IS READY TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD.
6 FOR THIS IS WHY THE GOSPEL WAS PREACHED EVEN TO THOSE WHO ARE DEAD, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, THEY MIGHT LIVE in the SPIRIT the way GOD does.”

There are a number of reports of a shooting at a church recently where a gunman killed one security guard before being killed himself by another armed parishioner.  Another person was critically injured and remains hospitalized with severe injuries.  The real story about this tragic story is that one security guard was killed, while an ARMED PARISHIONER killed the attacker within a few seconds.  The person who ended the threat wasn’t a hero because he was armed, but because he was trained in the use of his weapon!

Our REAL “battle” is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12), but against “....the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”  Believers in GOD, HIS SON JESUS, and the HOLY SPIRIT are CALLED (CHOSEN) to recognize threats, to identity “the enemy”, and to neutralize him by THE WORD!  We are not CALLED to sit, sour, and soak in church pews while “the enemy” devours the less mature in the FAITH.

Far too often modern day Believers want to “... living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry” instead of “ARMING YOURSELVES” with TRUTH!  Doing what WE WANT seldom produces results which are worthwhile.  Earlier in 1 Peter 3:14 Scripture records “But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, YOU WILL BE BLESSED. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,.”  The problem is, most of us DO NOT Believe or simply DO NOT KNOW what Scripture says because we haven’t TRAINED for “active shooter” scenarios.

We may never be faced with a physical attack on our lives, but we are CALLED to be aware that “the enemy” will attack our Spirit.  Just saying that we will “ARM YOURSELVES” when the time is right is admitting that we are vulnerable.  1 Peter 5:8 says “Be sober-minded; BE WATCHFUL.   Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”  Will you continue to be a unarmed sheep, someone to be devoured?  Or will you “ARM YOURSELVES”???

“BE READY!”

Matthew 24:36-44                                                (ESV)

“36 "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the SON, but the FATHER only.

37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the SON of MAN.

38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark,

39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the SON of MAN.

40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left.

41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left.

42 Therefore, STAY AWAKE, for you do not know on what day your LORD is coming.

43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.

44 Therefore you also must “BE READY”, for the SON of MAN is coming AT AN HOUR YOU DO NOT EXPECT.”

Watching my “puppies” teaches me a lot about life.  This morning I watched as my wife was getting ready to go to the office, placing certain things she needed in the vehicle in preparation for her journey.   The “puppies” have learned that when they are getting to go with their “people”, certain preparations are made for their journey.  And, of course, they are hoping that this will be one of the days that will occur!  

JESUS instructs us to “BE READY” concerning HIS return.   HE doesn’t tell us to “BE READY” so that we are physically clean and smelling good, but we need to be Spiritually Clean with our living before HIM!  Sometimes we get so caught up in “this world” that we are temporarily in and we become so acclimated to our surroundings that it is difficult to remember we are living in the temporal, not the final destination!  

Speaking the language of our future home would be a great method of preparing for where we are going.  Ephesians 4:25-32 says that we are to “let no corrupting thoughts come out of your mouths”.  The word “corrupting” indicates infectious words, or breaking down, decomposing language that tears apart.  The opposite is what we need to have in our vocabulary to demonstrate “BEING READY”!  

When we are getting ready TO GO somewhere (ANYWHERE!), our 11 year old “puppies” start bouncing off of the walls, jumping and barking like something seemingly miraculous is about to transpire.  We should display as much anticipation for the journey in front of us.  “BE READY” by allowing JESUS to TRANSFORM our putrified, decaying selves into HIS likeness!  Then we can act like my “puppies” when they find out they are going with us, EXCITED about their journey!!!

“FRET NOT!”

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.”

As I ponder the events currently transpiring in our country, to say that I am excited would be a vast understatement.  The “division” in our country is not as bad as the underworld (aka mainstream) media wants us to believe, rather our country is succeeding and they aren’t involved with the success, rather the great results are in spite of their naysaying!  My “old self” may be plotting and planning how I could be a part of the solution.  Instead, I plan on using the Exodus 14:14 approach, “The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent!”

Worrying about the plans of the evildoers is what my “old self” would revel in.  Trying to “outsmart” the ones opposing me was what I spent a lot of my time doing.  As GOD has matured me, it is evident HE has a tremendous amount left to accomplish.  HE has shown me that letting HIM deal with my adversaries is the ONLY WAY to go!  TRUSTING in the LORD takes so much stress off of a person, for GOD’s desires are ALWAYS the best solution for me!  

When we FINALLY understand that allowing GOD to work, without me interfering, vengeance is something that HE is a master at.  Loving our enemy does not mean that we should pray that they experience GOD’S vengeance.  But when we SEE that happening, we should pray that they are changed by the difficulties and start following HIS teachings.  

In my past, the LORD may have had a tough time with me doing my best to be HIS method of vengeance.  “You have only to be silent” was NOT in my vocabulary, let alone my playbook!  Learning to “FRET NOT” is a lot easier when I realize that GOD ALMIGHTY has a Plan, and I Glorify HIM when I follow my part in HIS Plan!  “FRET NOT” might mean the enemy is allowed to overtake me crossing the Red Sea......but only one people got across the Red Sea to the other side!  “FRET NOT!!!”

“THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND!”

Luke 2:41-51                                             (ESV)

“41 Now HIS parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.

42 And when HE was twelve years old, they went up according to custom.

43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy JESUS stayed behind in Jerusalem. HIS parents did not know it,

44 but supposing HIM to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for HIM among their relatives and acquaintances,

45 and when they did not find HIM, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for HIM.

46 After three days they found HIM in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

47 And all who heard HIM were amazed at HIS understanding and HIS answers.

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.”

Luke 2:19                                                       (ESV)

“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.”

Joseph, Mary’s betrothed husband, (Matthew 1:18-25) was visited by an Angel from GOD telling him that JESUS was conceived by the HOLY SPIRIT.  Mary, earthly mother of JESUS (Luke 1:26-38), was visited and told she would have a child by the HOLY SPIRIT (v35).  Both were told plainly that the child would be from the HOLY SPIRIT (Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:35), but after a while it must have seemed like JESUS was theirs.   

JESUS was now 12 years of age.  Had they become so comfortable with JESUS in their lives that they had forgotten WHO HE was and was from?  Could they SEE that JESUS was GOD IN THE FLESH, or were their eyes blinded to the TRUTH?  Verse 50 above states that “.... 

“THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND” the saying that HE spoke to them” when JESUS told them “Why were you looking for ME? Did you not know that I must be in MY FATHER’S house?"  JESUS was gently reminding them that HIS FATHER, the ONE from which HE came, wasn’t Joseph, it was GOD ALMIGHTY!  

Are we guilty of a similar thing?  Every breath we breathe (Isaiah 42:5) comes from THE LORD, and yet I “just assume” that when I draw my next breath, it will be there!?!  We “just assume” that we will still be here next week, next month, or next year with no guarantee that the breath in our lungs won’t be our last!  Could it be that we, knowing WHO GOD is, get complacent with the normalcy of life and that HE will perform HIS work fitting into our perception of HIM?  HE wouldn’t be much of a GOD if our minds could conceive HIS future acts!  

“...All who heard HIM were amazed at HIS understanding and HIS answers” was written about JESUS in Matthew 1:47.  These were the teachers in the Jerusalem temple, not some uneducated hacks from the backwoods!!!  Now kids can surprise us, but for a 12 year old to AMAZE scholars in the temple is not in the ordinary!  

THE LORD does as HE pleases (Psalms 115:3).   HIS WORKS are not limited by our understanding or perception.  There are far more times that I need to become more like Mary in Matthew 1:51 and Luke 2:19!  Shutting my mouth and pondering HIS GREATNESS!  

“SPIRITUAL PERSON!”

1 Corinthians 2:13-16                                                   (ESV)

“13 And we impart this in words NOT TAUGHT BY HUMAN WISDOM taught by human wisdom but TAUGHT BY THE SPIRIT, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

14 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.

15 The “SPIRITUAL PERSON” judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.

16 "For who has understood the mind of the LORD so as to instruct HIM?" But we have the mind of CHRIST.”

Apologies at the beginning for the length of this devotional, but my heart was oozing out these thoughts and I had to write them down!!

Evidently one of the most ignored, or overlooked, maybe even UNSEEN by some who have studied Scripture is listed in the four verses above.  Social media reveals ignorance, HUMAN WISDOM, and Spiritual Blindness so vividly, but the NATURAL PERSON doesn’t SEE themselves as deficient in their thinking.  They see themselves as wise (Romans 1:22), they reveal themselves to be fools (again Romans 1:22)!  

Being the “SPIRITUAL PERSON” doesn’t make us better than the NATURAL PERSON.  2 Corinthians 4:4 says pretty plainly “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”.  We are able to SEE ONLY because GOD has opened our EYES and revealed TRUTH to us.  Without GOD’S Grace we would still be in our LOST condition, having NO HOPE!

How do we get “the mind of CHRIST”?  It isn’t to be purchased like a bill of groceries, picking and choosing the parts we want while refusing the “uncomfortable” aspects of being a child of GOD!  Personally, I do not struggle with KNOWING that GOD IS REAL?  Obedience to HIM is my weakness!  Unless, and until, GOD ALMIGHTY reveals HIMSELF to us in a way that we are TRANSFORMED, we cannot Spiritually SEE and will not even desire to follow HIM.  The Apostle Paul (Philippians 3:5) was a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee, of the tribe of Benjamin, yet he had to be stricken with physical blindness to be healed from his Spiritual Blindness on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-18) before he was able to be USED by GOD.  

Being able to Spiritually SEE is not anything that humans are able to control or manipulate.  ONLY GOD can change a heart.  HE changed Pharaoh’s heart multiple times and HE received Glory!  Only when our hearts are “broken” and transformed by ALMIGHTY GOD are we prepared to SERVE HIM in the measure HE has planned for our lives.  When JESUS “chose” Saul/Paul on the road to Damascus, he wasn’t ready for immediate warfare.  Although he immediately proclaimed JESUS in the synagogues (Romans 9:20), GOD sent Paul into Arabia for three years (Galatians 1:15-19) before he was prepared for his task of service.  Paul was already educated by “this world’s” standards, but he has to be “seasoned” by the SPIRIT OF GOD for three years. 

In Matthew 3:16-17 JESUS was baptized in the river Jordan.  Upon coming up out of the water, a voice from Heaven was heard that said “This is MY beloved SON, with whom I am well pleased."  In the very next verse (Matthew 4:1), JESUS was led up by the SPIRIT for 40 days to be tempted by the devil.  Even JESUS the CHRIST was sent into seclusion to prepare for warfare with “the enemy”!  

Unless we are willing to become a “SPIRITUAL PERSON” we will not be used to further HIS Kingdom.  “The enemy” is a extremely adept at causing the demands of being a NATURAL PERSON to consume far too much of our time and resources, causing us to focus on “this world”, when our future is ALL about the “SPIRITUAL PERSON”!  

It is my prayer that I will remember that the “old man”, the NATURAL PERSON, has been crucified and the “SPIRITUAL PERSON” has CONTROL over my life!  Although the NATURAL PERSON may believe they are in control of things, the “SPIRITUAL PERSON” has the mind of CHRIST!!!

“AGAINST!”

Ephesians 6:12                                                 (ESV) 

“For WE DO NOT WRESTLE AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, but “AGAINST” the rulers, “AGAINST” the authorities, “AGAINST” the cosmic powers over this present darkness, “AGAINST” woe I,  the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

How long will I have to fret about the tactics of those who are opposed to ALMIGHTY GOD?  HE spoke the worlds into existence with no help or input from mankind.  HE made the rivers to flow where they would.  HE causes trees to grow wherever HE pleases.  HE even allows man to dream up global warming to illustrate their lack of belief in HIS SOVEREIGNTY!

We can be so caught up in the actions caused by those who are “AGAINST” GOD that we lose sight that HE IS IN CONTROL!  2 Corinthians 4:4 says “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.”  The “god of this world” has no authority over we who are CHOSEN by our CREATOR.  

“The enemy” can wear all kinds of disguises.  Keep in mind, he has already been defeated.  HE was made by GOD (Genesis 3:3; John 1:3) and is diametrically “AGAINST” everything honoring GOD.  So “the enemy’s” attempts cloud the issues with fears and doubt are nothing more than lies, for he is a liar and the father lies (John 8:44!).  Recognizing that snout great challenge.

“WE DO NOT WRESTLE AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD” cannot be written more plainly!   Our struggle is with rulers, authorities, cosmic powers over this present darkness, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  “The enemy” is “AGAINST” GOD, and the SPIRIT OF GOD dwells inside of me, so I need to STAND FIRM “AGAINST” the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  

“THIS BOOK!”

Joshua 1:7-8                                                          (ESV)

“7 Only be strong and very courageous, BEING CAREFUL TO DO according to ALL THE LAW that Moses MY servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have GOOD SUCCESS wherever you go.

8 “THIS BOOK” of the Law shall not depart from YOUR MOUTH, but you shall MEDITATE ON IT DAY AND NIGHT, so that you may BE CAREFUL to do according to ALL THAT IS WRITTEN in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and THEN YOU WILL HAVE GOOD SUCCESS.”

Admitting that my knowledge of GOD’S WORD is no greater than it is can be rather embarrassing, especially when ANSWERS are needed in my circles and I have to research to find where GOD addresses the matter in the BIBLE.   Former President Ronald Reagan once said “Within the covers of the Bible are the ANSWERS for ALL THE PROBLEMS men face."  While I am nearing sixty years of age, I’m afraid that I have spent more time studying insurance laws, school board regulations, anything but “THIS BOOK” that will make my way prosperous and WILL BRING GOOD SUCCESS!

“THIS BOOK” is inspired by the SPIRIT OF GOD, the same SPIRIT in Genesis 1:2 that was hovering over the face of the waters!  HE instructs all who will meditate on it day and night, that you may BE CAREFUL to do according to ALL THAT IS WRITTEN in it.  ONLY THEN does it say that “you will make your way prosperous, and THEN YOU WILL HAVE GOOD SUCCESS.”

Too often I have wanted to read into Scripture what I am looking for.  For instance, YOU WILL HAVE GOOD SUCCESS may not be saying that we will not have trials and tribulations, but that GOD might be Glorified by our difficulties?  “Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble” according to Job 14:1.  This world has been corrupted by man trying to impose his will, instead of being submissive to a HOLY GOD.  “THIS BOOK” is our only HOPE of living a life that will Glorify and edify JESUS CHRIST !  

Maybe “this world” would SEE that “THIS BOOK” has the ANSWERS to ALL of the problems men face if I set a better example?  Worrying about others in the government, in the church, in my family, anyone other than me is GOD’S responsibility.  The main person I have to be accountable for is me!  BEING CAREFUL TO DO according to ALL “THIS BOOK” instructs should be the goal of us all, at least we who are CHOSEN!!!

“GOD IS LOVE!”

1 John 4:7-12                                                   (ESV)

“7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from GOD, and whoever loves has been born of GOD and knows GOD.

8 Anyone who does not love does not know GOD, because “GOD IS LOVE”.

9 In this the love of GOD was made manifest among us, that GOD sent his only SON into the world, so that we might live through HIM.

10 In this is love, not that we have loved GOD but that HE loved us and sent his SON to be the propitiation for our sins.

11 Beloved, if GOD so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

12 No one has ever seen GOD; if we love one another, GOD abides in us and HIS love is perfected in us.”

One of the most difficult lessons I was experienced in my youth was seeing a used car for sale at a friend’s business and almost immediately falling in “LOVE” with the vehicle.  It wasn’t the car of my dreams.  It wasn’t the car I just had to have.  But my “buying temperature” was high and my carnal self convinced me that I had to have it.  Bottom line is that I couldn’t arrange financing and was unable to get the car.  My grandfather wouldn’t co-sign for the vehicle and so it had to walk away.  My grandfather had the money, but I didn’t!  Earning the money before I spent it was being taught at a very young age.  If only I could have understood the “LOVE” and gravity behind his actions?!?

Regardless of what some teach, sometimes GOD has allow us to be exposed to difficulties to open our EYES to TRUTHS that we need to SEE!  We THINK we really need to have something or someone in our lives, only later to SEE that thing or person was caustic to what we were CALLED to be.  We are CALLED to walk by FAITH (2 Corinthians 5:7), not by what we want!  

Teaching me that I needed to do more than WANT something for me to sacrifice other desires I order to have it was something that took me years to learn, but it was taught to me most of my life.  GOD works in us “for HIS OWN purpose and grace” (1 Timothy 1:9), not so we can have everything on our wish list.  GOD demonstrated HIS “LOVE” for us in that WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS, CHRIST DIED for us (Romans 5:8)!  What more could HE do for a wretch like that me???  HIS “LOVE”, much like me grandfathers “LOVE”, does NOT always give us what we want, but what we need to Glorify HIM!!!  “GOD IS LOVE”!!!

“WOE TO THOSE!”

Isaiah 5:18-23                                          (ESV)

“18 “WOE TO THOSE” who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood, who draw sin as with cart ropes, 

19 who say: "Let him be quick, LET HIM SPEED HIS WORK THAT WE MAY SEE IT; let the counsel of the HOLY ONE of Israel draw near, and let it come, that we may know it!" 

20 “WOE TO THOSE” who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! 

21 “WOE TO THOSE” who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight! 

22 “WOE TO THOSE” who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink, 

23 who acquit the guilty for a bribe, and deprive the innocent of his right!”

The words “WOE TO THOSE” doesn’t just mean to stop what you are doing.  But that is what my uneducated understanding of the words meant.  In my wiser years however, I have found that according to one dictionary, the “Definition of woe (Entry 2 of 2) 1 : a condition of deep suffering from poor choices, affliction, or grief. 2 : ruinous trouble : calamity, affliction economic woes.”  In the Scriptures above, if you desire “1 : a condition of deep suffering from poor choices, affliction, or grief. 2 : ruinous trouble : calamity, affliction economic woes”, the easiest way to achieve your goal is to be running so fast, to be so busy, that you cut corners and live a life of catching up, and never achieving things that will bring you Peace and fulfillment.  

Being caught in the being a “successful life” can be one of the most deceitful things that “the enemy” does.  Remembering my former ways, I would go to the office in the mornings, work until the evening, go to a board meeting until late at night, get home sometimes after my family had gone to bed, believing that I was “needed” to make things run fluently.   But when my Brain Hemorrhaged in 2007 and I was hospitalized for 52 days, the world never skipped a beat.  Attempting to get right back into the rat race I found myself in, I had to experience the loss of a dear friend, my mother and mother-in-law, and have GOD take the next four years shouting (Spiritually!) to SLOW DOWN before I was able to HEAR HIM!  I was so BUSY trying to “Let him be quick, LET HIM SPEED HIS WORK THAT WE MAY SEE IT” that I couldn’t BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD!!!

The “ruinous trouble : calamity, affliction economic woes” almost sent me back where I was in 2007, until ALMIGHTY GOD opened my EYES to SEE HIS TRUTHS!  It is WAY easier to be one “who calls evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter when you are moving so quickly that you cannot HEAR from GOD.  

Genesis 3:1a warns us “Now the serpent (the enemy) was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD GOD had made....”.  Don’t let his tactics deceive you into believing that “this world” needs you so much that you don’t have time to listen to your CREATOR.  ALMIGHTY GOD is warning us that getting caught up in the vortex of selfish, sinful behavior will doom us to hell, and HE is warning us “WOE TO THOSE” headed in this direction!!!

“ASSIGNED TO HIM!”

1 Corinthians 7:17                                        (ESV)

“17 Only let each person LEAD THE LIFE that the LORD has “ASSIGNED TO HIM”, and to which GOD HAS CALLED HIM. This is my rule in all the churches.”

Without boring others with my entire life experience, I have been “ASSIGNED” a life that may not be the prettiest, but has DEFINITELY had the Hand of GOD guiding me throughout my entire life.  Don’t get me wrong, I have not always listened to HIS instruction, but still HE has been leading, guiding, and directing me as I journey through “this world”.  Recognizing that my journey was NOT in my control has been the most difficult thing to grasp.  

There are many people believing that mankind determines his steps, but several times in Scripture tells me differently.  Job 2:6 says “And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, he (Job) is in your hand; only spare his life."  Satan could/can do nothing outside of GOD’S instructions.  

Proverbs 16:9 says “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”  We think we have our best life now in our plans for our future, but the LORD is the ONE that gives us the very air that we breathe (Isaiah 42:5)!  It has taken me almost 60 years to SEE that I am NOT able to guide something as insignificant as an ant away from food, so I am not capable to choose a path that is free from danger and snares!  

As long as a person continues to choose his own path, that person will have stress, regrets and turmoil.  But when we yield to the LIFE that the LORD has “ASSIGNED TO HIM”, we can rest assured that HIS Plan is being fulfilled and we are fulfilling HIS Purpose for our lives.  Since HE has CHOSEN we who Believe from the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4), we should ALL be pleased to take the path that the LORD has “ASSIGNED TO HIM”!?!

“BECAUSE OF THEIR UNBELIEF!”

Matthew 13:58                                      (ESV)

“And HE (JESUS) did not do many mighty works there (Nazareth), “BECAUSE OF THEIR UNBELIEF.”

In Matthew 13:54 JESUS entered HIS hometown of Nazareth and amazed, so much so that some said “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works?  They knew Jesus, the son of Joseph and Mary, but they didn’t know JESUS, the SON OF GOD!!!  They couldn’t SEE HIS miraculous works “BECAUSE OF THEIR UNBELIEF”!!

Wouldn’t it be a shame if we could SEE the miracles that have we have missed all because our FAITH has not been sufficiently?   Don’t get me wrong, I have SEEN far more than my share of GOD working miracles in my life, let alone those in my circles.  The greater things that I have witnessed, the greater my FAITH has become.  Not because I am worthy or I deserve it, but because GOD has GRACED me so much with HIS MERCIES that I don’t deserve!  GOD certainly does use the weak for HIS purpose (1 Corinthians 1:27)!  

JESUS was, and still is, GOD IN THE FLESH.  We “say” that we Believe in HIM, and then we doubt that HE will accomplish what HE has said HE will do!  Since HE is GOD (and we ARE NOT!), maybe we should treat HIM like HE is WHO HE says HE is?  “BECAUSE OF THEIR UNBELIEF” the Nazarite’s were unable to SEE JESUS perform mighty works in their hometown.  Could the same be said of us???

JESUS IS PEACE!

To try and “analyze” the hatred and vitriol for the current President of the United States of America is complex conundrum, yet amazingly simple.  OUR President, everyone who is a citizen of the United States, to my knowledge has never been portrayed as a man above reproach.  He “falls short” like the entire human race.   However, just like all of his predecessors, he has been placed in the position to lead our country.  Praying that he would honor GOD should be the prayer of every American, for it was once said by a President, “Sir, my concern is not whether GOD is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on GOD’S side, for GOD is always right.”  

1 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV) 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”.   Until we realize that we are subordinate to ALMIGHTY GOD and HIS Principles, we are going to experience strife and division.  

My personal position is not to support either political party, and usually don’t get involved with a candidate’s efforts.  But I am PASSIONATE about supporting GOD’S WORD and HIS WAYS!  Until we the people return to WORSHIPING HIM first, our problems will continue to increase, and being UNITED will decrease!  

You are free to ignore this advice, or you can seek HIM as well.  JESUS IS PEACE, and the alternative is turmoil!!!

“I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!”

John 8:12-16                                               (ESV)

“12 Again JESUS spoke to them, saying, "I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD”. Whoever follows ME will not walk in darkness, but will have the LIGHT of life."

13 So the Pharisees said to HIM, "You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true."

14 JESUS answered, "Even if I do bear witness about MYSELF, MY testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going, but YOU DO NOT KNOW where I come from or where I am going.

15 You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one.

16 Yet even if I do judge, MY judgment is true, for it is not I alone WHO judge, but I and the FATHER WHO sent ME.”

When JESUS came into the world, you would be led to think that everyone who saw HIM would recognize the SON OF GOD?  Since “I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD” was in the midst of the people, surely they could SEE HIM?  However, the Pharisees were the modern day equivalent to Doctors of Theology in the Jewish culture.  Yet JESUS told them YOU DO NOT KNOW where I come from or where I am going!  They were Spiritually BLIND!  They could not PERCEIVE where what their eyes were seeing and their ears were hearing.  

But the Pharisees weren’t the only ones whose EYES were dimmed and EARS were closed!  In Matthew 27:45 Scripture records “Now from the sixth hour there was DARKNESS OVER ALL THE LAND until the ninth hour” while JESUS was on the cross.  When “I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD” was removed, DARKNESS OVER ALL THE LAND was prevalent!  

In almost AMAZEMENT we wonder ‘how bad can it get’ when we sit idly by and allow the NAME of CHRIST to be dishonored and totally disrespected by those who truly can’t SEE WHO HE is!  JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD and we should go to extreme lengths to proclaim that instead of being concerned about the feelings of “this world”!  

When “I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD” returns, HE won’t come as a loving Savior!  HE will sentence those who reject HIS free pardon of GRACE to a “...place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth!” (Matthew 24:51).  Don’t get deceived by “the enemy “!  Judgement is coming!  EVERYONE will SEE on THAT DAY, as we will ALL SEE that “I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD”!!!

“IT WAS NOT BECAUSE!”

Deuteronomy 7:6-8                               (ESV)

“6 "For you are a people holy to the LORD your GOD. The LORD your GOD has CHOSEN you to be a people for HIS treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.

7 “IT WAS NOT BECAUSE” you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set HIS love on you and CHOSE

 you, for you were the fewest of all peoples,

8 but it is because the LORD LOVES YOU and is keeping the oath that HE swore to your fathers, that the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”

John 15:16  (ESV)

“You did not CHOOSE me, but I CHOSE you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the FATHER in MY name, HE may give it to you. -

1 Peter 2:9-10   (ESV)

“9 But you are a CHOSEN race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who CALLED YOU OUT of darkness into his marvelous light.

10 Once you were not a people, but now you are GOD’S people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

Ephesians 1:3-4   (ESV)

“3 Blessed be the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO has blessed us in CHRIST with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,

4 even as HE CHOSE us in HIM before the foundation of the world, that we should be Holy and blameless before HIM.”

Since this Scriptural text is longer than usual, I will attempt to limit my commentary to a minimum.  Romans 3:10-11 says “as it is written: "None is righteous, NO, NOT ONE; NO ONE UNDERSTANDS; NO ONE SEEKS FOR GOD.”  To think that we have performed something worthy of GOD’S GRACE indicates that we had something to do with our Salvation?  GOD CHOSE US, WE DID NOT CHOOSE HM!  

“IT WAS NOT BECAUSE” we were more worthy, lesser sinners, and certainly not that we are Holier than others!  Old Testament or New Testament, HE initiates the CHOOSING process!  IT WAS NOT BECAUSE” of anything we had done.  GOD loved us, and that is the best we can offer!!!

“FRIEND, MOVE UP HIGHER!”

Luke 14:8-11                                               (ESV)

“8 "When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him,

9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, 'Give your place to this person,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place.

10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the LOWEST PLACE, so that when YOUR HOST comes he may say to you, 'FRIEND, MOVE UP HIGHER.' Then you will be HONORED in the presence of all who sit at table with you.

11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."”

A few years ago today, seven years to be exact, I attended a conference where a distinguished man of GOD was downloading TRUTH to the people in attendance.  Being 6’6” tall from my teen years, I have learned through experience to sit where others won’t have to look around me while in a crowd.  When the speaker saw me near the back, he ushered me to the head table to be seated next to him.  A feeling of HONOR came over me like I have seldom experienced.  

In pondering the events of that day, I thought about the words of JESUS in Luke 14:8-11.  When we think too highly of ourselves the tendency is to be almost offended when others don’t have a similar opinion.  Romans 12:3 says “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you NOT TO THINK OF MORE HIGHLY THAN HE OUGHT TO THINK, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that GOD has assigned”.  In Luke 14:11, JESUS, GOD IN THE FLESH, says “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”  

Being HUMBLED in front of a crowd can be one of the most uncomfortable feelings known to man.  What makes it more painful is when we think we are higher than we ought to think!  From experience, I can attest to the fact that ALMIGHTY GOD is able to HUMBLE us with more GRACE than one can imagine.  But HE is also capable of HUMBLING us with an iron Hand, almost like having our seat at the head table pulled out from under us so everyone can see our lesson in HUMILITY!

The HONOR I experienced seven years ago cannot compare to the HUMILITY of previous experiences.  ALMIGHTY GOD is seated at the ULTIMATE HEAD TABLE!  HE can call any of us to sit with HIM at anytime.  Being HONORED is far more preferred by this servant than to be HUMBLED in front of the crowd.  'FRIEND, MOVE UP HIGHER.' is what I desire to hear from my JESUS!!!

“HE GAVE!”

John 1:9-13                                     (ESV)

“9 THE TRUE LIGHT, which gives LIGHT to everyone, was coming into the world.

10 HE was in the world, and the world was made through HIM, yet the world did not know HIM.

11 HE came to HIS own, and HIS own people did not receive HIM.

12 But to all who did receive HIM, who believed in HIS NAME, “HE GAVE” the right to become children of GOD,

13 who were born, NOT OF BLOOD NOR OF THE WILL OF THE FLESH NOR OF THE WILL OF MAN, BUT OF GOD.”

Moving at a pace that is set by living in “this world” can be very challenging to we who are walking by FAITH.  There is nothing as frustrating as to be outside of the Kingdom yet trying to act as though we are walking in THE TRUE LIGHT.  That walk isn’t something that can be ATTAINED on our own, simply by turning over a new leaf.   We are CREATED requiring a SAVIOR, with a built-in deficit, preventing us from being in the presence of a HOLY GOD (Psalms 51:5-10).

Everything in our natural man is set to be opposed to the SPIRIT OF GOD (1 Corinthians 2:14-16).  We don’t have the ability to desire a relationship HIM UNLESS HE instills that yearning in our Spirit.  Ephesians 2:8-9 says “For by GRACE you have been saved through FAITH.  And THIS IS NOT OF YOUR OWN DOING; it is the gift of GOD, not a result of works, SO THAT NO ONE MAY BOAST”.  

To be CHOSEN by the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES in an awesome privilege, but is also a tremendous responsibility.  We are CALLED to be SEPARATE from “this world”, not to assimilate to it (2 Corinthians 6:17)!  “HE GAVE” us the ability to be used for HIS GLORY, but we have to die to our own selfish wants and desires.  

I have to be very careful not to allow what “my flesh” is wanting to interfere with what the SPIRIT OF GOD is leading me to do.  After all, the old has passed away (2 Corinthians 5:7) and the NEW MAN is here!  We can believe that we are doing HIS WORK, but unless “HE GAVE” it to us, we are in dangerous territory.  Being used by HIM to perform the work “HE GAVE” me is the ONLY thing that will survive THE FIRE on Judgment Day.