1 Timothy 1:12-16 (ESV)
"12 I thank him who has given me strength, CHRIST JESUS our LORD, because HE judged me faithful, appointing me to HIS service,
13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,
14 and the grace of our LORD overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in CHRIST JESUS.
15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am "THE FOREMOST".
16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as "THE FOREMOST", JESUS CHRIST might display HIS perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in HIM for eternal life."
The Apostle Paul is considered by some to be one of the most dedicated Believers that JESUS CHRIST is the SON of GOD. Nobody should ever want to leave an impression of being "THE FOREMOST" follower of Deity, neither did Paul. His admission that he was "THE FOREMOST" was stating that he was the worst sinner in present time.
To classify yourself as "THE FOREMOST" of sinners, when you are thought by some to be one of the most devout Believers of all time, can seem somewhat paradoxical. It has been said by people a lot wiser than I, that the closer you get to the LIGHT, the more filth you are able to see. The Apostle Paul said he was "THE FOREMOST" of sinners, not because he thought he was closer to the LIGHT than anyone else, rather because he actually could see how wretched he was in the sight of the KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS!!
Like Paul, the closer I get to the LIGHT the more I realize how "undone" I am! Why I was ever "chosen" by ALMIGHTY GOD to serve HIS Kingdom will forever be a mystery to me. To be accepted into HIS Family is a privilege that cannot be put into words, for I consider myself "THE FOREMOST" of sinners!!!
Friday, July 15, 2016
Thursday, July 14, 2016
"LIGHT!"
Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV)
"13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
14 "You are the "LIGHT" of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Nor do people "LIGHT" a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives "LIGHT" to all in the house.
16 In the same way, let your "LIGHT" shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your FATHER WHO is in Heaven."
While scrolling through a social media website recently I came across a meme that read "Light up (insert name of site) with the Blue Candle for all of our fallen officers!". Now nobody supports our policemen as much as I do. As a matter of fact, I considered becoming a law enforcement officer until the killing of a local officer in February 1977. But I no longer desire to be an officer, have never been an officer, and probably will never be an officer!
However, JESUS called me "the salt of the earth", therefore my life is the "LIGHT" of the world! Not because I am better than others, not because of who my parents are, not EVEN because of my lifestyle! My lifestyle of abstaining from several immoral sins would be applauded by some, but then there a few immoral sins that I may be found guilty of, and that wouldn't disqualify me from going to Heaven, except for the fact that JESUS came into this world to save sinners, of whom I am chief (1 Timothy 1:15)! The qualifying event for my life took place over 2,000 years ago on Calvary's tree!
JESUS never called us to be a "good Christians", as a matter of fact HE says in Mark 10:18 (among other places) "Why do you call me good? No one is good except GOD alone." HE does say in Matthew 5:13 that if SALT loses its seasoning abilities, it is good for nothing but "tread under people's feet!" Those of us who have been BORN AGAIN have had an unbelievable price paid for our souls! Why should we allow ourselves to be "tread under people's feet" when GOD IN THE FLESH rescued us on Calvary?
A full-length mirror is a fine example of how we should live an obedient GOD called life. When a mirror is clean, with no streaks or blemishes to prevent a true reflection, it can blind when the "LIGHT" is shown through it. Not allowing my mirror to be stained and clouded by sin is something I try to ever aware of. GOD sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT (John 14:26) to guide and convict me when I stray from HIS way. As long as HIS "LIGHT" shines brightly on my path, I am at peace! Through the blood of JESUS CHRIST, may my goal in life be to keep my mirror as clean as possible so the "LIGHT" can be seen by all who care to see!!!
"13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
14 "You are the "LIGHT" of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Nor do people "LIGHT" a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives "LIGHT" to all in the house.
16 In the same way, let your "LIGHT" shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your FATHER WHO is in Heaven."
While scrolling through a social media website recently I came across a meme that read "Light up (insert name of site) with the Blue Candle for all of our fallen officers!". Now nobody supports our policemen as much as I do. As a matter of fact, I considered becoming a law enforcement officer until the killing of a local officer in February 1977. But I no longer desire to be an officer, have never been an officer, and probably will never be an officer!
However, JESUS called me "the salt of the earth", therefore my life is the "LIGHT" of the world! Not because I am better than others, not because of who my parents are, not EVEN because of my lifestyle! My lifestyle of abstaining from several immoral sins would be applauded by some, but then there a few immoral sins that I may be found guilty of, and that wouldn't disqualify me from going to Heaven, except for the fact that JESUS came into this world to save sinners, of whom I am chief (1 Timothy 1:15)! The qualifying event for my life took place over 2,000 years ago on Calvary's tree!
JESUS never called us to be a "good Christians", as a matter of fact HE says in Mark 10:18 (among other places) "Why do you call me good? No one is good except GOD alone." HE does say in Matthew 5:13 that if SALT loses its seasoning abilities, it is good for nothing but "tread under people's feet!" Those of us who have been BORN AGAIN have had an unbelievable price paid for our souls! Why should we allow ourselves to be "tread under people's feet" when GOD IN THE FLESH rescued us on Calvary?
A full-length mirror is a fine example of how we should live an obedient GOD called life. When a mirror is clean, with no streaks or blemishes to prevent a true reflection, it can blind when the "LIGHT" is shown through it. Not allowing my mirror to be stained and clouded by sin is something I try to ever aware of. GOD sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT (John 14:26) to guide and convict me when I stray from HIS way. As long as HIS "LIGHT" shines brightly on my path, I am at peace! Through the blood of JESUS CHRIST, may my goal in life be to keep my mirror as clean as possible so the "LIGHT" can be seen by all who care to see!!!
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
"ANYONE!"
Matthew 11:25-27
"25 At that time JESUS declared, "I thank YOU, FATHER, LORD of heaven and earth, that YOU have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;
26 yes, FATHER, for such was YOUR gracious will.
27 All things have been handed over to ME by MY FATHER, and no one knows the SON except the FATHER, and no one knows the FATHER except the SON and "ANYONE" to whom the SON chooses to reveal HIM."
From time to time GOD speaks, and when HE speaks, we must be listening to and for HIS voice! This morning, while laying in bed after waking and before I got up, the message from Matthew 11:27 hit me like a ton of bricks! The main premise that I couldn't get out of my mind was "the SON and "ANYONE" to whom the SON chooses to reveal HIM." GOD reveals HIMSELF to us through JESUS CHRIST in differing amounts, at different times, but always to glorify HIS NAME!
My mind immediately goes to Acts 9 where Saul was blinded for three days! Saul was probably the last person ever expected to become a Believer and follower of JESUS CHRIST. JESUS told Ananias in Acts 9:16 "For I will show him (Saul) how much he must suffer for the sake of MY name." JESUS just said HE would show Saul/Paul "how much" he would have to SUFFER for the sake of the name of JESUS, not that his ministry would be blessed with mansions and millions!
It seems that most people want to have things "revealed" to them from GOD, but only if it benefits them! To have the CREATOR of the Universe choose to "reveal" a TRUTH about HIM to/through a human can be one of the most humbling experiences imaginable! GOD usually doesn't call the most qualified, HE frequently qualifies the "called"! When a person realizes he is nothing without JESUS, only then can JESUS get glory from that life. JESUS chose Saul while Saul was on the road to Tarsus to round up (imprison) more Believers. What Saul did not SEE was that his journey was about to become a lot less glamorous and a lot more treacherous! BUT GOD WOULD BE GLORIFIED!!!
When GOD "chooses" to reveal HIMSELF to a person, HE doesn't reveal HIMSELF to make that person famous or popular. Remember, GOD gets the glory, and people are used to draw HIM glory! "ANYONE" can preach to thousands and fly in private jets while raking in millions of dollars to "help their cause"! Only the "ANYONE" that JESUS selects will be willing to suffer much for the name of JESUS! My prayer is that GOD will use my life to draw honor and glory to HIS NAME!!!
"25 At that time JESUS declared, "I thank YOU, FATHER, LORD of heaven and earth, that YOU have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;
26 yes, FATHER, for such was YOUR gracious will.
27 All things have been handed over to ME by MY FATHER, and no one knows the SON except the FATHER, and no one knows the FATHER except the SON and "ANYONE" to whom the SON chooses to reveal HIM."
From time to time GOD speaks, and when HE speaks, we must be listening to and for HIS voice! This morning, while laying in bed after waking and before I got up, the message from Matthew 11:27 hit me like a ton of bricks! The main premise that I couldn't get out of my mind was "the SON and "ANYONE" to whom the SON chooses to reveal HIM." GOD reveals HIMSELF to us through JESUS CHRIST in differing amounts, at different times, but always to glorify HIS NAME!
My mind immediately goes to Acts 9 where Saul was blinded for three days! Saul was probably the last person ever expected to become a Believer and follower of JESUS CHRIST. JESUS told Ananias in Acts 9:16 "For I will show him (Saul) how much he must suffer for the sake of MY name." JESUS just said HE would show Saul/Paul "how much" he would have to SUFFER for the sake of the name of JESUS, not that his ministry would be blessed with mansions and millions!
It seems that most people want to have things "revealed" to them from GOD, but only if it benefits them! To have the CREATOR of the Universe choose to "reveal" a TRUTH about HIM to/through a human can be one of the most humbling experiences imaginable! GOD usually doesn't call the most qualified, HE frequently qualifies the "called"! When a person realizes he is nothing without JESUS, only then can JESUS get glory from that life. JESUS chose Saul while Saul was on the road to Tarsus to round up (imprison) more Believers. What Saul did not SEE was that his journey was about to become a lot less glamorous and a lot more treacherous! BUT GOD WOULD BE GLORIFIED!!!
When GOD "chooses" to reveal HIMSELF to a person, HE doesn't reveal HIMSELF to make that person famous or popular. Remember, GOD gets the glory, and people are used to draw HIM glory! "ANYONE" can preach to thousands and fly in private jets while raking in millions of dollars to "help their cause"! Only the "ANYONE" that JESUS selects will be willing to suffer much for the name of JESUS! My prayer is that GOD will use my life to draw honor and glory to HIS NAME!!!
Friday, July 8, 2016
"COUNT IT ALL JOY!"
James 1:2-4 (ESV)
"2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Dr. Charles Stanley is one of my favorite preachers. His devotional, along with Max Lucado's, are in my inbox everyday like clockwork. Another man of GOD that I listen to frequently is Bishop Robert E. Smith. Because of where he lives I am able to visit his church on occasion, but I listen to his webcast most mornings. Recently he completed his "Morning Manna" with a phrase that went something like "sometimes GOD's most effective tool in our lives is disappointment"! When I researched the phrase, this sermon from Dr. Stanley came up:
Troubles point out our weaknesses and prompt us to rely on God in ways that we wouldn’t unless we had significant needs. Christ’s invitation to those who are weary becomes very attractive in the midst of trials: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30). Adversity is a classroom in which we can learn more of CHRIST and BECOME MORE LIKE HIM!"
While meditating "these things", GOD spoke to me that, in my case especially, sometimes HE has to put me into situations where I "HAVE" to rely on HIM, for it seems I have a propensity for saying "look what I've done," unless HE supernaturally does the unexplainable! GOD promises HE will never leave us nor forsake us, but HE doesn't promise HE will make our road smooth sailing! In James 1:2 scripture says "CONSIDER IT ALL JOY" "WHEN" you fall into difficulties! Notice it doesn't say IF YOU FALL INTO DIFFICULTIES!
There are going to be difficulties in our lives, but are they too difficult for GOD? Since HE lives inside our bodies (John 17:23) HE should have the right to endure any difficulties we encounter so that HE can be glorified! There are too many people who want to live a life free of pain and heartache when GOD's Word plainly tells us to "COUNT IT ALL JOY" when difficulties come our way, "knowing that the testing of your faith PRODUCES endurance!" The word PRODUCES indicates to me that GOD is "creating, bring forth" (according to one dictionary) a work in me that I probably am unaware that I was able to accomplish?
There is a quote that goes something like this, "My life can be described in one sentence: It didn't go as planned, and that's okay"! That quote needs to be adjusted FOR ME to say "It didn't go as "I" planned: and that's okay"! GOD has a Plan to grow me into a vessel HE can be glorified in, and that MAY involve difficult times! As a matter of fact, I am to "COUNT IT ALL JOY" when those difficult times come! So get ready, they WILL come, and I will "COUNT IT ALL JOY"!!!
"2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Dr. Charles Stanley is one of my favorite preachers. His devotional, along with Max Lucado's, are in my inbox everyday like clockwork. Another man of GOD that I listen to frequently is Bishop Robert E. Smith. Because of where he lives I am able to visit his church on occasion, but I listen to his webcast most mornings. Recently he completed his "Morning Manna" with a phrase that went something like "sometimes GOD's most effective tool in our lives is disappointment"! When I researched the phrase, this sermon from Dr. Stanley came up:
Troubles point out our weaknesses and prompt us to rely on God in ways that we wouldn’t unless we had significant needs. Christ’s invitation to those who are weary becomes very attractive in the midst of trials: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30). Adversity is a classroom in which we can learn more of CHRIST and BECOME MORE LIKE HIM!"
While meditating "these things", GOD spoke to me that, in my case especially, sometimes HE has to put me into situations where I "HAVE" to rely on HIM, for it seems I have a propensity for saying "look what I've done," unless HE supernaturally does the unexplainable! GOD promises HE will never leave us nor forsake us, but HE doesn't promise HE will make our road smooth sailing! In James 1:2 scripture says "CONSIDER IT ALL JOY" "WHEN" you fall into difficulties! Notice it doesn't say IF YOU FALL INTO DIFFICULTIES!
There are going to be difficulties in our lives, but are they too difficult for GOD? Since HE lives inside our bodies (John 17:23) HE should have the right to endure any difficulties we encounter so that HE can be glorified! There are too many people who want to live a life free of pain and heartache when GOD's Word plainly tells us to "COUNT IT ALL JOY" when difficulties come our way, "knowing that the testing of your faith PRODUCES endurance!" The word PRODUCES indicates to me that GOD is "creating, bring forth" (according to one dictionary) a work in me that I probably am unaware that I was able to accomplish?
There is a quote that goes something like this, "My life can be described in one sentence: It didn't go as planned, and that's okay"! That quote needs to be adjusted FOR ME to say "It didn't go as "I" planned: and that's okay"! GOD has a Plan to grow me into a vessel HE can be glorified in, and that MAY involve difficult times! As a matter of fact, I am to "COUNT IT ALL JOY" when those difficult times come! So get ready, they WILL come, and I will "COUNT IT ALL JOY"!!!
Thursday, July 7, 2016
"YOU ARE A CHOSEN RACE!"
1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV)
"9 But "YOU ARE A CHOSEN RACE", a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for HIS own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of HIM who called you out of darkness into HIS marvelous light.
10 Once you were not a people, but now you are GOD's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
Being happily married for over 30 years is something my wife and I am extremely blessed with. To be married to such a beautiful, young looking, intelligent woman had to be a blessing from Heaven, for no one could ever be that "lucky"! And she continues to stick with me for some unknown reason. It must be that GOD has HIS hand on me/us and HIS Plan is being fulfilled?
Yes, I know exactly what it feels like to know "YOU ARE A CHOSEN RACE"! How can a man be so blessed to have such a woman, for GOD to bless us with two healthy, GOD fearing sons who married two loving spouses, who both gave birth to granddaughters that are healthy and beautiful! Then consider that I survived a "massive brain hemorrhage" in 2007, I live in the greatest nation in history, in freedom unmatched, with no restraints on my ability to worship as I am led by the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD?!?
When all is considered about my life, to understand that "YOU ARE A CHOSEN RACE" has nothing to do with my skin color or my ethnicity. To be a part of such an elite family has nothing to do with who my physical ancestry is, rather WHO my Spiritual FATHER is! Just like I have nothing to brag about my wife sticking with me for 30+ years, being a part of the Family of GOD has nothing to do with my "goodness" or "worthiness"! GOD, in HIS Wisdom and "foreknowledge" (1 Peter 1:2), CHOSE me to be in HIS "elect" (1 Peter 1:1). There is NOTHING I could do to be worthy of being a part of this Family. All I can do is be grateful and thankful that I am part of "YOU ARE A CHOSEN RACE"!
All of the conversation about whether one physical RACE (or species) has an advantage over another physical RACE, I believe, is part of the enemies plan to change the narrative away from what JESUS did for us! There have been disagreements for thousands of years about "YOU ARE A CHOSEN RACE", but GOD doesn't consult humans to perfect HIS Plan! I'm just blessed to be a part of HIS Plan, and to know "YOU ARE A CHOSEN RACE"!!!
"9 But "YOU ARE A CHOSEN RACE", a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for HIS own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of HIM who called you out of darkness into HIS marvelous light.
10 Once you were not a people, but now you are GOD's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
Being happily married for over 30 years is something my wife and I am extremely blessed with. To be married to such a beautiful, young looking, intelligent woman had to be a blessing from Heaven, for no one could ever be that "lucky"! And she continues to stick with me for some unknown reason. It must be that GOD has HIS hand on me/us and HIS Plan is being fulfilled?
Yes, I know exactly what it feels like to know "YOU ARE A CHOSEN RACE"! How can a man be so blessed to have such a woman, for GOD to bless us with two healthy, GOD fearing sons who married two loving spouses, who both gave birth to granddaughters that are healthy and beautiful! Then consider that I survived a "massive brain hemorrhage" in 2007, I live in the greatest nation in history, in freedom unmatched, with no restraints on my ability to worship as I am led by the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD?!?
When all is considered about my life, to understand that "YOU ARE A CHOSEN RACE" has nothing to do with my skin color or my ethnicity. To be a part of such an elite family has nothing to do with who my physical ancestry is, rather WHO my Spiritual FATHER is! Just like I have nothing to brag about my wife sticking with me for 30+ years, being a part of the Family of GOD has nothing to do with my "goodness" or "worthiness"! GOD, in HIS Wisdom and "foreknowledge" (1 Peter 1:2), CHOSE me to be in HIS "elect" (1 Peter 1:1). There is NOTHING I could do to be worthy of being a part of this Family. All I can do is be grateful and thankful that I am part of "YOU ARE A CHOSEN RACE"!
All of the conversation about whether one physical RACE (or species) has an advantage over another physical RACE, I believe, is part of the enemies plan to change the narrative away from what JESUS did for us! There have been disagreements for thousands of years about "YOU ARE A CHOSEN RACE", but GOD doesn't consult humans to perfect HIS Plan! I'm just blessed to be a part of HIS Plan, and to know "YOU ARE A CHOSEN RACE"!!!
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
"THE TRUTH!"
John 14:3-7 (ESV)
"3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to MYSELF, that where I am you may be also.
4 And you know the way to where I am going."
5 Thomas said to him, "LORD, we do not know where YOU are going. How can we know the way?"
6 JESUS said to him, "I am the way, and "THE TRUTH", and the life. No one comes to the FATHER except through ME.
7 If you had known ME, you would have known my FATHER also. FROM NOW ON YOU DO KNOW HIM AND HAVE SEEN HIM."
There is much discussion these days about folks getting away with obscuring "THE TRUTH" with a story that is lacking. When I say lacking, there is little doubt "THE TRUTH" is what I am referring to. There is no substitute for "THE TRUTH", there are only stories that contain half-truths, which basically means that the real TRUTH has been changed to fit their narrative and usually for a perceived personal gain!
JESUS told HIS disciples in John 14:6 that HE was the way, and "THE TRUTH", and the life! Then in verse 7 of John 14, JESUS said since they had seen HIM that they had seen the FATHER. You can't see "THE TRUTH" while looking at lies and deceit, for those are characteristics of the deceiver. Only by looking for "THE TRUTH" (JESUS) can one find no lies and deceit.
There is no way to find "THE TRUTH" while searching for anyone but JESUS, it's just not possible! When we find someone who WE THINK is above reproach, GOD will allow our eyes to be opened to SEE "THE TRUTH", and no human can measure to the standard of the needed requirements! However, scripture states in Jeremiah 29:13 "You will seek ME and find ME, "WHEN" you seek ME with ALL your heart." It doesn't state you can seek me haphazardly, or with some degree of making light of the situation. GOD desires to be "THE TRUTH" in our lives and for us to reflect such with our behavior.
Yes, it is rather easy to get our focus on others who aren't perfect either! If we keep our attention on "THE TRUTH" and obeying HIS instructions for our lives, what HIS punishment will be for those who don't SEE HIM and "THE TRUTH" should not be as important to us. There are those whom GOD has called to PROCLAIM the judgements of HIS Word. I may not be one of the most eloquent deliverers of "THE TRUTH" the world has known, but just because GOD chooses to proclaim HIS Word through other venues doesn't mean that "THE TRUTH" has changed! I DO KNOW HIM AND HAVE SEEN HIM and "THE TRUTH" will not change to satisfy anything but HIS agenda!!!
"3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to MYSELF, that where I am you may be also.
4 And you know the way to where I am going."
5 Thomas said to him, "LORD, we do not know where YOU are going. How can we know the way?"
6 JESUS said to him, "I am the way, and "THE TRUTH", and the life. No one comes to the FATHER except through ME.
7 If you had known ME, you would have known my FATHER also. FROM NOW ON YOU DO KNOW HIM AND HAVE SEEN HIM."
There is much discussion these days about folks getting away with obscuring "THE TRUTH" with a story that is lacking. When I say lacking, there is little doubt "THE TRUTH" is what I am referring to. There is no substitute for "THE TRUTH", there are only stories that contain half-truths, which basically means that the real TRUTH has been changed to fit their narrative and usually for a perceived personal gain!
JESUS told HIS disciples in John 14:6 that HE was the way, and "THE TRUTH", and the life! Then in verse 7 of John 14, JESUS said since they had seen HIM that they had seen the FATHER. You can't see "THE TRUTH" while looking at lies and deceit, for those are characteristics of the deceiver. Only by looking for "THE TRUTH" (JESUS) can one find no lies and deceit.
There is no way to find "THE TRUTH" while searching for anyone but JESUS, it's just not possible! When we find someone who WE THINK is above reproach, GOD will allow our eyes to be opened to SEE "THE TRUTH", and no human can measure to the standard of the needed requirements! However, scripture states in Jeremiah 29:13 "You will seek ME and find ME, "WHEN" you seek ME with ALL your heart." It doesn't state you can seek me haphazardly, or with some degree of making light of the situation. GOD desires to be "THE TRUTH" in our lives and for us to reflect such with our behavior.
Yes, it is rather easy to get our focus on others who aren't perfect either! If we keep our attention on "THE TRUTH" and obeying HIS instructions for our lives, what HIS punishment will be for those who don't SEE HIM and "THE TRUTH" should not be as important to us. There are those whom GOD has called to PROCLAIM the judgements of HIS Word. I may not be one of the most eloquent deliverers of "THE TRUTH" the world has known, but just because GOD chooses to proclaim HIS Word through other venues doesn't mean that "THE TRUTH" has changed! I DO KNOW HIM AND HAVE SEEN HIM and "THE TRUTH" will not change to satisfy anything but HIS agenda!!!
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
"HE'S THE KEY TO KNOWLEDGE!"
Matthew 13:10-17 (ESV)
"10 Then the disciples came and said to him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?"
11 And he answered them, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.
12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: "'"You (some) will indeed hear but never understand, and you (some) will indeed see but never perceive."
15 For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.'
16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.
17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it."
While skimming across a social media website not long ago I happened upon the portion of the sermon where Dr. S. M. Lockridge orates "That's my KING"! Listening to Dr. Lockridge is really like listening to a poet recite some of their best writings, they KNOW the passage they are repeating SO well that the words seem to come out effortlessly! There is a phrase around 2 minutes into his deliverance that, quite simply, grabbed me and would not let me go. "HE'S THE KEY TO KNOWLEDGE"! Then my mind went to the scripture above and I had a "wallah" kind of experience.
Knowing the vast difference between "wisdom" and "education" is paramount to understanding the precept of "HE'S THE KEY TO KNOWLEDGE"! My grandfather only had a fifth grade education, but he was one of the wisest people I had the privilege of knowing. However, his right thumb was partially blown off by a dynamite malfunction when he was young, a permanent reminder that his "wisdom" came at a great cost. Although "grandpa" was far from perfect, loving him was easy because he never thought himself to be better than others, but knew he was just as good as the next man, no matter how "educated" they might be!
Dr. Lockridge was born two and a half years after my grandfather, and died one month prior to my grandfather in the year 2000. Although Dr. Lockridge was a college graduate, he evidently KNEW that "HE'S THE KEY TO KNOWLEDGE"! Having the LORD reveal HIS TRUTHS to you is one of the greatest privileges, yet humbling experiences, a person can ever be a part of. To know that GOD the CREATOR considered me worthy, with all of my faults, to reveal HIS TRUTHS to me is an unexplainable mystery! Why did GOD choose a man with a high school education when HE could have chosen a person who was educated beyond description?
Maybe GOD knew that some minds don't need to be cluttered with the education of "this world", we need only to be captivated by "HE'S THE KEY TO KNOWLEDGE"! When HE reveals something to us, it is not easily forgotten. When we are educated by "this world", there's no guarantee that the education will be what is needed in our lives to glorify HIM! That's why it is SO important to understand that "HE'S THE KEY TO KNOWLEDGE" as we matriculate through this life!
"10 Then the disciples came and said to him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?"
11 And he answered them, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.
12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: "'"You (some) will indeed hear but never understand, and you (some) will indeed see but never perceive."
15 For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.'
16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.
17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it."
While skimming across a social media website not long ago I happened upon the portion of the sermon where Dr. S. M. Lockridge orates "That's my KING"! Listening to Dr. Lockridge is really like listening to a poet recite some of their best writings, they KNOW the passage they are repeating SO well that the words seem to come out effortlessly! There is a phrase around 2 minutes into his deliverance that, quite simply, grabbed me and would not let me go. "HE'S THE KEY TO KNOWLEDGE"! Then my mind went to the scripture above and I had a "wallah" kind of experience.
Knowing the vast difference between "wisdom" and "education" is paramount to understanding the precept of "HE'S THE KEY TO KNOWLEDGE"! My grandfather only had a fifth grade education, but he was one of the wisest people I had the privilege of knowing. However, his right thumb was partially blown off by a dynamite malfunction when he was young, a permanent reminder that his "wisdom" came at a great cost. Although "grandpa" was far from perfect, loving him was easy because he never thought himself to be better than others, but knew he was just as good as the next man, no matter how "educated" they might be!
Dr. Lockridge was born two and a half years after my grandfather, and died one month prior to my grandfather in the year 2000. Although Dr. Lockridge was a college graduate, he evidently KNEW that "HE'S THE KEY TO KNOWLEDGE"! Having the LORD reveal HIS TRUTHS to you is one of the greatest privileges, yet humbling experiences, a person can ever be a part of. To know that GOD the CREATOR considered me worthy, with all of my faults, to reveal HIS TRUTHS to me is an unexplainable mystery! Why did GOD choose a man with a high school education when HE could have chosen a person who was educated beyond description?
Maybe GOD knew that some minds don't need to be cluttered with the education of "this world", we need only to be captivated by "HE'S THE KEY TO KNOWLEDGE"! When HE reveals something to us, it is not easily forgotten. When we are educated by "this world", there's no guarantee that the education will be what is needed in our lives to glorify HIM! That's why it is SO important to understand that "HE'S THE KEY TO KNOWLEDGE" as we matriculate through this life!
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