“HE GIVES MORE GRACE!”

 James 4:6-8                    (ESV)

“[6] But “HE GIVES MORE GRACE”. Therefore it says, “GOD OPPOSES THE PROUD but GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” [7] Submit yourselves therefore to GOD. RESIST THE DEVIL, and he will flee from you. [8] Draw near to GOD, and HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

In short today, GOD GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE!  But HE doesn’t just give GRACE to we who understand how NEEDY we are?  “HE GIVES MORE GRACE” some of us, even when we don’t know precisely what our TRUE NEEDS are!!!

HEAVENLY FATHER, YOU knew before the foundation of the world precisely what my NEEDS would be, and YOU CHOSE me (Ephesians 1:4) anyway to serve YOU!!!  “HE GIVES MORE GRACE” because I am in need so much of the time!!!

The CREATOR of EVERYTHING, even the air we breathe (Isaiah 42:5), is JEALOUS (James 4:6) because we choose to live outside of HIS PERFECT PLAN!  Yet “HE GIVES MORE GRACE” to me while DRAWING me to HIS PERFECTION!!!

“TO WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD!”

 Micah 6:6-8                    (ESV)

What Does the LORD Require?

    [6] “WITH WHAT shall I come before the LORD,

        and bow myself before GOD on high?

    Shall I come before HIM with burnt offerings,

        with calves a year old? 

    [7] Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,

        with ten thousands of rivers of oil?

    Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,

        the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” 

    [8] HE has told you, O man, what is good;

        and what does the LORD require of you

    but to DO JUSTICE, and to LOVE KINDNESS,

        and “TO WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD?”  

Seventeen years ago on this very day I was beginning a journey that would bring me THROUGH one of the darkest times in my life.  The “control center” of my being was under assault and I was operating at a pace that was unsustainable for me, and I failed to recognize it. I didn’t fully understand it for a while, but GOD REVEALED over the next few years that HE wanted me to WALK, yet I was trying to RUN!!!

Psalms 46:10 was REVEALED to me a few years later.  BE STILL, and KNOW THAT I AM GOD was then more intensely translated LET GO of my FAST-PACED lifestyle and REST in HIS FULLNESS!  The Apostle Paul writes in Colossians 3:11 “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; BUT CHRIST IS ALL, AND IN ALL!!!”

Over the past seventeen years I have grown a lot Spiritually.  However, I was so Spiritually “immature” that GOD had to RADICALLY CHANGE my operating mode to get me to where I “desired” to operate on HIS TIMELINE, not mine!!!  My desire is NOW “TO WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD”, not to continue in this FAST-PACED life!  

When we DISCONNECT from the pace of “this world” and begin “TO WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD”, our lifestyle is changed TOTALLY!!!  FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause this humble servant to ALWAYS be reminded “TO WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD” and allow YOU to deal with the FAST-PACE of “the enemy”!!!

“1 Timothy 1:12

 1 Timothy 1:12               (ESV)

CHRIST JESUS Came to Save Sinners

“I thank HIM WHO has given me strength, CHRIST JESUS our LORD, because HE judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,”

“KNOW THAT I AM GOD!”

 Psalms 46:10                    (KJV)

“BE STILL, and “KNOW THAT I AM GOD”: I WILL BE EXALTED among the heathen, I WILL BE EXALTED in the earth.”

Most people are aware that Psalms 46:10 is one of the verses of Scripture since 2007!  Also that THE ALMIGHTY has SPOKEN to me rather “intensely” since the aforementioned ordeal!  To my knowledge, I didn’t hear from GOD during the seventeen day coma in July 2007, but HE did use the ENCOUNTER to “get through” my thick, stubborn skull, especially AFTER the ordeal!  

BEING STILL is EXTREMELY difficult in today’s society.  In the current “instant gratification” mentality, it is very acceptable to use the first thing that comes to our mind.  “The enemy” generally likes to have “his option” in my mind to possibly confuse me and control the direction that I am going.  But are we allowing ALMIGHTY GOD to “direct” us when we won’t even LISTEN for HIS DIRECTION before “plowing ahead” with our agenda???

When we LISTEN for ALMIGHTY GOD, with everything else in its proper place, ONLY THEN can we “KNOW THAT I AM GOD”!  Understanding that there are very few people who have experienced a brain hemorrhage, I can’t put into words what I have experienced.  But “KNOW THAT I AM GOD” is something that everyone can understand, even without being placed where I was unable to speak or listen.  GOD CHOSE me to endure the trauma, but HE also CHOSE my loved ones to endure as well!  My loved ones deserve untold BLESSINGS for surviving what they have!

This July 29 (next Tuesday) will be the seventeenth anniversary of the end of the drug-induced coma.  I don’t “deserve” to still be around, but apparently GOD HAS A PURPOSE for me to FULFILL?  Making certain that people “KNOW THAT I AM GOD” is exhibited in my life is something that I MUST accomplish!!!

CHOSEN!!

 https://x.com/faithwithmase/status/1816066043535581450?s=46&t=v-nCUFHOQhOc0d3RzRrtsA

“HE WILL JUDGE THE WORLD!

 Acts 17:22-34                    (ESV)

Paul Addresses the Areopagus (the Athenian governing council)

“[22] So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. [23] For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. [24] The GOD WHO made the world and everything in it, being LORD of heaven and earth, DOES NOT live in temples made by man, [25] nor is HE served by human hands, as though HE needed anything, since HE HIMSELF gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. [26] And HE made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, [27] that they should seek GOD, and perhaps feel their way toward HIM and find HIM. Yet HE is actually not far from each one of us, [28] for 

    “‘In HIM we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said,  “‘For we are indeed HIS offspring.’ [29] Being then GOD’S offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. [30] The times of ignorance GOD overlooked, but now HE commands all people everywhere to repent, [31] because HE HAS FIXED A DAY on which “HE WILL JUDGE THE WORLD” in righteousness by a man whom HE has appointed; and of this HE has given assurance to all by raising HIM from the dead.”

[32] Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” [33] So Paul went out from their midst. [34] But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.”

Yesterday I wrote that HE HAS FIXED A DAY, and I was moved by the way GOD SPOKE to me during the day!  But “HE WILL JUDGE THE WORLD” is the next portion of the verse, and HE will do it unapologetically!!

The JOY of being CHOSEN will be beyond our comprehension or expectations!  I cannot fathom ALMIGHTY GOD sentencing people I love to eternity without HIM?  JESUS HIMSELF says in Matthew 11:24 “But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you”, the unbelievers!  Sodom was destroyed with sulfur and fire (Genesis 19:24-25), and JESUS says it will be better for Sodom than the unbelievers at the Judgment!!!

“HE WILL JUDGE THE WORLD” is a devastating statement that WILL come about for those who are not CHOSEN!  Has ALMIGHTY GOD “pricked” your heart?  Please, PLEASE, DO NOT allow eternal separation from GOD be spoken to you at the JUDGEMENT!  “HE WILL JUDGE THE WORLD” is not a fairy tale ending!  It is something you need to FLEE FROM!!!

“HE HAS FIXED A DAY!”

 

Acts 17:22-34                    (ESV)

Paul Addresses the Areopagus (the Athenian governing council)

“[22] So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. [23] For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. [24] The GOD WHO made the world and everything in it, being LORD of heaven and earth, DOES NOT live in temples made by man, [25] nor is HE served by human hands, as though HE needed anything, since HE HIMSELF  gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. [26] And HE made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, [27] that they should seek GOD, and perhaps feel their way toward HIM and find HIM. Yet HE is actually not far from each one of us, [28] for 

    “‘In HIM we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said,  “‘For we are indeed HIS offspring.’ [29] Being then GOD’S offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. [30] The times of ignorance GOD overlooked, but now HE commands all people everywhere to repent, [31] because “HE HAS FIXED A DAY” on which HE will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom HE has appointed; and of this HE has given assurance to all by raising HIM from the dead.”

[32] Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” [33] So Paul went out from their midst. [34] But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.”

Briefly this morning, the Apostle Paul was addressing the Areopagus, a group of men from Athens Greece elevated by other men to govern themselves.  “Some men joined him and believed” that GOD was in CONTROL of everything and “HE HAS FIXED A DAY” on which HE will judge the world!!

That day, fixed by OUR CREATOR, is rapidly approaching!  “HE HAS FIXED A DAY” already has been marked on a calendar!  We humble humans can’t alter it nor when it is coming!  “HE HAS FIXED A DAY” was set by OUR CREATOR BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD (Ephesians 1:4)!!!

“ALL THINGS!”

 Matthew 19:26                     (ESV)

“[26] But JESUS looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with GOD “ALL THINGS” are possible.””

Regardless of what the naysayers think or say, “ALL THINGS” are possible according to THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES!!

“I HAVE CALLED YOU IN RIGHTEOUSNESS!”

 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.”

As yesterday I was in church listening to the message from GOD, I wrote this sentence as a “note” to myself!  “GOD “gives” us EVERYTHING, even the breath we breathe (Isaiah 42:5)!”  Our Sunday School lesson even reminded us that “Agrippa and Bernice” (Acts 25:13) were thought by most to be at the top of the ladder socially, but they were apparently living a life that was VERY deviant!  

As a people, we don’t have the capacity to undertake ANYTHING outside of the GRACE OF GOD!  “Agrippa and Bernice” weren’t CHOSEN BY GOD, therefore they did what they wanted.  We often default to doing what “we think” is best, very often without praying for DIVINE GUIDANCE?  We tend to trust that THE CREATOR will guide us, even though we don’t SEEK HIS GUIDANCE in the path we are assigned???

FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to ALWAYS remember that “I HAVE CALLED YOU IN RIGHTEOUSNESS”, not to make any life easier, but as a TESTAMENT of YOUR MERCY and GRACE!!!  YOU GIVE me the BREATH required to live, and I need to REMEMBER that every time I exhale.  

“ECCLESIASTIES 7:14”

 Ecclesiastes 7:14                    (ESV)

“In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: GOD has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after HIM.”

“BUT I WILL BE WITH YOU!”

 Exodus 3:1-2;10-12                    (ESV)

“[1] Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the WEST SIDE OF THE WILDERNESS and came to Horeb, THE MOUNTAIN OF GOD. [2] And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, YET it was not consumed.

[10] Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring MY PEOPLE, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” [11] But Moses said to GOD, “WHO AM I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” [12] He said, “BUT I WILL BE WITH YOU”, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve GOD ON THIS MOUNTAIN.””

Being REMINDED of exactly who we are by our CREATOR is one of the most humbling and painful experiences that can happen to anyone.  Moses was born in Egyptian captivity, where most Hebrew males were slaughtered at birth in an attempt to keep GOD “in control” of satan and “his ways”!  BUT GOD had a PLAN as HE ALWAYS DOES!!!

In the focal Scripture today, GOD ORCHESTRATED Moses to be tending sheep near Mount Horeb (Mount Sinai), also known as THE MOUNTAIN OF GOD!  Why did GOD CHOOSE this place to SPEAK to HIS servant???  Why not in the castle of Herod, where Moses was raised after Pharaohs daughter found him floating in a basket in the Nile River?   Could it be that ALMIGHTY GOD wanted to get Moses away from the clamor and business of “this world” to HEAR HIS VOICE delivering instructions to him on rescuing HIS CHILDREN???

GOD has CHOSEN to use HIS PEOPLE to exhibit HIS POWER to “this world”!  HE can, AND DOES, do MIRACULOUS THINGS to and through HIS CHOSEN for HIS GLORY.  When HE was speaking to Moses on Mount Horeb, GOD told Moses “BUT I WILL BE WITH YOU”, making HIS PRESENCE in his life VERY EVIDENT!  Why did GOD use a Hebrew in an Egyptian country to rescue HIS PEOPLE from the grips of one of the most powerful nations known to man???  Because GOD HAD A PLAN and HE KNEW (PREDESTINED) that Moses would do what HE SAID!!!

It is NOT a coincidence that Moses was at Mount Horeb at this point in time.  GOD had Moses PRECISELY where he needed to be at the EXACT TIME for him to be there! GOD had ORCHESTRATED things in the life of Moses since he was born, and HE wasn’t through with him yet!  “BUT I WILL BE WITH YOU” was THE PROMISE GOD made to Moses at THE MOUNTAIN OF GOD!!!

We must NEVER allow GODS PROMISE to leave us when as we are on our JOURNEY for HIM!!!  “BUT I WILL BE WITH YOU” hasn’t lost any POWER!!!

“THE LORD IS ON MY SIDE!”

 Psalm 118:5-6                    (ESV)

    “[5] Out of my distress I called on the LORD;

        the LORD answered me and set me free. 

    [6] “THE LORD IS ON MY SIDE”; I will NOT fear.

        What can man do to me?”

“YOU SHALL REMEMBER!”

 Deuteronomy 8:1-3                    (ESV)

REMEMBER the LORD Your GOD

“[1] “The whole commandment that I command you today you shall be careful to do, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers. [2] And “YOU SHALL REMEMBER” THE WHOLE WAY that the LORD your GOD has led you these FORTY YEARS in the wilderness, that HE MIGHT HUMBLE YOU, testing you TO KNOW what was in your heart, whether you would keep HIS commandments or not. [3] And HE HUMBLED YOU and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that HE might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.”

SEVENTEEN YEARS is a long time ago, but seventeen years ago this morning I awoke having a “massive brain hemorrhage” and walked in the “valley of the shadow of death” for longer than I ever thought I would!  It is difficult to memorialize the he past the further away from it you get, but some memories are vivid and you can’t shake them away from your mind.

The Children of Israel weren’t given the option of forgetting the exodus from Egyptian captivity.  In Exodus 8:2 THE LORD told them “”YOU SHALL REMEMBER” THE WHOLE WAY that the LORD your GOD has led you the FORTY YEARS in the wilderness, that HE MIGHT HUMBLE YOU, testing you TO KNOW what was in your heart, whether you would keep HIS commandments or not”!!!  

From my experience, it wasn’t difficult to forget SEVENTEEN YEARS ago!  The MEMORIES of the monumental escapade are as vivid as they can be.  But one thing that “the enemy” attempts to make me forget is that ALMIGHTY GOD was the reason why I survived what I did?  As I type my thoughts at 4:30 this morning, “YOU SHALL REMEMBER” isn’t difficult for me to comprehend!!!  When you experience the path of GOD HUMBLING you, it leaves you with an indelible memory of how insignificant we are before a HOLY GOD, and how magnificent HE is to live inside of my heart!!!

“YOU SHALL REMEMBER” wasn’t an option for the Children of Israel, and it isn’t for me either!  I PRAISE GOD that HE brought me through “the valley of the shadow of death” and is STILL allowing me to live for HIM!  When you are “delivered” by the HAND of ALMIGHTY GOD, “YOU SHALL REMEMBER” is a command that is a joy to experience , even SEVENTEEN YEARS LATER!!!

“IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM!”

 

Hebrews 11:6                    (ESV)

“[6] 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.”

As GOD often does, HE continues SPEAKING to me through a prior verse (or passage of Scripture) that I have written about.  Earlier this week I wrote about trying to live LIFE “WITHOUT FAITH”.  If you are BORN AGAIN you may not remember life before JESUS CHRIST rescued you from hell, BUT I DO!!!  

Which brings me to the next portion of this verse, “IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM”, our CREATOR WITHOUT the aforementioned FAITH!!  Of course, we might be SOOO grateful that our EYES have been OPENED that we tend to gloss over who JESUS transformed???  I was/am so vile and repugnant that it took a SPOTLESS LAMB to cover my sins!

GOD KNEW “before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4) that HE would have to Sacrifice HIMSELF for my sins, yet HE CREATED me anyway!!!  Because ”IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM” doesn’t make sense to me?  But because of the FAITH that HE bestowed upon me, that is the MAJESTIC GRACE of GOD!!!!