“HIS SIGHT!”

 Acts 9:18-19                      (ESV)

“[18] And immediately SOMETHING LIKE SCALES FELL FROM HIS EYES, and he regained “HIS SIGHT”. Then he rose and was baptized; [19] and taking food, he was strengthened.”

Every person is unique in that the experiences they encounter are SEEN in a way that they SEE things.  1 Corinthians 7:17 reminds us to “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”.  We ALL SEE things from the perspective of the level our minds are currently in at the given time we have the encounter.  

Saul was persecuting members of THE WAY in Acts 9:1, but by Acts 9:20 he was being uses by JESUS to proclaim HIS message to those in his path.  Saul, although he had the same body, was a NEW CREATION and was embarking on a journey to SUFFER for JESUS (Acts 9:16!).  “HIS SIGHT” was physically restored, but his SPIRIT was now able to SEE.  JESUS HAD A PLAN and Saul/Paul was going to be used for the GLORY OF THE NAME OF JESUS!  

There are times when I don’t understand (SEE) why I am going through a stormy situation, but on the other side of the storm I can SEE how JESUS was guiding me for HIS GLORY.  Although I too am a NEW CREATION, my SIGHT is able to SEE better from the “other side” of the storm that I was brought through. It is not that JESUS was stronger or more effective now, it’s just that I can SEE better when my EYES don’t have the “storm” glaring at me!

What we SEE is not SOLELY determined by our FAITH, but where we are in our WALK with JESUS.  Each person has a life assigned to them by our CREATOR, and no one else gets the opportunity to live the life GOD has assigned to us!  Only by living HIS PLAN for our lives can we SEE things that can only be SEEN from the other side of the storm.  Our version of “HIS SIGHT” will never be experienced by any other human. DON’T cheat yourself out of the BLESSING of TRUSTING IN JESUS to deliver you. 

“YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO DO IT ALONE!”

 Exodus 18:17-18

“[17] Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is NOT GOOD.  [18] You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. “YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO DO IT ALONE”.”

From experience, we can SEE needs all around us.  We can “believe” that our solution to these needs is the best way to handle them.  But when GOD was about to part the Red Sea in Exodus 14:14, HE instructed Moses to tell the Israelites “The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

There are times when “YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO DO IT ALONE”!  I am probably the worst at trying to figure out a plan to get through the circumstances in my future.  But GOD gently reminds me “The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”  

Moses thought he had to solve the issues of ALL the Children of Israel.  But GOD told him through Jethro “YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO DO IT ALONE”!  Has GOD spoken the same thing to me?  Am I listening to GOD for a solution, or am I trying to figure a way out of my predicament?  

It is not “bad” or “weak” to rely on GOD!  HE may want me to “be silent” so HE can do what only HE can do!  Please remember, “YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO DO IT ALONE”!!!

“GOD HAS CALLED HIM!”

 1 Corinthians 7:17-24                  (ESV)

Live as You Are Called

“[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. [18] Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. [19] For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD. [20] Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. [21] Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) [22] For he who was called in the LORD as a bondservant is a freedman of the LORD. Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of CHRIST. [23] You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men. [24] So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with GOD.”

ALMIGHTY GOD HAS A PLAN, regardless of how much “sense” the PLAN DOESN’T seem to make!  My own life is a prime example.  My mother and father divorced when I was four years old.  My mother was awarded custody of me and my two sisters.  My father abandoned us with not even a birthday card for the rest of our lives!  Overcoming the bitterness of not having a paternal figure in my life had its challenges, but GOD finally revealed to me that HE needed to prevent me from having the poor influence of my father to direct my decisions and to direct the path HE needed me to take.  

These Scriptures have spoken volumes to me over the years.  GOD made me the way HE made me, even the faults that I had to overcome.  Moses was born when the Children of Israel were captive in Egypt, and his mother left him to be raised by Pharaoh’s daughter.  He killed an Egyptian who was treating a fellow Israelite unjustly.  He fled into Midian for 40 years to avoid Pharaoh.  He then was told in Exodus 3 to return to Egypt and request that Pharaoh release HIS Children.  No one could have “seen” what ALMIGHTY GOD had planned for Moses when his mother placed him in a basket in the Nile River as an infant???

GOD called Moses to lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt, THROUGH THE WILDERNESS, and to the Promised Land.  This was AFTER Moses was in Midian for 40 years!  GOD has to allow some of us to “wonder in the wilderness” (as HE did the Israelites) to display HIS SOVEREIGNTY, especially in our individual lives!  

1 Corinthians 7:17 says “Only let each person lead the life that the LORD has assigned to him, and to which “GOD HAS CALLED HIM”!  If you are going through a difficult, trying time, rest assured that GOD has a purpose for it!  It might be to teach us a lesson, but HE uses ALL THINGS for HIS good (Romans 8:28), and HE IS IN CONTROL!  Whether HE uses a broken marriage, a ruthless political leader, a brain hemorrhage, or anything else you place in the story, GOD USES ALL THINGS to prepare us for HIS PLAN!  When “GOD HAS CALLED HIM” for HIS service, HE is the ONE calling the shots, not us!  Acknowledging that “GOD HAS CALLED HIM” is crucial to PEACE and to living the life that the LORD has assigned to him!!!

“SHOW HOSPITALITY!”

 Hebrews 13:1-2                            (ESV)

“[1] Let brotherly love continue. [2] Do not neglect to “SHOW HOSPITALITY” to strangers, for thereby SOME HAVE ENTERTAINED ANGELS UNAWARES.”

How are we supposed to “SHOW HOSPITALITY” to strangers when some people have problems being kind even to our friends and neighbors?  With the uncertainty in today’s world, we are almost encouraged to FEAR others rather than to make them feel welcome and comfortable.  When our FAITH is on THINGS ABOVE (Colossians 3:2), it should cause our actions to be NOT OF THIS WORLD!  

Being reminded of a television show in my youth, an “alien” from outer space could not make sense of the actions of “earthlings” because they were from totally different society.  As Believers, we resemble “aliens” because we are NOT OF THIS WORLD!  Our HOME is in HEAVEN, we are simply “ambassadors” in a foreign land trying to reflect the LOVE of JESUS.  In doing so, we are CALLED to “SHOW HOSPITALITY” even when we are being persecuted, and we WILL BE persecuted according to 2 Timothy 3:12.  

The command to “SHOW HOSPITALITY” is not an option for Believers.  We need to be prepared for PERSECUTION, because IT IS COMING!  How we respond to said PERSECUTION could be an indication of WHO we are, and the TRANSFORMATION that has hopefully occurred in our lives.   When we “SHOW HOSPITALITY” in the face of PERSECUTION, our reflection of HIM WHO TRANSFORMS is never more apparent!!! 

“PERFECT PATIENCE!”

 1 Timothy 1:12-16                         (ESV)

“[12] I thank HIM WHO has “given” me strength, CHRIST JESUS our LORD, because HE judged me faithful, appointing me to HIS service, [13] though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I RECEIVED MERCY because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, [14] and the grace of our LORD overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in CHRIST JESUS. [15] The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost (chief). [16] But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost (of sinners), JESUS CHRIST might display HIS “PERFECT PATIENCE” as an example to those who were to believe in HIM for eternal life.

There are some songs that speak a message that seems to tell a story that exemplifies something about our past that makes them special to us.  “SINNER SAVED BY GRACE” is one of those songs for me.  There are those who say that since we are CHOSEN, we shouldn’t refer to ourselves as sinners, but apparently the Apostle Paul didn’t get the memo???  He wrote in the above passage that he was the foremost of sinners, yet JESUS CHRIST used him to demonstrate HIS “PERFECT PATIENCE” to all as a testament to HIS MERCY and GRACE!

Gloria and Bill Gaither (along with Mitch Humphries) wrote the song with the testimony of George Younce in mind (https://gaither.com/sinner-saved-by-grace-the-story-behind-the-song/). George Younce was a bass singer for the Cathedral Quartet.  He, like the Apostle Paul, would have never been thought of as “the foremost (chief)of sinners”, but they both were able to SEE through the lies of “the enemy” and recognize TRUTH!  Compared to JESUS, they were flawed Creations with the only redeeming quality in their lives being that they had this JESUS living through their beings!

Unfortunately we don’t have the ability to live a life that adequately expresses how much JESUS CHRIST has done for us!  HIS “PERFECT PATIENCE” with the “foremost” of sinners continues to this day to be on display.  Remember when you are celebrating HIS GOODNESS in your life that aside from HIS “PERFECT PATIENCE” that you are in the running for the foremost of sinners!  “PERFECT PATIENCE” comes even though we are imperfect vessels!

“HE GIVES MORE GRACE!”

 James 4:5-6                     (ESV)

[5] Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “HE yearns jealously over THE SPIRIT that HE HAS MADE TO DWELL IN US”? [6] But “HE GIVES MORE GRACE”. Therefore it says, “GOD opposes the proud but GIVES GRACE to the HUMBLE.”

It can be very easy to claim that we are doing/have done things for the Kingdom of our own volition. Jeremiah 17:9 say “The heart (of man) is deceitful above ALL THINGS, and DESPERATELY SICK (WICKED); who can understand it?”  If we are are WICKED in our core, we MUST be regenerated, born again, in HIS likeness, to WALK IN THE LIGHT (1 John:5-7)!  

The only way we can WALK IN THE LIGHT is to have GOD SUPERNATURALLY GIVE US MORE GRACE!  “HE GIVES MORE GRACE”, not to the proud who want to draw glory to themselves, but to the HUMBLE who prefer to deflect FOR THE GLORY OF JESUS!! HE will guide us with HIS LIGHT as long as we submit to HIS LEADERSHIP!  “HE GIVES MORE GRACE” when we realize that it’s all because of HIM that we SEE HIM!!!

“FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD!”

 James 4:4-6                                      (ESV)

[4] You adulterous people! Do you not know that “FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD” is enmity (hostility; animosity) with GOD? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world MAKES HIMSELF AN ENEMY OF GOD. [5] Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “HE yearns jealously over the SPIRIT that HE has made to dwell in us”? [6] But HE gives more grace. Therefore it says, “GOD opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Merely reading Scripture isn’t allowing THE WORD to transform us into HIS IMAGE.  While I have placed “FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD” in capital letters, being at “enmity with GOD is what I am drawn to focus on today.  

The word enmity is one that demands a bit of study for me.  According to one dictionary, synonyms for enmity include “hostility and animosity”.  Animosity broken down leads me to discover that the Latin word “animōsē” is where our word animosity comes from.  Animōsē means “spirited, courageous, undaunted, PROUD”.  The first three descriptions might be included in the “good things” to possess.  Being PROUD, however, is not something that we should strive for.  Other words listed are ANGRILY, WRATHFULLY, and IRRITABLY!

Maybe the author, James, was thinking about how GOD must feel when dealing with humans?  Isaiah 55:8-9 says “For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, declares the LORD. 

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways and MY thoughts than your thoughts.”  We question what GOD is thinking when certain things happen, (especially when a loved one is removed from us) but the ONE WHO has the ability to make them stay has determined that their time on earth has been completed, AND HE KNOWS BEST!

“FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD” is possibly elevating our wishes ahead of HIS PLAN for our future.  Being ANGRY WITH GOD is a dangerous place to exist.  HE IS GOD, AND WE ARE NOT!  Please remember that we don’t have the knowledge or wisdom to question the CREATOR OF EVERYTHING.  It has often been repeated “Be careful of the friends you keep”, and that is never more apparent than in this context.  Being friends with GOD and having “FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD” will make you ANGRY, WRATHFUL and IRRITABLE!  “FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD” groups us with THE ENEMIES OF GOD, something I prefer to avoid!!!

“THE LORD!”

 Exodus 14:21-22                (ESV)

“[21] Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and “THE LORD” drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. [22] And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.”

Exodus 14:27-28                 (ESV)

“[27] So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal course when the morning appeared. And as the Egyptians fled into it, “THE LORD” threw the Egyptians into the midst of the sea. [28] The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained.”

Just a few observations from these verses today.  “Moses stretched out his hand over the sea” wasn’t a powerful wave or hand gesture.  He wasn’t gifted with eloquent words or words. In fact, he stuttered so badly he had to have his brother Aaron (Exodus 4:10-31) go with him to see Pharaoh because of his insecurities. 

It wasn’t the FAITH of the Children of Israel that GOD rewarded at the Red Sea.  They “feared greatly” and” cried out to the LORD” in Exodus 14:10. The only reason they obeyed GOD was THE CLOUD that was leading them “day and night” led precisely where GOD needed them to be when the Egyptians believed that the Children of Israel were entrapped.  

Even Pharaoh and the Egyptian Army were at the mercy of ALMIGHTY GOD.  Several times GOD “hardened” Pharaohs heart, leading Pharaoh to take a path that wasn’t always for his good.  Pharaoh, like the Children of Israel, knew there was a GOD, but no one truly understood GOD OMNIPOTENT POWER, HIS matchless might, and HIS ability to work ALL THINGS for HIS GLORY!

We have the Scriptures to guide us in our lives, yet we aren’t familiar enough with THEM to know what we should do in the pressure times when they arise.  “THE LORD” parted the Red Sea for the Children of Israel, and “THE LORD” caused the same waters to engulf the Egyptians!  We are instructed to PRAISE “THE LORD” in good times and bad (Philippians 4:4-5).  GOD could be leading us to a Red Sea so that HE will get GLORY over our Pharaoh!  We need to TRUST that “THE LORD” is in control!!!

“THOUSAND YEARS!”

Revelation 20:4-6                                    (ESV)

[4] Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of JESUS and for the Word of GOD, and THOSE WHO HAD NOT WORSHIPED THE BEAST or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with CHRIST for a “THOUSAND YEARS”. [5] The rest of the dead did not come to life until the “THOUSAND YEARS” were ended. This is the first resurrection. [6] Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of GOD and of CHRIST, and they will reign with HIM for a “THOUSAND YEARS”.”

Noticing that I have a tendency to use the exclamation mark (❗️) quite often, I am aware of it and am trying to not be so excited about things in my writings.  That was brought to the forefront of my thinking this morning as I read these verses of Scripture.  In this translation of Scripture, Revelation 20:6 begins with “Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection!”  Noticing the exclamation mark, I wonder if the writer was excited about what he was writing???

Being one of the CHOSEN, selected from all of creation, to reign with JESUS on earth for a “THOUSAND YEARS” is something to be excited about!  (The exclamation mark was intended).  Hearing rumblings recently about NO MORE WARS got me to thinking, HOW can mankind exist for a “THOUSAND YEARS” with NO CONFLICT arising?  The ONLY WAY that seems possible is JESUS CHRIST will be reigning, along with we who are HIS CHOSEN!

It is VERY EXCITING to grasp a few years with no earthly conflict and everybody getting along with each other.  JESUS says in John 14:27 “PEACE I leave with you; MY PEACE I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid”!!!  Yes, I am VERY EXCITED about not only reigning with JESUS, but Satan being BOUND for a “THOUSAND YEARS” (Revelation 20:2) is something that we have never experienced!  Because of our FAITH IN HIM, THE CHOSEN will REIGN WITH JESUS for a “THOUSAND YEARS”!!!

“IT PLEASED GOD!”

 1 Corinthians 1:18-21                              (ESV)

“[18] For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of GOD. [19] For it is written, 

    “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,

        and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

    [20] Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? HAS NOT GOD MADE FOOLISH THE WISDOM OF THE WORLD? [21] For since, in THE WISDOM OF GOD, THE WORLD DID NOT KNOW GOD THROUGH WISDOM, “IT PLEASED GOD” THROUGH THE FOLLY OF WHAT WE PREACH to save those who believe.”

What I Believe to be the WORD OF GOD might appear to be FOLLY to some, leading them to label me as a heretic or a fool for accepting FOOLISHNESS as TRUTH.  Most Believers are so insecure about who  THE WORD says we are, and what the WORD says that will happen to us, that we allow a simple threat of disbelief and rejection to beat us into submission.  Why do I want to allow a blind person to give me directions where to go in my life when they are unable to SEE where they are headed?

The Spiritually blind can only tell what they are able to see!  They have yet to be REGENERATED by the HOLY SPIRIT and are only telling what they can see.  Understand, we can only SEE that which our EYES are OPENED to.  We can be looking directly at an object, but until our EYES are OPENED to SEE the object it will go unnoticed by us.  Our EYES being OPENED is a gift from GOD, we should take no pride in it.  “I (GOD) will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart” tells us TRUTH!  

Being able to SEE and recognize TRUTH if a statement from GOD HIMSELF that HIS GRACE has visited our humanity, for HIS GLORY!  “IT PLEASED GOD” says that our CREATOR has CHOSEN us, with all of our flaws, to reveal HIMSELF to “this world” through our imperfections!  We should be honored AND humbled that we have been selected to reflect that “IT PLEASED GOD” to a lost and dying world.  “IT PLEASED GOD” to GLORIFY HIMSELF, not us!!!

“YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT!”

 Exodus 14:1-4;14                     (ESV)

Crossing the Red Sea

[1] Then the LORD said to Moses, [2] “Tell the people of Israel to turn back and encamp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, in front of Baal-zephon; you shall encamp facing it, by the sea. [3] For Pharaoh will say of the people of Israel, ‘They are wandering in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.’ [4] And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD.” And they did so.”

“[14] The LORD will fight for you, and “YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT”!”

When GOD works HIS greatest miracles, HE generally doesn’t require any help from us!  In Job 38:4 GOD speaks to Job “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell ME, if you have understanding.”  GOD “spoke” the worlds into existence (Psalms 33:9).  HE raised JESUS from the dead ALL BY HIMSELF (Romans 8:11).  We are not required to display any clever or intelligence to proved that GOD IS WHO HE SAYS THAT HE IS!  “YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT!!!”

“HAVE NO FEAR OF THEM!”

 Matthew 10:26

Have No Fear

“So “HAVE NO FEAR OF THEM”have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.”

Words have meaning!  The subtitle above the paragraph in Scripture above says “Have No Fear”.  But the two words directly following mustn’t be neglected, as they inform us who we need to be prepared to “Have No Fear” of!  Only a few verses earlier in Matthew 10:24-25 JESUS says “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.  It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.”  And later on in Matthew 12:24 it is recorded HE says “But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.”

Beelzebul is plainly referring to Satan, “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4)!  The “HAVE NO FEAR OF THEM” therefore is indicating the enemy and his followers.  Anyone who is not for me is against me according to JESUS in Matthew 12:30.  Our walk with JESUS should be so close that identifying the enemy is blatantly simple.  But Genesis 3:1a says “Now the serpent (the enemy) was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD GOD had made.”  He camouflages himself so precisely at times that we HAVE to be prepared or we will BE DECEIVED (1 Peter 5:8)!

We CANNOT defeat the enemy on our own!  But JESUS, WHO lives within our Spirit, has ALREADY defeated Beelzebul, we just have to live in VICTORY!  “So “HAVE NO FEAR OF THEM” demands that we live in VICTORY through JESUS CHRIST, and not in our own strength and wisdom.  “HAVE NO FEAR OF THEM” is to SEE WHO JESUS really was, is, and is to come!!!

“GOD KNEW!”

 Exodus 2:23-25                    (ESV)

God Hears Israel’s Groaning

“[23] During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to GOD. [24] And GOD heard their groaning, and GOD remembered HIS covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. [25] GOD saw the people of Israel—and “GOD KNEW”.”

Most people are of the “feeling” that GOD is in control, but when GOD doesn’t respond according to their wishes they assume that this “wrong” must not have mattered to HIM, or it didn’t rate being adjudicated by THE CREATOR!  The Children of Israel were in captivity, enslaved by the Egyptians who were increasingly taking more and more from their captives. The Israelites made their petitions known to GOD, but “GOD KNEW” already!

There is not a injustice that GOD allows to go unpunished.  Galatians 6:7 plainly states “DO NOT BE DECEIVED: GOD IS NOT MOCKED, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap”!  What AGONY it must be to have our EYES OPENED to SEE that the sins of mankind must be dealt with one day.  Our CREATOR, however, operates on HIS OWN timeframe and HIS MERCY is long, but HIS JUDGEMENT IS SURE!  Never think that HE forgets with time, for HE is NOT A MAN that HIS mind should let anything slide into obscurity.  HE IS GOD!

The EYES of those who are not CHOSEN have yet to be OPENED to the TRUTH.  We who are CHOSEN have a duty to GO AND TELL (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 14:23; Acts 1:7-8) “this world” that JUDGEMENT IS COMING!  The Egyptians of Exodus 14:27-28 were killed because they could not SEE TRUTH!  “GOD KNEW” what atrocities they were guilty of, and HE didn’t forget, even though HIS JUDGEMENT was delayed by HIS MERCY!  My JUDGEMENT was “imputed” on JESUS on Calvary!  Was yours???

“KEEPING THE FLOCK!”

 Exodus 3:1                                        (ESV)

“Now Moses was “KEEPING THE FLOCK” of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and HE LED HIS FLOCK to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, THE MOUNTAIN OF GOD.”

As previously stated, Moses was “on the run” after killing an Egyptian who was treating a fellow Israelite poorly.  He wasn’t a wealthy man, but his father-in-law owned a flock of sheep that he was tasked with shepherding.  Moses wasn’t immediately instructed by ALMIGHTY GOD to lead HIS CHILDREN out from Egyptian bondage when he arrived in Midian, but was “groomed” for forty years for the task he was assigned by GOD in Exodus 3:10.  

Being a shepherd wasn’t a high profile position.  Jethro was “the priest of Midian”, according to Exodus 3:1.  But Moses was near Mount Horeb apparently searching for forage for the sheep he was entrusted with.  Mount Horeb is across the Sea of Aqaba from Midian, so suffice it to say that Moses got to spend an abundance of time away from the noise of “this world” listen to his CREATOR.  

“KEEPING THE FLOCK” allowed Moses to be “groomed” by ALMIGHTY GOD for the task of leading HIS CHOSEN people away from their captivity.  The current day Egyptians were considered the most fierce warriors of their time, so Moses and the Israelites would HAVE to TRUST in a HIGHER POWER for their deliverance.  They were NO MATCH for the Egyptian Army, but GOD was!

GOD wasn’t required to select Moses to be the one to lead HIS CHILDREN, but HIS PLAN to “eliminate” the enemy called for OBEDIENCE and FAITH of a servant.  GOD CHOSE MOSES TO BE THAT SERVANT!  From the time Moses was born and placed in a basket by his mother, to being raised by Pharaoh’s daughter, to killing the Egyptian soldier, and even through his forty years in Midian, Moses was being “groomed” for such a time as this!  “KEEPING THE FLOCK” was used to teach Moses how to lead sheep, and GOD used those leadership skills for HIS GLORY as HIS PLAN unfolded!  Never doubt GOD’S PLAN!

“THE MOUNTAIN OF GOD!”

 Exodus 3:1                                        (ESV)

“Now Moses was keeping THE FLOCK of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and HE LED HIS FLOCK to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, “THE MOUNTAIN OF GOD.”

Shepherding wasn’t, and never has been, considered a dream job or profession.  Keep in mind, Moses was “on the run” since he killed an Egyptian who was beating a fellow Israelite.  He ran to Midian in an effort to hide from punishment from Pharaoh.  He was tending THE FLOCK of his father-in-law, Jethro, who was the priest of Midian.  Through the sovereignty of GOD ALMIGHTY, Moses was led “to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, “THE MOUNTAIN OF GOD”.  

Moses had to have been trusted by Jethro, for having THE FLOCK entrusted by their owner as their well-being was in the hands of the shepherd.  He was responsible for finding grass, water, and shelter for THE FLOCK, and Moses apparently felt that Mount Horeb, “THE MOUNTAIN OF GOD” was where he needed to be. HE LED HIS FLOCK to Horeb where he could HEAR the Spirit of GOD speaking to him.  To make sure that he KNEW it was GOD speaking to him, GOD caused a fire to appear in a bush, but the bush was not consumed!  

Moses wasn’t prepared for what happened next.  Exodus 3:3-6 tells us, 

“And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, GOD called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And HE said, “Here I am.” Then HE said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” And HE said, “I AM the GOD of your father, the GOD of Abraham, the GOD of Isaac, and the GOD of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at GOD.”  

While Shepherding could have been mistaken for a lonely, desolate lifestyle, ALMIGHTY GOD CHOSE Moses, even though he was a murderer, a man fleeing from his past, to lead HIS Children out of bondage and to HIS Promised Land.  A man who was assigned to care for some of the most helpless creatures GOD CREATED was being CHOSEN to lead HIS CHOSEN people to FREEDOM.  

The CREATOR loves HIS CHOSEN immensely, so much so that HE FREELY GAVE HIS ONLY SON for our redemption.  GOD also “groomed” Moses to lead HIS CHOSEN through the wilderness, a place Moses was well familiar with because of his time in Midian.  When we get frustrated with our surroundings, we need to remember that ALMIGHTY GOD has a PLAN, and we are simply being used to GLORIFY HIM!  “THE MOUNTAIN OF GOD” is about HIM, NOT ABOUT US!!!

“HE LED HIS FLOCK!”

 Exodus 3:1                                        (ESV)

“Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and “HE LED HIS FLOCK” to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of GOD.”

There are times that GOD speaks to me as I am headed to another Scripture and I am LED to discover what it is that HE is saying to me.  As I opened the Bible application this morning going it was on Exodus 3:1 and I was seemingly transfixed on the verse and GOD began leading my thoughts like Moses was leading the sheep to Mount Horeb, the mountain of GOD.

According to the Protestant reformer John Calvin, Mount Sinai and Mount Horeb were the same mountain, with the eastern side of the mountain being called Sinai and the western side being called Horeb.  Moses, being a shepherd, was constantly on the lookout for grass for his flock to graze on.  “HE LED HIS FLOCK” to Horeb, which is also known as the mountain of GOD.  Scripture doesn’t indicate that grass was plentiful near and around Horeb, but GOD HAS A PLAN and Moses was about to be where GOD could have his attention to hear from HIM.  

It is not a “coincidence” that Moses found himself on Mount Horeb.  Horeb is thought to mean glowing/heat, which seems to be a reference to the Sun, while Sinai may have derived from the name of Sin, the Sumerian deity of the Moon, and thus Sinai and Horeb would be the mountains of the moon and sun, respectively.  GOD has to lead me to a spot where HE can have my undivided attention, a place where the distractions from “this world” will not interfere with HIS MESSAGE, and I am able to focus on HIM!

Moses was “tasked” with leading the Children of GOD from captivity to the Promised Land, not because he was a leader in the Temple, but because ALMIGHTY GOD CHOSE him.  GOD CHOSE Moses because “HE LED HIS FLOCK” to the appointed place to meet with GOD.  My prayer is that I will be submissive to THE LORD enough that “HE LED HIS FLOCK” can be said of me one day!!!

“STUDY!”

 2 Timothy 2:15                       (KJV)

“”STUDY” to shew thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of TRUTH.”

For most of my life I have been someone who has had the mentality of “speed reading” my way through everything I attempted, especially when it comes to the art of “STUDYING”!  When we “STUDY” the WORD OF GOD it benefits us little if we are not slowing down long enough for it to absorb into our lives and change us to more reflect CHRIST in our actions.  

It takes more than a cursory glimpse of Scripture to sharpen the MIND.  A dictionary defines “STUDY” as “application of the MIND to the acquisition of knowledge, as by READING, INVESTIGATION, or REFLECTION”.  Wanting and wishing to KNOW something is commendable, but taking the time to “STUDY” the intricacies of a matter is something that most commonly requires time and REFLECTION.  

In Genesis 3 Moses was spoken to by ALMIGHTY GOD through a burning bush at Mt. Horeb.  Moses was alone keeping the sheep of his father-in-law, Jethro.  Although the heart of Moses could have been changed immediately by ALMIGHTY GOD, HE chose to allow Moses to “STUDY” the task at hand for a period of time.  Moses didn’t immediately do what he was instructed to do.  After a period of time for REFLECTION, Moses (and his brother Aaron) were in Egypt, trying to convince Pharaoh to allow the Children of Israel to be set free!

Moses had to “STUDY” on what GOD spoke to him before the exact PLAN OF GOD began to be revealed to his MIND.  His mission was to OBEY GOD, but he had to walk by FAITH and keep listening to GOD for directions.  Would it surprise us if GOD has a PLAN for our lives, just as HE did for the life of Moses?  Scripture instructs us to “STUDY” to show ourselves APPROVED!  GOD wants us to OBEY HIM, but HE also wants us to “STUDY” HIS precepts!!!

“ALL THINGS!”

Philippians 4:10-13                              (ESV)

[10] I rejoiced in the LORD greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. [11] Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in WHATEVER situation I am to be content. [12] I know how to be BROUGHT LOW, and I know how to ABOUND. In any and EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. [13] I can do “ALL THINGS” through HIM WHO strengthens me.

The Bible application that I use on my chosen electronic device has captions on most paragraphs of Scripture.  This particular paragraph is entitled “God’s Provision”.  Recognizing GOD’s PROVIDENCE throughout my lifetime is quite a humbling experience.  Recently I was testifying how GOD “provided” for my family in the twenty four months following the Brain Hemorrhage almost fourteen years ago.  My income went from a comfortable salary to no salary within a few weeks, but in “ALL THINGS” GOD provided as we were FORCED to live by FAITH!

GOD has a way of leading us down a path to grow our FAITH IN HIM!  The Apostle Paul wrote that he knew “how to be BROUGHT LOW, and I know how to ABOUND”.  He found that in EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE GOD provided for his needs in the measure that would grow his Belief that he wasn’t in control, but GOD was!  When we realize that even the air we breathe (Isaiah 42:5) is provided without us even requesting, until one day HE determines HE is ready for us to come to Heaven.  Until GOD is ready, our journey on earth(breathing included!) will continue.

Being BROUGHT LOW or ABOUNDING doesn’t identify who we are IN CHRIST.  HE is the ONE leading and guiding us, so we should rejoice that we have another day to celebrate LIFE in HIM.  Acknowledging that we ARE NOT the LORD of our lives is a humbling experience, but an experience that we ALL need to go through.  It is not just “through the valley of the shadow of death”, but with every breath we breathe and every situation we MUST TRUST GOD in “ALL THINGS”!!!

“MY POWER!”

 Romans 9:14-18                  (ESV)

“[14] What shall we say then? Is there injustice on GOD’s part? By no means! [15] For HE says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” [16] So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on GOD, who has mercy. [17] For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show “MY POWER” in you, and that MY name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” [18] So then HE has mercy on whomever HE wills, and HE hardens whomever HE wills.”

Do not mistake any success you are allowed to witness as being indicative of your worthiness.  GODS WORD tells us “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion”, therefore it is always “MY POWER” that is revealed in our actions!  Sometimes we don’t even realize that GOD is using us to accomplish HIS PLAN, just like Pharaoh in Exodus 9 when GOD told him “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show “MY POWER” in you, and that MY name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”

We ALL are assigned a life to live (1 Corinthians 7:17) so we need to realize that any good we do is only because of “MY POWER”!  GOD can also use “MY POWER” for HIS GLORY when we don’t KNOW HIM, as in Exodus 9:16!  So whether we are elevated or debased by HIS PLAN, we must recognize that manifesting “MY POWER” to a lost world is what is important!

“GOD HAS SHOWN IT TO THEM!”

 Romans 1:18-25                             (ESV)

“[18] For the wrath of GOD is revealed from heaven AGAINST ALL UNGODLINESS AND UNRIGHTEOUSNESS OF MEN, who by their unrighteousness SUPPRESS THE TRUTH. [19] For what can be known about GOD IS PLAIN TO THEM, because “GOD HAS SHOWN IT TO THEM”. [20] For HIS invisible attributes, namely, HIS eternal power and divine nature, have been CLEARLY PERCEIVED, ever SINCE THE CREATION OF THE WORLD, in the things that have been made. SO THEY ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE. [21] For although THEY KNEW GOD, THEY DID NOT HONOR HIM AS GOD or give thanks to HIM, but they became futile in THEIR THINKING, and THEIR FOOLISH HEARTS WERE DARKENED. [22] Claiming to be wise, THEY BECAME FOOLS, [23] and exchanged the GLORY of the IMMORTAL GOD for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

[24] Therefore GOD GAVE THEM UP IN THE LUSTS OF THEIR HEARTS to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, [25] because THEY EXCHANGED THE TRUTH about GOD FOR A LIE (John 8:44) and worshiped and served the creature RATHER THAN THE CREATOR, WHO is blessed forever! Amen.”

As I was reading the Scriptures this morning the verses above began SPEAKING to my heart.  The fact that some people are not exposed to THE TRUTH the same as others doesn’t make them any less/more guilty than others about their decisions to NOT HONOR GOD with their lives.  CLAIMING TO BE WISE, THEY BECAME FOOLS, and exchanged the GLORY of the IMMORTAL GOD and the earthly treasures “this world” has to offer!

We BELIEVERS are CHOSEN BY THE LORD, not because we are worthy, but because of HIS GRACE (2 Timothy 1:9) to fulfill HIS PLAN!  We WILL SUFFER while fulfilling HIS PLAN, but allowing HIM to word in our weaknesses (Romans 8:26) is a good sign that we are being used in HIS PLAN!  Worldly success that focuses on anything other than YAHWEH is rubbish that will be burned in the JUDGMENT!  

Our CREATOR is capable of things that our finite minds cannot fathom.  Just like we cannot understand how HE would use unworthy vessels like us, there are some who HE has CHOSEN not to use for HIS GLORY.  Romans 9:13 plainly states “As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.””  This same Jacob was known BY SOME as a deceiver!  One commentary says “Yes, Jacob was a deceiver. But deception is not always sinful. In this case, Jacob was the righteous deceiver. Along with the help of his mother Rebekah, Jacob deceived his father in order to uphold the covenant.”  

Now I am not saying that you should deceive others, but GOD uses our imperfections to GLORIFY HIS NAME!  When GOD is being GLORIFIED, HE uses what HE wills, and WHEN HE wishes!  GOD held the Red Sea back just long enough for HIS CHOSEN to cross, but then HE enveloped the Egyptians at the bottom of the sea!  One had better be cognizant to GOD’S PRESENCE while HE IS SPEAKING TO HIM, because “GOD HAS SHOWN IT TO THEM”!  Has HE SHOWN IT TO YOU???

“FOLLOW ME!”

 Luke 9:57-62

“[57] As they were going along the road, someone said to HIM, “I will follow YOU wherever YOU go.” [58] And JESUS said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the SON of Man has nowhere to lay HIS head.” [59] To another HE said, “FOLLOW ME.” But he said, “LORD, let me first go and bury my father.” [60] And JESUS said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of GOD.” [61] Yet another said, “I will follow YOU, LORD, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” [62] JESUS said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of GOD.””

What are my “excuses” for NOT following JESUS today???

“The enemy” shows no preference when it comes to interfering with the WORK OF THE LORD. JESUS tells us that we need to be obedient to HIS LORDSHIP and follow HIS COMMANDS. Where HE leads us might cause us to make some uncomfortable decisions, but HIS PATH is not for “this world” to understand.  

“FOLLOW ME” when HE is headed to the cross isn’t something that most would volunteer for! But JESUS says in Matthew 16:24-25 “If anyone would come after ME, LET DENY HIMSELF and take up his cross and follow ME. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for MY sake will find it.”

Our LOVE for JESUS should transcend the feelings we have for anything else. Where does my LOVE for JESUS rank in my life? Am I willing to “suffer” (Philippians 1:29-30) for HIM, or do I prefer a comfortable life with everything handed to me on a silver platter? My preference is to SUFFER FOR A SHORT TIME (1 Peter 1:6-10) and to “FOLLOW ME” wherever HE leads me!!!

“PROVIDED WE SUFFER WITH HIM!”

 Romans 8:14-17                                 (ESV)

“[14] For ALL who are led by the SPIRIT of GOD are sons of GOD. [15] For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to FALL BACK INTO FEAR, but you have received the SPIRIT of adoption as sons, by WHOM we cry, “Abba! FATHER!” [16] The SPIRIT HIMSELF bears witness with our spirit that WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD, [17] and if children, then heirs—heirs of GOD and FELLOW HEIRS WITH CHRIST, “PROVIDED WE SUFFER WITH HIM” in order that we may also be glorified with HIM.”

As far back as I can remember, I have always been “healthy”!  That is to say that I have never been skinny.  In my latter years I have experienced some challenges with my health, but GOD had brought me through each challenge, usually with little effort on my part.  Although I have observed others with health struggles, my identity as a “healthy” person has been EVIDENT to most.  

EVIDENCE that a person is a CHILD OF GOD, a FELLOW HEIR WITH CHRIST, can be a bit more challenging.  “This world” seemingly attaches financial gain or a long lifetime as the EVIDENCE that GOD is BLESSING someone.  But THE WORD OF GOD is what we MUST judge our opinion on, and JESUS’ lifetime was the exact opposite of the aforementioned criteria.  HE had no place to lay HIS head (Matthew 8:20) and HE was crucified in HIS early thirties.  Yet, HE ascended to HEAVEN to sit in HEAVEN next to HIS FATHER, AFTER HIS SUFFERING!!!

How is my witness, my testimony, that I am an HEIR WITH CHRIST?  My mind has DREAMS that I have a desire to SEE fulfilled, but HIS PLANS are what I most desire for my life.  EVIDENCE that I AM A CHILD OF GOD and FELLOW HEIRS WITH JESUS might not be plain to notice by “this world”, but being LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD wherever HE chooses is the evidence I want to exhibit for HIS GLORY!  Walking with JESUS may expose us to hardships, but “PROVIDED WE SUFFER WITH HIM” we will spend eternity with HIM IN GLORY!!!