"ABIDE IN ME!"

John 15:1-5                               (ESV)

"1 "I am the true vine, and my FATHER is the vinedresser.

2 Every branch in ME that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit HE prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.

4 "ABIDE IN ME", and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in ME.

5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in ME and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from ME you can do nothing."

The first time I was ever asked to give a "devotional" I was in the Youth Department at my church.  My devotional was over John 15.  Being in my early teens, I was not real knowledgeable about scripture, nor did I fancy myself as a "teacher"!  Now, I am in my mid-50's and I consider myself STILL NOT real knowledgable about scripture, nor do I yet consider myself as qualified to be a teacher!  

JESUS tells us in the scripture above the HE is the vine, we are just branches off of that vine.  A "true" branch is an extension, or offshoot, of the vine.  The FATHER is the vinedresser.  HE is the ONE who determines whether HE will get glory out of a branch or not.  Only HE has the power to grant life to the branch or prune the branch!  GOD getting glory is what we ALL should be about!  We occasionally have to be "pruned" to bring forth more fruit, but our ultimate goal should be bringing glory to the FATHER!

In verse 4 we are instructed to "abide in ME".  The word "abide" is defined as "to remain; continue; stay".  All we are called to do is ABIDE IN HIM.  Where I have gotten off track SO many times is trying to do "things" for HIM instead of letting HIM do things through me!  HIS greatest work is changing "me", not others!  GOD's Word says for us to "ABIDE IN ME", not for us to change the world on HIS behalf!  If we "ABIDE IN ME", GOD will draw them to HIMSELF!

We are simply branches, HE is the vine!  We are unable to produce any fruit outside of being in the vine.  If we try to produce fruit outside of being in the vine the results will frustrate us!  The greatest thing we can accomplish with our lives is to "ABIDE IN ME" and I in you!  Displaying JESUS CHRIST in our lives is a miracle in its self.  LORD, cause me to understand that I am just part of YOU.  For YOU to get glory from my life, I must "ABIDE IN ME"!!

"BOUGHT WITH A PRICE!"

1 Corinthians 7:17-24                      (ESV)

"17 Only let EACH PERSON LEAD THE LIFE 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."

I was recently out exercising (I walk about 3 miles in my neighborhood) and decided to stop at a married couples house I have known awhile.   They live less than a mile from my house, but it has been at least three years since I have taken the time to stop and talk with them.  They both play instrumental parts in the person GOD developed me into.  Sure, GOD would have developed my character without using their input, but they were there for a pivotal time in my developing years to make me the person I am today!

GOD uses seemingly insignificant things in our lives that ultimately are used to mold us into things that can glorify HIM.  HE doesn't need Red Sea moments to display HIS omnipotence or omnipresence.  We just have to SLOW DOWN our lives long enough to recognize HIS handiwork in the things that are happening to us, because of us, AND in spite of us!  

We cannot ALL be wealthy and famous.  We cannot ALL be the most celebrated physician.  We cannot ALL be the best chef in the world!  But we can ALL be exactly what GOD has called us to be!  If we ALL would focus on "EACH PERSON LEAD THE LIFE THE LORD HAS ASSIGNED TO HIM, and to which GOD HAS CALLED HIM", I imagine the chaos and turmoil in our lives would subside greatly!  I am reminded of a quote from another dear friend of mine who said "We try to be MORE than what GOD intended for us to be"!  

GOD doesn't need our help doing things HE desires to get credit for!  Even though we THINK we are capable of accomplishing a task, if we are outside of GOD's will we will either fail in our endeavors or the result will bring us no peace!  Just like my friends who GOD used almost 40 years ago, GOD can use me to shape someone with the slightest gesture IN HIS NAME!  We have ALL been "BOUGHT WITH A PRICE"!  If we are "BOUGHT WITH A PRICE" shouldn't we do what our owner asks???

"NOT SEEN AND YET HAVE BELIEVED!"

John 20:24-29                        (ESV)

"24 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when JESUS came.

25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the LORD." But he said to them, "Unless I see in HIS hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into HIS side, I will never believe."

26 Eight days later, HIS disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, JESUS came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you."

27 Then HE said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see MY hands; and put out your hand, and place it in MY side. Do not disbelieve, but believe."

28 Thomas answered him, "My LORD and my GOD!"

29 JESUS said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen ME? Blessed are those who have "NOT SEEN AND YET HAVE BELIEVED."

"Doubting Thomas" has been ridiculed for nearly two thousand years as the disciple who would not believe that JESUS had risen from the dead.  Had I been among the witnesses at the crucifixion and observed the HORRIBLE DEATH that my JESUS suffered on my behalf, I imagine not believing would have been quite easy for me also!  Keep in mind, the Holy Spirit came about 50 days later and bore witness that JESUS CHRIST was alive and well!  The other disciples had seen JESUS earlier and knew HE had overcome death!  But Thomas didn't yet have that benefit.  He had observed his "MASTER" seemingly destroyed by Roman soldiers just days prior.  

It has been almost two thousand years since JESUS walked on earth.  Sure, we have the Holy Spirit to testify of HIS greatness, but one day soon JESUS will come to earth again to claim HIS bride!  HIS bride will consist of ones who have "NOT SEEN AND YET HAVE BELIEVED".  While it is true that I have not physically seen my KING, I see more and more evidence of HIS handiwork everyday.  Whenever I see the Grand Canyon or some other great "natural" phenomenon, there is little doubt that this earth wasn't the result of evolution or some other scientific explanation.  Only my loving GOD gets acknowledgement of Creating magnificence!

JESUS told Thomas to see and touch HIM so he could believe.  My Spirit should so reflect CHRIST that a lost world can see HIS resurrection even today.  The enemy keeps us so busy with what seems to be "important" things that we don't accentuate the MOST important thing we can do.   JESUS "wants" us to believe!  HE even lingered 40 days afterwards to prove to all who saw HIM that HE had overcome death, hell, and the grave! But the enemy prefers we forget and not focus on Resurrection Day!

JESUS said "Blessed are those who have "NOT SEEN AND YET HAVE BELIEVED."  Physically, I have not seen the Resurrected CHRIST, but I am one who has YET BELIEVED!  There is NO DOUBT in my heart, soul, and mind that JESUS CHRIST willingly left HIS throne in Heaven, and would have done so JUST FOR ME if necessary, to provide a ransom for mine, and your, lostness!  I pray that you too are one who has "NOT SEEN AND YET HAVE BELIEVED!!!"

GOD's Redemptive plan! "BEHOLD THE MAN!"

"BEHOLD THE MAN!"

John 19:1-16                           (KJV)
"1 Then Pilate therefore took JESUS, and scourged HIM.
2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on HIS head, and they put on HIM a purple robe,
3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote HIM with their hands.
4 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in HIM.
5 Then came JESUS forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, "Behold the MAN!"
6 When the chief priests therefore and officers saw HIM, they cried out, saying, Crucify HIM, crucify HIM. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye HIM, and crucify HIM: for I find no fault in HIM.
7 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law HE ought to die, because HE made HIMSELF the SON of GOD.
8 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid;
9 And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto JESUS, Whence art thou? But JESUS gave him no answer.
10 Then saith Pilate unto HIM, Speakest THOU not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify THEE, and have power to release THEE?
11 JESUS answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against ME, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered ME unto thee hath the greater sin.
12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release HIM: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this MAN go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.
13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought JESUS forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.
14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!
15 But they cried out, Away with HIM, away with HIM, crucify HIM. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.
16 Then delivered he (Pilate) HIM (JESUS) therefore unto them (Jewish leaders) to be crucified. And they took JESUS, and led HIM away."        

As we remember the day when GOD"s redemptive plan became reality, I thought it only fitting to look at the trial, acquittal, yet condemnation of JESUS, my KING!        

To begin with, JESUS CHRIST was never found guilty, by anyone in authority, for any crime.  In just the passage above Pilate is recorded numerous times saying that he found NO FAULT in JESUS.  Pilate even desired to release JESUS, but the hierarchy of the church almost demanded that JESUS be put to death!  I formerly had anger and malice toward Pilate, but Pilate was just as pawn in GOD's Redemptive Plan!  He, along with The Jews, we're just unknowingly enabling JESUS to redeem my soul from eternal torment!        

The Jewish Leadership was only doing what "they thought" was best for the Jewish nation.  Had there "eyes been opened" and they had been able to see GOD in the flesh, they would have certainly fought for the release of JESUS.  Of course, they were looking for GOD's Judgement of the world, and not GOD's Redemptive Plan.              

Even the most zealous and committed followers of JESUS turned their backs on HIM!  Twelve disciples and hundreds of followers who only the week before had celebrated HIS entrance into Jerusalem were now nowhere to be found!  The entire world, save HIS mother and a handful of family friends, we're so caught up in the rhetoric and confusion that rejection was the only thing expressed for the SON OF GOD!            

I have always thought, had I been there, I would have stood with HIM, even if it cost me my life!  Peter even told JESUS earlier that he would gladly give his life in defense of HIM.  Pilate couldn't save HIM, the Jewish Leadership couldn't save HIM, HIS Apostles couldn't save HIM, no one could save HIM!  GOD's Redemptive plan will only be perfected when we "BEHOLD THE MAN"!!!

"WE WILL NOT FEAR!"

Psalms 46:1-11                         (ESV)

"1 GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 

2 Therefore "WE WILL NOT FEAR" though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 

3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah 

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of GOD, the holy habitation of the Most High. 

5 GOD is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; GOD will help her when morning dawns. 

6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; HE utters HIS voice, the earth melts. 

7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the GOD of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 

8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, how HE has brought desolations on the earth. 

9 HE makes wars cease to the end of the earth; HE breaks the bow and shatters the spear; HE burns the chariots with fire. 

10 "BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" 

11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the GOD of Jacob is our fortress."

From time to time I get frustrated with the way happenings transpire within my world.  Last night, upon going to bed, my scripture posting for the evening was Psalms 46:1-3.  Frustration and disappointment in the actions of others can be blown up to appear worse than they are.  IN MY OPINION, they don't do things that honor and glorify the GOD of the Bible!  HIS WORD is seemingly hardly consulted or considered by some.  

But GOD is not powerless that anything can happen outside of HIS plan.  Scripture records in Exodus 14:4 "And I (GOD) will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he (Pharaoh) will pursue them, and I (GOD) will GET GLORY over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians SHALL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD." And they did so."  The children of Israel could only see calamity approaching.  Pharaoh and his army could only see victory in their future!  But GOD had HIS plan, and that plan was for HIM to "GET GLORY over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians SHALL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD."

When things appear their bleakest and despair is imminent, that is usually when GOD shows up......and shows out!  Isaiah 55:8 says "For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, declares the LORD".  I must remember that we don't generally give GOD credit (Glory) unless HE does something Miraculous!  For HIM to be Glorified, things may have to appear hopeless.  "WE WILL NOT FEAR" as my GOD is bigger than any problem I may have.  

"RESCUE THOSE!"

Proverbs 24:10-12                         (ESV)

"10 If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. 

11 "RESCUE THOSE" who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. 

12 If you say, "Behold, we did not know this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?"

Many know of the near fatal brain hemorrhage I experienced in 2007.  To be hospitalized for 52 days and be off work for almost two years was a humbling, yet instructional, time in my life.  There were dozens of doctors and medical professionals who worked tirelessly to keep me alive, not knowing how MIRACULOUSLY I would recover.  They just saw an opportunity to "RESCUE THOSE" who needed help!  My thanks and gratitude seem so inadequate for their efforts.  

Lately, I have been wondering how many people I come in contact with who are Spiritually in serious need of attention?  They may be in tremendous pain from something someone has done to them?  Or, like my brain hemorrhage, they may not know there is a problem and they are in a serious predicament!  The Bible instructs us to "RESCUE THOSE" who are being taken away to death, not just those who KNOW they are in serious condition!  

Believe me when I say, that from a physical standpoint, when someone has no idea they are in serious condition, yet they find themselves in ICU, they find that they NEED help sometimes.  Spiritual health can be more difficult to diagnose than a physical ailment.  When you are dealing with things that are NOT SEEN, only observed through faith, the person diagnosing must be Spiritually wise and mature.  They must take the time to see your life through the Fathers eyes and not try to diagnose your condition in a brief office visit!

We are Spiritual Beings, more so than physical beings.  Please don't get so caught up in your physical existence that you ignore the your Spiritual health!  We physically diet and exercise our bodies.  We must also be careful what we intake and do (exercise) Spiritually!  You can read AT your Bible for five minutes every day, or you can let GOD speak to you and change your life with HIS Word!  From my experience, it is a lot easier to "diet and exercise" than it is to "RESCUE THOSE" who need help!  However, the joy we experience when we "RESCUE THOSE" who need help Spiritually can not be described!  The thanks and gratitude I feel for those who helped me in my recovery can be felt by us if we take time to "RESCUE THOSE" in need.

"MY WORDS WILL NOT PASS AWAY!"

Matthew 24:32-35                       (ESV)

"32 "From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near.

33 So also, WHEN YOU SEE ALL THESE THINGS, you know that he is near, at the very gates.

34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.

35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but "MY WORDS WILL NOT PASS AWAY."

Many times WORDS can be made to reflect the feelings being experienced by one AT THE TIME, and then those feelings change and the WORDS have to be recanted.  The HOLY BIBLE is the WORD of GOD, and being such, cannot be changed to fit a certain point of view.  As the world continues to digress into what everyone "feels" is right, our morals and standards plummet accordingly.  

JESUS CHRIST was very plain about the END TIMES.  HE said in Matthew 24:37-39 "For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.  For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the SON of MAN."  There are some who refuse to believe in JESUS or the WORDS of the BIBLE.  No man can convince them, only the FATHER can do that (John 6:44)!  

There are those who say that GOD couldn't have meant this, or GOD couldn't have meant that!  But GOD SAID in Isaiah 55:8-9 "For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways and MY thoughts than your thoughts."  There is no way our human minds can tell what GOD expects, other than through continuos study of HIS WORD!  

"MY WORDS WILL NOT PASS AWAY" is not some metaphor.  "Heaven and earth will pass away" isn't a "think-so" or "maybe-so" promise that some great writer dreamed up trying to get his point across.  JESUS came to earth as GOD in the flesh!  HE gave us plenty of WORDS that we sometimes can't grasp in our finite minds.  HIS SPIRIT has to reveal (1 Corinthians 2:6-16) HIS purpose, and will as we Spiritually mature.  Yes, it is true, we will mature and become more and more like HIM, but GOD/JESUS said "MY WORDS WILL NOT PASS AWAY"!!