“YOU MAKE IT KNOWN TO ME!”

 Job 42:1-6                                         (ESV)

[1] Then Job answered the LORD and said:

    [2] “I know that YOU can do ALL THINGS,

        and that NO PURPOSE OF YOURS CAN BE THWARTED. 

    [3] ‘WHO is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’

    Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,

        things too wonderful for me, WHICH I DID NOT KNOW. 

    [4] ‘Hear, and I will speak;

        I WILL QUESTION YOU, and “YOU MAKE IT KNOWN TO ME”.’ 

    [5] I had heard of YOU by the hearing of the ear,

        but now my eye sees YOU; 

    [6] therefore I DESPISE MYSELF,

        and repent in dust and ashes.”

According to Job 1:1, Job “was blameless and upright, one who feared GOD and turned away from evil”!  But Job was used as an instrument for GOD to display to even a lowly man some 3,500 years later that GODS PLAN CANNOT BE THWARTED!  As much as I fail GOD, and as wretched as my FAITH is that HE can do ALL THINGS, the fact remains that HE is GOD and HIS PLAN WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED, even in spite of a weak follower!  

There are times when I grow weary of WAITING ON THE LORD in this “microwave society”!  “This world” tries to convince me that I “need” to know NOW, that I am important enough to be “in the know” about what is going to happen?  ALMIGHTY GOD has a PLAN and PURPOSE and my existence is only meant to GLORIFY HIM, not for me to be healthy, wealthy or prosperous!  Being used to be a small part of THE PLAN OF GOD, the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES, is the most amazing display of GRACE that can be imagined!  

Rusty Goodman wrote a song in 1965 entitled “Who am I”.  This song has a statement that says “I wonder what I could have done

To deserve God's only Son”!  How and why would ALMIGHTY GOD allow me to be used as part of HIS PLAN is beyond my comprehension, but I am honored that HE HAS CHOSEN me!  

Making sure that I follow HIS guidance and direction is paramount to me.  Running things to what makes “sense” to “this world” should be EXACTLY what we avoid!  I WILL QUESTION YOU, and “YOU MAKE IT KNOWN TO ME” is what I desire for my life, FATHER!  “YOU MAKE IT KNOWN TO ME” is my aim in life!!!

“DECLARES THE LORD!”

 Jeremiah 12:14-17                               (ESV)

“[14] THUS SAYS THE LORD concerning all MY evil neighbors who touch the heritage that I have given MY people Israel to inherit: “Behold, I WILL PLUCK THEM UP from their land, and I will pluck up the house of Judah from among them. [15] And after I have plucked them up, I WILL AGAIN HAVE COMPASSION ON THEM, and I will bring them again each to his heritage and each to his land. [16] And it shall come to pass, IF THEY WILL DILIGENTLY LEARN THE WAYS OF MY PEOPLE, TO SWEAR BY MY NAME, ‘As the LORD lives,’ even as they taught MY people to swear by Baal, then they shall be built up in the midst of MY people. [17] But IF ANY NATION WILL NOT LISTEN, THEN I WILL UTTERLY PLUCK IT UP AND DESTROY IT, “DECLARES THE LORD”.”

Hearing people report that “GOD IS LOVE and HE wouldn’t do something like that” let’s me understand that they aren’t familiar with the GOD of THE BIBLE!  Scripture records in Jeremiah 12:14 THUS SAYS THE LORD, letting us know that this is NOT some mans opinion, but unadulterated TRUTH!  HIS WORD is TRUTH and needs to be followed, no matter how uncomfortable it might make some feel.  

It can be comforting to know that GOD tells them that IF THEY WILL DILIGENTLY LEARN THE WAYS OF MY PEOPLE, TO SWEAR BY MY NAME, ‘As the LORD lives,’ even as they taught MY people to swear by Baal, then they shall be built up in the midst of MY people!  So GOD PROMISES that if “other nations” will turn to HIM that I WILL AGAIN HAVE COMPASSION ON THEM and bless them.  

But the same GOD WHO PROMISES COMPASSION also explains the consequences of rejecting HIS WORD.  “IF ANY NATION WILL NOT LISTEN, THEN I WILL UTTERLY PLUCK IT UP AND DESTROY IT, “DECLARES THE LORD”.”  HIS WORD is very plain and WILL BE FULFILLED!  TRUTH is not always comfortable and easy.  When we SEE “DECLARES THE LORD” written at the instruction of THE LORD, you can look forward to SEEING HIS WORD FULFILLED!!!

“I APPEAL TO YOU, BROTHERS!”

 Romans 15:30-33                                (ESV)

“[30] “I APPEAL TO YOU, BROTHERS”, by our LORD JESUS CHRIST and by the love of the SPIRIT, to strive together with me in your prayers to GOD on my behalf, [31] that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, [32] so that by GOD’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. [33] May the GOD of peace be with you all. Amen.”

When we SEE others physically hurting, usually we pray for and assist them.  But are we able to SEE when someone has a SPIRITUAL ailment and respond with prayers and assistance? The Apostle Paul is thought of as a monument figure in the New Testament, but he requested to the church in Rome “I APPEAL TO YOU, BROTHERS” that you strive together with me in your prayers to GOD on my behalf!  He recognized that he needed JESUS because he wasn’t capable of being effective without HIM!  

We tend to be of the belief that we are able to do whatever we are inclined to do “for JESUS” on our own, within ourselves.  But Scripture plainly states in Philippians 2:13 “for it is GOD WHO WORKS IN YOU, BOTH to WILL and to WORK for HIS good pleasure!”  We are simply tools for HIS PURPOSES, submitting to HIM DAILY to accomplish HIS PLAN!  

Just because we have a job earning a living doesn’t indicate that everything is going well in our walk with JESUS.  SPIRITUALLY we may be experiencing a Red Sea moment?  We need to be aware that just because others are seemingly on a FIRM foundation, they might be in the midst of a storm? It might be in GOD’S PLAN for me to endure PAIN and SUFFERING for a little while, but “I APPEAL TO YOU, BROTHERS” to pray for me that I will reflect CHRIST as I serve HIM!

“WHAT IS YOUR LIFE?”

James 4:13-17                               (ESV)

[13] Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”—[14] yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. “WHAT IS YOUR LIFE?” For YOU ARE A MIST that appears for a LITTLE TIME and then VANISHED. [15] Instead you ought to say, “If the LORD wills, we will live and do this or that.” [16] As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. [17] So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

Our minds are unique in that we tend to have the impression that everyone has the same thoughts that we have, when reality proves that the way one person responds to a matter might be completely different from another person’s reaction.  We all have our own bodies, and we all have our own mind and Spirit that guides our bodies to demonstrate what we are thinking and feeling.  As I am maturing, I find that the “need for speed” that I have operated with for most of my life is not nearly as important as I once thought.  Some refer to this as “growing up”?  But what is it that causes a man to ponder the deeper things of life as his time on earth nears completion?

There are people I know who have experienced a miscarriage of a child.  That Creation is just as viable (capable of growing or developing) as I ever have been.  ALMIGHTY GOD, in HIS VAST WISDOM, has determined that this child Glorifies HIM more without entering “this world”, and HE brings them into HIS presence without ever having to SUFFER the agonies of living on earth.  Our limited, self-centered mindsets are usually unable to SEE past the hurt and despair of losing a child, but GOD draws Glory to HIMSELF, NOT US!!!

“WHAT IS YOUR LIFE” that you DO NOT have the ability to add to your time on earth?  In Luke 12:25, JESUS says “And which of you by being anxious CAN ADD A SINGLE HOUR to his span of life?”  HE has a PLAN and a PURPOSE for each of us and I must “abdicate” my will for HIS PLAN and HIS PURPOSE!  When we consider “WHAT IS YOUR LIFE”, we must remember that when we were CHOSEN by HIM before the foundation of the world, we “abdicated” our desires for HIS PLAN and PURPOSES!

“HE MIGHT BE PREEMINENT!”

 Colossians 1:15-20

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. [17] And HE is before all things, and in HIM all things hold together. [18] And HE is the head of the body, the church. HE is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything “HE MIGHT BE PREEMINENT”. [19] For in HIM all the fullness of GOD was pleased to dwell, [20] and through HIM to reconcile to HIMSELF all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of HIS cross.

“This world” can get so hectic and seemingly out-of-control that fear and doubt grip the minds of even the children of GOD, even though HIS WORD tells us that HE IS IN CONTROL!  The word PREEMINENT is defined by a dictionary as “high importance; superiority”!  These verses plainly explains that JESUS is PREEMINENT over ALL THINGS, not just the major tasks of our lives.  

“The enemy”, the “great deceiver”, a “liar from the beginning” (John 8:44) is seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8) in an effort to draw glory to himself and away from JESUS.  The war has already been won and we have no need to FEAR, but when we take our EYES off of JESUS it can be awfully easy to let the deception from “the enemy” overtake us.  That is why we are instructed many places in Scripture to KEEP OUR MINDS SET ON CHRIST and not on the things of “this world!  

Keep in mind that “HE MIGHT BE PREEMINENT” is SUPERIOR over satan and his minions.  The blood of JESUS covers a multitude of sins, even fear and doubt!  So why would we want to question the WORD OF THE PREEMINENT ONE?  HE CREATED ALL THINGS and will work ALL THINGS to display that “HE MIGHT BE PREEMINENT”!!!

“DO NOT UNDERSTAND!”

 Isaiah 6:9-10                      (ESV)

[9] And HE said, “Go, and say to this people: 

    “‘Keep on hearing, but “DO NOT UNDERSTAND”;

    keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’ 

    [10] Make the heart of this people dull,

        and their ears heavy,

        and blind their eyes;

    lest they see with their eyes,

        and hear with their ears,

    and understand with their hearts,

        and turn and be healed.””

Recently I saw a video on a social media site and clicked the arrow to begin playing the recording.  The gentleman speaking was speaking a foreign language to me, so needless to say I didn’t listen very long.  Listening to someone who is not speaking an intelligible message can be frustrating.  No matter how intently you pay attention to what they are saying, you can’t make sense of what is coming from their mouth. 

1 Corinthians 2:14 says “The natural person does not accept the things of the SPIRIT of GOD, for THEY ARE FOLLY TO HIM, and HE IS UNABLE TO UNDERSTAND THEM because they are spiritually discerned”.  The SPIRIT of GOD must open your EYES and EARS if we have any hope of hearing HIS message!  Those who say that they came to CHRIST on their own volition should read the letter to the church of Ephesus written by the Apostle Paul.  In chapter 2 verses 8-9.  “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And THIS IS NOT YOUR OWN DOING; IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD, NOT A RESULT OF WORKS, SO THAT NO ONE MAY BOAST.”

Just as I am unable to understand people who speak anything other than English, people who haven’t had their EYES and EARS OPENED to Spiritual matters CANNOT understand the gospel.  They “DO NOT UNDERSTAND” that their Spirit is eternal and it will eternally live with JESUS, or it will eternally suffer in hell with the great deceiver!  We must diligently PRAY for those who “DO NOT UNDERSTAND” that their EYES and EARS will be OPENED And they will turn and be healed!!!

“FOR AM I IN THE PLACE OF GOD?”

 Genesis 50:19                         (ESV)

“But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, “FOR AM I IN THE PLACE OF GOD?””

Most people would choose comfort over hardship if they had a say in the matter.  Joseph didn’t necessarily have options, but he never questioned GOD about where he was, nor why he was there.  He simply kept his EYES on the LORD and trusted HIM to work ALL THINGS for HIS good!

Joseph was sold by his brothers into slavery at the age of 17!  He could’ve become bitter and distraught?  Then he worked his way up the ladder to be Potiphar’s right hand man, only to have the wife of Potiphar lie about him and have him placed into prison.  After Joseph was placed in prison, he “found favor” with GOD and interpreted two dreams, one from the cupbearer of Pharaoh and the other from the baker of Pharaoh. 

Joseph glorified GOD even though he was imprisoned and in slavery.  He didn’t allow his current situation to dictate his happiness in the LORD.  We could learn a valuable lesson from Joseph.  Not allowing where we are to determine where GOD will use us is something that GOD WILL USE FOR HIS GLORY!!!  “FOR AM I IN THE PLACE OF THE LORD?” needs to be emblazoned upon the forehead of we who trust in HIM!!!

“HE SAW NOTHING!”

 Acts 9:3-9                             (ESV)

“[3] Now as he (Saul) went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a LIGHT FROM HEAVEN shone around him. [4] And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” [5] And he said, “Who are you, LORD?” And HE said, “I AM JESUS, WHOM YOU ARE PERSECUTING. [6] But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” [7] The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. [8] Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, “HE SAW NOTHING”. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. [9] And for THREE DAYS  he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.”

It seems that GOD continues to SPEAK to me from Acts 9.  It really captures my thoughts when I try to wrap my mind around the fact that JESUS actually CHOSE to use a tool that “the enemy” had in the midst of “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the LORD” for HIS GLORY!  Yes, Saul was a Pharisee, one who was well studied in the Mosaic Law, but JESUS was preparing to OPEN his EYES to GRACE, something that he wasn’t accustomed to acknowledging.  

Although Saul had his mind set on destroying what the HOLY SPIRIT was doing, he had NO IDEA that his life was about to be TRANSFORMED by the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES, even to the point of dying!  He didn’t recognize JESUS when he was initially blinded by “the LIGHT” was causing him to fall to the ground, even though JESUS told him WHO HE was!  He had to WAIT FOR THE LORD for THREE DAYS until Ananias obeyed.  I find it interesting that Saul was unable to see until Ananias spoke “Brother Saul, the LORD JESUS WHO appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT.”  

JESUS HAS A PLAN!  Saul (later renamed Paul) was about to be used as a great testimony, not only of WHO was in control of EVERYTHING, but eventually that HIS PLAN would be fulfilled!  JESUS says in Acts 9:16 “For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of MY name.”  JESUS “knew” what was ahead for Paul.  HE called Paul even though he had no idea what lie ahead of him during the remainder of his earthly life.  

Just because “HE SAW NOTHING” initially, Paul was still able to used by the HOLY SPIRIT to greatly GLORIFY JESUS!  JESUS uses we who die to SELF and allow HIS SPIRIT to “occupy” our bodies, not because we are better than others, but because HE HAS A PLAN!  We are BLESSED to be apart of HIS PLAN, even though at times we might not be able to SEE the entire playing field!  When Paul came to the point where “HE SAW NOTHING”, it was then that JESUS was able to use him FOR HIS GLORY!

“I DO NOT KNOW!”

 2 Corinthians 12:2-4                             (ESV)

“[2] I know a man in CHRIST who FOURTEEN YEARS AGO was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body “I DO NOT KNOW”, GOD KNOWS. [3] And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body “I DO NOT KNOW”, GOD KNOWS—[4] and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.”

The thing that initially caught my attention with these Scriptures was that Paul (the man in CHRIST) was caught up in the third heaven FOURTEEN YEARS AGO!  Most would agree that this is a long time.  But FOURTEEN YEARS AGO doesn’t seem that long ago when I remember where I was then.  FOURTEEN YEARS AGO July 09 my brain was leaking causing a 52 day hospital stay where GOD showed out and astounded many!  I will forever be grateful for HIS healing HAND in my life!  

But the other thing that I cannot get around is when Paul (a Pharisee among Pharisees (Acts 23:6)) says “I DO NOT KNOW”, GOD KNOWS twice in two verses!  It has always been a challenge for me to admit that there were things that I didn’t fully understand.  But as my wisdom has increased, I am finding that there is far more that “I DO NOT KNOW” than things that I DO KNOW!  That the Apostle Paul wrote this twice humbles me, that someone with his Scriptural understanding readily admitted that “I DO NOT KNOW” when I sometimes act as though I have arrived!!!

The second part of the same lesson is that GOD KNOWS.....EVERYTHING!  So why do I act like it is beyond HIS capabilities when things appear to be “impossible”?  Matthew 19:26 says “But JESUS looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with GOD “all things” are possible.”  When things appear inconceivable, that is when GOD LOVES TO ACT!

My medical records from FOURTEEN YEARS AGO state “However he has had an remarkable recovery that can only be defined as a MIRACLE FROM GOD”!  Apparently things were looking rather bleak back then, BUT GOD!!!  There are times when I have to admit that “I DO NOT KNOW” for certain exactly what GOD has planned for my life, but walking by FAITH requires me to understand that GOD KNOWS!!!

Proverbs 17:17

Proverbs 17:17                 (ESV)

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

“WE REGARD NO ONE ACCORDING TO THE FLESH!”

 2 Corinthians 5:16-19                                   (ESV)

“[16] FROM NOW ON, therefore, “WE REGARD NO ONE ACCORDING TO THE FLESH”. Even though we once regarded CHRIST according to the flesh, WE REGARD HIM THUS NO LONGER. [17] Therefore, if anyone is in CHRIST, he is a NEW CREATION. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. [18] All this is from GOD, WHO through CHRIST reconciled us to HIMSELF and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] that is, in CHRIST GOD was reconciling the world to HIMSELF, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.”

Years ago I acquired a personalized license plate that says BIG RAY.  Being 6’6” tall doesn’t require any announcements to the world that you are taller than most, but everyone has always called me BIG RAY!  Of course, being larger in the waistline accentuates the moniker, but nonetheless proclaiming my size was never something that was demanded.  

The Apostle Paul KNEW JESUS CHRIST.  From Acts 9:5 Paul had KNOWN JESUS in a peculiar manner.  JESUS called him out to “suffer for the sake of MY name” (Acts 9:16) and Paul couldn’t remove that from his memory!  He also could not remove from his memory how JESUS had transformed his life.  “FROM NOW ON, therefore” he was mandated to exhibit how his life was different after JESUS got ahold of him!  

Paul KNEW that he was changed, so he understood that others were also radically changed.  Paul states that “WE REGARD NO ONE ACCORDING TO THE FLESH” because JESUS makes us ALL a NEW CREATION, and is NOT “counting their trespasses against them”!  

Since JESUS SEES a NEW CREATION, and JESUS lives inside of me, it behooves me to SEE that NEW CREATION as well.  No longer do I prefer to be considered a large, caucasian, sometimes angry person, but a blood bought CHILD OF THE KING!  Similarly, “WE REGARD NO ONE ACCORDING TO THE FLESH” should be my aim in life!  JESUS paid a tremendous price to make me a NEW CREATION, and it is COMMANDED that “WE REGARD NO ONE ACCORDING TO THE FLESH”!!!  

“WHAT DO YOU SAY ABOUT HIM?”

 John 9:13-17                                    (ESV)

“[13] They brought to the Pharisees the man who had FORMERLY been blind. [14] Now it was a Sabbath day when JESUS made the mud and opened his eyes. [15] So the Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, “HE put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” [16] Some of the Pharisees said, “This MAN is not from GOD, for HE does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And THERE WAS A DIVISION AMONG THEM. [17] So they said again to the blind man, “”WHAT DO YOU SAY ABOUT HIM”, since HE has opened your eyes?” He said, “HE is a prophet.”

The young man written about in the passage of Scripture above had been blind since birth (John 9:19), therefore he had only known the experience of SEEING since he met JESUS.  Blindness was all he had ever known.  When questioned by the Pharisees about his newfound sight, his response was “Whether HE is a sinner I DO NOT KNOW. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, NOW I SEE.”  

Experiencing sight for the first time since birth was something that this individual was very excited about.  Although he didn’t fully understand WHO JESUS was, he had evidence in his life because now he could SEE!  There was NO DOUBT that a MIRACULOUS event had occurred in his life, but he DID NOT KNOW precisely what JESUS had repaired.  Yet his NOT KNOWING  how his eyes were able to SEE did not prevent him from observing his surroundings.  

One of the most difficult things to understand is how and why everything around us works together, especially FOR HIS GOOD (Romans 8:28)!  We have to remember that we are NOT GOD, and we CANNOT UNDERSTAND things that our EYES have not been OPENED to.  Much like the Pharisees, we want to understand everything that GOD is doing, but until GOD chooses to open our hearts and eyes, we will have to have FAITH IN HIS leadership and submit to HIS AUTHORITY!

When GOD works a miracle in a life, we may not understand what HIS PURPOSE of the miracle is right away, but if we WALK BY FAITH HE will UNDOUBTEDLY reveal HIS TRUTH to us, FOR HIS GLORY!  The young man might not have understood exactly what had happened to him, but he had no problem explaining to the Pharisees “WHAT DO YOU SAY ABOUT HIM”?  I once was blind, BUT NOW I SEE!!!

“ALL PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION!”

 Ephesians 6:10-20                                   (ESV)

[10] Finally, be strong in the LORD and in the strength of HIS might. [11] Put on the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD, that you may be able to stand against THE SCHEMES OF THE DEVIL. [12] 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 the SPIRITUAL FORCES OF EVIL IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES. [13] Therefore take up the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. [14] Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. [16] In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; [17] and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of GOD, [18] praying AT ALL TIMES IN THE SPIRIT, with “ALL PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION”. To that end, KEEP ALERT with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, [19] and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains, THAT I MAY DECLARE IT BOLDLY, AS I OUGHT TO speak.”

Far too often I think that I am ready to take on hell with a garden hose, but Scripture is prepared for my over zealous and uneducated mind!  We cannot know and understand the magnitude of the enemy, for he is a master of deception and his foundation is lies (John 8:43-47) rather than TRUTH!  

Defining SUPPLICATION can mean “Petition; earnest or humble request”.  But I thought that is what PRAYER was, petitioning GOD to get something from HIM.  Maybe I need to look at PRAYER through a different prism, seeking what GOD means rather than what I understand?  Sure, we all supposedly know that GOD CREATED EVERYTHING (Colossians 1:16), but do we live our lives exhibiting the testimony that HE IS ABLE to do whatever it is that HE CHOOSES, or whatever it is that fulfills I pour desires?  JESUS, our CREATOR, PRAYED in Luke 22:42 “Nevertheless, not MY will, but YOURS, be done.”

SUPPLICATION, on the other hand, “although it is a noun, supplication comes from the Latin verb supplicare, which means "to plead humbly."  One commentary defines SUPPLICATION “We can define supplication as a form of a prayer, a call for help from GOD. The term bears a spirit of reverence and devotion with it, a solemn prayer to a higher power.”  When we leave our selfish wants and desires behind we are able to SEE things in a HEAVENLY manner, without our personal influence.  TO PLEAD HUMBLY tells me that I am to empty myself of what “I want” for the PLAN that JESUS CHRIST has for me.  

AT ALL TIMES IN THE SPIRIT is how we should approach the THRONE OF GOD, not just before we sit down to eat, and not just before we go to bed!  Unless we submit ourselves to HIS WILL, we are not PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT!  We are called to seek HIM with “ALL PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION” in order to be used for HIS GLORY!  FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to surrender to YOUR PLAN and to come before YOUR THRONE in “ALL PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION”!!!

“UNTIL THE FURY HAS PASSED!”

 Isaiah 26:20-21                    (ESV)

“20 Come, MY people, enter your chambers, and SHUT YOUR DOORS BEHIND YOU; hide yourselves for a little while “UNTIL THE FURY HAS PASSED” by. 

21 For behold, the LORD is coming out from HIS place to PUNISH the inhabitants of the earth for THEIR INIQUITY, and THE EARTH WILL DISCLOSE THE BLOOD SHED ON IT, AND WILL NO MORE COVER ITS SLAIN.”

“ARE YOU NOT THE CHRIST?”

 Luke 23:39-43                   (ESV)

39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at HIM, saying, "ARE YOU NOT THE CHRIST?” Save YOURSELF and us!"

40 But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear GOD, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?

41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this MAN has done nothing wrong."

42 And he said, "JESUS, remember me when YOU come into YOUR kingdom."

43 And HE said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with ME in paradise." 

Seeing unjust deeds seemingly not immediately being dealt with can be frustrating to we in our instant gratification mentality.  We want to act as though we are more holy than those who we are judging when the only hope any of us has is the BLOOD OF JESUS that HE freely shed on our behalf!

The first criminal mentioned in the Scripture above had a preconceived idea of how/what JESUS would do for him, and I am pretty sure that it didn’t have to do with dying on a cross right before Passover?  I’m sure that he imagined himself living a life to the fullest, but his sins and criminal behavior cut short his plans.  He had NO IDEA that the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES was next to him on a cross paying a debt that we were unable to o pay for the sins that we had committed!

The EYES of the second criminal were OPENED and he cried out “JESUS, remember me when YOU come into YOUR kingdom”!  He KNEW that JESUS was the SON OF GOD, so he simply asked HIM to remember him when HE got to Heaven.  He couldn’t be baptized.  He couldn’t offer tithes and offerings.  All he could do is ask to be remembered by the MAN WHO is GOD, and JESUS did! 

Do we deserve anything less than the first criminal got that day???  Were it not for the sacrifice of JESUS, my future would be just as bleak as the criminal already crucified!  KNOWING that JESUS is GOD can ONLY be revealed to us FROM ABOVE (Matthew 16:17), therefore we have NO REASON to be exalted.  Living in fear displays that we aren’t sure of what will be happening to us in the future.  Walking in FAITH paints a TOTALLY different picture.  Our lives should be a testament that we KNOW “ARE YOU NOT THE CHRIST”! 

“EVERYTHING CHANGED!”

Saul was one of the most feared persecutors that members of the Way ever experienced.....until Acts 9:3.  Then JESUS got ahold of him and “EVERYTHING CHANGED!”  Acts 9:1-2 says “But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the LORD, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to THE WAY, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.”  

In Acts 9:3-5 scripture records “Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him.  And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"  And he said, "Who are you, LORD?" And HE said, "I AM JESUS, WHOM you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do."

In the meantime, JESUS spoke to Ananias to go to Saul and minister to him.  After being convinced that JESUS wasn’t mistaken, Ananias went and explained to Saul in Acts 9:17, “So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the LORD JESUS WHO appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT”!  Notice JESUS didn’t have Ananias instruct Saul to repeat the “sinners prayer”, nor did he have to perform any “works” to warrant his salvation.  That was ALL arranged by JESUS, the ONLY ONE WHO makes salvation possible in the first place!  

Unless JESUS plucks us out of the miry clay of “this world”, we will NEVER have our EYES OPENED to SEE that we are headed straight to a devil’s hell!  HE is our only HOPE!  “Turning over a new leaf” will leave your life in the same condition.  Saul was so CHANGED that JESUS gave him a new name, Paul.  There are many labels that are associated with a CHANGED life, but when JESUS TRANSFORMS one, words cannot suffice!  All we can say is that “EVERYTHING CHANGED!”

“THE TRUTH!”

 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12                (ESV)

“9 THE COMING OF THE LAWLESS ONE is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders,

10 and WITH ALL WICKED DECEPTION FOR THOSE WHO ARE PERISHING, because they refused to love “THE TRUTH” and so be saved.

11 Therefore GOD SENDS THEM A STRONG DELUSION, so THAT THEY MAY BELIEVE WHAT IS FALSE,

12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe “THE TRUTH” but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

If you recall Job in the Old Testament, he was said to be “...blameless and upright, one who feared GOD and turned away from evil.”  One day Satan had Job pointed out to him by GOD ALMIGHTY and was asked “Have you considered MY servant Job”?  My belief is that GOD knew that Job would never turn away from his belief that GOD was GOD, even when things got BAD, VERY BAD.  In the end, GOD ultimately “...restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the LORD GAVE Job TWICE AS MUCH as he had before”!  

GOD KNEW that Job would exhibit the FAITH that would defeat Satan FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!  Because Job had a secured relationship with “THE TRUTH”, he would never be abandoned by HIS CREATOR.  Satan tried EVERYTHING, but Job would NOT deny that GOD was on HIS THRONE!  His health, his family, his wealth, nothing was enough to sacrifice his kinship the his HEAVENLY FATHER.  

“THE TRUTH” lived inside of Job, and lives inside of every Believer.  There are many people who profess of being a Believer, but when they are presented with a STRONG DELUSION begin to wander and BELIEVE WHAT IS FALSE!  GOD’s WORD is TRUTH, and it will never change to accommodate the current society.  We are instructed to LOVE our enemy (Matthew 5:44), but if we LOVE someone we wouldn’t allow them to proceed to drive unaware off of a mountain cliff KNOWING that certain death was awaiting them, would we?  

Job knew GOD, and his faithfulness during his trials gave evidence of his relationship.  When he was squeezed, “THE TRUTH” came out of him.  My prayer is that when times are tough, as they were with Job, that “THE TRUTH” is evident in my life!  STRONG DELUSIONS and WHAT IS FALSE will be sent my way, but “THE TRUTH” is what I place my FAITH in!!!

“IT IS THE LORD!”

 “IT IS THE LORD!”

1 Samuel 3:15-18                         (ESV)

“15 Samuel lay until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli.

16 But Eli called Samuel and said, "Samuel, my son." And he said, "Here I am."

17 And Eli said, "What was it that HE told you? Do not hide it from me. May GOD do so to you and more also if you hide anything from me of all that HE told you."

18 So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, "”IT IS THE LORD”. Let HIM do what seems good to HIM.””

The history of Samuel is an remarkable one.  His mother was loved deeply by his father, but she initially was unable to have children.  Once, while praying at the temple, a priest named Eli saw her demonstrably praying inaudibly for a remedy to her situation.  He thought that she was drunk but she explained that she was only praying for GOD to open her womb.  1 Samuel 1:17 tells us “Then Eli answered, "Go in peace, and the GOD of Israel grant your petition that you have made to HIM." Eli’s word made Hannah’s countenance to be lifted greatly and she went her way rejoicing.  

Now the sons (Hophni and Phinehas) of the priest Eli were worthless men. They did not know the LORD, according to 1 Samuel 2:12.  Eli had just been used to encourage Hannah, but his sons were not walking in the same path that Eli did.  Samuel was “given to the LORD” by his parents, as they had promised GOD!  Samuel would grow in stature and presence of the LORD.  Conversely, Eli was being visited by “man of GOD” who called out Eli for allowing him sons to desecrate the things that they were entrusted with from Heaven.  Apparently Eli didn’t head the warning???

One night Samuel was sleeping a voice awakened him.  He was not accustomed to hearing the VOICE OF GOD so he went into Eli, who after hearing about Samuels ordeal instructed him how to reply the next time he heard the voice.  Samuel obeyed, but the message he was given wasn’t one that he relished!  GOD told Samuel, “And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming GOD, and he did not restrain them (1 Samuel 3:13).  

When morning came Eli inquired about what GOD had spoken to Samuel during the night.  Even though he was distraught by the message, Samuel relayed precisely what he had been told.  Eli already had been alerted about his sons behavior, BUT he did not offer to correct them.  His reply in 1 Samuel 1:18 was “It is the LORD. Let him do what seems good to HIM.”  

When “IT IS THE LORD” sends us an alert that we are not following HIS WAYS, it would behoove us to adhere to the MESSAGE!  The final sentence in the alert sent by the CREATOR was “Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever."  When “IT IS THE LORD” sends the MESSAGE, please LISTEN TO HIM!!!

“THE MYSTERY WAS REVEALED!”

Daniel 2:19-23 (ESV)

“19 Then “THE MYSTERY WAS REVEALED” to Daniel in a vision of the night. THEN Daniel BLESSED THE GOD OF HEAVEN.
20 Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of GOD forever and ever, to WHOM belong WISDOM and MIGHT. 
21 HE changes times and seasons; HE REMOVES KINGS AND SETS UP KINGS; HE GIVES WISDOM TO THE WISE and KNOWLEDGE TO THOSE WHO HAVE UNDERSTANDING; 
22 HE reveals deep and hidden things; HE KNOWS WHAT IS IN THE DARKNESS, and THE LIGHT DWELLS WITH HIM. 
23 To you, O GOD of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for YOU have given me wisdom and might, and have now MADE KNOWN TO ME what we asked of YOU, for YOU have made known to us the king's matter."”

Why are we amazed when ALMIGHTY GOD REVEALS hidden TRUTHS to we who haven’t been able to previously SEE? GOD SEES all, even knowing the thoughts and intents of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12), so why should we be even startled when we finally SEE precisely WHO HE is? GOD even “SETS UP” KINGS, revealing HIS TRUTH through the actions through the JUST ad the UNJUST!

Daniel was gifted by GOD to be able to SEE things that most mortals have not had their EYES opened to as of yet. However, Daniel didn’t think himself higher than others! He gave thanks and praise, for GOD had given him wisdom and might, and MADE KNOWN TO HIM what he needed to know to glorify the GOD OF HEAVEN! He understood that he was simply a tool being used by GOD for a precise purpose, and he wasn’t about to allow pride and conceit destroy the work of GOD!

“THE MYSTERY WAS REVEALED” to Daniel several times when others were unable to SEE what GOD was trying to make known to them. Likewise, we have a responsibility to share what we SPIRITUALLY SEE to those whose EYES have yet to be OPENED by GOD to understand what HE is doing. Jeremiah 29:13 tells us that “You will seek me and find ME, when YOU SEEK ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART.” Could it be that GOD has given us the desire to SEEK HIM to so that we can be used to share HIS TRUTH to those are not in a position to see/hear from GOD?

Just because “THE MYSTERY WAS REVEALED” to us doesn’t mean that we have the choice of whether to “keep the secret” or let others know THE TRUTH! We need to be willing to share the KNOWLEDGE and UNDERSTANDING GOD has BLESSED us with for HIS GLORY! A pastor friend of mine used to proclaim that most Believers tend to”sit, soak, and sour” on the TRUTH rather than to run the risk of “offending” people who are headed to hell! My prayer is that I will proclaim “THE MYSTERY WAS REVEALED” to me and that my future is IN CHRIST!!!

“SOUR WINE!”

 John 19:28-30                             (ESV)

“28 After this, JESUS, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), "I thirst."

29 A jar full of “SOUR WINE” stood there, so they put a sponge full of the “SOUR WINE” on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth.

30 When JESUS had received the “SOUR WINE”, HE said, "It is finished," and HE bowed HIS head and gave up HIS SPIRIT.”

The crucifixion of JESUS was undoubtedly one of the most gruesome events in the history of mankind.  Unworthy of any punishment, HE received the WRATH OF GOD for THE CHOSEN OF GOD in order to allow us to enter eternal PEACE with HIM.  HIS final request before HE GAVE UP HIS SPIRIT was to say “I thirst”, and the Roman soldiers promptly gave HIM “SOUR WINE”!

Now I have never had a “taste” for any alcoholic beverages, but I would imagine that “SOUR WINE” would not be at the top of the menu my choices were being considered?  According to some who study Scripture, JESUS had just been brutally beaten almost beyond recognition.  It is said that HIS lungs could be seen grasping for air as HE hung hear death.  Mark 15:33 adds “And when the sixth hour (Noon) had come, THERE WAS DARKNESS OVER THE WHOLE LAND until the ninth hour (3 PM).”  For anyone whose EYES have been OPENED, the fact that THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD (John 9:5) was crucified and everything went dark is NO COINCIDENCE!  

From the beginning, “the enemy” has always attempted to color his lies with just enough TRUTH to make it seem that what he offers is what we need?  But anything LESS THAN that which GOD has spoken will NOT satisfy, nor get us by!  “SOUR WINE” wasn’t what was needed to quench the thirst of GOD IN THE FLESH on Calvary.  “SOUR WINE” would cause HIM to be even more thirsty!  Similarly, the substitutes Satan offers will NEVER satisfy the empty hole in our Soul, it can only be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT!  

When the PLAN OF GOD becomes our goal in life, we are satisfied with the happenings we face, no matter how egregious they seem.  “When JESUS had received the “SOUR WINE”, HE said, "It is finished," and HE bowed HIS head and gave up HIS SPIRIT.”  JESUS completed HIS mission and paid the sin debt that we were unable to pay!  We must recognize that sometimes we are given what seems to be “SOUR WINE”, but THE PLAN OF GOD is that which we should be concerned with!