Romans 14:22-23 (ESV)
"22 The FAITH that you have, keep "BETWEEN YOURSELF AND GOD". Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.
23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. FOR WHATEVER DOES NOT PROCEED FROM FAITH IS SIN."
Enlightening ! Walking by FAITH is not just an option for the Spiritually strong, rather a command for even the weakest of believers! If we are walking by FAITH we have no other choice but to trust HIM with everything. Having FAITH can be the most rewarding activity we can engage in, but it can also be the most challenging. It is so "natural" to desire to work things out on our own. Growing our natural man should not be a goal of a Spiritual being though!
The key to living a life that pleases GOD is to have FAITH! "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" according to Hebrews 11:6. Romans 8:23 says, in part, "FOR WHATEVER DOES NOT PROCEED FROM FAITH IS SIN." Can it be more plainly stated that GOD loves, and requires, us to have FAITH in HIS ability to sustain us..........and on HIS timetable.
Others may see our FAITH and be drawn to GOD because of it, or be drawn closer to HIM, but our FAITH will only be "BETWEEN YOURSELF AND GOD". There is no one else WHO can judge us concerning our FAITH than the INVISIBLE GOD. While "this world" may not be able to actually SEE HIM, one can surely see HIS effect in Creation and life itself.
The conclusion of the matter is this, whether you BELIEVE there is a GOD or not, is between "BETWEEN YOURSELF AND GOD". That decision must be made while you are here......in "this world"! There will be NO DOUBT when we reach the next world. But that is "BETWEEN YOURSELF AND GOD"!!
Friday, January 15, 2016
Thursday, January 14, 2016
"THE LORD IS WITH YOU!"
Luke 1:26-33 (ESV)
"26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from GOD to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
28 And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, "THE LORD IS WITH YOU!"
29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.
30 And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for YOU HAVE FOUND FAVOR with GOD.
31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a SON, and you shall call his name JESUS.
32 HE will be great and will be called the SON of the MOST HIGH. And the LORD GOD will give to HIM the throne of his father David,
33 and HE will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of HIS kingdom there will be no end."
There is no greater experience than getting a Word from GOD. To understand that the Creator of the Universes, Who simply spoke the heavens and earth into existence, would speak to, and through, a mortal being is humbling, yet extremely comforting. GOD is Spirit (John 4:24), and being a Spirit HIS method of communication is not heard by those of "this world" (1 Corinthians 2:14), only by those who are "of the Spirit".
Mary was a young woman, many say between 13 and 15 years of age. But she favored by GOD (Luke 1:28), and she was used by GOD to deliver HIS SON to mankind. Now being so young Mary hadn't had the opportunity to build her resume for GOD. She couldn't prove her worthiness to be a vessel to incubate GOD in the flesh. The word FAVORED literally means "to receive grace"! She was just FAVORED because of WHO GOD is, not because of who she was!
Many times throughout scripture GOD reveals HIS PLAN. Remember that GOD is Spirit, and in verse 28 above scripture reveals "THE LORD IS WITH YOU"! GOD has been "in our midst" (Zephaniah 3:17) for a long time, but mankind has failed to recognize HIM when HIS presence was revealed to them. HE chose to come as a baby to a humble family of meager means RATHER than royalty and grandeur. Had JESUS been exalted with royalty then I might have thought I had to have wealth to please HIM? But HE came as a lowly carpenter and let HIS Spirit elevate HIM as needed.
There is a misconception that we must have the best buildings, drive the best cars, wear the finest clothes, basically accumulate THINGS for the KINGDOM. GOD is "still" Spirit (HE hasn't changed) and HE isn't impressed with our offerings, but our obedience! What we need to do is make sure "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" and leave the rest to HIM!!
"26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from GOD to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
28 And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, "THE LORD IS WITH YOU!"
29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.
30 And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for YOU HAVE FOUND FAVOR with GOD.
31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a SON, and you shall call his name JESUS.
32 HE will be great and will be called the SON of the MOST HIGH. And the LORD GOD will give to HIM the throne of his father David,
33 and HE will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of HIS kingdom there will be no end."
There is no greater experience than getting a Word from GOD. To understand that the Creator of the Universes, Who simply spoke the heavens and earth into existence, would speak to, and through, a mortal being is humbling, yet extremely comforting. GOD is Spirit (John 4:24), and being a Spirit HIS method of communication is not heard by those of "this world" (1 Corinthians 2:14), only by those who are "of the Spirit".
Mary was a young woman, many say between 13 and 15 years of age. But she favored by GOD (Luke 1:28), and she was used by GOD to deliver HIS SON to mankind. Now being so young Mary hadn't had the opportunity to build her resume for GOD. She couldn't prove her worthiness to be a vessel to incubate GOD in the flesh. The word FAVORED literally means "to receive grace"! She was just FAVORED because of WHO GOD is, not because of who she was!
Many times throughout scripture GOD reveals HIS PLAN. Remember that GOD is Spirit, and in verse 28 above scripture reveals "THE LORD IS WITH YOU"! GOD has been "in our midst" (Zephaniah 3:17) for a long time, but mankind has failed to recognize HIM when HIS presence was revealed to them. HE chose to come as a baby to a humble family of meager means RATHER than royalty and grandeur. Had JESUS been exalted with royalty then I might have thought I had to have wealth to please HIM? But HE came as a lowly carpenter and let HIS Spirit elevate HIM as needed.
There is a misconception that we must have the best buildings, drive the best cars, wear the finest clothes, basically accumulate THINGS for the KINGDOM. GOD is "still" Spirit (HE hasn't changed) and HE isn't impressed with our offerings, but our obedience! What we need to do is make sure "THE LORD IS WITH YOU" and leave the rest to HIM!!
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
"PAY ATTENTION!"
2 Peter 1:16-21 (ESV)
"16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, but we were eyewitnesses of HIS majesty.
17 For when HE received honor and glory from GOD the Father, and the voice was borne to HIM by the Majestic Glory, "This is MY beloved SON, with whom I am well pleased,"
18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with HIM on the holy mountain.
19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to "PAY ATTENTION" as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,
20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation.
21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from GOD as they were carried along by the HOLY SPIRIT."
Knowing that someone is hearing from GOD can be a a difficult thing to discern. How does one KNOW that they are hearing from THE CREATOR or "following cleverly devised myths" that may be authored by the great deceiver? GOD has a Plan and HE can even use evil men to accomplish that Plan. Even Pharaoh of old had to give chase to the Israelites before GOD could "get glory over Pharaoh and all his hosts"!
When GOD's Word is being proclaimed by HIS prophet, one sure way to determine if what you are hearing is from GOD is to see how many people are following the Word? 1 Peter 1:19 says to "PAY ATTENTION" as to a lamp shining in a dark place! "This world" would have NEVER been able to SEE what GOD would be doing, but HIS ways are NOT our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9)! In the end, the Israelites and the Egyptians believed GOD "AND" Moses! In Exodus 14:31 the Bible states "Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD AND IN HIS SERVANT MOSES!" In recent times, GOD has sent modern day Moses' to proclaim HIS Word, but is anybody "PAYING ATTENTION"!!
When GOD gives a multitude of warnings (heart attack, stroke, cancer, etc....), HIS judgement can be monumental! Just look at the bottom of the Red Sea! All of the warnings (plagues) sent by GOD seem vividly clear looking back. Pharaoh and his armies would have done well to "PAY ATTENTION" to what was coming their way. But they were too comfortable and set in their own ways........TOO COMFORTABLE AND SET IN THEIR OWN WAYS!!
Perhaps the United States could do well to "PAY ATTENTION" to GOD's Warnings HE has sent the United States? The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the stock market crash of 2008, the attacks on the Benghazi embassy, the numerous terrorist attacks on United States soil, are just a few of the warnings that the United States has experienced. My prayer is that the United States will not be BLIND to HIS warnings and will "PAY ATTENTION" and turn back to HIM and HIS protections.
"16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, but we were eyewitnesses of HIS majesty.
17 For when HE received honor and glory from GOD the Father, and the voice was borne to HIM by the Majestic Glory, "This is MY beloved SON, with whom I am well pleased,"
18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with HIM on the holy mountain.
19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to "PAY ATTENTION" as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,
20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation.
21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from GOD as they were carried along by the HOLY SPIRIT."
Knowing that someone is hearing from GOD can be a a difficult thing to discern. How does one KNOW that they are hearing from THE CREATOR or "following cleverly devised myths" that may be authored by the great deceiver? GOD has a Plan and HE can even use evil men to accomplish that Plan. Even Pharaoh of old had to give chase to the Israelites before GOD could "get glory over Pharaoh and all his hosts"!
When GOD's Word is being proclaimed by HIS prophet, one sure way to determine if what you are hearing is from GOD is to see how many people are following the Word? 1 Peter 1:19 says to "PAY ATTENTION" as to a lamp shining in a dark place! "This world" would have NEVER been able to SEE what GOD would be doing, but HIS ways are NOT our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9)! In the end, the Israelites and the Egyptians believed GOD "AND" Moses! In Exodus 14:31 the Bible states "Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD AND IN HIS SERVANT MOSES!" In recent times, GOD has sent modern day Moses' to proclaim HIS Word, but is anybody "PAYING ATTENTION"!!
When GOD gives a multitude of warnings (heart attack, stroke, cancer, etc....), HIS judgement can be monumental! Just look at the bottom of the Red Sea! All of the warnings (plagues) sent by GOD seem vividly clear looking back. Pharaoh and his armies would have done well to "PAY ATTENTION" to what was coming their way. But they were too comfortable and set in their own ways........TOO COMFORTABLE AND SET IN THEIR OWN WAYS!!
Perhaps the United States could do well to "PAY ATTENTION" to GOD's Warnings HE has sent the United States? The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the stock market crash of 2008, the attacks on the Benghazi embassy, the numerous terrorist attacks on United States soil, are just a few of the warnings that the United States has experienced. My prayer is that the United States will not be BLIND to HIS warnings and will "PAY ATTENTION" and turn back to HIM and HIS protections.
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
"LISTEN TO ME!"
Job 33:31-33 (ESV)
"31 Pay attention, O Job, "LISTEN TO ME"; be silent, and I will speak.
32 If you have any words, answer me; speak, for I desire to justify you.
33 If not, "LISTEN TO ME": be silent, and I will teach you wisdom."
Recently, while looking back at some of my previous writings, I took the opportunity to read a devotional written on February 11, 2012. In that devotional the words "BE SILENT" was emphasized as my Spirit was awful busy at the time. My mind has almost been consumed with these three verses since reviewing them, but my focus has been more about "LISTEN TO ME" now. The BE SILENT command seems to have been overtaken by "LISTEN TO ME" in my life.
The first "LISTEN TO ME" in this passage is followed by "and I will speak". Being silent can be difficult for some, especially when we think we are so important that what we have to say really matters! When GOD speaks HE expects us to be listening so we will hear HIM. Many people say that GOD doesn't speak to them, but HE probably can't be heard over their complaints and rhetoric. HIS requirement is for us to "LISTEN TO ME" first, and THEN HE will speak to us!
The second "LISTEN TO ME" is followed " and I will teach you wisdom"! Can you imagine being taught by the ONE who Created the universes, simply by speaking them into existence? I have had some good teachers in my life, but to be a student of YAHWEH is something that that you would certainly want to take notes of. GOD THE FATHER desires to teach all HIS creation, but HIS teaching MUST be preceded by us taking the time to "LISTEN TO ME"!
It would seem that everyone whose eyes had been made to see the existence of a Creator, would be not only willing to hear from the Creator, but would be excited to know that YAHWEH wanted to teach them. How sad to know there are some that will not "LISTEN TO ME" because they are too busy with their own agenda to download instructions from HEAVEN! Can you fathom GOD THE CREATOR desiring to talk and teach you? HE will, if we will only "LISTEN TO ME"!!!
"31 Pay attention, O Job, "LISTEN TO ME"; be silent, and I will speak.
32 If you have any words, answer me; speak, for I desire to justify you.
33 If not, "LISTEN TO ME": be silent, and I will teach you wisdom."
Recently, while looking back at some of my previous writings, I took the opportunity to read a devotional written on February 11, 2012. In that devotional the words "BE SILENT" was emphasized as my Spirit was awful busy at the time. My mind has almost been consumed with these three verses since reviewing them, but my focus has been more about "LISTEN TO ME" now. The BE SILENT command seems to have been overtaken by "LISTEN TO ME" in my life.
The first "LISTEN TO ME" in this passage is followed by "and I will speak". Being silent can be difficult for some, especially when we think we are so important that what we have to say really matters! When GOD speaks HE expects us to be listening so we will hear HIM. Many people say that GOD doesn't speak to them, but HE probably can't be heard over their complaints and rhetoric. HIS requirement is for us to "LISTEN TO ME" first, and THEN HE will speak to us!
The second "LISTEN TO ME" is followed " and I will teach you wisdom"! Can you imagine being taught by the ONE who Created the universes, simply by speaking them into existence? I have had some good teachers in my life, but to be a student of YAHWEH is something that that you would certainly want to take notes of. GOD THE FATHER desires to teach all HIS creation, but HIS teaching MUST be preceded by us taking the time to "LISTEN TO ME"!
It would seem that everyone whose eyes had been made to see the existence of a Creator, would be not only willing to hear from the Creator, but would be excited to know that YAHWEH wanted to teach them. How sad to know there are some that will not "LISTEN TO ME" because they are too busy with their own agenda to download instructions from HEAVEN! Can you fathom GOD THE CREATOR desiring to talk and teach you? HE will, if we will only "LISTEN TO ME"!!!
Monday, January 11, 2016
"NOW I KNOW!"
Genesis 22:9-14 (ESV)
"9 When they came to the place of which GOD had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.
10 Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son.
11 But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am."
12 HE said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for "NOW I KNOW" that you fear GOD, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from ME."
13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son.
14 So Abraham called the name of that place, "The LORD will provide"; as it is said to this day, "On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided."
The account of Abraham offering Isaac as an offering is one that has always been difficult for me to grasp. It became even harder after my sons were born and me trying to imagine GOD asking me to offer either of them as a sacrifice. Being able to willingly take the life of someone you love must be the most difficult thing imaginable. Maybe that is why GOD led Abraham up Mt. Moriah to display his faith that GOD would provide.
Most of us would probably want to say that we think GOD would not put us in a similar position. HE is a loving GOD that according to scripture considered Abraham HIS friend (2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8). Trying to envision a friend of mine hearing that I requiring them to sacrifice one of their children to display their love for me is not something I care to dwell on. Yet Abraham journeyed up the mountain and built an altar with the express intent of using Isaac as an offering to GOD ALMIGHTY, without hesitation.
When GOD saw that Abraham was carrying through as instructed, GOD intervened, providing a ram caught in a thicket by his horns. GOD told Abraham not to harm the boy, for "NOW I KNOW" that you fear GOD and will be obedient. But we all know that GOD is sovereign and knows everything that has ever happened and will ever happen, so why did HE say "NOW I KNOW" to Abraham? Was GOD enlightened to find out that Abraham was being obedient? Could Abraham have failed in this test?
To understand that GOD knew Abraham was going to be obedient, and that a sacrifice would still be needed (ram in a thicket) is not the part that amazes me. Sure GOD knew that Abraham would be obedient, but Abraham found out on Mt. Moriah that day what GOD already knew! Because of Abraham's faith that GOD was REAL, and that "GOD will provide for HIMSELF" a lamb, he now was able to see evidence of his faith. While it was true that GOD said for "NOW I KNOW" to Abraham, it was also true that Abraham could now say "NOW I KNOW" that GOD will do what HE says!!
"9 When they came to the place of which GOD had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.
10 Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son.
11 But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am."
12 HE said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for "NOW I KNOW" that you fear GOD, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from ME."
13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son.
14 So Abraham called the name of that place, "The LORD will provide"; as it is said to this day, "On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided."
The account of Abraham offering Isaac as an offering is one that has always been difficult for me to grasp. It became even harder after my sons were born and me trying to imagine GOD asking me to offer either of them as a sacrifice. Being able to willingly take the life of someone you love must be the most difficult thing imaginable. Maybe that is why GOD led Abraham up Mt. Moriah to display his faith that GOD would provide.
Most of us would probably want to say that we think GOD would not put us in a similar position. HE is a loving GOD that according to scripture considered Abraham HIS friend (2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8). Trying to envision a friend of mine hearing that I requiring them to sacrifice one of their children to display their love for me is not something I care to dwell on. Yet Abraham journeyed up the mountain and built an altar with the express intent of using Isaac as an offering to GOD ALMIGHTY, without hesitation.
When GOD saw that Abraham was carrying through as instructed, GOD intervened, providing a ram caught in a thicket by his horns. GOD told Abraham not to harm the boy, for "NOW I KNOW" that you fear GOD and will be obedient. But we all know that GOD is sovereign and knows everything that has ever happened and will ever happen, so why did HE say "NOW I KNOW" to Abraham? Was GOD enlightened to find out that Abraham was being obedient? Could Abraham have failed in this test?
To understand that GOD knew Abraham was going to be obedient, and that a sacrifice would still be needed (ram in a thicket) is not the part that amazes me. Sure GOD knew that Abraham would be obedient, but Abraham found out on Mt. Moriah that day what GOD already knew! Because of Abraham's faith that GOD was REAL, and that "GOD will provide for HIMSELF" a lamb, he now was able to see evidence of his faith. While it was true that GOD said for "NOW I KNOW" to Abraham, it was also true that Abraham could now say "NOW I KNOW" that GOD will do what HE says!!
Saturday, January 9, 2016
"LEAVE HER ALONE!"
John 12:1-8 (ESV)
"1 Six days before the Passover, JESUS therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom JESUS had raised from the dead.
2 So they gave a dinner for HIM there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with HIM at table.
3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of JESUS and wiped HIS feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray HIM), said,
5 "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?"
6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 JESUS said, "LEAVE HER ALONE", so that she may keep it for the day of MY burial.
8 For the poor you ALWAYS have with you, but you do not always have ME."
There are few lessons that are more uncomfortable than when JESUS CHRIST had to almost rebuke Judas Iscariot about his wanting to refocus the efforts of Mary when she anointed the feet of JESUS with ointment. One can almost line up with the thinking of Judas as this ointment was very valuable and the feet of one of the groups leaders was having this expensive ointment spent on HIM while so many were in need. Maybe Mary could SEE, and Judas Iscariot couldn't SEE, that this was GOD IN THE FLESH and they were chosen among all creation to experience HIM walking among them? Maybe JESUS was teaching a lesson to us all that we will NEVER be able to celebrate HIM enough, just like we can NEVER solve the problems of sin (poverty) without HIM first being lifted up?
The comparison of keeping the perspective of our surroundings while recognizing GOD for WHO HE IS may be one that we can still learn from today. We have the opportunity to have JESUS CHRIST be LORD of our lives, and yet we get so caught up in the cares of "this world"! We want to focus on what the world sees as important, and GOD wants us to focus on what HE leads us to do for HIS glory. We wind up being just as selfish and worldly as Judas Iscariot, while GOD is waiting on us to celebrate HIM, much like Mary was doing!
We need to "LEAVE HER ALONE" when others are worshipping GOD, and not critique their methods. Scripture is quite clear on the boundaries GOD expects from those who call upon HIS name, and HE is the only ONE who can change a heart. Who would want to be known as a Judas Iscariot judging someone who was acknowledging a Holy GOD while they were concerned with the things of "this world"! When GOD IN THE FLESH is being worshipped by the actions of those in our midst, we should join them and "LEAVE HER ALONE"!!!
"1 Six days before the Passover, JESUS therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom JESUS had raised from the dead.
2 So they gave a dinner for HIM there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with HIM at table.
3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of JESUS and wiped HIS feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray HIM), said,
5 "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?"
6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 JESUS said, "LEAVE HER ALONE", so that she may keep it for the day of MY burial.
8 For the poor you ALWAYS have with you, but you do not always have ME."
There are few lessons that are more uncomfortable than when JESUS CHRIST had to almost rebuke Judas Iscariot about his wanting to refocus the efforts of Mary when she anointed the feet of JESUS with ointment. One can almost line up with the thinking of Judas as this ointment was very valuable and the feet of one of the groups leaders was having this expensive ointment spent on HIM while so many were in need. Maybe Mary could SEE, and Judas Iscariot couldn't SEE, that this was GOD IN THE FLESH and they were chosen among all creation to experience HIM walking among them? Maybe JESUS was teaching a lesson to us all that we will NEVER be able to celebrate HIM enough, just like we can NEVER solve the problems of sin (poverty) without HIM first being lifted up?
The comparison of keeping the perspective of our surroundings while recognizing GOD for WHO HE IS may be one that we can still learn from today. We have the opportunity to have JESUS CHRIST be LORD of our lives, and yet we get so caught up in the cares of "this world"! We want to focus on what the world sees as important, and GOD wants us to focus on what HE leads us to do for HIS glory. We wind up being just as selfish and worldly as Judas Iscariot, while GOD is waiting on us to celebrate HIM, much like Mary was doing!
We need to "LEAVE HER ALONE" when others are worshipping GOD, and not critique their methods. Scripture is quite clear on the boundaries GOD expects from those who call upon HIS name, and HE is the only ONE who can change a heart. Who would want to be known as a Judas Iscariot judging someone who was acknowledging a Holy GOD while they were concerned with the things of "this world"! When GOD IN THE FLESH is being worshipped by the actions of those in our midst, we should join them and "LEAVE HER ALONE"!!!
Friday, January 8, 2016
"STEAL AND KILL AND DESTROY!"
John 10:10 (ESV)
"The thief comes only to "STEAL AND KILL AND DESTROY". I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Genesis 3:1 (ESV)
"Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD GOD had made. He said to the woman, "Did GOD actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?"
Recently I wrote a message to a friend, that while looking at it later, convicted me to the point of doing my study this morning about it. The statement was: "The enemy will disguise himself in many different forms in an attempt to steal our joy!" As the LORD spoke to my heart about my words, I began to understand more clearly what must be going on in the Spirit World surrounding us?
Ephesians 6:12 says "For we do NOT wrestle against FLESH and BLOOD, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the COSMIC POWERS OVER THIS PRESENT DARKNESS, against the spiritual FORCES OF EVIL in the heavenly places". Genesis 3:1 talks about our enemy being "crafty" beyond anything else GOD had made. GOD made satan the way he was made, just like GOD you and I the way we are. The Spiritual War comes into play when our "natural man" begins gravitating toward darkness, instead of being in the LIGHT where sin is exposed!
The enemy must want to "STEAL AND KILL AND DESTROY" that which he doesn't have, that which he cannot control. He can only do that through "deceiving"! When we are faced with a seemingly wonderful windfall, we must be VERY aware that the enemy, the great deceiver, CONTINUALLY offers us "any tree in the garden" to satisfy our worldly lusts in an attempt to get us in his camp. It is incumbent upon us to be able to recognize his tactics and schemes. To develop a KEEN sense of identifying the enemy is one of the most crucial things a good warrior can achieve!
Recognizing the great deceiver can be a trait many prefer not to engage in. Seeing evil in its vilest form is sometimes a grueling, uncomfortable task. But the enemy can disguise himself as beautifully, even as "an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14), in an effort to deceive those who are unlearned, immature if you will!
Being able to "see" the enemy can best be achieved when the LIGHT shines brightly in your life. The enemy can't stand LIGHT, for it exposes his filth and hurt. My aim is to not allow his to "STEAL AND KILL AND DESTROY" my joy as I serve the LORD, but I pray that I "may have life and have it abundantly."
"The thief comes only to "STEAL AND KILL AND DESTROY". I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Genesis 3:1 (ESV)
"Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD GOD had made. He said to the woman, "Did GOD actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?"
Recently I wrote a message to a friend, that while looking at it later, convicted me to the point of doing my study this morning about it. The statement was: "The enemy will disguise himself in many different forms in an attempt to steal our joy!" As the LORD spoke to my heart about my words, I began to understand more clearly what must be going on in the Spirit World surrounding us?
Ephesians 6:12 says "For we do NOT wrestle against FLESH and BLOOD, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the COSMIC POWERS OVER THIS PRESENT DARKNESS, against the spiritual FORCES OF EVIL in the heavenly places". Genesis 3:1 talks about our enemy being "crafty" beyond anything else GOD had made. GOD made satan the way he was made, just like GOD you and I the way we are. The Spiritual War comes into play when our "natural man" begins gravitating toward darkness, instead of being in the LIGHT where sin is exposed!
The enemy must want to "STEAL AND KILL AND DESTROY" that which he doesn't have, that which he cannot control. He can only do that through "deceiving"! When we are faced with a seemingly wonderful windfall, we must be VERY aware that the enemy, the great deceiver, CONTINUALLY offers us "any tree in the garden" to satisfy our worldly lusts in an attempt to get us in his camp. It is incumbent upon us to be able to recognize his tactics and schemes. To develop a KEEN sense of identifying the enemy is one of the most crucial things a good warrior can achieve!
Recognizing the great deceiver can be a trait many prefer not to engage in. Seeing evil in its vilest form is sometimes a grueling, uncomfortable task. But the enemy can disguise himself as beautifully, even as "an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14), in an effort to deceive those who are unlearned, immature if you will!
Being able to "see" the enemy can best be achieved when the LIGHT shines brightly in your life. The enemy can't stand LIGHT, for it exposes his filth and hurt. My aim is to not allow his to "STEAL AND KILL AND DESTROY" my joy as I serve the LORD, but I pray that I "may have life and have it abundantly."
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