“HE WAS IN THE BEGINNING WITH GOD!”

 John 1:1-3                        (ESV)

The WORD Became Flesh

“[1] In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. [2] “HE WAS IN THE BEGINNING WITH GOD”. [3] ALL THINGS were made through HIM, and without HIM was not any thing made that was made.”

The book of John in the Bible is one of, if not THE FAVORITE, books from my viewpoint!  Maybe it is because it contains the third chapter, or more beneficial to this Believer, the seventeenth chapter, but I continue to be CHANGED by its message.  Allowing GOD to fundamentally CHANGE yourself can be a humbling experience, but it is something that ONLY GOD can do!  We don’t have the desire within our “makeup” to become HOLY!  That has to come from GOD!

When under the direction of the HOLY SPIRIT John wrote “HE WAS IN THE BEGINNING WITH GOD”, John was saying, as JESUS did in John 10:30, “I and the FATHER ARE ONE.”  JESUS and THE FATHER have always been and forever WILL BE!  While we are all born of the flesh and demonstrate fleshly tendencies, when we are BORN OF THE SPIRIT we also exhibit SPIRITUAL TENDENCIES that we can not take credit for.  It is a GIFT from GOD (Ephesians 2:8)!  

JESUS is/was GOD IN THE FLESH, therefore HE was unable to sin!  HE was UNABLE to separate HIMSELF from righteousness, yet HE CHOSE to do so to provide our SALVATION!  HE made ALL THINGS, not just the GOOD people!  HE made the evil (Proverbs 16:4-5) and WILL judge them on THAT DAY!  HE also made we who acknowledge that HE IS GOD and has provided SALVATION for us, simply because we are CHOSEN!

There is NO credible explanation WHY HE would leave Heaven and suffer separation from HIS FATHER simply to provide salvation for me!  The only explanation is that HIS WORD, the HOLY BIBLE, says that HE LOVED us so much (John 14:21) that GOD sent HIM for the explicit purpose of redemption for those who HE CHOOSES!  “HE WAS IN THE BEGINNING WITH GOD” and because of HIS WORK we will spend eternity with THEM IN HEAVEN!!!

“TRUTH!”

 John 17:9-19 (ESV)

“[9] I AM PRAYING FOR THEM. I AM NOT PRAYING FOR THE WORLD BUT FOR THOSE WHOM YOU HAVE GIVEN ME, FOR THEY ARE YOURS”! [10] All MINE are YOURS, and YOURS are MINE, and I am glorified in them. [11] And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. HOLY FATHER, keep them in YOUR NAME, which YOU have given ME, that they may be one, even as WE are one. [12] While I was with them, I kept them in YOUR NAME, which YOU have given ME. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, THAT THE SCRIPTURE MIGHT BE FULFILLED. [13] But now I am coming to YOU, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. [14] I have given them YOUR WORD, and the world has hated them BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT OF THE WORLD, just as I am not of the world. [15] I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. [16] THEY ARE NOT OF THE WORLD, JUST AS I AM NOT OF THE WORLD. [17] Sanctify them in the “TRUTH”; YOUR WORD IS “TRUTH”. [18] As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. [19] And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in “TRUTH”.

Because we are NOT of the world, living a life that is directed by the SPIRIT OF GOD won’t make a lot of sense to those whose EYES have yet to be OPENED by HIM. JESUS prays in John 17:9 “I AM PRAYING FOR THEM. I AM NOT PRAYING FOR THE WORLD BUT FOR THOSE WHOM YOU HAVE GIVEN ME, FOR THEY ARE YOURS”! JESUS the CHRIST (the CREATOR) prayed for we that were CHOSEN by THE FATHER, but HIS prayer WASN’T for the ones that had not been CHOSEN!

Those who haven’t been CHOSEN can never experience the “TRUTH” JESUS spoke of, as it is foreign to them. We that have been CHOSEN cannot brag about our selection, only on the ONE doing the selecting! JESUS gave us YOUR WORD, meaning GOD’S WORD, to strengthen and embolden us, yet we spend so little time in YOUR WORD that the “TRUTH” doesn’t have adequate exposure to produce good fruits!  

My unlearned, feeble attempts to make myself “more HOLY” have proven to be as futile as those who HAVEN’T been CHOSEN. Just as ALMIGHTY GOD is the ONLY ONE WHO is able to CHOOSE us, HE is the ONLY ONE WHO is able to reveal HIS “TRUTH” to us! We MUST allow HIM to be GOD and work HIS “TRUTH” in and through our lives FOR HIS GLORY to achieve HIS PURPOSE for our lives!!!

“HE IS!”

 Colossians 1:15-16

The Preeminence of Christ

“[15] “HE IS” the image of the invisible GOD, the firstborn of ALL CREATION. [16] For BY HIM ALL THINGS WERE CREATED, IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH, VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE, WHETHER THRONES OR DOMINIONS OR RULERS OR AUTHORITIES—ALL THINGS WERE CREATED THROUGH HIM AND FOR HIM.”

TODAY is THE DAY that some have been convinced that Santa Claus bestows wonderful presents (or gifts!) to the world.  Santa Claus is an “illusion”.  An “illusion” is described in one dictionary as “ a noun;

1.     1. An erroneous perception of reality.
2.     2. An erroneous concept or belief.
3.     3. The condition of being deceived by a false perception or belief.

When we teach our children or grandchildren that someone, or some concept, is TRUTH we display that the TRUTH is not enough and needs to be supplemented to be accepted.  

Outside of JESUS, GOD IN THE FLESH, IMMANUEL, humankind would not exist.  So why do we instruct our posterity of LIES and expect them to Believe the devil’s deception?  

FATHER IN HEAVEN, please forgive me for failing to acknowledge that YOU are our only reason for existence and are the ONLY ONE worthy of our PRAISE!  

May all my friends experience the JOY and PEACE that can ONLY exist in THE CHRIST….the TRUE reason for the season!!!

“PRAISING GOD!”

 Luke 2:8-14                        (KJV)

“8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHONE round about them: and THEY WERE SORE AFRAID. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOUR, which is CHRIST the LORD. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the BABE wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host “PRAISING GOD”, and saying, 

     14 Glory to GOD in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

According to tradition, this is the day before JESUS the CHRIST was born in a stable, a glorified cattle lot, in Bethlehem when Joseph and Mary were mandated by Caesar Augustus to be taxed (Luke 1:5).  The KING OF GLORY wasn’t introduced to the affluent nor majestic people, but the angel instead delivered the message to “shepherds”, lowly people who were assigned to care for sheep, by ALMIGHTY GOD’s PLAN!

Certainly, with GOD fulfilling HIS PERFECT PLAN to redeem mankind, HE wasn’t leaving anything to chance, trusting man or any other being of HIS CREATED to not mess things up?  But what jumps out to me is “the angel a multitude of the heavenly host “PRAISING GOD”!  GOD THE SON was taking on flesh in order to provide the SACRIFICE required for our SALVATION!  

Colossians 1:16 says that “by HIM (JESUS) were ALL THINGS created”!  And Colossians 1:17 says “And HE is before all things, and by HIM all things CONSIST”, or “are composed”! Therefore, JESUS is the reason, not just for the Season, but HE is why we were even composed!!  When “the angel a multitude of the heavenly host “PRAISING GOD” opened their hearts, they “KNEW” MERCY and GRACE unlike anything humans had ever experienced was about to be offered to mankind.  

All of CREATION had yet to experience GOD INCARNATE!  When our EYES are OPENED and we SEE what GOD has done for us, “PRAISING GOD” is something that we MUST DO!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

“THEY FEARED GREATLY!”

 Exodus 14:10                     (ESV)

“[10] When Pharaoh drew near, THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL LIFTED UP THEIR EYES, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, AND “THEY FEARED GREATLY”. And the people of Israel cried out to the LORD”.

How often do we find ourselves in a situation similar to what the Children of Israel found themselves in at the Red Sea?  ALMIGHTY GOD had just placed ten separate plagues on the Egyptians, then had caused the Egyptians to surrender a huge bounty to the Children of Israel, then caused the Egyptians to tell them in Exodus 12:31-32 “Then he summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as you have said. Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and BLESS ME ALSO!”  The Egyptians were MOVED BY GOD to not only release the Israelites, but to also give them earthly wealth!  

Do we fail to recognize that the same GOD WHO released the Israelites from the mightiest army known to man at the time is still on HIS THRONE?  HE can do whatever HE pleases, even deliver a person from a seventeen day coma with no physical disabilities!  HE isn’t limited by what we SEE as situations too difficult to be overcome, nor by medical conditions with no way through.  GOD DOES AS HE PLEASES (Psalms 115:3), whatever and whenever is required of HIM!

The Children of Israel weren’t SURE that GOD was going to deliver them , even though HE had caused their enemy to release them from their control.  The Scripture above states that “THEY FEARED GREATLY” when THEIR EYES became fixed on the threat of the Egyptians.  

FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause my EYES to be fixed upon YOU and YOUR BLESSINGS and NOT on the threats of the enemy.  Whatever the enemy places in my path, help me to KNOW that YOU are with me and never allow “THEY FEARED GREATLY” to enter into my heart and mind!!!

“I BELIEVE, HELP MY UNBELIEF!”

 Mark 9:14-29                    (ESV)

JESUS Heals a Boy with an Unclean Spirit

“[14] And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. [15] And immediately all the crowd, when they saw HIM, were greatly amazed and ran up to HIM and greeted HIM. [16] And HE asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” [17] And someone from the crowd answered HIM, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. [18] And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” [19] And HE answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to ME.” [20] And they brought the boy to HIM. And when the spirit saw HIM, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. [21] And JESUS asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. [22] And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if YOU can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” [23] And JESUS said to him, “‘If you can’! ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE FOR THE ONE WHO BELIEVES.” [24] Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I BELIEVE; HELP MY UNBELIEF!” [25] And when JESUS saw that a crowd came running together, HE rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” [26] And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” [27] But JESUS took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. [28] And when HE had entered the house, HIS disciples asked HIM privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” [29] And HE said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.””

The chosen Scripture is more lengthy today than other days, so my comments will be few.  The father of the boy that was afflicted with the “mute and deaf spirit” probably knew that JESUS was able to cleanse his son, but when he responded “I BELIEVE, HELP MY UNBELIEF”he was admitting that he wasn’t convinced that JESUS was led by the SPIRIT OF GOD to perform such a work.  

If it had been me in the scenario above, would my FAITH have been more abundant?  I have two sons and would gladly give my life for either of them to live without pain or any discomfort.  

HEAVENLY FATHER, “I BELIEVE, HELP MY UNBELIEF” needs to be my prayer in my life until YOU call me HOME!!!

“THEY WHO WAIT FOR THE LORD!”

 Isaiah 40:29-31                    (ESV)

    “[29] HE gives power to the faint,

        and to him who has no might HE increases strength. 

    [30] Even youths shall faint and be weary,

        and young men shall fall exhausted; 

    [31] but “THEY WHO WAIT FOR THE LORD” shall RENEW their strength;

        they shall mount up with WINGS LIKE EAGLES ;

    they shall run and NOT BE WEARY;

        they shall walk and NOT FAINT.”

Isaiah 40:31 was made known to me when I was a child, but only this morning did the HOLY SPIRIT reveal to me the WORDs “THEY WHO WAIT FOR THE LORD” shall RENEW their strength!  The book of Isaiah was written almost 3,000 years ago, but these words are apart of GOD’S WORD, which means that they don’t lose their impact nor efficacy.  “This world” doesn’t have the capability to HEAR from THE WORD as GOD ALMIGHTY 

We MUST be willing to become “THEY WHO WAIT FOR THE LORD” to HEAR what HE is trying to tell us, not expecting HIM impart knowledge to we who won’t even take the time to listen for HIM!  This is THE LORD, CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES, and HIS interest is to see us grow into vessels that GLORIFY HIS NAME!   “THEY WHO WAIT FOR THE LORD” might be avoiding serious pitfalls they were headed for???

“FOR MY EYES HAVE SEEN YOUR SALVATION!”

 Luke 2:25-32 (ESV)

“[25] Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was RIGHTEOUS and DEVOUT, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS UPON HIM. [26] And it had been revealed to him by the HOLY SPIRIT that he would not see death before he had seen the LORD’s CHRIST. [27] And he came in the SPIRIT into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child JESUS, to do for HIM according to the custom of the Law, [28] he took HIM up in his arms and blessed GOD and said,

    [29] “LORD, now YOU are letting YOUR servant depart in peace,
        according to YOUR WORD; 
    [30] “FOR MY EYES HAVE SEEN YOUR SALVATION” 
    [31] that YOU have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 
    [32] a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
        and for glory to YOUR people Israel.””

In general, most people are TOO BUSY to be able to SEE BLESSINGS from GOD even though we experience them daily! Isaiah 42:5
says rather plainly “Thus says GOD, the LORD,
WHO created the heavens and stretched them out, WHO spread out the earth and what comes from it, WHO GIVES BREATH TO THE PEOPLE ON IT and SPIRIT TO THOSE WHO WALK IN IT:”. Since our CREATOR “gives breath” daily to our wretched souls, why can’t we SEE the BLESSING it is to even be able to breathe???

We take SO MUCH for granted, that we are able to exists AT ALL! Were we able to sit down and plan out our lives before we were conceived in the womb? Simeon was a man whose reputation was that THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS UPON HIM. His life had been spent in waiting for the Messiah to appear before him. When JESUS was revealed to Simeon, he wasn’t introduced as the KING OF KINGS and LORD of LORDS, but Simeon KNEW WHO JESUS the CHRIST was! He KNEW!!!

Do I “make a big deal” about JESUS CHRIST living inside of my body? The CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES, through HIS HOLY SPIRIT, abides within this wretched temple and I sometimes don’t edify HIM??? HE has brought me through SO MUCH that I should be shouting HIS PRAISES to a lost and dying world, but I mostly don’t want to make a scene???  

FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to constantly evaluate who and what I am because of the miracles YOU have performed in and through my life! May the WHOLE WORLD be aware that YOU are the reason that I am still here, “FOR MY EYES HAVE SEEN YOUR SALVATION”!!!

“TO GIVE EVERY MAN!”

 Jeremiah 17:9-10                        (ESV)

    “[9] THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS,

        and DESPERATELY SICK;

        who can understand it? 

    [10] “I the LORD search the heart

        and test the mind,

    “TO GIVE EVERY MAN” according to his ways,

        according to the fruit of his deeds.”

Where does GOD’S GRACE intervene and PREVENT us being apart of HIM giving “TO GIVE EVERY MAN” according to his ways???  The idea that I would expect to receive that which “I have earned” can bring a sense of dread or turmoil to a life?  That every time I hastily dished out my idea of JUSTICE instead of GRACE literally makes me nauseous, if I am honest.  

Thankfully, we have the HOPE OF CHRIST JESUS to intervene on our behalf. We can TRUST that HE has GRACE “TO GIVE EVERY MAN”, unless they choose to have JUDGEMENT come on them instead of THEIR CREATOR???  

I CHOOSE JESUS!  I CHOOSE LIFE!  I CHOOSE to allow HIS PAYMENT for my sins to be my redemption!!!

“BE STILL, AND KNOW!”

Psalm 46:10-11                                (ESV)

    “[10] “BE STILL, AND KNOW” that I am GOD.

        I will be exalted among the nations,

        I will be exalted in the earth!” 

    [11] The LORD of hosts is with us;

        the GOD of Jacob is our fortress.“

This morning I was reading an article about hearing from our CREATOR when “the enemy”, the one who is against everything good, is so loud and so vocal in our lives?  “The natural” thing to do to address what is causing so much disruption in our lives, especially when it is LOUD disruption!  A paragraph from the article stated:

“Because we’re afraid to be alone with our own thoughts. WE’RE AFRAID OF QUIET AND SOLITUDE. We AVOID peaceful fellowship with our SAVIOR because we fear that we might not be good enough without all our “stuff.” We’re afraid of what GOD might say to us or ask us to do if we sit still long enough to hear HIM speak. We’re not quite sure how to handle the “sacred responsibility” of BEING STILL AND KNOWING THAT HE IS GOD (see Psalm 46:10).”

It could be easy for a man who has been BLESSED with life, especially through the journey I have been assigned, to accept whatever is presented to me?  But THE PEACE that ONLY comes through being in the PRESENCE OF GOD’S WILL is something that can NEVER be mistaken, nor improved upon.  

Several days ago I read on a social media site from a professor who shared “I struggle with sitting still”!  Now this is a professor who was recently employed at a public university, but admitted that he STRUGGLED WITH SITTING STILL!  There is NO SUBSTITUTE for KNOWING you are precisely where GOD has called you to be.  KNOWING you are where ALMIGHTY GOD can use you for HIS GLORY is something that cannot be matched!

To find ourselves in this place, we are instructed to “BE STILL, AND KNOW” that HE is GOD!  We aren’t required KNOW a lot about how things came the, nor about how how everything works, but to “BE STLL, AND KNOW” that HE is GOD and we are NOT!!!

“SPIRIT IMMEDIATELY DROVE HIM OUT INTO THE WILDERNESS!”

 Mark 1:9-13                           (ESV)

“[9] In those days JESUS came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. [10] And when HE came up out of the water, immediately HE saw the heavens being torn open and the SPIRIT descending on HIM like a dove. [11] And a VOICE came from heaven, “YOU are my beloved SON; with YOU I am well pleased.”

[12] The “SPIRIT IMMEDIATELY DROVE HIM OUT INTO THE WILDERNESS”. [13] And HE was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And HE was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to HIM.”

The epistle (letter) of John is rather plain in John 10:30 where JESUS says “I and the FATHER are ONE”!  Yet here in the book of Mark it is written how JESUS was baptized and “The SPIRIT IMMEDIATELY drove HIM out into the wilderness”.  Why do you think that JESUS “needed” to spend time with the FATHER when HE is GOD IN THE FLESH?  Surely ALMIGHTY GOD could have made the “connectivity” between so precise and complete that it would not require seemingly constant communication and updates?  

Could it be that we were CREATED to NOT BE able to function without an almost constant almost “indwelling” of our CREATOR?  A recent Bible Study left me with these tidbits:

“When JESUS was on this earth, HE was intentional about spending time with HIS FATHER.”

“I need to be alone with my GOD,  But being alone requires effort. Particularly in these days of smart phones and social media and second-by-second updates.”

JESUS had just came up out of the water from being Baptized, and the HOLY “SPIRIT IMMEDIATELY DROVE HIM OUT INTO THE WILDERNESS”!  HE didn’t require a guard, a sentry, or any other protection.  GOD sent HIS angels to protect HIM!  NOTHING IN HEAVEN NOR EARTH could have interfered with GOD accomplishing HIS Plan!!!

ALMIGHTY GOD is still ON HIS THRONE!  HE has not yielded any power or might!  So why do I get caught up in trying to “make things happen” when I feel is best?  GOD “made” everything happen AT THE PRECISE TIME for HIS REDEMPTIVE PLAN to unfold for a lost world!  HE doesn’t need my intervention to perfect what ONLY HE is going to do!  When the HOLY “SPIRIT IMMEDIATELY DROVE HIM OUT INTO THE WILDERNESS”, it allowed ever HIS PLAN to be fulfilled!!!

“THEIR HEART IS SET ON THEIR GAIN!”

 Ezekiel 33:30-33

“[30] “As for you, son of man, your people who talk together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, say to one another, each to his brother, ‘COME, AND HEAR WHAT THE WORD IS THAT COMES FROM THE LORD.’ [31] And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with lustful talk in their mouths they act; “THEIR HEART IS SET ON THEIR GAIN”. [32] AND BEHOLD, YOU ARE TO THEM like one who sings lustful songs with a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument, FOR THEY HEAR WHAT YOU SAY, BUT THEY WILL NOT DO IT. [33] When this comes—AND COME IT WILL!—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.””

There are people, even modern day folks, who are a “prophet” with no title or salary, other than doing what GOD has called them to do.  According to one dictionary, the word “prophet” is defined as “A person who speaks by divine inspiration or as the interpreter through whom the will of a god is expressed.”  

When ALMIGHTY GOD puts HIS BLESSING on that which is said as a message from HIM, we need to hear it as from GOD, not as from the messenger!  Ezekiel was such a Messenger, but his words were sent as a MESSAGE from HEAVEN, not his opinion!  Hearing the words as if they were being spoken from THE CREATOR should have made them respected, IF they were recognized as coming from GOD!  

Do we recognize when we are HEARING from HEAVEN?  Or do we recognize when we are SEEING orders from THE CREATOR?  Or are we too focused on “THEIR HEART IS SET ON THEIR GAIN”?  The balance of our checking account isn’t what SHOULD determine who we are or what we will become.  When our EYES are opened to SEE TRUTH, our focus will be on that which HEAVEN SEES as important!  “THEIR HEART IS SET ON THEIR GAIN” will be changed to that which is important to HIM!!!

“ACCEPTED OF HIM!”

2 Corinthians 5:6-10                   (KJV)

“6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the LORD: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8 We are confident, I say, AND WILLING rather to be ABSENT FROM THE BODY, and to be PRESENT WITH THE LORD. 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, WE MAY BE “ACCEPTED OF HIM”. 10 For we must ALL appear before the judgment seat of CHRIST; that EVERY ONE may receive the things done in his body, ACCORDING TO THAT HE HATH DONE, WHETHER IT BE GOOD OR BAD.”

The English Standard Version (ESV) is the translation of Scripture that I most frequently use because I find it to be the the closest translation to the GREEK writings.  The King James Version (KJV) was the most widely used when the United States was being founded, being published in 1611 after being translated for over seven years!  Both have their strengths and weaknesses and today I elect to use the KJV, even though verse nine is translated in the ESV as “…we make it our aim to please HIM” instead of WE MAY BE “ACCEPTED OF HIM”.  

Even though the online GREEK uses the words “well pleasing to HIM” for verse ten, this humble servant finds it difficult to ascribe ANYTHING I do to be “pleasing to HIM”, but quite understanding for it to be “ACCEPTED OF HIM”.  The more I SEE of my “works”, the more convinced I am that there is NOTHING I do of myself that is worthy to present as worthy, even as a gift, to our CREATOR.  Even which translation of Scripture I use can be challenged as the correct way to HEAR that which HE is trying to get me to understand AT THE TIME.

There is little doubt in my brain damaged mind that I fail daily to do precisely that which HE would gain the most Glory from.  But PRAISE GOD HE doesn’t throw us away when we come up short in our lives.  HE used King David’s adulterous affair with Bathsheba to ultimately bring marriage between the two and a son from that bond (King Solomon) would be used in the lineage of JESUS the CHRIST!

My imagination can surely SEE where GOD “could” use this broken, despicable vessel for HIS Glorious Plan. HE will shine through my imperfections, as HE did with King David’s unholiness, for HIS GLORY to be “ACCEPTED OF HIM”, but our “filthy rags” can be used TO MAGNIFY HIM!  Our “goodness” is not what we have to brag about, our bragging MUST be that we are “ACCEPTED OF HIM”, for HIS GLORY!!!

“GREAT CROWDS!”

 Matthew 13:1-9                                (ESV)

The Parable of the Sower

“[1] That same day JESUS went out of the house and sat beside the sea. [2] And “GREAT CROWDS” gathered about HIM, so that HE got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. [3] And HE told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. [4] And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. [5] Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, [6] but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. [7] Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. [8] Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. [9] HE WHO HAS EARS, LET HIM HEAR.””

The “work” that JESUS performed during HIS relatively short time “in the Ministry” was great.  But how many people were “changed” compared to how many people heard THE MESSAGE?  

These few words shared by JESUS were ended with “HE WHO HAS EARS, LET HIM HEAR”!  “GREAT CROWDS” heard that day, but only those who HAD EARS TO HEAR lives were changed!  

Would I be lumped into those people who lives were changed that day?  Or would I be a part of the “GREAT CROWDS” who heard, but were NOT changed???

“How much better….?”

 Proverbs 16:16                     (ESV)

    “[16] How much better to get wisdom than gold!

        To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”

When GOD provides answers that WE KNOW only could have come from HIM???

“JUSTIFIED BY FAITH!”

 Romans 5:1-5                                         (ESV)

Peace with God Through Faith

“[1] THEREFORE, since we have been “JUSTIFIED BY FAITH”, we have PEACE WITH GOD through our LORD JESUS CHRIST. [2] Through HIM we have also obtained access by FAITH into this GRACE in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of GOD. [3] Not only that, but WE REJOICE IN OUR SUFFERINGS, knowing that suffering produces endurance, [4] and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, [5] and hope does not put us to shame, because GOD’S LOVE has been poured into our hearts through the HOLY SPIRIT WHO has been given to us.”

Since I was a youngster (a LONG time ago!) I have been told that whenever we see the word THEREFORE in Scripture that we must discover why the word is “THERE FOR”!  Seeing that this chapter begins with the word THEREFORE, it causes this poor country boy to dig to discover why it was being used at this particular time.  

To be “JUSTIFIED BY FAITH” clearly means that our SPIRITUAL account has been brought into a RIGHT STANDING with ALMIGHTY GOD, but not by our righteousness, but “through our LORD JESUS CHRIST”!  Just because we don’t participate in a particular sin doesn’t mean that we have graduated beyond the temptation to “play in the mud”!  But we have been “JUSTIFIED BY FAITH” because of what JESUS did on earth, not because we are “holier” than others, but because we were CHOSEN before the foundation of the world to be HIS!

There are no more complete words in the English language that can be used than we “REJOICE IN OUR SUFFERINGS, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because GOD’S LOVE has been poured into our hearts through the HOLY SPIRIT WHO has been given to us.”  We expect things to be peachy as we serve HIM, but JESUS told Ananias (speaking about HIS CHOSEN, Paul) in Acts 9:16 “For I will show him how much he must suffer FOR THE SAKE OF MY NAME.”

To realize that THE CREATOR has CHOSEN you to suffer FOR THE SAKE OF HIS NAME can be a scary thing.  Abraham, who the writer of Acts had just written about, was told that he AND SARAH would have a son.  He had to SUFFER through doubt and confusion, but ULTIMATELY THE PROMISE was fulfilled when Isaac was born when Abraham was 100 years old (Genesis 21:5)!  

Was Abraham one who deserved to be “set aside” by his CREATOR as a holy tool to be used to draw others to HIM? Abram, as he was previously known before GOD CHANGED him, simply TRUSTED GOD to do what HE SAID HE WOULD DO, not because he was a great person, but because GOD IS A GREAT GOD!  He was “JUSTIFIED BY FAITH” that GOD was able to do that which HE said HE would do…..not what he wanted HIM to do!  

We are incapable of adding to, or taking away from, what ALMIGHTY GOD has declared to be HIS PLAN.  We are CALLED to walk by FAITH, and to be “JUSTIFIED BY FAITH” as we allow GOD to be Glorified in our life and actions!!!

“THEY FOLLOW ME!”

John 10:22-30                                   (ESV)

“[22] At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, [23] and JESUS was walking IN THE TEMPLE, in the colonnade of Solomon. [24] So the Jews gathered around HIM and said to HIM, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the CHRIST, tell us plainly.” [25] JESUS answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in MY FATHER’S name bear witness about ME, [26] but you DO NOT BELIEVE because YOU ARE NOT AMONG MY SHEEP. [27] MY sheep hear MY voice, and I know them, and “THEY FOLLOW ME”. [28] I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of MY hand. [29] MY FATHER, WHO has given them to ME, is GREATER THAN ALL, and no one is able to snatch them out of the FATHER’S hand. [30] I and the FATHER are ONE.””

Walking where we are LED (by the SPIRIT OF GOD!) is so very important, but there are times when we become so busy that we cannot SEE where we NEED to go!  Could it be that we at times get so caught up in a preconceived idea of how “we believe” our lives should be unfolding that we FAIL to SEE the HOLY SPIRIT is calling us elsewhere?  “The Jews” were so enamored with the observations of “this world” that they did not SEE GOD IN THE FLESH walking among them.  

Placing emphasis on what “this world” tries to make us believe are important is a good way to miss what GOD has for us.  For instance, many people find it “easiest” to “eat what they are fed”, never realizing that HEAVENLY manna is available for them, IF THEY would only select from a different menu!  JESUS told “the Jews” that “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in MY FATHER’S name bear witness about ME, but you DO NOT BELIEVE because YOU ARE NOT AMONG MY SHEEP.”  Were they DEAF to the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES?  Could they NOT SEE???

JESUS the CHRIST walked on earth for 33+ years.  Even HIS CHOSEN disciples had to experience HIS seeming desertion (after HIS crucifixion)  for a period of time.  It is SO VERY important that we KNOW WHO we are following that we will not be led astray by the cares of “this world”!  KNOWING WHO we are FOLLOWING is vital, for ONLY HE knows where we need to go!  

JESUS told “the Jews” during this time that “HIS disciples” KNEW HIM, and “THEY FOLLOW ME”!  Will we (HIS disciples) ever listen to another voice?  Without a doubt, because we are still in “this world”!  But KNOWING the JOY and PEACE that ONLY comes from JESUS has NO comparison.  Only WHEN we know HIM are we able to FOLLOW HIM!  Not because we are worthy, but because JESUS, our CREATOR, says “THEY FOLLOW ME”!!!

“IF THEN?”

 Colossians 3:1-4

Put On the New Self

“[1] “IF THEN” you have been raised with CHRIST, seek the things that are above, WHERE CHRIST IS, seated at the right hand of GOD. [2] SET YOUR MINDS on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. [3] For you have died, and your life is hidden with CHRIST in GOD. [4] When CHRIST WHO is your life appears, then you also will appear with HIM in glory.”

The words SET YOUR MINDS can carry more meaning than we understand, especially when we SEE WHO we have become IN CHRIST!  Knowing that we are NEW CREATIONS in HIM brings a NEW MAN to action, a different kind of creation that is changed from the “old man”!  Realizing and accepting that it is ONLY the work of CHRIST that is worthy to be celebrated is something that we MUST acknowledge, not deeming ourselves worthy because of our Holiness.  Knowing that HE is to be recognized, NOT US, is key to understanding our mission in this world.  

We don’t have anything to be PROUD about as we live out the time we are Blessed with, especially since JESUS entered our lives.  We don’t deserve to even be left here on earth to proclaim CHRIST to others, but that is HIS PLAN and I am not wise enough to question that.  Knowing that we are simply HIS tools to further HIS WORK should be worth it for us, even though we simply are left to perform HIS PLAN by FAITH!

“IF THEN” we are left here for a purpose, it might behoove us to try to walk as closely to HIS WORD as possible?  We don’t have forever to serve HIM, so why do we try to amass wealth or fame when JESUS is our focal point?  It might be wise for us to remind ourselves AT LEAST DAILY that we are simply tools to be used by THE CREATOR to honor and glorify HIM.  “IF THEN” we are HIS, why are we trying to do that which “this world” honors?  Maybe we should consider these things more frequently???

“PRAY WITHOUT CEASING!”

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22                               (ESV)

“[12] We ask you, brothers, to RESPECT THOSE WHO LABOR AMONG YOU and are over you in the LORD and admonish you, [13] and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. BE AT PEACE AMONG YOURSELVES. [14] And WE URGE YOU, brothers, ADMONISH THE IDLE, ENCOURAGE THE FAINTHEARTED, HELP THE WEAK, BE PATIENT WITH THEM ALL. [15] See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. [16] Rejoice always, [17] “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING”, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of GOD in CHRIST JESUS for you. [19] Do not quench the SPIRIT. [20] Do not despise prophecies, [21] but TEST EVERYTHING; hold fast what is good. [22] ABSTAIN from every form of EVIL.”

Asking for help is never easy, especially when we are thought to be of sound mind and body.  Doing what “we think” is the right thing to do can be precisely what we don’t need to do, while doing that which makes “no sense” can be the precise way out of the situation we find ourselves in.   Our personal wisdom alone is not enough when our goal is to be SPIRIT led!

We have a number of “things” that we must do to fulfill our SPIRITUAL duties.  RESPECT THOSE WHO LABOR AMONG YOU, BE AT PEACE AMONG YOURSELVES, ADMONISH THE IDLE, ENCOURAGE THE FAINTHEARTED, HELP THE WEAK, and BE PATIENT WITH THEM ALL!  These are only a few of the things that we are to do to fulfill what GOD has for us to fulfill.  

But “the main thing” is to “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING”!  We are not “smart enough” to serve every need, we don’t have enough money to solve every problem we see, we don’t have the Spiritual maturity to SEE every situation where others might be hurting, but we DO HAVE the ability to “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING”!  

ALMIGHTY GOD never takes a break and HE is never without an answer to life’s problems.  As Believers, we are instructed to “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING” for GODS guidance and mercy to be delivered to we that are in need.  The more we SEE things AS THEY TRULY ARE, the more we understand that we NEED GOD to even be able to breathe (Isaiah 42:5)!  Doesn’t it make sense to “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING” when ONLY GOD is able to do that???

“AND KNOW!”

 Psalm 46:10                   (ESV)

    “[10] “BE STILL, “AND KNOW” THAT I AM GOD.

        I will be exalted among the nations,

        I will be exalted in the earth!””

Just because we move slower than the rest of “this world” doesn’t mean that we are IN TUNE with our CREATOR!  Sometimes I NEED to intentionally BE STILL, “AND KNOW” that while I do serve our CREATOR, my ways are NOT HIS WAYS!!!

“NOT WORTH COMPARING!”

 Romans 8:18                              (ESV)

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time ARE NOT WORTH COMPARING with the Glory THAT IS TO BE REVEALED TO US.”

“THE CORNERSTONE!”

Acts 4:5-12                                   (ESV)

“[5] On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, [6] with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. [7] And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” [8] Then Peter, filled with the HOLY SPIRIT, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, [9] if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, [10] let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom GOD raised from the dead—by HIM this man is standing before you well. [11] This JESUS is the STONE that was REJECTED BY YOU, the builders, which has become “THE CORNERSTONE”. [12] And there is salvation in no one else, for there is NO OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN by which we must be saved.””

Painting has never been something that I was blessed with.  Maybe it is the patience or attention to detail, I simply don’t have what is needed to be able to express myself adequately through artwork.  There are many names, ways, or things that various people try to inject into our lives to satisfy what many SEE as necessary.  Wealth, activities, physical health, power or position, and the list could on indefinitely, tend to consume our minds as we endeavor to succeed in “this world”.  

But “this world” is NOT our eternal destination.  Our conversations and mindsets hardly ever are about where we will spend our eternity, as if our existence on earth is our destiny?  But JESUS CHRIST is “THE CORNERSTONE” that EVERYTHING in life should be built around.  Not illnesses, nor family, nor earthly possessions, ALL of which are temporary and WILL cease to be in the end!  

So why are we so easily convinced place worldly “things” ahead of the HEAVENLY things?  Our “natural” beings simply aren’t equipped to SEE the ETERNAL TRUTHS unless our EYES ARE OPENED supernaturally by the ONLY ONE WHO is capable of doing so.  “THE CORNERSTONE” is the ONLY WAY our entire lives will ever be able to understand what we need to for HIS GLORY!  We are incapable of removing guilt and sins from our past.  Only JESUS is able to do that!

Peter was a poor fisherman prior to JESUS opening his EYES.  He was used in a mighty way for the GLORY of GOD, but most definitely NOT the way Peter might have imagined?  Our lives are NOT to be lived as though we “have all of the answers”.  We are to WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT and rely on “THE CORNERSTONE” to deliver our needs, not ourselves!

“HE WOULD WITHDRAW!”

Luke 5:12-16                                        (ESV)

JESUS Cleanses a Leper

[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.”

“This world” is seemingly always trying to get we who have been CHOSEN to become caught up in the narrative that we must be celebrated for what we are allowed to accomplish during our brief sojourn on earth.  Although our journey here is generally less than 100 years, the time JESUS physically spent on earth was 33 years, with only three years ministering to “the imperfect”.  In the passage of Scripture above, JESUS brought HEALING to A MAN FULL OF LEPROSY, then went into isolation to PRAY.  

Now we KNOW that JESUS never sinned, therefore the need for repentance didn’t exist.  But Scripture is replete mentioning “HE WOULD WITHDRAW” and PRAY!  In just over three years, JESUS would remove HIMSELF from the busyness of “this world”, yet we act as though we have no need (or worse, no desire!) to be alone with our CREATOR.  We have to KNOW that we NEED to be “regenerated” from ABOVE, but we FAIL to GET ALONE WITH GOD and allow HIM time to PURIFY as ONLY HE can!  Why can’t we SEE the the NEED like JESUS was SEEING???

As previously stated, it is very often that “HE WOULD WITHDRAW” from HIS ministerial duties, not to get away from the demands of others, but to replenish HIS SPIRIT.  JESUS and GOD are ONE (John 10:30) and if “HE WOULD WITHDRAW” was necessary for HIM, shouldn’t it be EVEN MORE necessary for us?  We MUST HAVE a filling of the HOLY SPIRIT to operate IN THE SPIRIT!  

FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to SEE more clearly that when JESUS was going to be used by YOU, “HE WOULD WITHDRAW” as HE did in John 17!  OPEN MY EYES to SEE!!!