Matthew 16:24-27 (ESV)
"24 Then JESUS told HIS disciples, "If anyone would come after ME, let him "DENY HIMSELF" and take up his cross and follow ME.
25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for MY sake will find it.
26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
27 For the SON of Man is going to come with HIS angels in the glory of HIS FATHER, and then HE will repay each person according to what he has done."
As I recently stated, last week I found a statement on a Bible Study website that has, quite honestly, captivated me! Memorization has never been a strong suit for me, and the enemy is battling me on memorizing this sentence/paragraph something fierce. And the more I study it, the more I find out why he is battling so. Below is the paragraph of which I refer to:
Only by choosing NOT TO BE SLAVES to our own reasonings and emotions can we win the battle for our minds and begin hearing the voice of GOD within us.
Who in their right MIND would CHOOSE TO BE A SLAVE? But isn't that what JESUS was speaking about in he above scripture? JESUS says in John 8:31-32 that HE will set us free! If JESUS sets us free, we must have been enSLAVED before? What were we enSLAVED to? It could have been "our own reasonings and emotions"! If the paragraph above is true, our MINDS can begin "hearing the voice of GOD within us" when we CHOOSE NOT TO BE SLAVES any longer! We have to CHOOSE not be be a slave. My MIND goes to Joshua 24:15 where it says ".....CHOOSE this day whom you will serve....."! There isn't an option to remain neutral, you either have to serve the Gods of your father, or the gods of the world surrounding you!
Our MINDS are a battlefield where the stakes are eternal. The enemy tries to keep us so busy and "involved" that "we think" we don't have time to listen to "the voice of GOD within us"! If we "DENY HIMSELF" we are CHOOSING to surrender to the ONE WHO loves us, the ONE WHO Created "this world" in the beginning for HIS glorification! Even Saul on the road to Damascus had to CHOOSE to listen to the voice of GOD; to BE STILL, and KNOW that I AM GOD!
The thing is, we have to CHOOSE NOT TO BE SLAVES in order to "DENY HIMSELF"! There is no in between, no middle ground! Hearing the voice of GOD, the Creator of the Universe, is an incomparable accomplishment, and we generally have to CHOOSE to hear from HIM. When HE "calls" us are we listening? Or are we listening "to our own reasonings and emotions"? When we slow down enough to "DENY HIMSELF" and the things of the flesh, our focus on HIM is a lot clearer!!!
Friday, October 9, 2015
Thursday, October 8, 2015
"WE ARE ONE!"
John 17:20-23 (KJV)
"20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on ME through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as THOU, FATHER, art in ME, and I in THEE, that they also may be one in US: that the world may believe that THOU hast sent ME. 22 And the glory which THOU gavest ME I have given them; that they may be one, even as "WE ARE ONE": 23 I in them, and THOU in ME, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that THOU hast sent ME, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved ME."
John 17 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. While the "MODEL" prayer is given by JESUS in other scriptures, the prayer JESUS spoke to GOD in this chapter is a direct communication to GOD in Heaven from HIS SON, WHO is about to sacrifice HIMSELF for my sin! My heart and mind are in awe as I come to the realization that JESUS' shed blood was for all mankind, but HE would have paid the ransom if it would have only saved me! HE loves me that much!
To understand that "WE ARE ONE" with CHRIST, the SON of the LIVING GOD, is an unmatched honor that my feeble mind may not fully comprehend until I receive a glorified body. JESUS says in John 17:23 "I in them, and THOU in ME, that THEY MAY BE MADE PERFECT in one; and that the world may know that THOU hast sent ME, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved ME." IF I were to TOTALLY SUBMIT to HIS will for my life, JESUS said in John 14:12 "greater works than these shall he do"!
The SPIRIT of GOD, through the power of JESUS CHRIST, lives inside my body. The responsibility of keeping this tabernacle (referred to as my body) "HOLY and acceptable" (Romans 12:1) rests upon me! If I become too "carnal" with MY DESIRES, whatever they may be, GOD is relegated to a lesser role and I am limiting HIS ability to be glorified in my life! So before I consume food that doesn't glorify GOD, drink a drink that doesn't glorify GOD, or any other foreign substance that doesn't glorify GOD, I have to determine why I am endulging?? If "WE ARE ONE" and I don't allow GOD to guide me in the least of these, how can I expect HIM to guide me through WHEN temptations come my way (James 1:2)!
Last week I was reading a Bible Study and came across a sentence that has since captivated me! "Only by choosing NOT TO BE A SLAVE to our own reasonings and emotions can we win the battle for our minds and begin hearing the voice of GOD within is"! The surroundings of "this world", which we are assigned to live in for a period, can cloud our judgement and determination with "our reasonings and emotions"! Since "WE ARE ONE" we should allow HIS SPIRIT to guide or ship where we should go. Why would I want to steer when I have the Creator of the UNIVERSES on board? After all, GOD, JESUS and me, "WE ARE ONE"!!
"20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on ME through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as THOU, FATHER, art in ME, and I in THEE, that they also may be one in US: that the world may believe that THOU hast sent ME. 22 And the glory which THOU gavest ME I have given them; that they may be one, even as "WE ARE ONE": 23 I in them, and THOU in ME, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that THOU hast sent ME, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved ME."
John 17 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. While the "MODEL" prayer is given by JESUS in other scriptures, the prayer JESUS spoke to GOD in this chapter is a direct communication to GOD in Heaven from HIS SON, WHO is about to sacrifice HIMSELF for my sin! My heart and mind are in awe as I come to the realization that JESUS' shed blood was for all mankind, but HE would have paid the ransom if it would have only saved me! HE loves me that much!
To understand that "WE ARE ONE" with CHRIST, the SON of the LIVING GOD, is an unmatched honor that my feeble mind may not fully comprehend until I receive a glorified body. JESUS says in John 17:23 "I in them, and THOU in ME, that THEY MAY BE MADE PERFECT in one; and that the world may know that THOU hast sent ME, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved ME." IF I were to TOTALLY SUBMIT to HIS will for my life, JESUS said in John 14:12 "greater works than these shall he do"!
The SPIRIT of GOD, through the power of JESUS CHRIST, lives inside my body. The responsibility of keeping this tabernacle (referred to as my body) "HOLY and acceptable" (Romans 12:1) rests upon me! If I become too "carnal" with MY DESIRES, whatever they may be, GOD is relegated to a lesser role and I am limiting HIS ability to be glorified in my life! So before I consume food that doesn't glorify GOD, drink a drink that doesn't glorify GOD, or any other foreign substance that doesn't glorify GOD, I have to determine why I am endulging?? If "WE ARE ONE" and I don't allow GOD to guide me in the least of these, how can I expect HIM to guide me through WHEN temptations come my way (James 1:2)!
Last week I was reading a Bible Study and came across a sentence that has since captivated me! "Only by choosing NOT TO BE A SLAVE to our own reasonings and emotions can we win the battle for our minds and begin hearing the voice of GOD within is"! The surroundings of "this world", which we are assigned to live in for a period, can cloud our judgement and determination with "our reasonings and emotions"! Since "WE ARE ONE" we should allow HIS SPIRIT to guide or ship where we should go. Why would I want to steer when I have the Creator of the UNIVERSES on board? After all, GOD, JESUS and me, "WE ARE ONE"!!
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
"ALL SCRIPTURE!"
2 Timothy 3:10-17 (ESV)
"10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,
11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra-which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the LORD rescued me.
12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in CHRIST JESUS will be persecuted,
13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it
15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in CHRIST JESUS.
16 "ALL SCRIPTURE" is breathed out by GOD and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
17 that the man of GOD may be complete, equipped for every good work."
The practice of capitalizing all references to GOD is something I have tried to do for a number of years. For me, it shows a distinction and reverence to GOD that takes minimal effort on my part. While studying this morning something caught my eye that, to me, proved more than interesting. In 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) scripture records "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,......"! Please take note, the word "Scripture" is capitalized, as well as the name of "God"! The WORD of GOD capitalizes the Word used to describe the WORD of GOD! To me, that is no coincidence!
There is no indication, that I am aware of, that any writer of scripture sat down with the express intent of entering a qualified writing into a grand sweepstakes that would qualify as being a part of GOD's WORD? Writings about, and from, the beginning of time until recent days continue to accumulate, but scripture indicates in Revelation 22:18-19 that we should not ADD nor TAKE AWAY from "this book"! GOD ordained the DIVINE writings by flawed men to be used by other flawed men to serve a flawless GOD! Why, because GOD IS HOLY and HIS desire is for us to live HOLY so we can have a relationship with HIM.
One commentary offered this tidbit that I am led to share, "Because of its importance and its claim to be the very Word of God, the Bible has suffered more vicious attacks and attempts to destroy it than any other book in history". Yet, there are those today who still proclaim that we believers are lunatics with deranged sense of "this world" and its future. They don't want to accept that "ALL SCRIPTURE" talking about a loving GOD loving them in theirs sinful condition really exists.
To understand that the HOLY BIBLE records historical events for mankind all the way back to GOD speaking the heavens and earth into existence is an awesom, yet humbling thing. To NOT believe "ALL SCRIPTURE" is from GOD, one would have to argue that all of these writings were kept up with throughout the years, and after Revelations was written, no one else wanted in on the conspiracy of keeping the sect going!
Believing that "ALL SCRIPTURE" was/is breathed by GOD is easier to believe than believing that all of the heavens and the earth just appeared one day out of nothing! The WORD of GOD should be respected as the LOVE letter to HIS creation. Instead HIS creation wants to act as though we are too smart and intelligent to believe that we could have been formed from dust, even when we eventually turn back into the same dust! Wait a minute, isn't "dust to dust" (Genesis 3:19) part of "ALL SCRIPTURE"???
"10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,
11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra-which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the LORD rescued me.
12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in CHRIST JESUS will be persecuted,
13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it
15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in CHRIST JESUS.
16 "ALL SCRIPTURE" is breathed out by GOD and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
17 that the man of GOD may be complete, equipped for every good work."
The practice of capitalizing all references to GOD is something I have tried to do for a number of years. For me, it shows a distinction and reverence to GOD that takes minimal effort on my part. While studying this morning something caught my eye that, to me, proved more than interesting. In 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) scripture records "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,......"! Please take note, the word "Scripture" is capitalized, as well as the name of "God"! The WORD of GOD capitalizes the Word used to describe the WORD of GOD! To me, that is no coincidence!
There is no indication, that I am aware of, that any writer of scripture sat down with the express intent of entering a qualified writing into a grand sweepstakes that would qualify as being a part of GOD's WORD? Writings about, and from, the beginning of time until recent days continue to accumulate, but scripture indicates in Revelation 22:18-19 that we should not ADD nor TAKE AWAY from "this book"! GOD ordained the DIVINE writings by flawed men to be used by other flawed men to serve a flawless GOD! Why, because GOD IS HOLY and HIS desire is for us to live HOLY so we can have a relationship with HIM.
One commentary offered this tidbit that I am led to share, "Because of its importance and its claim to be the very Word of God, the Bible has suffered more vicious attacks and attempts to destroy it than any other book in history". Yet, there are those today who still proclaim that we believers are lunatics with deranged sense of "this world" and its future. They don't want to accept that "ALL SCRIPTURE" talking about a loving GOD loving them in theirs sinful condition really exists.
To understand that the HOLY BIBLE records historical events for mankind all the way back to GOD speaking the heavens and earth into existence is an awesom, yet humbling thing. To NOT believe "ALL SCRIPTURE" is from GOD, one would have to argue that all of these writings were kept up with throughout the years, and after Revelations was written, no one else wanted in on the conspiracy of keeping the sect going!
Believing that "ALL SCRIPTURE" was/is breathed by GOD is easier to believe than believing that all of the heavens and the earth just appeared one day out of nothing! The WORD of GOD should be respected as the LOVE letter to HIS creation. Instead HIS creation wants to act as though we are too smart and intelligent to believe that we could have been formed from dust, even when we eventually turn back into the same dust! Wait a minute, isn't "dust to dust" (Genesis 3:19) part of "ALL SCRIPTURE"???
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
"HE LEFT THEM!"
Mark 8:11-13 (ESV)
"11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with HIM, seeking from HIM a sign from heaven to test HIM.
12 And HE sighed deeply in HIS Spirit and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation."
13 And "HE LEFT THEM", got into the boat again, and went to the other side."
Sometimes I have to SLOW things down and read them extremely deliberately. Recently. while I was waiting at a business, I was reading scripture on my iPhone. I got to Mark 8:11 and it was one of those SLOW down moments! I had to literally read verse 11 one word at a time! The reason for this will bear itself rather quickly I pray.
When I read "The Pharisees" my mind immediately thought about the "establishment" church hierarchy. These people weren't interested in JESUS showing HE was GOD's SON, only that HE was upsetting their apple cart, their self-appointed religious royalty! The Pharisees "came and began to argue with HIM"! I have heard of people who don't need a reason to argue, they just need an opportunity! The Pharisees seemed to fit that category.
Then my mind went to Washington DC. We have democrats and republicans who act as though they are the "elite" rather than servants they were elected to be! One is left to wonder if JESUS HIMSELF came to a joint meeting of the House of Representatives and the United States Senate, would HE even be welcomed? JESUS actually "sighed deeply" in HIS Spirit when the Pharisees began to argue with HIM.
There are those whom we have no choice but to saturate that place with your absence. When "HE LEFT THEM", JESUS removed their ability of the Pharisees to twist what HE said to fit their agenda. HE knew they weren't under conviction, but we're only there for their own agenda. They weren't trying to see what THEY NEEDED to do to satisfy their sin debt, rather they were trying to "test", or trick HIM! JESUS could "see" that the Pharisees had bad intentions because HE wasn't blinded by disdain or frustration with their schemes. HE sighed deeply showing no interest in their arguing!
When one refuses to humble themselves before a HOLY GOD, "it is a fearful thing" (Hebrews 10:31)! When "HE LEFT THEM" the Pharisees should have known they were not part of GOD's Plan, but their eyes were blinded to The TRUTH! JESUS humbled HIMSELF (Philippians 2:5-9) to the point of death, yet because the Pharisees refused to humble themselves, "HE LEFT THEM" !
"11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with HIM, seeking from HIM a sign from heaven to test HIM.
12 And HE sighed deeply in HIS Spirit and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation."
13 And "HE LEFT THEM", got into the boat again, and went to the other side."
Sometimes I have to SLOW things down and read them extremely deliberately. Recently. while I was waiting at a business, I was reading scripture on my iPhone. I got to Mark 8:11 and it was one of those SLOW down moments! I had to literally read verse 11 one word at a time! The reason for this will bear itself rather quickly I pray.
When I read "The Pharisees" my mind immediately thought about the "establishment" church hierarchy. These people weren't interested in JESUS showing HE was GOD's SON, only that HE was upsetting their apple cart, their self-appointed religious royalty! The Pharisees "came and began to argue with HIM"! I have heard of people who don't need a reason to argue, they just need an opportunity! The Pharisees seemed to fit that category.
Then my mind went to Washington DC. We have democrats and republicans who act as though they are the "elite" rather than servants they were elected to be! One is left to wonder if JESUS HIMSELF came to a joint meeting of the House of Representatives and the United States Senate, would HE even be welcomed? JESUS actually "sighed deeply" in HIS Spirit when the Pharisees began to argue with HIM.
There are those whom we have no choice but to saturate that place with your absence. When "HE LEFT THEM", JESUS removed their ability of the Pharisees to twist what HE said to fit their agenda. HE knew they weren't under conviction, but we're only there for their own agenda. They weren't trying to see what THEY NEEDED to do to satisfy their sin debt, rather they were trying to "test", or trick HIM! JESUS could "see" that the Pharisees had bad intentions because HE wasn't blinded by disdain or frustration with their schemes. HE sighed deeply showing no interest in their arguing!
When one refuses to humble themselves before a HOLY GOD, "it is a fearful thing" (Hebrews 10:31)! When "HE LEFT THEM" the Pharisees should have known they were not part of GOD's Plan, but their eyes were blinded to The TRUTH! JESUS humbled HIMSELF (Philippians 2:5-9) to the point of death, yet because the Pharisees refused to humble themselves, "HE LEFT THEM" !
Monday, October 5, 2015
"THE SPIRIT INTERCEDES!"
Romans 8:26-27 (ESV)
"26 Likewise the SPIRIT helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the SPIRIT HIMSELF intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
27 And HE who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the SPIRIT, because "THE SPIRIT INTERCEDES" for the saints according to the will of GOD."
In "this world" where I live at a pace so busy and confusing, I sometimes hear from GOD in the most opportune, and inopportune, times! A month or so ago, while on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, I was listening to the birds singing to their Creator with such blissful orchestration. When I thought that the Creator, WHO spoke this world into existence, not only deserves, but inhabits our praises, it humbled me to understand that HE was speaking to me while the birds were singing to HIM.
Recently, while driving home, I was tired from enjoying a weekend of keeping a grandchild when another driver took exception with my driving skills. Everyone has flaws, and one of my greatest weaknesses is grasping that not everyone has the same driving abilities that GOD has blessed me with. It is kind of like this, my wife is an EXCELLENT pastry chef, but I am not. I tend to allow her to do the baking because she is so good at it. She doesn't realize how GOOD her pastries are because IT IS A GIFT from GOD that she has! Anyway, after the other driver "saluted" me and made sure his disdain was made known to me, I realized "the enemy" was attempting to take my joy from my weekend with GOD's gift! It was if GOD was "using" this person to teach me a subtle lesson, just to see if I was listening to, and for, HIM.
There are times when GOD blatantly reveals HIMSELF to us, and there are times when "THE SPIRIT INTERCEDES" for us with groanings too deep for words! Writing about an imperfection is not something that is fun to do. But knowing GOD is working to make me a tool that can glorify HIS name is exciting! Not everyone can say they have the SPIRIT of the living GOD living in them. Romans 8:9 says "Anyone who does not have the SPIRIT of CHRIST does not belong to him." Since I have the SPIRIT living in me, I need to admit it when HE is molding me more into HIS image.
To be able to hear and see GOD speaking to me through difficulties and trials (James 1:1-18) is part of the Spiritual maturation process. There seems to be a certain "wavelength" that GOD operates on, and I have always wanted GOD to speak to me on MY wavelength. But GOD is showing me that true PEACE can only come though being on HIS wavelength. LORD, cause me to allow YOU to speak to me on YOUR wavelength, but when I miss YOU, I pray "THE SPIRIT INTERCEDES" for me!
"26 Likewise the SPIRIT helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the SPIRIT HIMSELF intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
27 And HE who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the SPIRIT, because "THE SPIRIT INTERCEDES" for the saints according to the will of GOD."
In "this world" where I live at a pace so busy and confusing, I sometimes hear from GOD in the most opportune, and inopportune, times! A month or so ago, while on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, I was listening to the birds singing to their Creator with such blissful orchestration. When I thought that the Creator, WHO spoke this world into existence, not only deserves, but inhabits our praises, it humbled me to understand that HE was speaking to me while the birds were singing to HIM.
Recently, while driving home, I was tired from enjoying a weekend of keeping a grandchild when another driver took exception with my driving skills. Everyone has flaws, and one of my greatest weaknesses is grasping that not everyone has the same driving abilities that GOD has blessed me with. It is kind of like this, my wife is an EXCELLENT pastry chef, but I am not. I tend to allow her to do the baking because she is so good at it. She doesn't realize how GOOD her pastries are because IT IS A GIFT from GOD that she has! Anyway, after the other driver "saluted" me and made sure his disdain was made known to me, I realized "the enemy" was attempting to take my joy from my weekend with GOD's gift! It was if GOD was "using" this person to teach me a subtle lesson, just to see if I was listening to, and for, HIM.
There are times when GOD blatantly reveals HIMSELF to us, and there are times when "THE SPIRIT INTERCEDES" for us with groanings too deep for words! Writing about an imperfection is not something that is fun to do. But knowing GOD is working to make me a tool that can glorify HIS name is exciting! Not everyone can say they have the SPIRIT of the living GOD living in them. Romans 8:9 says "Anyone who does not have the SPIRIT of CHRIST does not belong to him." Since I have the SPIRIT living in me, I need to admit it when HE is molding me more into HIS image.
To be able to hear and see GOD speaking to me through difficulties and trials (James 1:1-18) is part of the Spiritual maturation process. There seems to be a certain "wavelength" that GOD operates on, and I have always wanted GOD to speak to me on MY wavelength. But GOD is showing me that true PEACE can only come though being on HIS wavelength. LORD, cause me to allow YOU to speak to me on YOUR wavelength, but when I miss YOU, I pray "THE SPIRIT INTERCEDES" for me!
Friday, October 2, 2015
"WISDOM OF THE WORLD!"
1 Corinthians 1:20-25 (ESV)
"20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not GOD made foolish the "WISDOM OF THE WORLD"?
21 For since, in the wisdom of GOD, the world did not know GOD through wisdom, it pleased GOD through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.
22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,
23 but we preach CHRIST crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,
24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, CHRIST the power of GOD and the wisdom of GOD.
25 For the foolishness of GOD is wiser than men, and the weakness of GOD is stronger than men."
Remembering September 11, 2001 is not a comfortable thing to do. It wasn't as if the enemy used an elaborately detailed, computerized, scientifically amazing monstrosity to bring the most powerful nation to ever exist to its knees! The enemy used a simple phenomenon known as FEAR to literally bring to a stop our country because we allowed evil to go unchecked in the name of TOLERANCE!
The "WISDOM OF THE WORLD" tells us that THERE IS NO GOD and we don't need to allow HIS precepts and HIS Word into the public arena. However, when our FAITH is not focused on GOD and the things of GOD, FEAR can run amuck amongst us. When we TOLERATE evil and the things that make evil flourish, our entire society becomes infected with the disease of TOLERANCE! In Luke 11:35-36 JESUS says "Therefore BE CAREFUL lest the light in you be darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, HAVING NO PART DARK, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light." JESUS alerted us to BE CAREFUL, yet we are now TOLERANT!
"This world" would have us believe that the things of GOD is foolishness and antiquated. Surely the "WISDOM OF THE WORLD" in the time of JESUS' earthly ministry thought HIS precepts and Words were outdated and ancient! So "this world" attempted to put this light out of view so their lifestyle wouldn't be cramped by HIM. They were unsuccessful in that attempt, as JESUS overcame death, hell, and the grave and lives even today!
Why does HIS Church let the "WISDOM OF THE WORLD" intimidate us into believing we must follow their rules and be subjugated to their plan? GOD's Plan is the chart we should be studying and following. The "WISDOM OF THE WORLD" allows men with primitive tools and a false god cause FEAR and trembling to reign over all. Joshua said it best in Joshua 24:15 when he spoke "But as for me and my house, WE WILL serve the LORD." The CHOICE is still our own! We can CHOOSE to serve the "WISDOM OF THE WORLD", or we can "serve the LORD"!
"20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not GOD made foolish the "WISDOM OF THE WORLD"?
21 For since, in the wisdom of GOD, the world did not know GOD through wisdom, it pleased GOD through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.
22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,
23 but we preach CHRIST crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,
24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, CHRIST the power of GOD and the wisdom of GOD.
25 For the foolishness of GOD is wiser than men, and the weakness of GOD is stronger than men."
Remembering September 11, 2001 is not a comfortable thing to do. It wasn't as if the enemy used an elaborately detailed, computerized, scientifically amazing monstrosity to bring the most powerful nation to ever exist to its knees! The enemy used a simple phenomenon known as FEAR to literally bring to a stop our country because we allowed evil to go unchecked in the name of TOLERANCE!
The "WISDOM OF THE WORLD" tells us that THERE IS NO GOD and we don't need to allow HIS precepts and HIS Word into the public arena. However, when our FAITH is not focused on GOD and the things of GOD, FEAR can run amuck amongst us. When we TOLERATE evil and the things that make evil flourish, our entire society becomes infected with the disease of TOLERANCE! In Luke 11:35-36 JESUS says "Therefore BE CAREFUL lest the light in you be darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, HAVING NO PART DARK, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light." JESUS alerted us to BE CAREFUL, yet we are now TOLERANT!
"This world" would have us believe that the things of GOD is foolishness and antiquated. Surely the "WISDOM OF THE WORLD" in the time of JESUS' earthly ministry thought HIS precepts and Words were outdated and ancient! So "this world" attempted to put this light out of view so their lifestyle wouldn't be cramped by HIM. They were unsuccessful in that attempt, as JESUS overcame death, hell, and the grave and lives even today!
Why does HIS Church let the "WISDOM OF THE WORLD" intimidate us into believing we must follow their rules and be subjugated to their plan? GOD's Plan is the chart we should be studying and following. The "WISDOM OF THE WORLD" allows men with primitive tools and a false god cause FEAR and trembling to reign over all. Joshua said it best in Joshua 24:15 when he spoke "But as for me and my house, WE WILL serve the LORD." The CHOICE is still our own! We can CHOOSE to serve the "WISDOM OF THE WORLD", or we can "serve the LORD"!
Thursday, October 1, 2015
"GOD ABIDES IN US!"
1 John 4:12-14 (ESV)
"12 No one has ever seen GOD; if we love one another, "GOD ABIDES IN US" and HIS love is perfected in us.
13 By this we know that we abide in HIM and HE in us, because HE has given us of HIS SPIRIT.
14 And we have seen and testify that the FATHER has sent HIS SON to be the SAVIOR of the world."
When I was 17 1/2 years old I came one from church on Sunday January 08, 1978 with no purpose or direction in my life. To say I was miserable would not begin to describe how desperate my situation was. The way I remember things, I laid in my bed and literally begged GOD to remove the turmoil and strife from my life, and to replace it with PEACE! That was the wisest decision I ever made!
Since that day, it seems my life has been a "poster-child" for what NOT to do as far as serving HIM. Failing HIM has been a regular occurrence in my life, but HIS love for me has never failed! The SPIRIT OF GOD has prevented me from some unwise choices that I was dead set on making. It is often spoken about someone having tremendous "will power"! Well I never had great "will power", but I did have "GOD ABIDES IN US" to guide me out of some choices that I was set on making!
"GOD ABIDES IN US" to steer us into situations that HE will be glorified in. It seems I sometimes get myself into some situations and circumstances that cause me to wonder what I was thinking? The Bible also indicates that things in "this world" are only going to get worse! In 2 Timothy 3:12-13 scripture records "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in CHRIST JESUS "WILL BE" persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from BAD TO WORSE, deceiving and being deceived."
Knowing that "GOD ABIDES IN US" gives me peace and comfort, removing all STRIFE from my life, as GOD has given us of HIS SPIRIT! No one has ever seen GOD, but we can make sure our lives display HIM as much as we can "if we love one another"! We are to "separate" ourselves from the world, but we can love them at the same time! JESUS loved AND healed many lepers during HIS earthly ministry, but HE didn't live with them. If we better displayed "GOD ABIDES IN US" there might be more who would be drawn to The FATHER.
HOLY GOD, I pray that I will be a better example of "GOD ABIDES IN US" and "this world" will see YOU living in me!
"12 No one has ever seen GOD; if we love one another, "GOD ABIDES IN US" and HIS love is perfected in us.
13 By this we know that we abide in HIM and HE in us, because HE has given us of HIS SPIRIT.
14 And we have seen and testify that the FATHER has sent HIS SON to be the SAVIOR of the world."
When I was 17 1/2 years old I came one from church on Sunday January 08, 1978 with no purpose or direction in my life. To say I was miserable would not begin to describe how desperate my situation was. The way I remember things, I laid in my bed and literally begged GOD to remove the turmoil and strife from my life, and to replace it with PEACE! That was the wisest decision I ever made!
Since that day, it seems my life has been a "poster-child" for what NOT to do as far as serving HIM. Failing HIM has been a regular occurrence in my life, but HIS love for me has never failed! The SPIRIT OF GOD has prevented me from some unwise choices that I was dead set on making. It is often spoken about someone having tremendous "will power"! Well I never had great "will power", but I did have "GOD ABIDES IN US" to guide me out of some choices that I was set on making!
"GOD ABIDES IN US" to steer us into situations that HE will be glorified in. It seems I sometimes get myself into some situations and circumstances that cause me to wonder what I was thinking? The Bible also indicates that things in "this world" are only going to get worse! In 2 Timothy 3:12-13 scripture records "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in CHRIST JESUS "WILL BE" persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from BAD TO WORSE, deceiving and being deceived."
Knowing that "GOD ABIDES IN US" gives me peace and comfort, removing all STRIFE from my life, as GOD has given us of HIS SPIRIT! No one has ever seen GOD, but we can make sure our lives display HIM as much as we can "if we love one another"! We are to "separate" ourselves from the world, but we can love them at the same time! JESUS loved AND healed many lepers during HIS earthly ministry, but HE didn't live with them. If we better displayed "GOD ABIDES IN US" there might be more who would be drawn to The FATHER.
HOLY GOD, I pray that I will be a better example of "GOD ABIDES IN US" and "this world" will see YOU living in me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)