"ALL THESE THINGS!"

Matthew 7:25-34                (ESV)

"25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,

29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will HE not much more clothe you, O YOU OF LITTLE FAITH?

31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'

32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and "ALL THESE THINGS" will be added to you.

34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Matthew 6:33 has always been one of my favorites.  "ALL THESE THINGS" will be added to you" was the main thing I would see.  Not slowing down long enough to see what JESUS was saying in verses 25-32, my main interest was in "ALL THESE THINGS"!  Earthly desires and possessions always seem to wiggle their way into my thought patterns as I attempt to serve GOD.  And GOD doesn't need earthly possessions for us to glorify HIS name, HE only needs us honor and obey HIM!

The SON OF GOD came to walk a path that NO ONE else would have chosen.  HE left HIS throne in Heaven to come to earth to purchase salvation for all who believed in HIM.  HE knew HE was the only ONE who could pay our sin debt.  And mankind rejected HIM.  They couldn't believe that a KING would manifest HIMSELF as a suffering servant so mankind would have an avenue to Heaven!

Sine JESUS was and is GOD, why didn't HE avoid going to Jerusalem to be arrested during Passover?  Why was it that the rulers of HIS day just happened to capture HIM on the very day they did?   There were over 350 prophecies fulfilled by the life of JESUS CHRIST.  A "conservative" estimate of someone fulfilling just EIGHT of the 350+ prophecies is 1 in 1,000,000,000,000,000,000*!  Imagine what the number would be if all 350 fulfilled prophecies were considered!

In verse 30 of the text above, JESUS says "O YOU OF LITTLE FAITH".  GOD was walking right in front of their eyes and they couldn't even "see" HIM!  But aren't we in a similar condition today?  GOD has manifested HIMSELF in my life in more ways that I care to admit to, yet I still want everything to happen according to MY plan.  When I get into a difficulty and don't know the way out of it, JESUS is there saying "You believe in GOD, believe in me also!"  HE lives in us and desires to guide our lives.  But we (Self) want to run things according to our own plan.  

Until we allow HIM to reign in our life alone, we will live in defeat!  JESUS desires to rule our lives, but HE can't do that from the "co-pilot" seat!  When GOD becomes the ruler of a life, the desires and passions of that life suddenly change to the things that glorify GOD.  "ALL THESE THINGS" that I used to dream of and cherish fade into the reality of making sure HE is glorified in everything I do.  GOD, I pray that YOU will become the focal point of everything I say and do and that I will trust YOU to provide "ALL THESE THINGS" in my life!

*(http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/radio034.htm)

"PAY WHAT YOU VOW!!"

Ecclesiastes 5:3-5                 (NASB)

"3 For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words. 

4 When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. "PAY WHAT YOU VOW"! 

5 It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay."

The Congress of the United States of America consists of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives.  The House has members that are "Representatives" of the people they are elected to SERVE.  "Representatives" are NOT elected to serve a caucus or political party.  "Representatives" are elected to serve constituents of the district they are elected from.

The oath each "Representative" has to repeat each time they are re-elected to the House of "Representatives" is listed below:  “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”

Yesterday was the appointed day that Congress was "sworn in" for this term.  As you can see, our elected officials swear to perform their prescribed duties "So help me God"!  One has to wonder how seriously the aforementioned elected officials take their oath, especially the portion "So help me God"?  The writer of Ecclesiastes (thought by many to be King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live) wrote in chapter 5 verse 4 that "HE (GOD) takes no delight in fools.  PAY WHAT YOU VOW"!

The United States of America was founded upon a belief that The Almighty had his hand upon this nation. The founders witnessed too many instances of The Almighty's providence in our beginnings.  When the United States of America began to believe that this nation had accomplished superiority on its own (without GOD's intervention), we began our decline!  

Perhaps our elected "Representatives" would benefit from studying the "oath" they take?  Perhaps the church would benefit from studying who we claim to be when we say we are "Christians"?  Everyone should understand that our very existence is a gift from GOD, and we are blessed to even have our breath!  We will be expected to "PAY WHAT YOU VOW", especially the OATHS we vow to HIM!!!

"THE JUDGMENT: SO CHRIST!"

Luke 23:42-43                           (KJV)

"42 And he said unto JESUS, LORD, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

43 And JESUS said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with ME in paradise."

Rev. Billy Graham was recently quoted in this article (final three paragraphs) that I feel compelled to share.  Rev. Graham is 96 years old and his time on earth is nearing an end.  But he knows where he is headed, and he knows you can rest in the same peace he does.  

Hebrews 9:27-28 says "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this "THE JUDGMENT: SO CHRIST" was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."  I find it interesting that the words THE JUDGMENT are followed by the words SO CHRIST!  As Rev. Graham so aptly points out, “There is no judgment, no Hell, for those who are in Christ” !!!

“There is no judgment, no Hell, for those who are in Christ,” he said. “You can confess your sins, turn your back on your sins and receive Jesus Christ as your Savior now. At this moment, you can bow your head and say, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ (Luke 18:13). He will hear that simple prayer.”
In concluding his commentary, Rev. Graham said, “You can have the hope of Heaven today, so that if you died tonight, you would be ready to meet your God. You would go straight into His presence!”
Even if you are an elderly man or woman lying on a sickbed and you have never made your peace with God, it is still not too late,” said Graham.  “The dying thief on the cross turned to Christ and said, ‘Lord, remember me.’ And Jesus replied, ‘Today you will be with me in Paradise’ (Luke 23:42-43).”

"THEY DID NOT BELIEVE IN GOD!"

Psalms 78:19-22                            (ESV)

"19 They spoke against GOD, saying, "Can GOD spread a table in the wilderness? 

20 HE struck the rock so that water gushed out and streams overflowed. Can HE also give bread or provide meat for HIS people?" 

21 Therefore, when the LORD heard, HE was full of wrath; a fire was kindled against Jacob; HIS  anger rose against Israel, 

22 Because "THEY DID NOT BELIEVE IN GOD" and did not trust HIS saving power."

There was always a respect for my grandfather when I was growing up.  I did not always agree with him, as he was 50 years my senior.  But I always knew he had experience on his side, and that almost always proved to benefit him........and me!  

Some of the children of Israel didn't trust GOD as much as they needed too.  King David knew his ancestors had doubted the ability of GOD to provide their needs.  King David remembered how GOD had provided for the children of Israel and he trusted that GOD would still do it for him.  

GOD's Word is full of instances of HIM providing the needs of HIS children.  GOD still provides for us today.  There are times we become so fixated on what we THINK we need and think GOD should provide for us.  We pray for GOD to provide our wants and when HE doesn't we think we have not been good enough?  When all along, we may be fitting into the "THEY DID NOT BELIEVE IN GOD" mode and trusting HIM for our needs?  

We are created to glorify GOD (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).  GOD doesn't owe us anything.  HE provides our needs out of HIS mercy and grace and KNOWING what is best for us.  All HE asks of us is to have FAITH in HIM! (Hebrews 11:6).  The LORD was "full of wrath" when HE saw HIS children did not trust HIM to provide for them.  My prayer is that "THEY DID NOT BELIEVE IN GOD" never be used to describe my life!  

"YOU KNOW HIM!"

John 4:24                          (ESV)

"GOD is Spirit, and those who worship HIM must worship in spirit and truth." 

John 14:1                          (ESV)

""Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in GOD; believe also in ME."

John 14:16-17                   (ESV)

"16 And I will ask the Father, and HE will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,

17 even the SPIRIT of TRUTH, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees HIM nor knows HIM. "YOU KNOW HIM", for HE dwells with you and will be in you."

It seems the entire WORLD gets so caught up in what we can see, feel, and touch that we tend to ignore the spirit world.  The spirit world is actually MORE REAL than the things we can see, feel, and touch.  Yet our mentality is so geared to accept the things we can see, feel, and touch by the WORLD that we miss the things that are REAL, and really matter.  

The "Information Age" has brought about a tremendous increase in WORLDLY knowledge.  But it seems the more intelligent mankind becomes, the less time we have to WORSHIP our CREATOR?  We tend to rely on our earthly knowledge rather than what GOD can REVEAL to us (1 Corinthians 2:6-16).  Why would we rely on the knowledge we can gain in our feeble, earthly mentality, when we can have the HOLY SPIRIT dwelling within us?  

JESUS said in John 4:24 "GOD is Spirit"!  In John 14:1 JESUS says "Believe in GOD; believe also in ME."  In John 14:17 JESUS explains "YOU KNOW HIM", for HE dwells with you and will be in you."  We need to humbly realize WHO WE HAVE BECOME through the sacrifice of JESUS CHRIST!  GOD's HOLY SPIRIT tabernacles within my body and I don't need to introduce anything into my body that GOD would not be pleased with.   

JESUS said in John 14:17 "YOU KNOW HIM", for HE dwells with you and will be in you."  That is not something that some old-time preacher or bible thumper said.  When we grieve the HOLY SPIRIT with actions that contrary to the nature of JESUS CHRIST, that SPIRIT living inside us  gets uncomfortable.  Does HE live inside of you!  JESUS said "the world cannot receive" or know HIM!  Do "YOU KNOW HIM"?  

"BE STILL!"

Psalms 37:7                          (ESV)

"BE STILL" before the LORD and wait patiently for HIM; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!"

Recently a friend posted a scripture that spoke to my heart.  Psalms 37:4 (ESV) says "Delight yourself in the LORD, and HE will give you the desires of your heart."  This morning while reading over Psalms 37:4, I continued on reading until I got to verse seven.  Once again, I was stopped in my tracks by the LORD speaking to me!

Every now and again I get so caught up in doing "stuff" for The LORD that I have to be reminded that all HE wants from me is to do is WORSHIP and HONOR HIM!  I can build the biggest building, sing the prettiest song, go to the largest church, or any number of other things demonstrating how much I love the LORD!  But if I can't take the time to "BE STILL" before HIS throne and recognize and worship HIM as the CREATOR and SUSTAINER of LIFE, it may be  evident that I don't trust HIM?  

Recently there was a graphic shared that said "Not once does the BIBLE say 'Worry about it', 'Stress over it', or 'Figure it out'!  But over and over it clearly says, "TRUST GOD"!  One of the enemies most effective tools is to get us so busy that we don't take time to WORSHIP the GOD of CREATION.  When we get so caught up in making sure that everything is done correctly by the worlds standards that we forget about making sure we consider how GOD wants things done, we are moving at a pace where GOD cannot be glorified.  

"BE STILL" before the LORD and wait patiently for HIM' is not a 'worldly' suggestion on how to be a success.  If we are moving out of HIS timeline, we are out of HIS will.  Whether we are ahead of HIM or behind HIM, we MUST move at HIS pace!  My problem has always been "waiting patiently" for GOD to do something in my life.  Sometimes I have to be reminded to "BE STILL" before the LORD.  HIS pace is where I can 'delight' in HIM!

"DO NOT HARM YOURSELF!"

Acts 16:25-34                           (ESV)

"25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to GOD, and the prisoners were listening to them,

26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened.

27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.

28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, "DO NOT HARM YOURSELF", for we are all here."

29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas.

30 Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

31 And they said, "Believe in the LORD JESUS, and you will be saved, you and your household."

32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.

33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.

34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in GOD."

Paul and Silas were being imprisoned for ministering to a slave girl who had been freed from the demon that possessed her body.  Her "owners", upset because of there revenue source had been removed, had Paul and Silas thrown into prison!  Not just into prison, but Acts 16:24 reports they were "put into the INNER prison and fastened their feet in the stocks"!  They were basically put into the dungeon with shackles on their feet.  There was NO HOPE of escape!

Now what would I have done if I were BEATEN and IMPRISONED for setting a woman free from demonic influence?  The last thing that would cross my mind would be "praying and singing hymns to GOD"!  Finding a lawyer to help me get out of prison would probably be the first thing that I would attempt.  But Paul and Silas, although unjustly beaten and incarcerated, knew that they were being used by GOD.  They didn't focus on their trials and hardships, rather they began to pray and sing to the GOD who could change their circumstance!

When GOD miraculously freed Paul and Silas and EVERYONE'S captivity, the jailer knew that he was going to be killed by his superiors.  He drew his sword and was about end his life.  Paul cried out "DO NOT HARM YOURSELF"!  Paul had to have remembered he had been delivered from his own captivity on the road near Damascus, and now he was being used to deliver the jailer from his captivity of hopelessness.  But none of the prisoners escaped, they were all still there!  

Many times I get beaten down and held captive through seemingly no fault of my own.  The circumstances surrounding me can appear to be overwhelming and insurmountable.  The words from the LORD can be heard saying "DO NOT HARM YOURSELF" as the circumstances are not as bad as they appear!  Just as HE caused an earthquake in the darkness of that night, HE can deliver me from the darkest of situations.  I just need to 'pray and sing to HIM' as Paul and Silas did!  

One thing that must not be overlooked or minimized when reading this scriptural account.  Paul was blinded on the Damascus road (Acts 9:1-31).  The jailer was "in the dark" and could not see in Acts 16:25-34.  Paul had to wait for a few days for his sight to be restored.  The jailer didn't have to wait for just a few minutes to be able to see.  When the sight of both was ultimately restored, they were able to see what GOD was doing in their lives!  We too must wait until GOD reveals to us what HIS plan is for our lives to avoid hearing "DO NOT HARM YOURSELF"!!