"WE WILL REAP!"

Galatians 6:6-9                                   (ESV)
"6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.
7 Do not be deceived: GOD is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the SPIRIT will from the SPIRIT reap eternal life.
9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season "WE WILL REAP", if we do not give up."



It may not be an automatic response, but certainly a predominant one, that when someone experiences difficulties in their life for us to "wonder what they did wrong"?  After all, Galatians 6:7 DOES say "......for whatever one sows, that will he also reap"!  But sometimes GOD uses the difficulties in our lives to move us toward the direction in our lives to give HIM glory.  And the task of acknowledging those who assist us on our journey is something that we should not leave for others to take care of.

In verse 6 above, scripture points out we should share our "good things" with those who teaches us about the word.  The 1599 Geneva Bible translates verse 6 like this, "Let him that is taught the word, make him that taught him, partaker of all his goods."  Now this verse doesn't say those who have the title or position to teach should benefit from having a title, rather it says "make him that taught him, partaker of all his goods."  Those who actually "teach" should be the ones who we share GOD's blessings with.  And GOD knows who they are and if we are honoring them.

Job was "blameless and upright, one who feared GOD and turned away from evil" (Job 1:1).  Yet GOD allowed Satan to cause Job serious trials, and Job had done nothing wrong.  Just because a person is experiencing difficulties in "this world" doesn't indicate that that person has sewn bad seeds, it could be they are being used to glorify and honor ALMIGHTY GOD!  Do you think that Paul and Silas (Acts 16) had committed crimes to be placed in prison?  Maybe Paul is writing in Galatians 6:6-9 that if we sew corruptible seeds, we can expect corruption to grow.  If we sew seeds of the SPIRIT, we should expect fruits of the SPIRIT to be harvested?

My expectations of reaping things of the SPIRIT is most often entangled with me waiting on the SPIRIT!  Far too many times I have an expectation of what GOD will do, and how HE will do it.  But the biggest flaw I experience is waiting on HIM to determine when "WE WILL REAP"!  Perhaps that is why Psalms 27:14 says "WAIT FOR THE LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage;", and then it again finishes with "WAIT FOR THE LORD!"  We can plant all the seeds we want, but only GOD can determine what "WE WILL REAP" and when we will reap it!!!

"FAR ABOVE!"

Ephesians 1:15:23                     (ESV)
"15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the LORD JESUS and your love toward all the saints,
16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,
17 that the GOD of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, the FATHER of glory, may give you the SPIRIT of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of HIM,
18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which HE has called you, what are the riches of HIS glorious inheritance in the saints,
19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of HIS power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
20 that HE worked in CHRIST when HE raised HIM from the dead and seated HIM  at HIS right hand in the heavenly places,
21 "FAR ABOVE" all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
22 And he put all things under HIS feet and gave HIM as head over all things to the church,
23 which is HIS body, the fullness of HIM who fills all in all."



Even for those who haven't been called (v.18) to believe that HE provided a unmistakable avenue for our salvation, one HAS TO be amazed that a fledgling country of thirteen colonies was able to defeat a country that most agree should have been able to annihilate them in rather short order.  The easiest way to explain ALL of the miracles that occurred, according to none other than George Washington, was to acknowledge that a Higher Power had been involved.  The following three paragraphs are from a history communique I received this morning regarding the history of the United States:

On this day in 1781, British General Lord Charles Cornwallis surrendered to American General George Washington, bringing an end to the Siege of Yorktown and effectively ending the American Revolution. Negotiations for that surrender had begun after Cornwallis first raised a white flag of surrender two days earlier, on October 17.

Washington himself VIEWED THE VICTORY AS A MIRACLE. The day after Cornwallis's surrender, he (Washington) issued the following general orders to his troops:

"Divine Service is to be performed tomorrow in the several Brigades or Divisions. The Commander in Chief earnestly recommends that the troops not on duty should universally attend with that seriousness of Deportment and gratitude of Heart which the recognition of such reiterated and astonishing interpositions of Providence demand of us."

George Washington knew that the United States of America had been blessed beyond measure.  HE strongly encouraged "that the troops not on duty should universally attend" a recognition that their victory had been Divinely orchestrated.  How then have we evolved into a country that refuses to speak the name of GOD and JESUS in public?  From depending on GOD for our literal existence during the Revolutionary War, to now forbidding people even to speak HIS Name in public?

The day is quickly coming that everybody will bow down (Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:10) and proclaim that JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD!  How can that happen, you may ask!  Because JESUS is "FAR ABOVE" all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.  Can you now see where there will be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth?  It's coming, and soon!  JESUS is "FAR ABOVE" all names, but professing HIM now will save you immense heartache and heartbreak!!!

"MATURE MANHOOD!"

Ephesians 4:11-14                            (ESV)
"11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of CHRIST,
13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the SON of GOD, to "MATURE MANHOOD", to the measure of the stature of the fullness of CHRIST,
14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes."



There are times when I am inclined to study a certain subject in the Bible, and when my search for those scripture leads me to other verses, when I see them, I know that is where GOD wants to speak to me from at this time.  This morning is a day like that.  Hearing a good sermon can be one of the most helpful and inspiring things a person can experience.  Other gifts and talents are too numerous to list, but until we know what we are SET ASIDE to accomplish for the Kingdom of GOD, there will be no peace and contentment.  When GOD chooses to reveal "your mission" to you, nothing else will seem to matter.

In the scriptures above, GOD informs us that there are several different tasks that must be performed for the bride of CHRIST to be equipped, so we won't have to always be "children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes."  HE lists "apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers", but there are other functions that MUST be performed for the BODY to function properly, for it to reach "MATURE MANHOOD"!

GOD may not have listed a definitive slot for what HE has called you to do in the passage above.  In the movie "WAR ROOM", Miss Clara was one of the most powerful and effective PRAYER WARRIORS (not a preacher, or missionary, or other glamorous titles), but she didn't get there overnight.  She lost her husband earlier in life and had to complete raising a son on her own.  Nobody knows what GOD has in store for their life.  But we know GOD works ALL THINGS together for good, for those who are called according to HIS purpose (Romans 8:28)!  Regardless of what GOD leads you to accomplish for HIM, know that HE will equip you to perform the task HE requires you to perform.

There are many different things, and a lot of them are good things, that may entice us to either add to, or do differently, that which GOD had instructed us to do.  A oft used phrase from many years ago says "When in doubt, DON'T!"  If GOD has given you a Plan, the enemy will do anything he can to insert an alteration to that Plan.  It takes a person of "MATURE MANHOOD" to do ONLY what GOD has directed at EXACTLY the time GOD is directing!  Just because GOD leads you across the Red Sea doesn't mean your journey is complete.  To reach Promised Land it will take someone who has reached "MATURE MANHOOD"!!!

"I AM THE LORD!"

Isaiah 42:8                  (ESV)
"I AM THE LORD"; that is MY name; MY glory I give to no other, nor MY praise to carved idols."



There are many times in my childhood that I can remember being "promised" judgement (a whipping) if my behavior didn't improve.   Several of those times I was spared by a parent/grandparent who was merciful, but unfortunately there were a lot of times when the judgement came through, and occasionally with a vengeance that left a memorable impression.  

When "I AM THE LORD" makes a promise, the passing of the judgement is generally rather certain.  When "I AM THE LORD" promised in the scripture above to NOT share HIS glory with another, HE didn't mince words, nor intent!  There are many instances where evidence of this principle was manifested, most notably in Exodus 14.  GOD told Moses HE would, and so HE hardened Pharaoh's heart in Exodus 14:4 and thus HE got glory over them.  And the consequences were dramatic!  In Exodus 14:30 it is recorded "Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians DEAD ON THE SEASHORE".  Yes, a loving GOD caused Pharaoh and his hots to be drowned in the Red Sea, FOR HIS GLORY!!

There is no doubt that GOD still has the power to accomplish a Red Sea moment today.  Now Pharaoh of Exodus was the most powerful kingdom of his era, and GOD drowned him and his hosts in the Red Sea.  A modern day leader would certainly be wise to learn from history, as they say "those who refuse to learn history are doomed to repeat it"!   Only timing may prove more fatalistic than ever before.  Eternal consequences can't be corrected!

GOD's promises are sure.  We don't know exactly when they will occur, but if HIS Word says something will happen, it IS GOING TO HAPPEN!  "I AM THE LORD" will NOT give HIS glory to another, no matter how hard we may try to glorify things that aren't worthy.  Whatever we attempt to deify, whether we realize it or not, will ultimately be cast onto the dung heap of futility.  There is nothing that can measure up to the magnificence and grandeur of my CREATOR.  

Forgive me, oh LORD, for neglecting to place YOUR will ahead of my selfish and temporal desires.  There is nothing so fulfilling and gratifying as submitting myself to YOUR Plan for my life.  Cause me to keep my priorities in line with YOUR WORD and not be blinded by the distortions of the enemy.  Keeping "I AM THE LORD" at the forefront of my mind is certainly where YOU should be, and is where I desire for YOU to be!!

"MY POLITICAL STATUS!"

Proverbs 21:1                (ESV)
"The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; HE turns it wherever HE will"



In observing the feverish social media support for various candidates for President in relative silence, I am persuaded that I should speak my position to let it be known where I stand in relationship to the upcoming election for President of the United States.  If you want me to support your candidate for President, it would behoove you to petition the Heavenly FATHER on your candidates behalf.  Putting posts about who is supporting your candidate, or what another candidate may have done when they thought nobody was watching, or anything else to glamorize the candidate you support will not faze me in the least.  For I pledge to only be swayed by the Divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit to support any one for any office, be it dog catcher all the way to President of the United States, not by what I see regarding a candidate on social media!

Proverbs 21:1 (ESV) says "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; HE turns it wherever HE will".  Max Lucado writes "Nebuchadnezzar was considered to be the mightiest king of his generation. But GOD humbled and put him in "detention" for seven years. "The kingdom is the Lord's, and He rules over the nations" (Psalms 22:28)."

What America needs to do is admit that we are nothing without Almighty GOD, and beg for HIS mercy for rebelling against HIM for so long!  That is the ONLY way we can ever be what we once were.  GOD can change anybody's heart, I know, because HE changed, and is still changing, mine!!

These words are written in LOVE, in an attempt to refocus some friends who seem to have become so intent on helping their candidate win no matter the cost, when GOD is the ONE that we should be petitioning for wisdom and mercy and grace!  There isn't a candidate, a social media meme, or campaign cliché, or any rhetoric that can change a heart towards the LORD.  Only GOD can do that, and HE is only reached by a humble heart and a contrite Spirit (Psalms 51:17; John 6:44)!

Don't try to convince me how "good" your candidate is.  The HOLY BIBLE says in Matthew 19:17 and Luke 18:19 "there is only ONE Who is good"! The rest of us are vile, filthy sinners.  GOD alone is able to change a heart, and HE is the only ONE who can change our nation.  We better begin to once again begin calling on HIS Name for our sustenance.

"POWER OF DARKNESS!"

Luke 22:52-53                            (ESV)
"52 Then JESUS said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?
53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the "POWER OF DARKNESS."



There are times when the enemy tries to interrupt my "connection time" with GOD.  Of course, usually I can see that for what it is and I will flee from him.  However, I am imperfect (2 Corinthians 4:7-12) and GOD continually is working to draw me closer to HIM.  GOD is in control of "all things" and HE sends trials and difficulties to draw us closer in our walk with HIM.  Sometimes I think HE is silent, but later I see where HE was growing me!

When JESUS became flesh (John 1:14) it wasn't as if HE was a new CREATION.  Colossians 1:16 says "For by HIM "all things"  were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through HIM and for HIM."  HIS SPIRIT only occupied a physical body for 33+ years, but HE also was there when "this world" was created.  Since JESUS created and knew "all things" HE was, and is, very familiar with them, even the enemy!  Yes, HE created the "bad people" just HE created me to glorify HIM!

JESUS saw the Spiritual version of "all things", therefore HE was able to look past the "the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders" and SEE that they were housing the spirit of the "POWER OF DARKNESS".  Even though "the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders" were of the earthy blood-line of Abraham, they were "not of us" (1 John 2:19) and JESUS was able to IDENTITY and RECOGNIZE them as such (Luke 11:14-23)!

Being able to IDENTIFY and RECOGNIZE "THE POWER OF DARKNESS" when we see it makes living in "this world" so much less stressful.  Knowing that GOD is continually working to draw me closer to HIM, it amazes me that HE uses people who refuse to believe in HIM to glorify HIMSELF!  Remember in Exodus 14:4 when GOD said to Moses "And I WILL harden Pharaoh's heart, and he WILL pursue them, and THAT I WILL GET GLORY over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD." And they did so".  GOD got Glory from the very ones who previously held HIS children captive.

Just as GOD chooses some of us to be HIS servants, HE allows some to glorify HIM through Red Sea experiences.  Being able to IDENTIFY and RECOGNIZE the people who are the "POWER OF DARKNESS" is essential to serving HIM.  JESUS said in Matthew 7:15-20 we could RECOGNIZE and IDENTIFY them by their fruits!  We are not to judge the "POWER OF DARKNESS", but GOD's Word does judge them, and GOD's Word WILL judge them on that day!  Pharaoh and all his hosts were judged at the Red Sea.   One day JESUS will RECOGNIZE and IDENTIFY the "POWER OF DARKNESS" once again, and HE will issue their ultimate judgement!!!

"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."



Never being one to "enjoy" trials and tribulations, I usually find myself responding to difficulties with a degree of chagrin, hoping to escape the end results or some of the difficulties tied to the rough circumstances.  Being able to lighten the bad outcome of an ugly situation could mean not having to suffer quite so much.  But is that what GOD would have us do when HE is trying to be glorified?  If we are created to glorify GOD (Isaiah 43:7), then our goal should be to suffer if need be for HIS Glory!  Remember JESUS in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:42)?  "Not my will, but THINE be done?!

The scripture verses above express for us what we are called to do "WHEN YOU MEET trials various kinds".  Notice that the scripture doesn't say IF you meet trials, but WHEN YOU MEET various trials.   The trials are a test of your FAITH, which produces steadfastness, and steadfastness having its full effect will make us perfect and complete, lacking in nothing!  As bad as I hate to admit it, suffering may be used to strengthen my FAITH so that I can be used to glorify GOD.  JESUS had to suffer for GOD to be glorified at Calvary, don't think that you will get to glorify GOD with no cost to you!

James tells us to "COUNT IT ALL JOY" when trials come your way.   Maybe that means instead of being apprehensive when trials are noticed, we should welcome them with open arms!  Going through trying times will develop us into tools that GOD can use for HIS Glory.  We like to "COUNT IT ALL JOY" when we are experiencing good times.  How about we "COUNT IT ALL JOY" when GOD can be glorified by our trials?