“WHOEVER IS OF GOD HEARS THE WORDS OF GOD!”

 John 8:43-47                       (ESV)

“[43] Why do you not understand what I say? IT IS BECAUSE YOU CANNOT BEAR TO HEAR MY WORD. [44] You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. [45] But because I tell the truth, you do not believe ME. [46] Which one of you convicts ME of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe ME? [47] “WHOEVER IS OF GOD HEARS THE WORDS OF GOD”. THE REASON why YOU DO NOT HEAR them is that YOU ARE NOT OF GOD.”

While I see so many interviews of all kinds of people about the all of the craziness currently transpiring in this world, it can be readily understood when we apply the WORDS used by JESUS to those who were AGAINST HIM in the Scriptures above.  When people cannot hear the WORDS OF GOD consider that THE REASON YOU DO NOT HEAR them is YOU ARE NOT OF GOD?  

Doing “the right thing” isn’t very difficult WHEN THE RIGHT THINGS are plainly seen.  However, when we are SO BUSY with the things of “this world”, we can easily allow major things to slip by our awareness causing us to travel into places we NEVER intended on experiencing.  There are MANY things that I have learned from that I could have avoided IF I had chosen a different path?  Regrettably, I was SO BUSY with what I had chosen that my vision was obscured by poor choices.  

JESUS says in the Scripture above “WHOEVER IS OF GOD HEARS THE WORDS OF GOD”.  People who have yet to be OF GOD are not yet able to HEAR from GOD, thus missing what HE is trying to tell them.  It has taken me TOO much time of doing things MY WAY instead of SEEKING HIS WAY in my journey.  “WHOEVER IS OF GOD HEARS THE WORDS OF GOD” will keep us out of many pitfalls.  It is simply because of HIS MERCY and GRACE that any of us are part of “WHOEVER IS OF GOD HEARS THE WORDS OF GOD”!!!

“SET YOUR MINDS!”

Colossians 3:1-6                                     (ESV)

Put On the New Self

“[1] IF then YOU HAVE BEEN RAISED WITH CHRIST, SEEK THE THINGS THAT ARE ABOVE, WHERE CHRIST IS, SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD. [2] “SET YOUR MINDS” on THINGS THAT ARE ABOVE, NOT ON THINGS THAT ARE ON THE EARTH. [3] For you have died, and YOUR LIFE IS HIDDEN with CHRIST in GOD. [4] When CHRIST WHO is your life appears, then you also will appear with HIM in glory.

[5] PUT TO DEATH therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. [6] On account of these the wrath of GOD is coming.”

What we SEE is obviously things at which we are looking.  If our minds are fixated on anything other than JESUS, the possibility of missing HIS Message can become more prevalent in the “chaos” of keeping up with “this world”.  When we gander at whatever is outside of JESUS, the opportunity is to be working on temporal items can become paramount, causing us to lose focus on what our TRUE LOVE was in HIM!

It is crucial that we “SET YOUR MINDS” on THINGS THAT ARE ABOVE, not on the temporary items that will bring emptiness.  If our lives are HIDDEN with CHRIST in GOD our vision will be on things that are not filled with “sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”  Those temporary pleasures will bring heart break and misery.  

As I mature in my latter years, I am confident that I have IN ERROR omitted doing things that would bring me ETERNAL joy for what was temporary enjoyment.  HEAVENLY FATHER, forgive me for allowing my vision to be skewed by the pleasures of “this world” when I should have “SET YOUR MINDS” on eternal rewards.  Cause me to “SET YOUR MINDS” on THINGS THAT ARE ABOVE, NOT ON THINGS THAT ARE ON THE EARTH!!!

“ALL THINGS!”

 

Colossians 1:15-17                         (ESV)

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.”

It can be extremely difficult for we who are “created” to be objective of our CREATOR as we are simply a part of the creation HE has made.  When we have TRUTH made available for our feeble minds and we understand that “ALL THINGS” were created through JESUS and for JESUS, it causes me to pause and wonder what I am doing?  

Knowing that we are imperfect in “ALL THINGS” doesn’t mean that we are allowed to not make the attempt to adequately enunciate HIS perfection.  Until we are “completed” in HIS PLAN, we will not be able to wrap mortal words around HIS immortality.  HE is complete in “ALL THINGS” and that we must never lose sight of!!!

“AS I GO TO SPAIN!”

 Romans 15:22-29                             (ESV)

Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome

“[22] This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. [23] But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, [24] I hope to see you in passing “AS I GO TO SPAIN”, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. [25] At present, however, I AM GOING TO JERUSALEM  bringing aid to the saints. [26] For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. [27] For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. [28] When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. [29] I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of CHRIST.”

The Apostle Paul was, in my opinion, one of the most persecuted Believers of the New Testament.  Outside of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, the atrocities dispensed to Paul were probably more heinous than our finite minds can comprehend.  His maltreatment should be foreseen as Acts 9:16 says “For I (the LORD) will show him (Saul/Paul) how much he must suffer for the sake of MY name.” It wasn’t that Paul was promised a ministry with minimal resistance.  No, “the enemy” (1 Peter 5:8-9) was ALWAYS seeking someone to devour and was continually nipping at his heels!  

When Paul writes in his letter to the church at Rome he was planning to do missionary work in Spain (15:24,28) and thus visit the Romans for prayer and financial support.  Knowing what we know now, Spain never came to fruition as Paul was beheaded in Rome, never making his planned journey.  “AS I GO TO SPAIN” was merely an inclination, rather had it been in The LORD’S PLAN Paul would have undoubtedly made a tremendous impact in those he came in contact with, even on the path to his destination.  

When our INTENDED “plan” conflicts with GOD’S PLAN for our future, sometimes we are kept from KNOWING what GOD knows, as self-preservation might interfere with our DESTINATION.  Isaiah 42:5 states “…Isaiah 42:5 “Thus says GOD, the LORD, WHO created the heavens and stretched them out, WHO spread out the earth and what comes from it, WHO GIVES BREATH TO THE PEOPLE ON IT and Spirit to those who walk in it:”, not to walk in fear, but to BOLDLY proclaim that HE IS LORD over everything, including death, hell, and the grave!  

Most of us have a ”plan” that we attempt to fulfill in life.  My “plans” are numerous and involved.  But GOD’S PLAN might be for me to do something different, either here on earth or a HIGHER CALLING?  Paul even wrote that his plan involved going to a foreign country to spread the “good NEWS” about JESUS.  “AS I GO TO SPAIN” was never fulfilled for Paul, but GOD’S PLAN for him was.  My prayer is that “my plans” will be whatever HIS PLAN is for my life, no matter the costs!!!

“MY SOUL MAGNIFIES THE LORD!”

 “MY SOUL MAGNIFIES THE LORD!”

Luke 1:46-55                                     (ESV)

Mary’s Song of Praise: The Magnificat

[46] And Mary said, 

      “”MY SOUL MAGNIFIES THE LORD”, 

    [47]  and my spirit rejoices in GOD my SAVIOR, 

    [48] for HE HAS LOOKED ON THE HUMBLE ESTATE OF HIS SERVANT.

        For behold, FROM NOW ON all generations will call me blessed; 

    [49] for HE WHO is mighty has done great things for me,

        and HOLY is HIS NAME. 

    [50] And HIS MERCY IS FOR THOSE WHO FEAR HIM

        from generation to generation. 

    [51] HE has shown strength with HIS arm;

        HE has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 

    [52] HE has brought down the mighty from their thrones

        and exalted those of humble estate; 

    [53] HE has filled the hungry with good things,

        and the rich HE  has sent away empty. 

    [54] HE has helped HIS servant Israel,

        in remembrance of HIS mercy, 

    [55] as HE spoke to our fathers,

        to Abraham and to his offspring forever.””

Mary was dealing with the revelation that the SON OF GOD would use her body to manifest HIMSELF to all of CREATION. Although she was “blessed and highly favored” (Luke 1:30), she was not of the “aristocratic” cult as it is written “HE HAS LOOKED ON THE HUMBLE ESTATE OF HIS SERVANT” in Luke 1:48.  Does GOD tend to “use” people who are “less known” than those who already have a name for themselves???

ALMIGHTY GOD “CHOSE” Mary, a poor humble servant, to be used by HIM to BLESS HIS CREATION.  She didn’t use her experience to write a book or profit monetarily.  In Luke 2:19 Scripture does record “But Mary TREASURED UP ALL THESE THINGS, pondering them in her heart.”  

My prayer is to be a person who reflects the GLORY OF GOD on people whose EYES are not yet OPENED to HIS MAJESTY!  While I might not be “well known” by the standards of “this world”, I desire to be one that can say “MY SOUL MAGNIFIES THE LORD” above everything else!!!

“NO, NOT AT ALL!”

 Romans 3:9-12                   (ESV)

No One Is Righteous

“[9] What then? Are we Jews any better off? “NO, NOT AT ALL”. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, [10] as it is written: 

        “NONE IS RIGHTEOUS, NO, NOT ONE; 

    [11]   no one understands;

        NO ONE SEEKS FOR GOD. 

    [12] All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;

        no one does good,

        NOT EVEN ONE.”

It can be extremely easy to look at someone else’s sin and condemn their actions.  When I find myself in that mindset, I have to adjust what I am observing.  My sins are so many and so heinous that I should have NO time to judge others!  We shouldn’t think that we are “good enough” based on our ancestry, social standing, man made titles, or anything else we offer other than JESUS!!!

Paul ask and answered a question that we ALL need to honestly think on!  “Are we Jews any better off” because of “who we are?  “NO, NOT AT ALL” was and is his reply!  The SPIRIT OF JESUS living within these temples ALMIGHTY GOD has loaned to us is our only hope.  But we aren’t as bad as some others?  YES, YES WE ARE!!!

“MY GLORY I WILL NOT SHARE WITH ANOTHER!”

 Isaiah 42:8                             (KJV)

“I AM THE LORD: that is MY name: and “MY GLORY I WILL NOT SHARE WITH ANOTHER”, neither MY praise to graven images.”

The words below are from a devotional written by HIS humble servant on January 16, 2015.  That year was monumental for me.  There were two granddaughters born into our family, and nothing else seems to be significant as grandchildren are the ultimate!  But when I began to reflect on what GOD was saying through AND TO me this particular morning, I am humbled to know how patient HE is with HIS child.

“”Today the world refuses to identify the enemy for who he really is.  YHWH is a just and righteous GOD and HE will share HIS glory with no other.  Isaiah 42:8 says "I am the LORD: that is MY name: and “MY GLORY WILL I NOT GIVE TO ANOTHER”, neither MY praise to graven images."  We cannot allow any other god to be considered equal to I AM, GOD JEHOVAH.””

The temptation can be to allow ourselves to become “so busy” that we don’t have time for the things of GOD, our CREATOR and SUSTAINER.  When we are “deceived” into believing this lie, we are elevating ourselves to the throne of our lives, something we are NOT qualified to operate as!  “MY GLORY WILL I NOT GIVE TO ANOTHER”, especially the ones HE created to Glorify HIM.  Even as wonderful as my grandchildren are, they don’t compare to the JOY and PEACE that is ONLY available through JESUS!  When “MY GLORY WILL I NOT GIVE TO ANOTHER” is fully understood, it becomes extremely evident that HE ALONE is worthy to be praised!!!

“SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD!”

 Exodus 14:13-18                                    (ESV)

“[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 will 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.””

Recently I wrote about the same passage of Scripture using “FEAR NOT, STAND FIRM” as the words that I was focusing on.  Today I am looking at “SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD” and how we can avoid falling into the trap of watching the dust storm of “the enemy”.  

It is so easy to IDENTIFY and SEE the things that can cause FEAR and DOUBT in our lives. Similar to the Children of Israel on the banks of the Red Sea, we want to whine and cry how things are not progressing the way we expect, even though we have HIS WORD telling us (like Exodus 14:4) that HE WILL GET GLORY in the end and the enemy WILL KNOW that HE IS THE LORD!  

Are we able to SEE that GOD wins in the end???  If so, why are we crying about our condition as we journey through “this world”?  “Why do you cry to ME” is the question from GOD in Exodus 14:15.  If we have FAITH that GOD is in CONTROL, why do we cry about the situations we are in?  Why can’t we “SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD” when HE has told us that HE WILL BE VICTORIOUS???

In Genesis 37 through 50 Joseph was rejected by his own brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused of rape, thrown into prison, but ultimately was elevated to Pharaohs number two man!  In Genesis 50:20 he states to his brothers, the same ones that rejected him “As for you, you meant evil against me, but GOD MEANT IT FOR GOOD, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”  The way most observe things, Joseph’s plight might have been considered his brothers fault.  But Joseph could “SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD” and he never lost sight of that when things weren’t so pretty.  May I “SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD” and never allow circumstances to change my vision!!!

“FEAR NOT, STAND FIRM!”

Exodus 14:13-18                                    (ESV)

“[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 will 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.””

How well do you think that the crossing of the Red Sea would have been had the Children of Israel decided ON THEIR OWN to attempt the monumental feat without GOD’S intervention?  It is said by some that the Red Sea is is generally rather deep.  But precisely where GOD led HIS Children to “encamp” in Exodus 14:2 and WAIT!  It is said that the time WAITING was enough to cause angst among those who are used to seeing things happening on their time frame?  But where GOD had them WAITING took away ALL options for them!  There were mountain ranges to the north and south, and a narrow passage behind them.  Ahead of them was the Red Sea, a challenge that was beyond comprehension for man.

Like most of us, the Children of Israel were unaccustomed to WAITING ON GOD for anything.  But what else were they supposed to do given the situation in which they found themselves?  Typically we can keep our minds busy with the cares of “this world”, but GOD had removed all distractions from HIS Children.  They only could keep their EYES on “the salvation of the LORD”, or they could focus on the oncoming enemy, causing a dust storm as they drew near.  

“FEAR NOT, STAND FIRM” is hard to do when “the enemy” is coming stirring up a storm.  We can either have FAITH in the PEACE that comes from JESUS, or we can gaze upon the dust storm caused by “the enemy”.  Exodus 14:4 plainly tells us “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.”  We can CHOOSE TO fret over the storm caused by our enemy, or we can “FEAR NOT, STAND FIRM” that GOD is getting GLORY from our trials!!!

“GIVE ATTENTION!”

 Isaiah 28:23-24                       (ESV)

    “[23] Give ear, and hear my voice;

        “GIVE ATTENTION”, and hear my speech. 

    [24] Does he who plows for sowing plow continually?

        Does he continually open and harrow his ground?”

In order to HEAR from GOD, we are required to “GIVE ATTENTION” to HIM.  We cannot simply run to the throne room and drop a list of requests and expect all of them to be answered before we make it back to talk again.  

Isaiah 28:23-24 in the King James Version says it this way, “Give ye ear, and hear my voice; HEARKEN, and hear my speech. Doth the plowman plow all day to sow? doth he open and break the clods of his ground?”  HEARKEN is defined as “to give heed or attention to what is said; listen”!  If the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES was wanting to give us directions about how to live our lives, doesn’t it make sense that we should LISTEN INTENTLY?

“The god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4) is the master of deception (Genesis 3:1) so we must “be watchful” (1 Peter 5:8) what we are hearing.  We cannot “GIVE ATTENTION” to JESUS if we are listening to our adversary!!!

“HE FELL DOWN AND BREATHED HIS LAST!”

Acts 5:1-6                                          (ESV)

Ananias and Sapphira

“[1] But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, [2] and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. [3] But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the HOLY SPIRIT and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? [4] While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man BUT TO GOD.” [5] When Ananias heard these words, “HE FELL DOWN AND BREATHED HIS LAST”. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. [6] The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.”

When we THINK we know more than the HOLY SPIRIT, the third person of the TRINITY, we are in VERY dangerous territory.  Ananias and Sapphira THOUGHT they could withhold some of the BLESSINGS they received from selling a piece of property, but according to Psalms 24:1 “The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein…”!   GOD not only knew the amount of land sold and how much was paid for it, HE knew the hearts of Ananias and Sapphira who were trying to make sure that they were taken care of instead of trusting GOD for their sustenance.  

In Acts 4:34-35 it is recorded “There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.”  GOD didn’t need the resources to provide for HIS CHOSEN.  Hebrews 11:6 says “And WITHOUT FAITH it is IMPOSSIBLE to please HIM, for whoever would draw near to GOD must believe that HE exists and that HE rewards those who seek HIM.”

When we choose to depend on our own wisdom and resources, we are in serious peril.  For Ananias (and Sapphira in Acts 5:10) chose to trust in worldly possessions over the ONE WHO owns everything, they saw IMMEDIATELY the results of that decision, “HE FELL DOWN AND BREATHED HIS LAST”!  Isaiah 42:5 says GOD “gives breath” to the people of the earth.  

FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause YOUR servant to never lose sight of where my breath comes from.  One day it will probably be said of me that “HE FELL DOWN AND BREATHED HIS LAST”, but may it be when my tasks for YOU are completed and YOU are ready for me to come HOME!!!

“OPEN THE EYES!”

 Isaiah 42:5-8                   (ESV)

    “[5] Thus says GOD, the LORD,

        WHO created the heavens and stretched them out,

        WHO spread out the earth and what comes from it,

    WHO GIVES BREATH to the people on it

        and SPIRIT to those who walk in it: 

    [6] “I AM THE LORD; I have called you in righteousness;

        I WILL TAKE YOU BY THE HAND AND KEEP YOU;

    I will give you as a covenant for the people,

        a light for the nations, 

    [7]   to “OPEN THE EYES” that are blind,

    to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,

        from the prison those who sit in darkness. 

    [8] I AM THE LORD; THAT IS MY NAME;

        MY GLORY I GIVE TO NO OTHER,

        NOR MY PRAISE TO CARVED IDOLS.”

Admitting and acknowledging that there is ONLY ONE GOD and HIS NAME is different than mine is in itself a humbling thing.  I AM THE LORD created the Heavens and spread out the earth and what comes from it performed it all by HIMSELF, without any advice or input from HIS creation.  HE ALONE has the OMNIPOTENCE to do as HE pleases (Psalm 115:3) and HIS ways are NOT our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), so must realize WHO HE is, but more importantly who we are and what we are created to be.

GOD tells us that “I AM THE LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I WILL TAKE YOU BY THE HAND AND KEEP YOU; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations”.  HE desires to “give us” what is needed to GIVE GLORY to HIM, but HE WILL NOT share HIS GLORY with anyone or anything other than HIMSELF.  HE even has to “OPEN THE EYES” that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness”!  We can ONLY SEE because of HIS MERCY and GRACE!

ALMIGHTY GOD holds everything in HIS HANDS and we are nothing without HIM. Isaiah 40:22 so eloquently says “It is HE (GOD) WHO sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; WHO stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;”!  HIS CREATION has no authority to question HIS actions and decisions.  We are here to GLORIFY HIM, and not try to SHARE IN HIS GLORY!

FATHER IN HEAVEN, “OPEN THE EYES” of YOUR humble servant and guide me in the paths that will GLORIFY and HONOR YOUR HOLY NAME!  I am but the lowest of YOUR GLORIOUS creation, but I am so BLESSED that YOU have used me to “OPEN THE EYES” that were blind and caused me to SEE YOUR TRUTH!!!

“HOW COULD GOD JUDGE THE WORLD?”

 Romans 3:5-8                    (ESV)

“[5] But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of GOD, what shall we say? That GOD is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I SPEAK IN A HUMAN WAY.) [6] By no means! For then “HOW COULD GOD JUDGE THE WORLD?” [7] But if through my lie GOD’S TRUTH abounds to HIS GLORY, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? [8] And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.”

The entire book of Romans is a gift from GOD, sent to mold us into tools to be used to Glorify the NAME OF JESUS.  But the third chapter is especially great, and Romans 3:10-11 where Scripture says “as it is written: “None is righteous, NO, NOT ONE; no one understands; no one seeks for GOD.”  But time limitations cause me to focus today on “HOW COULD GOD JUDGE THE WORLD?”   

How does a GOD WHO is thought of as being so LOVING condemn those who fail to acknowledge HIM to eternal separation and damnation?  1 John 4:8 says “ANYONE who does not love does not know GOD, because GOD IS LOVE.”  But we ARE NOT GOD!  Being made “in HIS image” doesn’t qualify us as being HOLY enough to make decisions as GOD does.  Are your EYES OPEN to SEE what Paul meant when he wrote “I SPEAK IN A HUMAN WAY”???  GOD IS GOD and I am not!  

My grandchildren are LOVED beyond description.  There is very little that I will not do for them, if within my power.  But can you imagine letting them walk across an interstate highway simply because they wanted to?  BE NO MEANS!  I LOVE THEM TOO MUCH!  Even though they have to be told “no” to certain things, because they are LOVED they are kept from doing what is not wise for them to do.  As they grow in wisdom and grace, their EYES will be OPENED to SEE the dangers of operating outside of their current wisdom.  

“HOW COULD GOD JUDGE THE WORLD”, since HE IS LOVE?  There are some things that we will never while living in “this world”!  However, we can BELIEVE through FAITH that HE IS IN CONTROL of EVERYTHING and HE will one day exhibit that HE is not only LOVE, but HE is HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (Isaiah 6:3), something that we must make known to ALL!!!

“THE LORD HAS ASSIGNED TO 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.”

Allowing others to walk in a PATH OF DESTRUCTION, especially when it is someone you cherish and love, can be a very torturous experience.  Looking back over my life I can see some choices that were made that proved to have results that were costly, to put it mildly.  There were times, I’m sure, that friends who might have been able to help were “prevented” by the HOLY SPIRIT, leaving me to grow Spiritually where I depend SOLELY on THE LORD and HIS teaching abilities.  

There are some lessons that I have learned that I had to be placed in the position of HEARING from THE LORD, or SEEING HIS HAND, before I was able to learn from the trial that I was going through.  I couldn’t have heard the advice, nor seen the pitfall I was headed to, until GOD led me through “the valley of the shadow of death” and got my attention first!

We ALL have a PLAN for our lives.  My problem is that too often I have not WAITED for THE LORD and proceeded with what “I thought” was the best thing for my life and my future.  The WISE things for me to consider is “Only LET EACH PERSON LEAD THE LIFE THAT “THE LORD HAS ASSIGNED TO HIM”, and TO WHICH GOD HAS CALLED HIM.”  Walking through “the valley of the shadow of death” isn’t a problem if we have THE LORD guiding our steps.  Where I have “wandered” in my life is when I WOULD NOT WAIT ON THE LORD (Psalms 27:14)!

1 Kings 19 tells us that GOD doesn’t always speak to us in the same manner as HE has previously.  GOD has a PLAN for each of us.  My challenge is to SLOW DOWN and listen for HIM, not to build something faster so I can move to the next task ahead of me!  “THE LORD HAS ASSIGNED TO HIM” exactly what HE needs for me to accomplish through HIM, and for HIS GLORY!  It has taken me a long time to SEE that PEACE only comes from WAITING ON HIM!!!

“YOU PRESERVE ME FROM TROUBLE!”

 Psalm 32:6-7                                (ESV)

    “[6] Therefore let everyone who is Godly

        offer prayer to YOU at a time when YOU may be found;

    SURELY in the RUSH OF GREAT WATERS,

        THEY SHALL NOT REACH HIM. 

    [7] YOU are a hiding place for me;

        “YOU PRESERVE ME FROM TROUBLE”;

        YOU surround me with shouts of deliverance.”

Recently while scanning through a social media account I noticed that someone had posted a song by Simon and Garfunkel entitled “Bridge over Troubled Waters”.  That song was reportedly released in 1970, so in those days, if it had “sounded good” I listened.  But the chorus to that song and the verses above fit very well together.  A “Bridge over Troubled Waters” doesn’t remove the turbulent stream, but it does provide a way for us to escape the danger! 

In this psalm David writes that BLESSED (Psalms 37:1-2) is the person who has his transgressions forgiven.  Why would a thrice HOLY GOD “choose” a vile, repugnant being such as me to be saved from the catastrophic choices that I have made in my life?  While it is TRUE that I may have to go through some turbulent times, GOD has displayed HIS abilities of SAVING me time and again.  HE Glories in proving to me and those around me that “YOU PRESERVE ME FROM TROUBLE”!

Do I deserve to be rescued OVER AND OVER again?  Scripture states in several places that NONE of us are righteous, NO NOT ONE!  “YOU PRESERVE ME FROM TROUBLE” because YOU have a Plan for me to fulfill, not because of my worthiness.  BLESSED and Highly Favored is the only reason I have to offer as to why “YOU PRESERVE ME FROM TROUBLE”!!!

“WHAT ARE YOU SEEKING?”

 Genesis 37:12-17                                 (ESV)

Joseph Sold by His Brothers

“[12] Now his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem. [13] And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” And he said to him, “Here I am.” [14] So he said to him, “Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock, and bring me word.” So he sent him from the Valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. [15] And a man found him wandering in the fields. And the man asked him, “WHAT ARE YOU SEEKING?” [16] “I am seeking my brothers,” he said. “Tell me, please, where they are pasturing the flock.” [17] And the man said, “They have gone away, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.”

Joseph was sent on a specific mission by his father Jacob.  Checking on the welfare of his brothers seemed a harmless enough request, but things didn’t go exactly how Jacob, Joseph, nor the brothers of Joseph THOUGHT THAT THEY WOULD!  

To begin with, Joseph had reported in Genesis 37:2 “a bad report” concerning his brothers.  His brothers felt that Joseph received too much favorable attention from Jacob, so when they saw Joseph coming to see them they devised a plan in their minds to remove their problem from their midst.  They were going to slay Joseph, but one of the older brothers suggested throwing him an a well to avoid having blood on their hands.  

We now know that ALMIGHTY GOD had a PLAN for Joseph, a plan that entailed going through the bottom of the well, being sold into slavery by his own brothers, rising in favor with Potiphar, being imprisoned for doing nothing wrong against her, and finally interpreting dreams for the Pharaoh and being ELEVATED to second in line to Pharaoh because he served GOD, even through less than optimal times!

How many times do I experience a bit of difficulty and ASSUME that GOD IS JUDGING me for being the wretched sinner that I am?  GOD has already brought me through some things that I could have never gotten through on my own.  Just as Joseph’s life had a few challenges in it, so our lives are meant to draw HONOR and GLORY to our CREATOR, not to elevate us.  What is my HONEST reply when I am asked “WHAT ARE YOU SEEKING?”

“THE WAY!”

 Acts 9:1-9                                (ESV)

The Conversion of Saul

“[1] But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the LORD, went to the high priest [2] 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. [3] Now as he 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.”

The Apostle Paul was previously known (until Acts 13:9) by the name Saul, that is until THE LORD transformed his life FOR HIS GLORY!  As a matter of fact, the chapter of Acts 9 begins with “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”.  Saul was INTENT on destroying “THE WAY”, that is until his EYES were OPENED and TRUTH was revealed in his life! 

In John 14:6 JESUS said to him (Thomas), “I AM “THE WAY”, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the FATHER except through ME.”  Now in Acts 9 THE CHURCH is being referred to by “this world” as “THE WAY”.  I have explained many times that GOD does NOT work in coincidences!  GOD does WHAT HE PLEASES (Psalms 115:3; 135:6) and HE doesn’t need my help to hurry along what HE decrees!  Far too many times I am convinced that I “know” what GOD has planned, only to discover that HE might have a “time out” planned for my future?!?

Saul “thought” he was doing the “right thing” by arresting and persecuting members of “THE WAY”.  But it wasn’t until his EYES were OPENED to TRUTH that HE was able to clearly SEE “THE WAY” forward!  In Acts 9:1 he was operating “in the fast lane”, but by Acts 9:9 “for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.” 

Isn’t it AMAZING how when JESUS intervenes in our lives that our perspective completely changes?  Saul almost immediately went from being a “persecutor” to being the “persecuted”!  His “choice” of direction in his life, his compass, was TOTALLY and COMPLETELY altered!  Being able to SEE “THE WAY” meant being led by THE SPIRIT, not by his limited wisdom!  GOD has to OPEN OUR EYES, and we have to WAIT ON THE LORD, to be able to SEE “THE WAY”!?!