“THE RIGHT THING TO DO!”

 James 4:17                                          (ESV)

“So whoever  knows “THE RIGHT THING TO DO” and fails to do it, FOR HIM IT IS SIN.”

Knowing what is “THE RIGHT THING TO DO” thing to do and actually doing it are two different things.  We can plead ignorance, that we were unaware something was wrong, but GOD SEES THE HEART (Psalm 27:2).  It is a BLESSING beyond measure to be CHOSEN by the CREATOR, but HE is constantly refining me, causing me to choose between HIS PRECEPTS and “the easy” way out of a circumstance.  

“THE RIGHT THING TO DO” is not always the easiest thing, but we are never promised that living for CHRIST will be easy.  Yielding to the temptation of the enemy is NEVER the wisest thing for a person.  Our lives are supposed to be pictures of HIM living inside of us. When we are tempted to take“the easy” way out, seeing “THE RIGHT THING TO DO” is always our best choice!!!

“THE WORD!”

 John 1:1-5                                              (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. [4] In HIM was LIFE, and the LIFE was THE LIGHT of men. [5] THE LIGHT shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

The fellowship I attend is currently watching THE CHOSEN, a television series that has been placed into videos about JESUS the CHRIST.  Seeing the disciples discussing what they heard JESUS (the CREATOR) instruct them to do is mind boggling.  Having GOD IN THE FLESH instruct them must have been awesomely unique, intriguing and educational, but we have the same guidance as the disciples afforded to us in “THE WORD”.  Finding my somewhat self-righteous mind saying that “I would spend all day with JESUS given the opportunity” is almost immediately given over to a dreaded shame as I won’t even spend time alone with HIM and HIS WORD, and that with no threats to my life or livelihood. 

How many times do I fail to seek guidance from THE CREATOR when faced with difficult questions about the direction that GOD would have me travel?  JESUS is “THE WORD”.  Whenever we try to figure things out ON OUR OWN, we are basically saying that we don’t need THE CREATOR giving us any input.  When we are convinced that GOD has given us direction for our lives and others try to explain a better answer than JESUS offers, who we wind up listening to says A LOT about this JESUS we serve!  Why do we find it easier to listen to “professionals” than the ONE WHO CREATED those “professionals”?

President Ronald Reagan is quoted as saying “Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for ALL the problems men face.”  It is IMPERATIVE that we go to “THE WORD” for answers, instead of what mankind “thinks”!  1 Corinthians 3:19-20 plainly warns us “For the wisdom of “this world” is folly with GOD. For it is written, “HE catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.””  What man believes to be wisdom is “folly”to our CREATOR!  HE shows this all through Scripture, and will continue confounding “the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:18-30)!

The ONLY way we can have an inkling of GODLY WISDOM is to IMMERSE ourselves in “THE WORD” and pray that it transforms us into HIS IMAGE.  Schooling, studies, financial gain, and everything else of this world are used by the enemy to DECEIVE those who are unable to discern THE TRUTH.  The best way for me to be transformed into the image of “THE WORD” is to expose myself to it more often.  Don’t be DECEIVED by the trickery of the enemy.  Find THE TRUTH in “THE WORD”!!!

“HE WAS DESPISED!”

 Isaiah 53:1-3                           (ESV)

     [1] Who has believed what he has heard from us?

        And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 

    [2] 

    For HE grew up before HIM like a young plant,

        and like a root out of dry ground;

    HE HAD NO FORM OR MAJESTY that we should look at HIM,

        and NO BEAUTY that we should desire HIM. 

    [3] 

    “HE WAS DESPISED” and REJECTED by men,

        a MAN OF SORROWS man of sorrows and ACQUAINTED WITH GRIEF;

    and as one from whom men hide their faces

        “HE WAS DESPISED”, and we esteemed HIM not.”

The enemy is extremely suave, debonair and deceptive in his ways, leading the vast majority of humans down the road to destruction. On the other hand, according to Scripture, JESUS HAD NO FORM OR MAJESTY that we should “look at HIM” like people gaze at models in advertisements. As a matter of fact, “HE WAS DESPISED” by the crowd so much that HE was crucified for doing nothing but good for HIS fellow man, but wreaking havoc amongst “this world”!

Typically we make such a big deal about how things “appear” to our human eyes.  If a person “appears” weak or unhealthy we might even suggest that they see a physician.  If a person “appears” physically in distress we might suggest some water to drink.  But how we “appear” might not be what we really are.  Some are even very adept at camouflaging their emotional pain so that no one is aware of the situation they are dealing with.

According to Scripture, JESUS wasn’t a handsome looking man.  HE was TRUTH (John 14:6) and that probably made HIM even more certain to be REJECTED by “this world”.  The TRUTH is that we are ALL filthy sinners (Psalm 14:3; Ecclesiastes 7:20), and we NEED a Savior to enter the PRESENCE of GOD ALMIGHTY!  The ONLY WAY (John 14:6) that is possible is through JESUS CHRIST!

It has been said that “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder”.  The ONE WHO gets to determine whether or not anyone gets to SEE THE FATHER is NOT the great deceiver.  He is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44) so don’t listen to his demagoguery.  When we listen to lies, we become desensitized to TRUTH and begin to accept lies.  Knowing that “HE WAS DESPISED” needs to be a badge of honor worn by HIS SAINTS as we are becoming more like HIM!!!

“PLEASING IN THE SIGHT OF GOD!”

 1 Timothy 5:1-8                                           (ESV)

Instructions for the Church

[1] Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, [2] older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.

[3] Honor widows who are TRULY widows. [4] But if a widow has children or grandchildren, LET THEM FIRST LEARN TO SHOW GODLINESS TO THEIR OWN HOUSEHOLD and to make some return to their parents, for this is “PLEASING IN THE SIGHT OF GOD”. [5] She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on GOD and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, [6] but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. [7] Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. [8] But IF ANYONE DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR HIS RELATIVES, and especially for members of his household, he has DENIED THE FAITH and is WORSE THAN AN UNBELIEVER.”

The Apostle Paul was mentoring Timothy in an effort to grow him in the FAITH.  In this passage of Scripture he writes instructions for assistance to those who are older, as Timothy was still quite young, not only in the ministry, but in age as well.  When Paul writes “…IF ANYONE DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR HIS RELATIVES, and especially for members of his household, he has DENIED THE FAITH and is WORSE THAN AN UNBELIEVER”, it is a glaring indictment of people who are so caught up in their own success that they possibly ignore the needs of their own loved ones.  

But Paul also writes that when widows have children or grandchildren, those widows should be taken care of by their own family, not by the church.  Should the church ignore the needs of those neglected by their families?  That isn’t addressed here by Paul, but I would have a difficult time allowing even a neglected dog to suffer when in need.  

GOD will judge each of us on our deeds, as HE SEES and KNOWS everything according to HIS perspective.  We SHOULD be ever mindful of doing that which is “PLEASING IN THE SIGHT GOD”.  Let’s be honest, is there ANYTHING that is out of the SIGHT OF GOD?  Can we HIDE anything from our CREATOR?  Will I be able to stand before HIM on JUDGMENT DAY proud of the way I have treated those HE placed in my path?

Most of those close family members older than me have left this world.  All I have now are memories.  Cherished are the nights my wife and I spent playing cards with my grandparents.  The final month my mom was alive, I was able to spend my undistracted time with her as I was recovering from the Brain Hemorrhage.  But I also have memories of times when what I did was NOT “PLEASING IN THE SIGHT OF GOD”!  Help me, O GOD, SEE things through YOUR perspective and not through my earthly vision!!!

“IT IS I; DO NOT BE AFRAID!”

 John 6:16-21

JESUS Walks on Water

“[16] When evening came, HIS disciples went down to the sea, [17] got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and JESUS had not yet come to them. [18] The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. [19] When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw JESUS walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and THEY WERE FRIGHTENED. [20] But HE said to them, “”IT IS I; DO NOT BE AFRAID”.” [21] Then they were glad to take HIM into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.”

It is no surprise that JESUS was always right on time.  HE never was early, and likewise was never too late.  Lazarus was in the tomb for four days (John 11:28-44), yet when JESUS showed up, Lazarus had to come up from the grave!  

Many actually think that the miracles of the Bible are hyperbole or parabolic.  I am of the Belief that with GOD “all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).  It is NOT coincidence that JESUS wasn’t with the disciples when THE STORM blew up.  When HE appeared to them and said “IT IS I; DO NOT BE AFRAID” the disciples were immediately at their destination, no longer WERE THEY FRIGHTENED!

JESUS and fear CANNOT coexist.  If our eyes are on JESUS, fear must vanish.  If fear is consuming us, THE CREATOR must not be in our midst.  When JESUS “had not yet come to them”, THEY WERE FRIGHTENED!  When HE came into their presence and said “IT IS I; DO NOT BE AFRAID they were glad to take HIM into the boat”!  Hearing from THE MASTER OF THE WIND calmed the storm they were fighting!

Why do I try and navigate my life when ”IT IS I; DO NOT BE AFRAID” is here for me?  Invariably the path that I choose leads me directly into stormy seas and I am FRIGHTENED because of my bad choices.  KING JESUS, cause me to SEE that “IT IS I; DO NOT BE AFRAID” is here to guide my life and this novice needs to yield to HIS GUIDANCE!!!

“WHEN THE WINE RAN OUT!”

 John 2:1-5                                        (ESV)

The Wedding at Cana

“[1] On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of JESUS was there. [2] JESUS also was invited to the wedding WITH HIS DISCIPLES. [3] “WHEN THE WINE RAN OUT”, the mother of JESUS said to HIM, “They have no wine.” [4] And JESUS said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with ME? MY HOUR HAS NOT YET COME.” [5] HIS mother said to the servants, “DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.””

JESUS was only on earth IN PHYSICAL FORM for 33 years, and HIS MINISTRY lasted a little more than three years.  JESUS “chosen” HIS disciples, and according to John 2:1, three days later went to a wedding in Cana, WITH HIS DISCIPLES.  Now HIS mother was at the wedding helping and HIS disciples were there.  What better time could it be for JESUS to make HIMSELF known to “this world”?

When Mary came to JESUS and proclaimed “They have no wine”, the embarrassment for hosts of the wedding feast must have been immense.  But Mary must have remembered Gabriel speaking to her in Luke 1 when he told her that she was carrying the SON OF GOD within her womb?  She apparently had NO DOUBT that producing a little wine would be no problem for the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES!  JESUS, WHO IS THE SON OF GOD, told her “MY HOUR HAS NOT YET COME”, but she simply told the servants “DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU”!

My thoughts are numerous regarding these things.  If Mary ask KNEW that JESUS was the SON OF GOD, why didn’t she just order up what they needed before the wedding celebration began and everything would have been taken care of?  Why did she wait until JESUS was “on the spot” to deliver?  Why do I do the same thing with things in my life?  Since I have HIS SPIRIT living inside of me, why do I wait until a crisis presents itself before begging for HIS intervention?  

“WHEN THE WINE RAN OUT” there was about to be a serious problem for the hosts of the wedding.  The ministry of JESUS wasn’t nearly as much about the needs of the people who benefited from HIS MIRACULOUS deeds, but about GLORIFYING THE FATHER!  Our “needs” are most often brought on by our incompetence and ignorance, but JESUS stands ready to deliver us, but we need to understand that HE IS THE SON OF GOD, and GOD’S WILL is HIS work!!!

“FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY!”

 Ephesians 3:14-21                                      (ESV)

Prayer for Spiritual Strength

“[14] For this reason I bow my knees before the FATHER, [15] from WHOM every family in heaven and on earth is named, [16] that according to the riches of HIS Glory HE may grant you to be strengthened with power through HIS SPIRIT in your inner being, [17] so that CHRIST may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, [19] and to know the love of CHRIST that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of GOD.

[20] Now to HIM WHO IS ABLE TO DO “FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY” THAN ALL WE ASK OR THINK, according to the POWER at work within us, [21] to HIM be Glory in the church and in CHRIST JESUS throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

The Children of Israel had been in Egypt for 430 years when ALMIGHTY GOD came to them through Moses and told them they were going to the Promised Land!  In contrast, the United States was formed over 245 years ago.  The Children of Israel probably couldn’t fathom what freedom from captivity was going to be like.  Exodus 3:9 states “And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to ME, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them”! 

CAPTIVITY is a brutal word that isn’t fully known or understood, especially to we who have been sheltered in the Constitutional Republic called the United States of America.  Our FREEDOM was so greatly appreciated coming from the control and heavy handiness of the so-called “royalty” of English rule.  When the tyranny of this ruling class became too great, the patriots were led by ALMIGHTY GOD HIMSELF to establish a nation where HE was the RULER!  Never in the patriots wildest dreams could they have imagined was ahead in the next 245 years!

When we elect to surrender to the leadership of HIS HOLY SPIRIT we are unable to grasp all GOD has in store for us.  But we mustn’t get the cart before the horse, we have to put “I bow my knees before the FATHER” before we will get BLESSED “FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY” by HIM.  Even we who seek HIM daily have to be reminded that fellowship with OUR CREATOR is worth FAR MORE than anything we can imagine.  Wealth, fame, health, possessions are not worth having unless we have the PEACE that only comes through JESUS!

“FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY” can be subjective.  But when we SEE that ALMIGHTY GOD is ABLE TO DO “FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY” THAN ALL WE ASK OR THINK, according to the POWER at work within us, that means we are incapable of limiting the scope of what GOD is capable of doing.  

Just like the early American patriots, we have NO IDEA what GOD is able to do in and through the United States.  But we have to get on our knees first and not expect deliverance just because we ask.  Only when HE WHO IS ABLE sees our humility and reverence will we be able to SEE HIM work “FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY” for HIS GLORY!!!

“FEAR NOT, STAND FIRM!”

 Exodus 14:13-18

“[13] And Moses said to the people, “”FEAR NOT, STAND FIRM”, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. [14] The LORD will fight for you, and YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT.”

[15] The LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? TELL THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL TO GO FORWARD. [16] Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground. [17] And I WILL harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they shall go in after them, and I WIL get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his chariots, and his horsemen. [18] And the Egyptians shall know that I AM the LORD, WHEN I HAVE GOTTEN GLORY over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.””

These same verses were used recently in another devotional shared by this humble servant.  Upon reading over it again, I SEE another point that GOD is using to mold me into HIS image.  

Can you fathom in your terribly infinite mind the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES being fearful or hesitant about anything?  Colossians 1:16 tells us “For by HIM (JESUS) 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.”  Since JESUS created ALL THINGS, HE has POWER over them.  In Acts 9:15-16 JESUS tells Ananias “But the LORD said to him (Ananias), “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of MINE to carry MY name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much HE MUST SUFFER for the sake of MY NAME.”

Now Saul was known to inflict much persecution on Believers in JESUS, so it is understandable that Ananias would be a might concerned about his orders.  But just as on the banks of the Red Sea, JESUS was saying “FEAR NOT, STAND FIRM” to HIS CHOSEN.  

Am I HIS CHOSEN?  Are you HIS CHOSEN?  Then why don’t I remember that HE IS IN CONTROL and I need to “FEAR NOT, STAND FIRM”!  What we WANT has nothing to do with it.  What we are called to do is “FEAR NOT, STAND FIRM” and allow JESUS to provide THE WAY!!!

“TELL THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL TO GO FORWARD!”

 Exodus 14:13-18

“[13] And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. [14] The LORD will fight for you, and YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT.”

[15] The LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? “TELL THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL TO GO FORWARD”. [16] Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground. [17] And I WILL harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they shall go in after them, and I WIL get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his chariots, and his horsemen. [18] And the Egyptians shall know that I AM the LORD, WHEN I HAVE GOTTEN GLORY over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.””

I have often wondered why GOD told the Children of Israel (through Moses) in verse 14 YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT, and then in verse 15 directly tells Moses “TELL THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL TO GO FORWARD”?  During my prayer time today, it was if the LIGHT came on and I could SEE what GOD was saying.  

We need to leave the battle planning to HIM, and HE provides a way, THEN we need to go forward!  Far too many times I want to “help GOD” figure the answer to whatever predicament I find myself in, when ONLY GOD knows what is best for me.  Only when HE says it can it be said “TELL THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL TO GO FORWARD”!!!

“ONE OF YOU WILL BETRAY ME!”

 John 13:21-30                                          (ESV)

“[21] After saying these things, JESUS was troubled in HIS spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, “ONE OF YOU WILL BETRAY ME”.” [22] The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom HE spoke. [23] One of HIS disciples, whom JESUS loved, was reclining at table at JESUS’ side, [24] so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask JESUS of whom HE was speaking. [25] So that disciple, leaning back against JESUS, said to HIM, “LORD, who is it?” [26] JESUS answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when HE had dipped the morsel, HE gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. [27] Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. JESUS said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” [28] Now no one at the table knew why HE said this to him. [29] Some thought that, because JUDAS HAD THE MONEYBAG, JESUS was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. [30] So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.”

In my self righteous mindset, I have always thought that JESUS should have never allowed Judas to be CHOSEN, for Judas was the one the enemy used to guide the enemy to find JESUS to be captured.  Anger usually is the first emotion when I think of Judas, but it was part of GODS PLAN that had to be fulfilled for our salvation.  

Let’s think about this a little deeper.  Simon Peter denied JESUS three times before the Crucifixion.  None of the other disciples stood up and said the chief priest and scribes had the wrong person.  Had I been there, I would have been just as silent as the disciples were when JESUS was SACRIFICED for all.  While on the cross, JESUS even cried out to GOD ALMIGHTY “MY GOD, MY GOD, why have YOU forsaken ME?” (Matthew 27:46)!  

JESUS was sent from Heaven to be abandoned by HEAVEN!  HIS SACRIFICE caused the sun to be dark from noon until 3:00PM on that day.  THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD was ATTEMPTED to be killed by the enemy, but he failed!  Because the PLAN OF GOD was for JESUS TO DEFEAT the enemy AFTER HE had paid the price for our sins.  Judas fulfilling his role in the crucifixion was just as integral as Pharaoh fulfilling his role at the Red Sea.  IT HAD TO BE DONE!

JUDAS HAD THE MONEYBAG is also no coincidence.  The one who held THE MONEY, which is of this world, is the one chosen to be “ONE OF YOU WILL BETRAY ME”!  Scripture doesn’t say that money is the root of evil.  However it DOES say in 1 Timothy 6:10 that “The LOVE of money is the ROOT of all kinds of evil”!  Choosing between THE LOVE OF MONEY and the LOVE OF JESUS is easy for we who have very little money.  But will we be “ONE OF YOU WILL BETRAY ME” if we start losing what little money we have?  My prayer is that I will never be “ONE OF YOU WILL BETRAY ME”, whether rich or poor and I will fulfill HIS PURPOSE for my life!!!

“THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS!”

 Philippians 4:7 

Finally, brothers, whatever is TRUE, whatever is HONORABLE, whatever is JUST, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVELY, whatever is COMMENDABLE, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, “THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS”!!!

Recently I found myself perusing a social media site, wasting time during the last hour of the workday.  That convicted me about why I wasn’t reading from the HOLY BIBLE or praying to our CREATOR?  

We only have a few short years to inhabit this earth, so why do we waste so much time on things with no eternal significance?  My sixty first birthday is coming up very quickly. Many aren’t afforded the privilege of seeing 61 years.  My little sister barely made it to 34 years old.  Why do we “choose” to live in turmoil when Scripture instructs us to “THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS”?  These things are TRUE, JUST, PURE , LOVELY and COMMENDABLE.  These things are NOT the opinions of others, the soap operas shared on social media sites, and the people who downgrade others because they live differently than they do.  

Maybe I should try more to spend more time on things that are TRUE, JUST, PURE , LOVELY and COMMENDABLE than things of “this world”, such as social media???  Watching the stress, negativity and disunity b removed from my life would certainly be worth it!  “THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS” is definitely where I need to start!!!

“THAT I MAY TEST THEM!”

 Exodus 16:4                                (ESV)

“[4] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, “THAT I MAY TEST THEM”, whether they will walk in MY law or not.”

In my Bible given to me by my wife of just over six months on August 20, 1984 there are notes handwritten by yours truly on certain passages of Scripture.  Genesis 22:12 says “HE (GOD) said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear GOD, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from ME.”  I wrote in the margin next to “for now I know” these words, “now Abraham knows”!  GOD was growing Abraham’s FAITH. GOD knew that Abraham would obey HIM, but Abraham had to experience “the cost of OBEDIENCE was worth the REWARD of waiting on HIM”!  

Exodus 16:4 was shared recently by another person who shares regularly.  I saw it and about the third time I read it I remembered that GOD KNOWS EVERYTHING!  Could HE be indicating that the Children of Israel needed to SEE that “the cost of OBEDIENCE was worth the REWARD of waiting on HIM”?  Of course we read that NONE of the males over age 20 entered the Promised Land. Their FAITH wasn’t sufficient that GOD was OMNIPOTENT enough to deliver them, despite GODS many PROMISES!  GOD had orchestrated their release from the Egyptians, then swallowed the Egyptians at the bottom of the Red Sea, but they would not TRUST that HE would provide their present nor future, even though HIS WORD had never failed them!  

The Israelites had 40 years of wandering in the wilderness to OPEN their EYES to the TRUTH of GODS PROMISES, but they could never overcome their FEAR of captivity to the Egyptians.  Do I need to let go of my FEARS of “the enemy” in order for GOD to be Glorified in my life?  Could GOD be saying of me that I should “go out and gather a day’s portion every day, “THAT I MAY TEST THEM”???  

FATHER IN HEAVEN, I beg YOU to continue working in my life, increasing my FAITH that when YOU say “THAT I MAY TEST THEM”, I respond with NO FEAR!!!

“WISE WORDS FROM DR. CHARLES STANLEY!”

 WISE WORDS FROM DR. CHARLES STANLEY!

The Practices of Maturity 

Hebrews 5:12-14

Believers are on a continual growth track that ascends higher and higher. This side of heaven none of us ever "arrive," but we each have a responsibility to press on to maturity. Though many people think those who know a lot about the Bible are the spiritually mature ones, Hebrews 5:14 adds the element of practice to the growth equation. This word means a custom or habit. Christian growth requires the discipline of godly habits carried out daily.

The most important practice to cultivate is a personal devotional time. Since God is the source of all spiritual development, you can't neglect Him and expect to become mature. Transformation begins with time in His Word and prayer.

Obedience is another essential element for advancement. When our desire to obey the Lord is stronger than our attraction to sin, we'll know we are making progress in our spiritual life.

In terms of physical development, the goal is to become more independent and self-sufficient as we age. But in the spiritual realm, the opposite is true. THOSE WHO ARE MATURE IN CHRIST RECOGNIZE THEIR OWN INADEQUACY AND RELY ON THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN THEM. It's His job to transform our character and empower us to accomplish everything the Lord calls us to do.

Getting older doesn't mean maturity in God's eyes. By digging into Scripture and developing righteous habits, we can use our years to grow stronger in the Lord instead of wasting time with passivity. No one accidentally becomes mature. Spiritual growth requires a diligent pursuit of God.

“THE LIGHT!”

 John 12:27-36                                  (ESV)

The Son of Man Must Be Lifted Up

“[27] “Now is MY soul troubled. And WHAT SHALL I SAY? ‘FATHER, SAVE ME FROM THIS HOUR’? But FOR THIS PURPOSE I have come to this hour. [28] FATHER, Glorify YOUR NAME.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have Glorified it, and I will Glorify it again.” [29] The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to HIM.” [30] JESUS answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not MINE. [31] Now is the judgment of this world; NOW WILL THE RULER OF THIS WORLD BE CAST OUT. [32] And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” [33] HE said this to show by what kind of death HE was going to die. [34] So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the CHRIST remains forever. How can YOU say that the SON of MAN must be lifted up? Who is this SON of MAN?” [35] So JESUS said to them, “”THE LIGHT” is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have “THE LIGHT”, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. [36] While you have “THE LIGHT”, believe in “THE LIGHT”, that you may become sons of LIGHT.””

GOD IN THE FLESH, JESUS HIMSELF, “THE LIGHT”, didn’t come to earth to set up HIS KINGDOM as humans imagine Heaven.  The natural man cannot SEE the things of GOD.  In 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 Paul remembers Isaiah 64:4 when he writes “But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what GOD has prepared for those who love him”—these things GOD HAS REVEALED TO US THROUGH THE SPIRIT. For the SPIRIT searches everything, EVEN THE DEPTHS OF GOD.”  The ONLY WAY we can SEE the things of GOD is because “THE LIGHT” illuminates in such a way that our vision is TRANSFORMED to SEE what will Glorify Heaven.

The god of “this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), the RULER OF “THIS WORLD”, WILL BE CAST OUT in the end!  Scripture doesn’t mean IT MIGHT HAPPEN, it says he WILL BE CAST OUT!  JESUS, the only begotten SON, had to humble HIMSELF (Philippians 2:8-10), so what makes us think we can ELEVATE ourselves and GOD BLESS our efforts?  FOR THIS PURPOSE JESUS came into “this world” to redeem THE CHOSEN OF GOD, because we couldn’t get to Heaven without HIM!

When we FINALLY SEE “THE LIGHT” and recognize that our ONLY HOPE lies in “THE LIGHT”, only then can we understand the DARKNESS that we were formerly enveloped!  The closer we get to “THE LIGHT”, the more we find how needy we truly are!!!

“FOR ITS PURPOSE!”

 Proverbs 16:1-4                           (ESV)

    “[1] The plans of the heart belong to man,

        but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. 

    [2] All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,

        but THE LORD WEIGHS THE SPIRIT. 

    [3] Commit your work to the LORD,

        and your plans will be established. 

    [4] The LORD HAS MADE EVERYTHING “FOR ITS PURPOSE”,

        EVEN THE WICKED FOR THE DAY OF TROUBLE.”

Scholars point to King Solomon as the author of Proverbs in the Bible. The wisdom of King Solomon was greater than any man (1 Kings 4), yet he had difficulties to overcome, just like the rest of us!  

WISDOM IS FROM GOD (1 Corinthians 1:18-25).  When we seek TRUTH OUTSIDE OF CHRIST and HIS WORD, the efforts are in vain, for HE said in John 14:6 “I am the way, and THE TRUTH, and the life. No one comes to the FATHER except through me.”  HE IS TRUTH!  

THE ANSWER to ALL OF OUR PROBLEMS, QUESTIONS, and TROUBLES is JESUS.  HE made EVERYTHING “FOR ITS PURPOSE”, HIS PURPOSE, not what “we think” it was created for.  EVEN THE WICKED FOR THE DAY OF TROUBLE Scripture says!  When we have difficulties that we are presented with, know that it has been visited upon us “FOR ITS PURPOSE”!!!

“LET NO ONE DECEIVE HIMSELF!”

 1 Corinthians 3:18-23                                (ESV)

“[18] “LET NO ONE DECEIVE HIMSELF”. If anyone among you THINKS THAT HE IS WISE in this age, LET HIM BECOME A FOOL that he may become wise. [19] For the wisdom of this world is folly with GOD. For it is written, “HE catches the wise in their craftiness,” [20] and again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” [21] So LET NO ONE BOAST IN MEN. For all things are yours, [22] whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, [23] and you are CHRIST’s, and CHRIST is GOD’s.”

One of the most hurtful experiences in life is being DECEIVED by someone that you love.  To trust someone to the point that you bring hardship to yourself while they escape the same difficulty brings about a wide range of emotions, such as anger, regret, retribution, and a general hurt because of the misplaced trust.  

But what about when we DECEIVE ourselves?  Hurting yourself shows that we are not nearly as wise as we thought!  Going through the Brain Hemorrhage 14 years ago is still teaching me lessons.  In those days I THOUGHT that I was indestructible, that nothing was able to stop me!   I was DECEIVED by my own mind, thinking I was “all that”!  But when GOD OPENED MY EYES are allowed me to SEE (Luke 24:16;31;45) the TRUTH of my frailty in HIS KINGDOM, my entire perspective changed.  

ONLY when GOD performs HIS WORK in our lives can we be used for HIS GLORY and HIS PURPOSE.  When WE THINK that we are able to glorify anything outside of the infilling of the SPIRIT OF GOD, we are in danger of “LET NO ONE DECEIVE HIMSELF”!  “You are CHRIST’s, and CHRIST is GOD’s” is WRITTEN for we who are enamored by ourselves so much that we CANNOT SEE that we belong to someone else!  

When our EYES are opened to observe that we are simply TOOLS in HIS KINGDOM, we are finally getting to the point where we can be used by our CREATOR!  Mortal mans intelligence is minuscule compared to the WISDOM OF JESUS.  GOD is in JESUS and JESUS is in us (John 17:23) is the ONLY redeeming value any of us can claim!  Not our wealth, intelligence, or anything else.  “LET NO ONE DECEIVE HIMSELF” to believe anything else!!!

“NO LONGER MUTE!”

 Ezekiel 33:21-29                                  (ESV)

Jerusalem Struck Down

[21] In the twelfth year of our exile, in the tenth month, on the fifth day of the month, a fugitive from Jerusalem came to me and said, “The city has been struck down.” [22] Now the hand of the LORD had been upon me the evening before the fugitive came; and he had opened my mouth by the time the man came to me in the morning, so my mouth was opened, and I WAS “NO LONGER MUTE”.  [23] The word of the LORD came to me: [24] “Son of man, the inhabitants of these waste places in the land of Israel keep saying, ‘Abraham was only one man, yet he got possession of the land; but we are many; the land is surely given us to possess.’ [25] Therefore say to them, Thus says the LORD GOD: You eat flesh with the blood and lift up your eyes to your idols and shed blood; shall you then possess the land? [26] You rely on the sword, you commit abominations, and each of you defiles his neighbor’s wife; shall you then possess the land? [27] Say this to them, Thus says the LORD GOD: As I live, surely those who are in the waste places shall fall by the sword, and whoever is in the open field I will give to the beasts to be devoured, and those who are in strongholds and in caves shall die by pestilence. [28] And I will make the land a desolation and a waste, and her proud might shall come to an end, and the mountains of Israel shall be so desolate that none will pass through. [29] Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I have made the land a desolation and a waste because of all THEIR ABOMINATIONS THAT THEY HAVE COMMITTED.”

When you can’t understand why ALMIGHTY GOD seemingly is allowing us to continue in Judgment for an extended period of time, yet we know HE is a faithful and just CREATOR, we might need to review Ezekiel 33 a little closer?  Ezekiel 33:12 says in part “…The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him when he transgresses, and as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall by it when he turns from his wickedness, and the righteous shall not be able to live by his righteousness when he sins”!  

Ezekiel had to endure being exiled just like the rest of the children of Israel.  But he also MUTED about speaking about the sins of Israel UNTIL GOD released him to speak about their failure to obey GOD.  

We can try to alert people to the error of their ways, but until ALMIGHTY GOD changes the hearts of HIS CHOSEN they will continue to be IN EXILE, doing things THEIR OWN WAY!  When GOD has their hearts where HE needs them to be, only THEN can HE use a tongue that is “NO LONGER MUTE”!  HIS WORD is POWERFUL (Hebrews 4:12), but unless it falls on OPEN EARS it will NOT facilitate the CHANGE that is needed.  

FATHER IN HEAVEN, we beseech YOU to change hearts and lives to Glorify YOU and use us to be “NO LONGER MUTE” at the appropriate time!!!

“THE FUTILITY OF THEIR MINDS!”

 Ephesians 4:17-24                               (ESV)

“[17] Now this I say and testify in the LORD, that you must NO LONGER WALK AS THE GENTILES DO, in “THE FUTILITY OF THEIR MINDS”. [18] They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of GOD BECAUSE OF THE IGNORANCE THAT IS IN THEM, due to their hardness of heart. [19] They have become callous and have given themselves up to SENSUALITY, greedy to practice EVERY KIND OF IMPURITY. [20] But that is not the way you learned CHRIST!—[21] assuming that you have heard about HIM and were taught in HIM, as the TRUTH is in JESUS, [22] to PUT OFF YOUR OLD SELF, which belongs to YOUR FORMER WAY OF LIFE and is corrupt through DECEITFUL DESIRES, [23] and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, [24] and to PUT ON THE NEW SELF, CREATED after the likeness of GOD in TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HOLINESS.”

Many times I have written about THE JEWS, the ones who crucified JESUS and did everything possible to make HIS LIFE a constant struggle.  Today we are led to describe THE GENTILES, according to some, “Gentile is a term that usually means "someone who is not a Jew”.   Using the terms THE JEWS and THE GENTILES can cause confusion, and we should all understand who it is that is behind confusion???

 2 Corinthians 5:17 plainly states “Therefore, IF ANYONE is in CHRIST, he is a NEW CREATION. The old (man and his actions) has passed away; behold, the new (man with his SPIRIT led life) has come.  IF ANYONE means what it says, ANYONE!  We cannot be satisfied with our OLD SELVES, for that is from the NATURAL MAN.  When JESUS CHRIST transforms our lives HE gives us a NEW SELF to replace the OLD MAN and his DECEITFUL DESIRES.  Whether a descendant of Abraham, or a descendant of the ungodliest of reprobates, GOD IS ABLE to transform ANYONE into a tool for the GLORY OF CHRIST!  Look no further than the ninth chapter of Acts where JESUS converted Saul into Paul!

If we focus on THE OLD MAN we negate THE FINISHED WORK OF CHRIST and the unimaginable sacrifice HE paid for us!  THE NEW MAN should be what we SEE when any Believer, not how HOLY they are, but how JESUS has been made manifest in their lives.  The OLD MAN is limited by “THE FUTILITY OF THEIR MINDS”, but the NEW MAN is only limited by GODS PLAN and Glorifying JESUS in their actions!  When we accept that “THE FUTILITY OF THEIR MINDS” is part of the OLD MAN, we become FREE to live as the NEW MAN we were CREATED for!!!

“OPPOSED TO EACH OTHER!”

 Galatians 5:16-25                    (ESV)

Keep in Step with the Spirit

“[16] But I say, walk by the SPIRIT, and you will NOT GRATIFY THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH. [17] For the DESIRES OF THE FLESH ARE AGAINST THE SPIRIT, and the DESIRES OF THE SPIRIT ARE AGAINST THE FLESH, for THESE ARE “OPPOSED TO EACH OTHER”, to keep you from doing THE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO. [18] But if you are led by the SPIRIT, you are NOT under the law. [19] Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, [20] idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, [21] envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD. [22] But the fruit of the SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. [24] And those who belong to CHRIST JESUS have CRUCIFIED THE FLESH with its passions and desires. [25] If we live by the SPIRIT, let us also KEEP IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT.”

There is a song from a few years ago entitled “I’m not the man I used to be”.  Having our CREATOR sanctify (purify) us over time into vessels that Glorify HIS NAME is a sign that HE is working in our lives. Conversely, when an attitude of GRATIFYING THE FLESH is displayed in the actions of a person, the witness of their life is not one of service to others, rather than getting what they want.  

According to Scripture, satisfying the desires of the flesh is something that we must CRUCIFY if we want to INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD.  Whether GOD is sanctifying you or not will be up to HIM on JUDGMENT DAY.  Personally, I have enough imperfections in my life to not be worried about others.  Romans 3:23 says “for ALL HAVE SINNED and fall short of the glory of GOD,”, and like the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 1:15, I am the chief of sinners!  

While I am not the man I used to be, ALMIGHTY GOD still has a lot of work to do in this servant.  As Believers, maybe we need to do more self examination than identifying faults of others WHO ARE JUST IMPERFECT VESSELS LIKE US?  We must recognize our OLD SELF and our NEW MAN (Ephesians 4:20-24) and realize that THESE ARE “OPPOSED TO EACH OTHER” and WILL cause conflict in our lives.  The OLD MAN must be CRUCIFIED DAILY, for the NEW MAN and he are “OPPOSED TO EACH OTHER”!!!

“SPEAK, FOR YOUR SERVANT HEARS!”

 1 Samuel 3:10-11                                     (ESV)

“[10] And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “SPEAK, FOR YOUR SERVANT HEARS.” [11] Then the LORD said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.”

There are times in my life where I am so involved with the things of “this world” that hearing from my CREATOR seems like it is listening to a foreign language.  During these times I usually find that getting alone with GOD and intently listening for directions from HIM makes me remember that hearing from HIM is what my soul needs.  

Samuel was not accustomed to hearing from GOD ALMIGHTY.  1 Samuel 3:7 says “Now Samuel DID NOT YET KNOW the LORD, and the WORD of the LORD “had not” yet been revealed to him.”  Samuel kept going to Eli the priest saying that he heard his name being called.  Eli told Samuel to “…“Go, lie down, and if HE calls you, you shall say, ‘SPEAK, LORD, FOR YOUR SERVANT HEARS.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.”

Samuel not only was required to say “SPEAK, FOR YOUR SERVANT HEARS”, but he had to lie down first …………and LISTEN!  So many times I have EXPECTED GOD to give me directions in the midst of moving like a hurricane.  But that is when I most often do the most damage and destruction, attempting to do things on my own without the leadership of the LORD when I need to be lying down and awaiting instructions from HIM!

FATHER IN HEAVEN, forgive me for not WAITING ON THE LORD to guide me through life.  Cause me to implement a strategy of saying “SPEAK, FOR YOUR SERVANT HEARS” after I have LAID DOWN IN MY PLACE!!!