“A MAN SPEAKS TO HIS FRIEND!”

 

Exodus 33:11                         (ESV)

“[11] Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as “A MAN SPEAKS TO HIS FRIEND”. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent.”

Who is your “best friend”?  Is it a childhood friend, or a close friend of adulthood, or for those of us who are married, isn’t it the one the ALMIGHTY CREATOR joined us with to “complete” us.  Genesis 2:24 says “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and THEY SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH”!  IN CHRIST we SHOULD be ONE FLESH when we are joined in HOLY MATRIMONY, therefore loving our spouse should be easy as THEY ARE APART OF US!  

YAHWEH IS COMPLETE, so the need for a spouse doesn’t exist for HIM.  A Bible Study I was recently reading had a statement that caused me to pause and consider my existence. “Recognize that GOD has created you for a “close friendship” with HIMSELF.”  My mind immediately was drawn to the above Scripture where it is recorded “the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as “A MAN SPEAKS TO HIS FRIEND””.  ALMIGHTY GOD doesn’t “need” a spouse, but WE ARE CREATED to communicate with OUR CREATOR, much like when “the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face”.  

How is it feasible that in the finiteness of humanity that we supposedly “don’t have time” to converse with our CREATOR?  Our very existence comes from HIM, yet we “think” (and some actually believe!) that we have to “get ahead in ‘this world”?  We should be doing as those around the Throne in Revelation 4:8 when they proclaim “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, is the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, WHO was and is and is to come!”  HOW CAN WE elect to put ANYTHING above speaking with the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES WHO CREATED us to fellowship with as “A MAN SPEAKS TO HIS FRIEND”? 

Outside of JESUS. my wife is the greatest Blessing I have ever experienced.  Does she get told that enough?  Regrettably NO!  It is not that she isn’t worthy or deserving, it is that in my humanity I don’t have the ability to speak how much she means to me.  My “friendship” with THE CREATOR is under appreciated as well.  Like my wife, HE doesn’t HEAR how GREAT HE is nearly enough.  My wife “makes me one flesh, but because of what JESUS accomplished, I am able to come before HIM as “A MAN SPEAKS TO HIS FRIEND”!  May I constantly be more aware of not only my wife, but of JESUS WHO desires to SPEAK to me as “A MAN SPEAKS TO HIS FRIEND”!!!

“ACKNOWLEDGE HIM!”

 

Proverbs 3:5-6                         (ESV)

    “[5] Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

        and DO NOT LEAN ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. 

    [6] In ALL your ways “ACKNOWLEDGE HIM”

        and HE will make straight your paths.”

We ALL have the “opportunity” to SERVE THE LORD!  Most prefer to “make up my own mind” about what they are going to do with their lives.  But what about our CREATOR?  Do we consider what HE has PLANNED for us as we progress from our physical birth to our physical death?  Do we, “the created”, even bother to consider what “our CREATOR” would have us do when decisions are being made about our future?  Do “our wishes” REALLY overtake us and do precisely what “we want”?  

JESUS, the SON OF THE LIVING GOD, was sent to earth for a PURPOSE!  HE gave up being ON THE THRONE to come to earth to pay a price that ONLY HE was able take care of.  Because we were guilty of “making up our own minds”, JESUS came to earth, lived a perfect life, and suffered an UNIMAGINABLE death, not because HE was sinful, but because “GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD” (John 3:16)!  

Why do I have such a difficult time trying to “ACKNOWLEDGE HIM” when I KNOW that HE IS GOD (John 4:24) and I have to have HIS GUIDANCE in my life?  Apparently I want to LEAN ON MY OWN UNDERSTANDING and do what I desire?  

FATHER IN HEAVEN, forgive me for trying to find “a way out” of the difficulties in life when YOU already have a PLAN for me!  Cause me to “ACKNOWLEDGE HIM” and seek HIS GUIDANCE in my walk with YOU!!!

“WOULD NOT DEPART FROM THE TENT!”

 Exodus 33:11                     (ESV)

“[11] Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, “WOULD NOT DEPART FROM THE TENT!.”

Briefly this morning, Joshua was “a young man”, still having his relationship with GOD ALMIGHTY developed.  Moses, on the other hand, was older and had more experience HEARING FROM GOD “during the battle”.  The ability of Moses to HEAR FROM GOD when things became more “chaotic” had been grown through a myriad of trials.  Joshua hadn’t experienced some of the same things, therefore he didn’t possess the same abilities to know when ALMIGHTY GOD was speaking to him.  

There are some who are “up in years” who STILL are unable to HEAR FROM GOD!  FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause this lowly servant to be one who can HEAR FROM GOD even after I have DEPARTED FROM THE TENT!  Cause me to GROW to where I “no longer” am one who “WOULD NOT DEPART FROM THE TENT”, but will ALWAYS seek YOUR GUIDANCE in life!!!

“THEY PLUNDERED THE EGYPTIANS!”

 

Exodus 12:35-36              (ESV)

“The people of Israel had also done as        Moses told them, for THEY HAD ASKED the Egyptians for silver and gold jewelry and for clothing. And the LORD HAD GIVEN THE PEOPLE FAVOR in the sight of the Egyptians, so that THEY LET THEM HAVE WHAT THEY ASKED. Thus “THEY PLUNDERED THE EGYPTIANS”.”

Doing things for myself has always been a DEFAULT for me, especially when PRIDE was involved!  However, remembering my recovery process from the Brain Hemorrhage in 2007, my inhibitions were seemingly vanished as my brain was “in a fog” where I was simply doing what I was requested to do!  It wasn’t that I was thinking that I needed to cooperate with others, I simply did my best to perform whatever was requested of me!  Although I was STILL the same man, I was DEFINITELY operating at a different level!  

The Children of Israel had been “enslaved” by the Egyptians for 430 years!  GOD ALMIGHTY had the Egyptians SIMPLY “surrender” their gold, silver and clothing!  But Israel has to ASK for what GOD told them was there’s from the Egyptians to RECEIVE what GOD had planned for them!  Scripture records “for they had asked the Egyptians” for silver and gold jewelry and for clothing before “they plundered the Egyptians.”  The WORD OF GOD gives us that which is required to increase our FAITH, for the GLORY OF GOD.  There isn’t a magic potion that is applied for GOD to act, simply FAITH IN HIM is required!

Obviously we know from Scripture how things transpired over the next few days so long ago.  The “enslaved” Israelites were soon released from captivity and GOD led them to the Red Sea (and beyond!) to CONTINUE delivering them from “the enemy”!  We too should “boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the POWER OF  CHRIST may rest upon me”! (2 Corinthians 12:9). When the POWER OF CHRIST was upon the Children of Israel, they were UNDEFEATED!!!

There are times when we are asked to demonstrate THE POWER OF CHRIST to “this world” by doing WHAT WE ARE TOLD!  If we want to be UNDEFEATED, there is no other way!  The Israelites were not a mighty warrior, but “THEY PLUNDERED THE EGYPTIANS” in their home country!  We need to have FAITH that the same GOD that delivered the Israelites is STILL on HIS THRONE!  “THEY PLUNDERED THE EGYPTIANS” can happen today, IF WE HAVE FAITH in the same GOD!!!

“GOD HAS CHOSEN YOU!”

 

Deuteronomy 7:1-2                                 (ESV)

A Chosen People

“[1] “When the LORD your GOD brings you into the land that you are entering TO TAKE POSSESSION OF IT, and clears away many nations before you, the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations more numerous and mightier than you, [2] and when the LORD your GOD gives them over to you, and you defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. You shall make no covenant with them and show no mercy to them.”

Deuteronomy 7:6-8                             (ESV)

“[6] “For you are a people Holy to the LORD your GOD. The LORD your “GOD HAS CHOSEN YOU” to be a people for HIS TREASURED POSSESSION, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. [7] It was NOT because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set HIS love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, [8] but it is because THE LORD LOVES YOU and is keeping the oath that HE swore to your fathers, that the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”

One of the most disappointing times in my life was “trying out” for a little league baseball team when I was a boy.  I didn’t own a baseball glove, so I was left with borrowing one when it was time to field.  I was told that I would be telephoned about which team CHOSE me, but I never received a call.  In the mid 1960’s, it wasn’t unheard of for a “wannabe” player to be “unchosen”.  Apparently I wasn’t a good enough player to get selected and there wasn’t anyone to tell me that I had failed, so I was left to wallow in my despair!

Not being CHOSEN was seemingly traumatic as a boy, but can you fathom NOT being selected to play on a team where the coach is the HOLY SPIRIT?  ALMIGHTY GOD has the unmistakable and uncanny ability to CHOOSE us, while “the enemy” wants to make us Believe that we chose to serve HIM?  The passage of Scripture above PLAINLY paints a different picture.  GOD ALMIGHTY CHOSE ME, I didn’t choose HIM!  As humans, we do NOT have the intellect, the Holiness, nor the Goodness to be able to even LOVE the LORD!  Yet THE LORD LOVES YOU and my relationship with HIM is the ONLY thing that keeps me out of the pit of self ridicule and destruction.  

“For you are a people Holy to the LORD your GOD. The LORD your “GOD HAS CHOSEN YOU” to be a people for HIS TREASURED POSSESSION, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth” is one of the MOST BEAUTIFUL verses of Scripture in the Bible!  Out of HIS entire CREATION, GOD could have selected someone far more obedient, far better looking, and drastically more HOLY than me to “represent” HIM!  But HE selected me to be HIS TREASURED POSSESSION out of ALL (2 Corinthians 5:5) HIS CREATION!  

When a young boy is NOT CHOSEN in a little league baseball tryout, the feeling can be overcome and moved on from.  It is a grim realization that when GOD’s CREATION isn’t CHOSEN the outcome is vastly more impactful!  “GOD HAS CHOSEN YOU” has to be one of the most important verses of Scripture?  One of my favorite Biblical people, the Apostle Paul, writes in 1 Timothy 1:15 “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”!  In spite of our unworthiness, “GOD HAS CHOSEN YOU” even though we might not be worthy!  However, HIS SON, WHO lives inside of us, is WORTHY!!!

“THE MORNING!”

 

Exodus 14:24-29                     (ESV)

“[24] And in “THE MORNING” watch THE LORD in THE PILLAR OF FIRE and OF CLOUD looked down on the Egyptian forces and THREW THE EGYPTIANS INTO A PANIC, [25] clogging their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily. And the Egyptians said, “LET US FLEE FROM BEFORE ISRAEL, for THE LORD fights for them against the Egyptians.”

[26] Then THE LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that THE WATER MAY COME BACK UPON THE EGYPTIANS, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.” [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. [29] But THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL WALKED ON DRY GROUND THROUGH THE SEA, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.”

There are probably more writings on the fourteenth chapter of Exodus from this humble servant than of any other Scripture.  YAHWEH was delivering HIS CHOSEN people, HIS ELECT, from “the enemy” who was currently occupying the army of the Egyptians.  After 430 years (Exodus 12:40) of captivity, GOD delivered the Children of Israel WITHOUT them raising a finger in defiance!  GOD ALMIGHTY used The Passover to cause fear overcome “the enemy” and release HIS CHOSEN for the PROMISED LAND, not because of their great faithfulness and obedience, but because they were HIS CHOSEN!

“"The Morning Watch is the fourth watch. This watch waits for the dawning of the new day. The morning watch is described as beginning at 3:00 AM and ending at 6:00 AM” according to one commentary.  One thing that might be overlooked when reading the above sentences is “this watch WAITS” for the dawning of the NEW DAY!  The Israelites had been encamped at the Red Sea for several days.  This illiterate servant would have been chomping at the bit to “move forward” with GOD’s PLAN.  But we KNOW that HIS PLAN called for the Red Sea experience to come to fruition, and that meant EVERYTHING had to be IN PLACE!  WAITING was not an option!  For the Israelites to experience “the dawning of the new day”, they HAD TO EXPERIENCE the Red Sea!  

The Red Sea shouldn’t have been a bad experience for the nation of Israel.  Regardless, they STILL needed to SEE WHO was/is in control.  HE controls the waters of the sea, the wind that parted the waters, the enemy chasing the Israelites, GOD even allowed BREATH to fill their lungs to experience GODS DELIVERANCE from “the enemy”!  “But THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL WALKED ON DRY GROUND THROUGH THE SEA, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left” is recorded in Exodus 14:29.  Although their journey was FEARFUL, the Children of Israel WALKED ON DRY GROUND THROUGH THE SEA, to the GLORY of GOD!!!

ALMIGHTY GOD isn’t limited by what WE THINK are HIS options!  The CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES doesn’t have the limitations of what HE CREATED to work around!  HE wants me to be aware that whenever HE sends DELIVERANCE for “THE MORNING”, HIS CHOSEN WILL be DELIVERED!  “THE MORNING” will undoubtedly be different than what is expected, for HE has NO BOUNDARIES to limit HIM!  Night and darkness always precedes the dawning of “THE MORNING“, but when GOD sends “THE MORNING”, people will SEE that it came from HIM, WITHOUT A DOUBT!!!

“WAIT FOR THE LORD!”

Psalm 27:13-14                       (ESV)

    “[13] I BELIEVE THAT I SHALL LOOK UPON THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD

        in the land of the living! 

    [14] “WAIT FOR THE LORD”;

        BE STRONG, and let your heart TAKE COURAGE;

        “WAIT FOR THE LORD”!”

There is a list i use for reminding me of where I have been, and also where I BELIEVE ALMIGHTY GOD is taking me!  On my WAR ROOM PRAYER LIST is Psalm 27:14 which says “WAIT FOR THE LORD”; BE STRONG, and let your heart TAKE COURAGE; “WAIT FOR THE LORD”!”  Looking to this verse, one can easily understand overlooking the previous verse, but  the PROMISE that I BELIEVE THAT I SHALL LOOK UPON THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD is TOO GREAT to minimize!

There is always the temptation of “the enemy” for us to be consumed with “fighting” to get ahead?  In doing so, we run the risk of losing sight of THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD.  Getting so caught up in the cares of “this world” has prevented me from SEEING THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD.  When we LOSE SIGHT of what is TRULY important in life, we are on “the wrong road”, not SEEING what is important in life!

SEEING the importance of THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD, there is nothing else like it!  Wealth, worldly success, along with acceptance of what “this world” dictates are enticements to get our vision set on things that will one day be JUDGED (2 Corinthians 5:10)!  Worldly wealth and enjoyment CANNOT buy JOY and PEACE!  Listening to the god of “this world” might bring success according to him, but when we “WAIT FOR THE LORD” the successes will be innumerable!

For me, there is NO OPTION except to “WAIT FOR THE LORD”!  Since I BELIEVE THAT I SHALL LOOK UPON THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD, the things of “this world” have very little influence on me!  TRUSTING IN HIM is the ONLY WAY that I can “WAIT FOR THE LORD”!!!

“I WILL BE EXALTED!”

 

Psalm 46:10                     (ESV)

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

        “I WILL BE EXALTED” among the nations,

        “I WILL BE EXALTED” in the earth!””

As we are COMMANDED to BE STILL in the Scripture Verse above, what follows this directive?  We KNOW THAT I AM GOD means that we should LIVE this TRUTH in our lives, but that portion of the verse is following a comma, meaning that the sentence isn’t complete.  When the next sentence begins, immediately we are told “I WILL BE EXALTED” among the nations, “I WILL BE EXALTED” in the earth!”

When we encounter anything that precludes “I WILL BE EXALTED”, we have more than likely witnessed someone or something trying to elevate their agenda in front of KNOWING THAT I AM GOD!  ALMIGHTY GOD has to CONTINUALLY adjust my lifestyle from the “hurried” pace that “this world” prefers to what HE desires and wishes me to operate in.  My “plans” and “imaginations” can be “seen” as something that GOD would desire, but GOD is NOT limited to the thoughts and dreams of mortals, HIS PLAN is what HE will BLESS!!

In my mortal “vision” the future can appear bleak and worrisome.  The Children of Israel were leaving Egypt AND THE PILLAR OF CLOUD and THE PILLAR OF FIRE was there to LEAD them where they should be going!  GOD knew that the Israelites were going to have to TRUST HIM at the Red Sea, but HE also knew that HE was going to be GLORIFIED on the other side of the waters!  The words “I WILL BE EXALTED” could have been spoken when GOD told Moses that HE would get Glory over Pharaoh and all his hosts in Exodus 14:4!  

When our path grows busy and hurried with the “cares” of this world, GOD might be directing us to BE STILL and to KNOW that “I WILL BE EXALTED”!  The plans we attempt to put into place WILL NOT come to fruition without GOD “parting the Red Sea” for us!  We need to have the understanding that “I WILL BE EXALTED” is what we need to be looking for, not our ideas and goals might be.  We need to surrender what we want while making certain that “I WILL BE EXALTED” is the ultimate goal!!!

“YOU MAY BE BLESSED BY HOLDING YOUR TONGUE!”

Proverbs 10:19                              (ESV)

    [19] “When words are many, transgression is not lacking,

        but WHOEVER RESTRAINS HIS LIPS IS PRUDENT”.

Proverbs 11:12                               (ESV)

    [12] “Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,

        but A MAN OF UNDERSTANDING REMAINS SILENT”.

Proverbs 17:28                              (ESV)

    [28] “Even a fool WHO KEEPS SILENT is CONSIDERED WISE;

        when he CLOSES HIS LIPS, HE IS DEEMED INTELLIGENT.”

Scripture tells us that silence can HELP US AVOID SINNING (Proverbs 10:19), GAIN RESPECT(Proverbs 11:12), and is DEEMED WISE AND INTELLIGENT (Proverbs 17:28). In other words, “YOU MAY BE BLESSED BY HOLDING YOUR TONGUE”.

“AMAZING LOVE!”

 I did recently share this from my memories page, and a few liked/commented.  But do we FULLY understand that GOD IS HOLY, and I AM NOT!  Yet, HE loves me enough to sacrifice HIS SON in order that I can spend ETERNITY with HIM!!!

Chris Tomlin sings a song that I humbly recall right now.  “Amazing love how can it be

That you my King should die for me

Amazing love, I know its true

And its my joy to honor you, in all I do to honor you

Thankfully GOD has a PLAN!!!  And I am part of it!!!!

“I AM ABOUT TO DO A THING!”

 

1 Samuel 3:8-14                         (ESV)

“[8] And THE LORD CALLED SAMUEL again THE THIRD TIME. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the boy. [9] Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “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.

[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. [12] On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. [13] And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming GOD, and he did not restrain them. [14] Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house SHALL NOT BE ATONED FOR by sacrifice or offering forever.””

HEARING FROM THE LORD can be JOYFUL, yet TRAUMATIC at the same time, even within the same events that could be occurring!  The birth of Samuel was preceded by many prayers of Hannah, the wife of Elkanah.  Hannah was so grateful that her prayer was answered by THE LORD that she committed Samuel, the son whom “I have asked for him from THE LORD”, to serve in the temple.  The priest at the time was named Eli, and Samuel was placed into his care after he was weaned to SERVE GOD!  Eli was the priest of GOD, but his two sons were “…worthless men. They did not know the LORD” (1 Samuel 2:12)!    

THE LORD attempted to speak to Samuel a couple of times, but he always thought it was Eli calling him?  However, the MESSAGE from THE LORD HAD TO BE sent, and it is recorded “And THE LORD CALLED SAMUEL again THE THIRD TIME.”  Hearing from THE LORD isn’t to be taken lightly nor misunderstood!  Samuel was being prepared to hear a MESSAGE that would be heard by the people who refused to listen to THE LORD, while at the same time by Samuel who was thought to be around 12 years old.  To be so young, in find it interesting that THE LORD has Samuel go to Eli when HE was trying to speak to Samuel regarding the impending JUDGMENT of Eli and his REBELLIOUS sons!!!

After hearing from Eli regarding these attempts, “And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for YOUR servant hears.” The MESSAGE delivered to Samuel was probably not what a twelve year old young man preferred to be telling the priest, but he had to be a MESSENGER and let THE LORD deal with the outcome 

“On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end” was the MESSAGE from THE LORD delivered by Samuel.  “I AM ABOUT TO DO A THING” was ALMIGHTY GOD speaking that JUDGEMENT was near!  When THE LORD is ready to DO THAT WHICH ONLY HE CAN DO, we need to make sure that we are ready to SEE “I AM ABOUT TO DO A THING”!  For when HE is ready to exhibit “I AM ABOUT TO DO A THING”, it could be DEVASTATING to some while at the same time GLORIOUS for others!  Which side will you fit into ALMIGHTY GODS PLAN???

“THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL!”

 

Ephesians 1:7-10                 (ESV)

“[7] In HIM we have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of HIS grace, [8] which HE lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight [9] MAKING KNOWN TO US THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL, according to HIS purpose, which HE set forth in CHRIST [10] as a plan for the fullness of time, TO UNITE ALL THINGS IN HIM, things IN HEAVEN and things ON EARTH.”

MAKING KNOWN TO US “THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL” is NOT something that needs be taken lightly, or without effort!  At precisely the correct timing, THE LORD “places” within us the desire to search out AND KNOW HIS TRUTH for HIS GLORY and for us to SHARE HIS KNOWLEDGE to those HE has CHOSEN to hear!  MAKING KNOWN TO US “THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL” isn’t something that we can study and find out ON OUR OWN, it is MADE KNOWN TO US as HE sees fit.  

When THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES OPENS your EYES to SEE a TRUTH, it is probably something that you need to make a note about!  To be considered WORTHY of experiencing what others are unable to grasp SHOULD alert people that they are BLESSED?  But some people believe that they are simply better than others, with a gift from GOD that elevates them above people who are CREATED by the same CREATOR???

“In HIM we have redemption through HIS blood” is the most monumental thing one can experience.  Yet “it is a gift from GOD” (Ephesians 2:8) that NONE has the right to boast about.  “HE lavished upon us,….. TO UNITE ALL THINGS IN HIM, things IN HEAVEN and things ON EARTH”!  I MUST acknowledge that IN HIM, IN HEAVEN, and ON EARTH aren’t within the realm of human capabilities!   We simply are CALLED to serve HIM!

If we are CALLED to suffer we need to do it without complaining.  If we are CALLED to live in prosperity we must do so humbly (Philippians 4:12)! “THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL” is nothing that we are worthy of, IT IS A GIFT FROM GOD!  Living life is a GIFT, whether we acknowledge it or not!  It is my prayer that ALMIGHTY GOD will MAKE KNOWN TO US “THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL” for HIS GLORY!!!

“WHO IS THIS KING OF GLORY?”

 

Hebrews 1:1-4                        (ESV)

The Supremacy of GOD’S SON

“[1] Long ago, at many times and in many ways, GOD spoke to our fathers by the prophets, [2] but in these last days HE has spoken to us by HIS SON, WHOM HE appointed the heir of all things, through WHOM also HE CREATED THE WORLD. [3] HE is the radiance of the Glory of GOD and the exact imprint of HIS nature, and HE UPHOLDS THE UNIVERSE BY THE WORD OF HIS POWER. After making purification for sins, HE sat down at the right hand of the MAJESTY ON HIGH, [4] having become as much superior to angels as the NAME HE has inherited is more excellent than theirs.”

WHO is this King of GLORY?  The book of Hebrews is written in the New Testament and does an excellent job of capturing HIS GLORY into WORDS.  But HIS MAJESTY isn’t limited to mortal description, nor the finiteness of the languages of “this world”!  

King David was uniquely gifted to express in words WHO THE LORD really is!  Yet, even though the gift that he possessed, King David STILL had to ask “WHO IS THIS KING OF GLORY?”

Psalm 24

The King of Glory

A Psalm of David.

    [1] The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof,

        the world and those who dwell therein, 

    [2] for HE has founded it upon the seas

        and established it upon the rivers.

    [3] Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD?

        And who shall stand in HIS Holy place? 

    [4] He who has clean hands and a pure heart,

        who does not lift up his soul to what is false

        and does not swear deceitfully. 

    [5] He will receive blessing from the LORD

        and righteousness from the GOD of his salvation. 

    [6] Such is the generation of those who seek HIM,

        who seek the face of the GOD of Jacob. Selah

    [7] Lift up your heads, O gates!

        And be lifted up, O ancient doors,

        that the KING of Glory may come in. 

    [8] “WHO IS THIS KING OF GLORY?”

        The LORD, strong and mighty,

        the LORD, mighty in battle! 

    [9] Lift up your heads, O gates!

        And lift them up, O ancient doors,

        that the King of glory may come in. 

    [10] “WHO IS THIS KING OF GLORY?”

        The LORD of hosts,

        HE is the KING of GLORY! Selah”

“WHO IS THIS KING OF GLORY??”

Maybe I should STAND AMAZED IN THE PRESENCE OF JESUS more than I do????

“FOR EVERYTHING CREATED BY GOD IS GOOD!”

 There are times, and vastly more abundant as I progress in my Christian WALK, when I simply need THE WORD to speak to me without commentary!?!?!

1 Timothy 4:1-5                                 (ESV)

Some Will Depart from the Faith

“[1] Now THE SPIRIT expressly says that in later times SOME WILL DEPART from the faith by DEVOTING THEMSELVES TO DECEITFUL SPIRITS and teachings of demons, [2] through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, [3] WHO FORBID MARRIAGE and REQUIRE ABSTINENCE FROM FOODS THAT GOD CREATED TO BE RECEIVED with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. [4] FOR EVERYTHING CREATED BY GOD IS GOOD, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, [5] for it is made holy by the WORD of GOD and prayer.”

“TRUST IN THE LORD!”

 

Proverbs 3:5-6                           (ESV)

    “[5] “TRUST IN THE LORD” with all your heart,

        and do not lean on your own understanding. 

    [6] IN ALL YOUR WAYS acknowledge HIM,

        and HE will make straight your paths.”

Just a few days ago I wrote about the same focal passages that are listed above!  The emphasis was on IN ALL YOUR WAYS as we MUST always seek GOD’S WILL and PURPOSE in EVERYTHING we attempt.  Less than a week later I find myself being in a position to PROVE that I BELIEVE what I wrote, not just in word, but IN MY ACTIONS!!

Whether it is a family matter, a career decision, a household problem, or whatever else you place into the crucible of our finite minds, we are built to “TRUST IN THE LORD” with ALL our hearts!  It is SO simple to do what “we think” is best, but that is depending on our minds rather than THE LORD!  What “we think” is best might get us through a tough spot or two, but Divine Intervention is THE only way to ensure that THE PATH taken is where GOD wants you to go!

In Exodus 14, Moses could have REFUSED to “turn back” (Exodus 14:2) and proceeded “the easiest” way!  But GOD directed Moses and the Children of Israel to go to the banks of the Red Sea……and WAIT!  In Exodus 14:19-20 it is written “Then the angel of GOD who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the PILLAR OF CLOUD moved from before them and stood behind them, COMING BETWEEN the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. AND IT LIT UP THE NIGHT WITHOUT ONE COMING NEAR THE OTHER ALL NIGHT.”  The “darkness” can be a terrifying experience, but when we “TRUST IN THE LORD”, the fear has to flee!

FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause YOUR CLOUD to surround and support those who love and honor YOUR NAME!  Display that those who “TRUST IN THE LORD” have protection and providence prepared for them by the CREATOR!!!

“WE SPEAK OF WHAT WE KNOW!”

 John 3:1-15                         (ESV)

You Must Be Born Again

[1] Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, A RULER OF THE JEWS. [2] This man came to JESUS BY NIGHT and said to HIM, “Rabbi, we know that YOU are a teacher come from GOD, for no one can do these signs that YOU do unless GOD is with HIM.” [3] JESUS answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of GOD.” [4] Nicodemus said to HIM, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” [5] JESUS answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the SPIRIT, HE CANNOT ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD. [6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the SPIRIT is spirit. [7] Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN.’ [8] The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the SPIRIT.”

[9] Nicodemus said to HIM, “How can these things be?” [10] JESUS answered him, “ARE YOU A TEACHER OF ISRAEL AND YET YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND THESE THINGS? [11] Truly, truly, I say to you, “WE SPEAK OF WHAT WE KNOW”, and bear witness to what we have seen, but YOU DO NOT RECEIVE OUR TESTIMONY. [12] If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? [13] No one has ascended into heaven except HE WHO descended from heaven, the SON OF MAN. [14] And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the SON OF MAN be lifted up, [15] THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM MAY HAVE ETERNAL LIFE.”

Briefly today, when JESUS was speaking to Nicodemus, HE did so as THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES (Colossians 1:16), GOD IN THE FLESH (1 Timothy 3:16), and THE ONE WHO opens the EYES of the CHOSEN to SEE TRUTH (2 Corinthians 4:4)!  During HIS entire ministry, JESUS was never successfully contradicted as HE IS THE WORD (John 1:1) and THE WORD “never” changes!

Nicodemus came to JESUS BY NIGHT in an attempt to discover TRUTH!  However, unless his eyes were OPENED he was incapable of SEEING TRUTH, of realizing his lostness and his need for a Savior!  To Nicodemus, JESUS may have been a “good man”, but Nicodemus needed to SEE his brokenness and that JESUS was his ONLY HOPE for eternal life!  

The “words” that I share with others are not “special”, nor cosmic, but I pray that the HOLY SPIRIT uses them to sway or convince those whose EYES need to be OPENED for HIS GLORY!  Until EYES are OPENED and HEARTS are changed FROM ABOVE, eternal results can NOT be experienced!  JESUS walked among us for three years, yet in our limited knowledge and vision mankind attempted to eradicate HIM.  Some may NEVER SEE TRUTH, but “WE SPEAK OF WHAT WE KNOW” and we pray that you can SEE before it is eternally TOO LATE!!!

“SEE BUT NEVER PERCEIVE!”

 Matthew 13:10-16                       (ESV)

The Purpose of the Parables

“[10] Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” [11] And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. [12] For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. [13] This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. [14] Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: 

    “‘“You will indeed HEAR BUT NEVER UNDERSTAND,

        and you will indeed “SEE BUT NEVER PERCEIVE”.” 

    [15] For this people’s HEART HAS GROWN DULL,

        and with THEIR EARS CAN BARELY HEAR,

        and THEIR EYES THEY HAVE CLOSED,

    lest they should SEE WITH THEIR EYES

        and HEAR WITH THEIR EARS

    and UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART

        AND TURN, and I WOULD HEAL THEM.’

    [16] But BLESSED are YOUR EYES, for THEY SEE, and YOUR EARS, for THEY HEAR.”

What we SEE is not always what we are looking at!  Think about it, my profile picture on most social media sites is a photo taken of me in a park in the town where my sons went to college in 2008. The picture is unedited and, because of the Brain Hemorrhage in 2007, should NOT reflect what one would think anyone would want to be remembered by when their name is mentioned!  All of my physical abilities were functioning properly, but the mental sharpness wasn’t quite where it was before!  Being “Brain Damaged” is a “relative” term, we have to consider from what condition we are comparing the damaged brain???  For me, this photo is a memory of GOD’s Deliverance and Grace!

How we PERCEIVE something that we SEE is probably a result our experiences and revelations.  There are VERY FEW people who can testify about having a Brain Hemorrhage since in 2007 the fatality rate was near 80%!  Drawing attention to something that GOD used to SLOW ME DOWN and GLORIFY HIS NAME is humbling, AND GLORIOUS at the same time!  JESUS quotes Isaiah 6 when THE LORD instructs Isaiah to tell HIS people “You will indeed HEAR BUT NEVER UNDERSTAND, and you will indeed “SEE BUT NEVER PERCEIVE”.  

Others can “hear” about the Brain Hemorrhage experience of 2007, but they CANNOT “experience” the disconnection of having gone where few people have been.  Likewise, we who are Born Again (John 3:3), have experienced something that is extremely different than what “this world” has to offer.  While it might appear to some that I “glory” in the Brain Hemorrhage, ALL PRAISE and GLORY is due to the ONLY ONE WHO could delivered me from the “valley of the shadow of death”!!!  I am NOT special, but the HOLY ONE I speak about is!!!

My prayer is that YOU WILL NOT be as one whom JESUS spoke about when HE said you indeed will “SEE BUT NEVER PERCEIVE”!