“LEST YOU FORGET!”

 Deuteronomy 6:10-15                    (ESV)

[10] “And when the LORD your GOD brings you into the land that HE swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give you—with great and good cities that YOU DID NOT BUILD, [11] and houses FULL OF ALL GOOD THINGS that you did not fill, and cisterns that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive trees that you did not plant—and when you eat and are full, [12] then take care “LEST YOU FORGET” the LORD, WHO brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. [13] It is the LORD your GOD you shall fear. HIM you shall serve and by HIS NAME you shall swear. [14] You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are around you—[15] for the LORD your GOD in your midst is a jealous GOD—lest the anger of the LORD your GOD be kindled against you, and HE destroy you from off the face of the earth.”

Remembering the “path” that was assigned to me almost 16 years ago is something that I have a hard time with at times.  “The enemy” attempts to get my mind in a mode that “forgets” where I was and where I could have been!  As I recall, in 2007 the survival rate for a Brain Hemorrhage was about 20%, which means that 80% did not make it!  What was it that placed me in the 20 percent survival zone?  And why didn’t I have far more “deficits” than I experienced?  When ALL THINGS are considered, the only conclusion is that GOD HAD A PLAN for my life, and that PLAN I need to remember!!!

The words “LEST YOU FORGET” bring a MESSAGE to my mind that can be very emotional!  Knowing the severity of the situation I was in is very difficult to understand as the medication used to keep me in the coma generally is used on a short term basis, certainly not for SEVENTEEN DAYS!  It can be quite easy for me to “gloss over” where I was and where I could have been!  For me, “LEST YOU FORGET” needs to be something that is on my brain damaged mind everyday.

“WAIT ON THE LORD!”

 Psalms 27:14                      (KJV)

““WAIT ON THE LORD”: be of good courage, and HE shall strengthen thine heart: WAIT, I say, ON THE LORD.”

The first verse of Psalms 27 says “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”!  A very powerful verse which has the tendency to cause the eagerness of the immature BELIEVER to battle hades with a water hose!  

But the last verse of Psalms 27 speaks VERY PLAINLY (TWICE!) that we need to “WAIT ON THE LORD”!  Not once, but TWICE are we instructed to “WAIT ON THE LORD” within this instructional text.  

If “the LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”, why would we not “WAIT ON THE LORD”?  We must accept the we don’t have the wherewithal to grasp the TRUTH of the future in our finite minds!  We MUST “WAIT ON THE LORD” and allow HIM to be Glorified in the deliverance HE is going to provide!!!

I Believe, Help Thou My Unbelief!

 https://youtu.be/Z__h1uiSC6I

“BUT I TRUST IN YOU, O LORD!”

 Psalm 31:13-16                (ESV)

    “[13] For I hear the whispering of many—

        terror on every side!—

    as they scheme together against me,

        as they plot to take my life.

    [14] “BUT I TRUST IN YOU, O LORD”;

        I say, “YOU are my GOD.” 

    [15] My times are in YOUR HAND;

        rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! 

    [16] Make YOUR FACE shine on YOUR servant;

        save me in YOUR steadfast love!”

“CONSIDER JESUS!”

 Hebrews 3:1-6                                                (ESV)

JESUS Greater Than Moses

“[1] Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, “CONSIDER JESUS”, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, [2] WHO was faithful to HIM WHO appointed HIM, just as Moses also was faithful in all GOD’s house. [3] For JESUS has been counted WORTHY OF MORE GLORY than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. [4] (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is GOD.) [5] Now Moses was faithful in all GOD’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, [6] but CHRIST is faithful over GOD’s house as a SON. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.”

The human that ALMIGHTY GOD used to pen what is known as the book of Hebrews has been debated for years with no definitive answer to the issue.  Without getting bogged down in the controversy surrounding who that person is, we SHOULD be focusing on “CONSIDER JESUS”, the Author and Finisher of our FAITH (Hebrews 12:2 KJV)!  

Moses was (and still is by some) considered to be the deliverer from Egyptian captivity.  There were a lot who credited him for the deliverance from slavery.  But the SPIRIT OF GOD led the author of Hebrews to ask us to “CONSIDER JESUS”, not Moses who was used by our CREATOR to lead the captives to freedom!  We are ALL simply used to Glorify JESUS, we simply need to “CONSIDER JESUS” to enunciate HIS rightful position in our lives!

We tend to get caught up in making sure our “gardens” have their crops all in a row rather than growing plants that are strong and viable to be used for HIS service?  As long as we “CONSIDER JESUS”, we are doing what we are CALLED to do!!!

“BUT WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST!”

 1 Corinthians 2:12-16                  (ESV)

“[12] Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the SPIRIT WHO is from GOD, that we might understand the things freely given us by GOD. [13] And we impart this in words NOT TAUGHT BY HUMAN WISDOM but TAUGHT BY THE taught SPIRIT, interpreting SPIRITUAL TRUTHS to THOSE WHO AEE SPIRITUAL.

[14] The natural person does not accept the things of the SPIRIT of GOD, for THEY ARE FOLLY to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. [15] The SPIRITUAL person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. [16] “For who has understood THE MIND OF THE LORD so as to instruct HIM?” “BUT WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST”!

One is unable to SEE (understand) the things of GOD without spending invaluable TIME in HIS WORD!

Why do I allow the “things of this world” to have precedence over the THINGS OF THE SPIRIT???

I need to constantly remember “BUT WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST” trying to lead me!  The “things of this world” are here to interrupt!!!

From Bishop Robert E Smith!

 From Bishop Robert E. Smith Sr.!

“Life and good health, are enhanced by daily closet and auditorium prayers; the hearing and studying of God's Word, and "in-person" fellowship of believers (Acts 2:42,46).”

“BECAUSE THE LORD LOVES YOU!”

 Deuteronomy 7:7-8                    (ESV)

“[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.”

Why does THE LORD continue to BLESS me with breath (Isaiah 42:5) when I fail HIM so frequently?  Could it be that HE CHOSE me “before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:3) to fulfill a PURPOSE for HIS PLAN?

It’s not because I am worthy of HIS BLESSINGS, but “BECAUSE THE LORD LOVES YOU” that I survived a “massive brain hemorrhage” in 2007, heart surgery in 2017, and my trying to run my “own life” for many year!  But “BECAUSE THE LORD LOVES YOU” that I am continually showered with HIS BLESSINGS!!!

“BECAUSE THE LORD LOVES YOU!”

 Deuteronomy 7:7-8                    (ESV)

“[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.”

“OUR HOPE!”

1 Timothy 1:1                                    (ESV)

“Paul, an apostle of CHRIST JESUS by command of GOD our SAVIOR and of CHRIST JESUS “OUR HOPE”,”

The Apostle Paul was known for being bold in his writings, even when he wrote in this same letter 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!”  Paul KNEW who he was, but he also KNEW WHO CHRIST JESUS was and what HE did for the entirety of mankind, from the uttermost to the guttermost!

How then can we expect to live in victory when we are sinners who have no hope?  Thanks be to the “command of GOD our SAVIOR and of CHRIST JESUS “OUR HOPE”!”  We have to have our EYES OPENED to SEE that SUBSTITUTIONARY ATONEMENT (https://www.moodybible.org/beliefs/positional-statements/substitutionary-atonement/) is ONLY available through FAITH in CHRIST JESUS, and no other way!  

“OUR HOPE” is ONLY available through CHRIST JESUS!  There is nothing we can add to, nor take away, from HIS offering for our sins!  Earning salvation apart from JESUS is not possible.  HE is “OUR HOPE”!!!

“THE SPIRIT OF HIS SON!”

 Galatians 4:1-7                       (ESV)

Sons and Heirs

“[1] I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, [2] but he is under guardians and managers UNTIL THE DATE SET BY HIS FATHER. [3] In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. [4] But when the fullness of time had come, GOD sent forth HIS SON, born of woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. [6] And because you are sons, GOD has sent “THE SPIRIT OF HIS SON” into our hearts, crying, “Abba! FATHER!” [7] So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through GOD.”

As I have written many times before, my earthly father and mother divorced when I was just over four years old.   My earthly father promptly moved to Canada to avoid paying child support.   Although I am told that I “inherited” some of my father’s traits, the quickest way to get me to change my actions was to let me know that my behavior resembled my father!!  Although I didn’t “know” him personally, my traits were evident that my father to create me biologically.  

Many of us don’t have the benefit of a father’s example to rely on as we mature.  GOD knew that my earthly father wasn’t the example HE wanted me to learn from, so HE made changes in my life that I needed.  ALMIGHTY GOD knew that I would search for HIM (Ephesians 1:3), so HE was always there for me!  I just had to “recognize” and worship HIM for WHO HE WAS!!

When we “recognize” WHO GOD really is, worship is the only thing we can do.  We have to finally admit that we are NOTHING without our LORD and SAVIOR infilling our lives and ILLUMINATING that is a duty, something that is a joy to follow through on!  

When our EYES ARE OPENED to SEE that “GOD has sent “THE SPIRIT OF HIS SON” into our hearts, crying, “Abba! FATHER”, we can SEE that HE CHOSE us before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:3) to be used for HIS GLORY!  I don’t understand why HE CHOSE me, but I am so BLESSED that ALMIGHTY GOD sent “THE SPIRIT OF HIS SON” to abide inside of this broken body!!!

“DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD!”

 Romans 12:2                     (ESV)

“[2] “DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD”, but be TRANSFORMED by the RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND, THAT BY TESTING you may DISCERN what is the WILL of GOD, what is GOOD and ACCEPTABLE and PERFECT.”

Far too often I accept what “this world” offers as what Scripture is trying to trying to SPEAK to me rather than being TRANSFORMED by the WORD OF GOD, allowing THE SPIRIT OF GOD to TRANSFORM me into what is GOOD and ACCEPTABLE and PERFECT!  

What do the WORDS “DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD” actually mean anyway?  According to one dictionary, “To act, often unquestioningly, in accordance with traditional customs or prevailing standards” is what Scripture is suggesting we REFRAIN from?  In other words, DO NOT let this world “predetermine” the direction we travel in our lives!  Frustration, confusion, and SPIRITUAL defeat are the fruits of BEING CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD!  

The thing that can be unnerving about the RENEWAL OF OUR MINDS is having FAITH that the WILL OF GOD is going to lead us where we need to go, not where BEING CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD deems the best option.  What we see as our intellect might get us through “this world” with perceived success, BUT WE ARE NOT OF “this world”, we have been BOUGHT WITH A PRICE by our CREATOR (1 Corinthians 6:19:20)!!  Since we have DIED TO SELF, we should “DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD” but TRANSFORMED!!!

Micah 7:7

 Micah 7:7                         (ESV)

    “But as for me, I will look to the LORD;

        I WILL WAIT for the GOD of my salvation;

        my GOD will hear me.”

“OPEN MY EYES!”

 Psalm 119:18-24                      (ESV)

    “[18] “OPEN MY EYES”, that I may behold

        WONDROUS THINGS out of your law. 

    [19] I am a sojourner on the earth;

        hide not YOUR commandments from me! 

    [20] My soul is consumed with longing

        for YOUR rules at all times. 

    [21] YOU rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,

        who wander from your commandments. 

    [22] Take away from me scorn and contempt,

        for I have kept your testimonies. 

    [23] Even though princes sit plotting against me,

        YOUR servant will meditate on your statutes. 

    [24] YOUR testimonies are my delight;

        they are my counselors.”

As I occupy the office today, my wife is at the eye doctor getting a new set of eye glasses ordered.  Being able to see properly is a gift that we who are BLESSED with great eyesight don’t PRAISE GOD enough for.  When I had the Brain Hemorrhage in 2007 I was wearing “1.75” reading glasses.  Over the 15+ years since, my eyes have improved to where I now have “1.25” reading glasses which are too strong for me!

When we think about our SPIRITUAL EYESIGHT, some people have to wear prescription glasses to be able to SEE adequately, and some people don’t! Some cannot SEE adequately and are unable to recognize what others can plainly SEE!  The verses above explicitly say “OPEN MY EYES”, that I may behold WONDROUS THINGS out of your law!  

According to one commentary, Psalm 119:18 begins with:  “Open.—Literally, uncover, as if without Divine grace THE EYES WERE VEILED to the wonder and beauty of the moral law.”  There are “things” that we are unable to SEE unless our EYES are UNCOVERED by our CREATOR!  When we realize that our VISION is limited by what our CREATOR has UNVEILED to us, we are going to be able to SEE what HE has for us!  

Being in a coma for seventeen days does have certain benefits, especially when you are able to return to what most consider a “normal lifestyle”!  My physical vision has improved significantly since, but my SPIRITUAL VISION has drastically improved since I began to YEARN to HEAR from my CREATOR!  “OPEN MY EYES” doesn’t have as much to do with being able to physically see, but it has EVERYTHING to do with being able to SEE that which GOD is wanting to REVEAL to this humble servant!!!

“WHAT WE SEE!”

“THE ONLY TRUE GOD!”

 John 17:1-5                                     (ESV)

The High Priestly Prayer

“[1] When JESUS had spoken these words, HE lifted up HIS eyes to Heaven, and said, “FATHER, the hour has come; glorify YOUR SON that the SON may glorify YOU, [2] since YOU have given HIM authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom YOU have given HIM. [3] And THIS IS ETERNAL LIFE, THAT THEY KNOW YOU, “THE ONLY TRUE GOD”, and JESUS CHRIST WHOM YOU have sent. [4] I glorified YOU on earth, having accomplished the work that YOU gave ME to do. [5] And now, FATHER, glorify ME in YOUR OWN presence with the glory that I had with YOU BEFORE THE WORLD EXISTED.”

Recently a news article was posted that put forth the narrative that one coach’s prerogative on recruits would be more about WHO the athlete was instead of WHAT an athlete possessed skill-wise.  When the subject is considered in depth, making sure that a person has the abilities to perform at a level far above their rivals does them absolutely NO GOOD if they don’t possess what is needed to “get in out of the rain”, as was preached to me when I was younger!

In John the seventeenth chapter, JESUS was praying to HIS FATHER because HE KNEW HIS time “has come” (John 17:1).  JESUS wanted us to KNOW “THE ONLY TRUE GOD” and to follow HIS WORD and HIS INSTRUCTIONS for our lives!  KNOWING “THE ONLY TRUE GOD” is quite different than “having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (2 Timothy 3:5). When we truly KNOW “THE ONLY TRUE GOD” and permit HIM to CHANGE our lives to suit HIS PURPOSE, only then will we be used to GLORIFY HIS NAME!

Only when we are a part of the team of “THE ONLY TRUE GOD” will fulfill our mission to MAGNIFY and GLORIFY HIM.  KNOWING HIM is quite different than knowing about HIM!  May my life reflect “THE ONLY TRUE GOD” in everything I do and HE gain GLORY from my actions in the days that I am BLESSED to reflect HIM on earth!!!