"THE WORLD DOES NOT KNOW YOU!"

John 17:25-26                        (ESV)

"25 O righteous FATHER, even though "THE WORLD DOES NOT KNOW YOU", I know YOU, and these know that YOU have sent ME.

26 I made known to them YOUR name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which YOU have loved ME may be in them, and I in them." 

The seventeenth chapter of John is one of my favorite chapters of the HOLY BIBLE.  In my Bible it is subtitled "The High Priestly Prayer" as JESUS was having intimate fellowship with HIS HEAVENLY FATHER.  The eighteenth chapter is subtitled "Betrayal and Arrest of JESUS", so right before JESUS was to he arrested, HE was praying, probably as an example to us to always bathe everything in prayer before we try to battle the enemy!

These verses make it abundantly clear that "the world does not know YOU", so we can expect to NOT be understood when HE lives in us!  For the most part, the actions we take under the leadership of the HOLY SPIRIT will go against the common sense approach that "this world" is accustomed to.   

To begin with, GOD IS SPIRIT (John 4:24) and "this world" can't see, feel or touch a Spirit, so they operate in different realms.  "This world" can't understand how something that doesn't make SENSE can exist, therefore FAITH never enters into the equation for them.  We Believers can't even take credit for our Belief, for we have "been called out of darkness into HIS marvelous light"!  Until our eyes have been opened, and our ears are made to hear, we can't follow the leadership of GOD.  

"THE WORLD DOES NOT KNOW YOU" because their eyes and ears have yet to be opened by GOD ALMIGHTY!  I can't explain why GOD chose me to be called into HIS marvelous light!  It's not like I am a prize to be had.  All I know is HE chose me and I am so glad HE did. 

"DAY AND NIGHT!"

"DAY AND NIGHT!"

Joshua 1:7-8                                    (ESV)

"7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.

8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it "DAY AND NIGHT", so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

Watching my weight has been something that I have had difficulties for years.  I didn't know how bad my problems were until I experienced the Brain Hemorrhage in 2007.  When I discovered a few years later from reading my medical records what my weight was on that memorable morning, I was almost shocked.  Eating healthier has become more of a passion for me instead of a goal.  However, the flesh is weak and I still struggle eating TOO MUCH at times, and eating the wrong things at other times!

But even though our physical appearance is usually easier to see, a person's Spiritual appearance can take Spiritual eyes examining to be able to recognize it.  A person who is malnourished physically can be identified rather easily, while a Spiritually malnourished person may even be in a position of leadership in a church fellowship.  Just because they are put where they are by people in "this world" doesn't mean they have been grown by the SPIRIT of GOD ALMIGHTY to perform HIS work.  Some of the most Spiritually mature people I've ever been exposed to are people who GOD hasn't risen to prominence as far as "this world" is concerned.  

We cannot "fake" the lessons that GOD has taught.  Joshua was known by THE LORD to be a man who seemingly couldn't get enough of HIS WORD and HIS statutes.  As far back as in Genesis 33:11 scripture records "Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, AS A MAN SPEAKS TO HIS FRIEND. When Moses turned again into the camp, HIS ASSISTANT JOSHUA THE SON OF NUN, A YOUNG MAN, WOULD NOT DEPART FROM THE TENT!"  Of course we know, Joshua was used to lead the children of Israel on the final leg into the Promised Land, something that was a tremendous honor.  I am of the opinion that Joshua's love for THE WORD, even in his younger days, made THE LORD know that he would follow HIS leaders "DAY AND NIGHT"!  

We cannot think that just because we are under GRACE that our Spiritual Warfare has diminished, in the least!  The enemy is always "roaming about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8), especially as his time draws to an end!  We have been told for a really long time to study HIS WORD "DAY AND NIGHT", and the message is even more desperate today.  There are plenty of us who physically eat every day, but not many eat Spiritually everyday, and certainly not "DAY AND NIGHT"!  

"WILL INSTRUCT YOU!"

Psalms 32:8-9                                (ESV)

"8 I "WILL INSTRUCT YOU" and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with MY eye upon you.

9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you."

The path we are each assigned in this life is unique to us.  The only example that we have to follow in our lives is the one given by JESUS, for HE is life!  So why do we compare our accomplishments to others, observing that they have more, or less, than we do?  Why do we compare our lives with the lives of others?  Must I constantly be reminded that the Spirit of CHRIST lives inside of me and that I am called to follow HIS guidance and direction?  

1 Corinthians 7:17 says "Only let each person LEAD THE LIFE THAT THE LORD HAS ASSIGNED HIM, and to which GOD has called him!"  ALMIGHTY GOD has a specific Plan for my life and my selfish wishes and carnal desires DO NOT fit into HIS Plan.  The enemy attempts to get my eyes on the things of "this world" and not on the things of GOD.  To keep my focus on "HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33) should be my goal.  

Growing up, my grandfather had a mule that he used to plow in his garden.  The mule obviously had a bridle and bit to guide it where it should go.  Every now and then the mule had to have "blinders" limiting what his eyes could SEE, therefore cutting down on the distractions he had to overcome.  When he became "spooked", he was useless for a good while.   

Over my life I can see where I could have used some SPIRITUAL blinders!  There have been MANY times that the enemy has "spooked" me and caused me to loose focus.  The peace and comfort of intimately knowing GOD and that HE "WILL INSTRUCT YOU" will prevent you from being swayed by the enemies tactics.  Being calm when a storm is coming is a testimony to GOD living inside of you.  GOD "WILL INSTRUCT YOU", the question is, will you be listening???

"HE IS WISE!"

1 Corinthians 3:16-19                    (ESV)

"16 Do you not know that you are GOD's temple and that GOD's Spirit dwells in you?

17 If anyone destroys GOD's temple, GOD will destroy him. For GOD's temple is Holy, and you are that temple.

18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that "HE IS WISE" in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.

19 For the wisdom of this world is folly with GOD. For it is written, "HE catches the wise in their craftiness,".   

One of the most gratifying experiences has to be when others come to you seeking guidance with a situation they are dealing with.   Exhibiting traits that will draw people seeking what you have can be a testament to a GODLY lifestyle.  Mainly, when others SEE that the Spirit of GOD ALMIGHTY is upon you, they can quietly know that you have a peace and assurance that only comes from ABOVE, and you're likely to share that peace and assurance.  

Most experiences can only be shared by someone who has gone through their own trials!  You can revel in your trials or accomplishments, but getting through those trials or accomplishments are always a testimony to the ONE WHO is in control of all things.  I have been through some AMAZING experiences, but the ONE WHO got me through the journey is the ONE WHO gets all of the Glory!  

Being one who has come through some pretty AMAZING physical problems is one thing, but coming through times when there is intellectual and Spiritual growth can be quite another.  The ONLY way to grow "WISER" as we mature is to be granted the growth from Heaven.  Proverbs 2:6-8 says "...the LORD gives Wisdom:.." and not earthly sources. Anyone who says "HE IS WISE" is in danger of becoming "a fool that he may become wise".  GOD uses trials (James 1:1-13) to mold us into vessels that can Glorify HIM, not so someone can say "HE IS WISE"! 

There are times when I can't even find the words to complete a sentence I am trying to say.  Do you think I even think about saying "HE IS WISE" when that occurs?  Or what about after I have made a decision that costs me resources, even more than money?  Can you hear me saying "HE IS WISE"?  There are way too many times when I am left wondering how I will get through this journey called "life" to consider the phrase "HE IS WISE"!  But Wisdom that comes from GOD is one thing that I can have freely (James 1:5), and I'm blessed to receive graciously!!!

"YOU SHALL ENCAMP!"

Exodus 14:1-2                      (ESV)

"1 Then the LORD said to Moses,

2 "Tell the people of Israel to turn back and encamp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, in front of Baal-zephon; "YOU SHALL ENCAMP" facing it, by the sea."

Recently I was researching just how long the children of Israel had to wait on the banks of the Red Sea until Pharaoh and his hosts caught up to them. When I went to Exodus 14:2 I had typed notes into the Bible app that I use many years before.  The notes were VERY humbling and insightful, and they said:

"Moses and (since he was leading them) the children of Israel were LED by The Cloud (Holy Spirit) (Exodus 13:21-22) to a place where ONLY GOD could get them out of their predicament.  The terrain is/was such that they could only go forward across the Red Sea.  GOD wants to get glory from HIS doing a miracle, not from them doing one for HIM.  Don't think because you find yourself in a place where GOD is your only was out that you have missed HIS will for your life.  HE may be setting up your enemies for a Red Sea experience?!?!"

Number one, being led by the Holy Spirit can be a lot more difficult than it sounds.  MY GREATEST PROBLEM IS THAT I WANT TO TRAVEL AT MY OWN PACE!!!  The Israelites were encamped where they seemingly "trapped"!  They could only go forward, for the Egyptians were coming from behind, and mountain ranges were to their left and right, but forward meant crossing the Red Sea, something that would require Divine Intervention!  

How many times have I been brought to a place where I seemingly didn't have any other escape?  The enemy was behind me and my only hope was Divine Intervention?  GOD hasn't weakened since the Red Sea and HE is not more vulnerable to the enemy.  HE sometimes uses what seems like to me "difficulties" to teach me to trust in HIM, and for HIM to get Glory over the enemy!  

Number two, I have to be reminded that my main purpose is to draw Honor and Glory to GOD ALMIGHTY, not to reach the other side of the Red Sea (my wishes!)!  Scripture says in Exodus 14:4 that "And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will pursue them, and I WILL GET GLORY OVER PHARAOH AND ALL HIS HOST, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD." And they did so."  The children of Israel weren't convinced that GOD was going to deliver them, but GOD had a Plan and HE WOULD BE GLORIFIED!!  

"YOU SHALL ENCAMP" was not an option for the children of Israel to follow if they liked it versus their choice.  "YOU SHALL ENCAMP" was a command to allow GOD to be Glorified before HIS children, and the Egyptians!  HEAVENLY FATHER, cause me to remember that my will is not what I should be trying to follow!  Sometimes "YOU SHALL ENCAMP" needs to occur so YOU can be Glorified!!!

"I CHOSE YOU!"

John 15:14-16                      (ESV)

"14 You are MY friends if you do what I command you.

15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my FATHER I have made known to you.

16 You did not choose ME, but "I CHOSE YOU" and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the FATHER in MY NAME, HE may give it to you."

Have you ever wondered "why did GOD choose me"?  Why did GOD pick me out of the billions of people HE has created to live inside of? 1 Corinthians 3:16 says "Do you not know that you are GOD's temple and that GOD's Spirit dwells in you"?  Why did GOD choose me instead of a billionaire who has everything to offer HIM?  

We are chosen by GOD to be tools to work for HIM during our time left here in this world"!  The Apostle Paul goes so far to call himself a slave (according to some translations) to JESUS CHRIST.  Then why don't we act as slaves?  Most act as though they are too special to be used for menial tasks such a feeding the poor, or helping someone who is on drugs, or any other social outcast.  GOD ALMIGHTY clothed HIMSELF in humanity and descended from Heaven because I had nothing to offer HIM and hell was my destination.  

But HE doesn't call us HIS slaves.  In the scripture above HE says rather bluntly "I CHOSE YOU", you didn't choose ME!  The only reason Believers have a reason for smiling is that JESUS lives inside of us and HE does that because "I CHOSE YOU"!  Some wear their finest clothes to church on Sunday, but the facts are the only reason we aren't on "skid row" is because "I CHOSE YOU"!  We aren't worthy of being chosen, but HE did it anyway.......FOR HIS GLORY!!!

There are many times I am told that I am a "miracle" because of GOD delivering me through some health issues in the past.  Everyone of us Believers is a miracle because "I CHOSE YOU" one day in the past!  Or has HE?????

"THE THINGS OF GOD!

Matthew 16:21-23                   (ESV)

"21 From that time JESUS began to show HIS disciples that HE must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.

22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "Far be it from YOU, LORD! This shall never happen to YOU."

23 But HE turned and said to Peter, "Get behind ME, Satan! You are a hindrance to ME. FOR YOU ARE NOT SETTING YOUR MIND ON "THE THINGS OF GOD", but on the things of man."

Since GOD IS SPIRIT (John 4:24), and we are body, soul and Spirit, one would think that we should be able to have our Spirit better control ourselves and do what is more GOD like?  But GOD isn't the only spirit vying for our allegiance.  "The enemy", as I frequently refer to him (aka as satan), is like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8) roaming around seeking someone to devour!  

Many don't even understand that a Spiritual war between GOD and the devil is happening in their midst.  JESUS even told Peter "For you are not setting your mind on "THE THINGS OF GOD", but on the things of man".  Don't you think that JESUS would have instructed HIS disciples in a way that they would be best prepared for the Spiritual warfare they were experiencing?  

Recognizing and identifying "the enemy" is a lifelong strategy that we all need to develop for our own Spiritual livelihood.  Unless we are able to SEE "the enemy" for what he is, we cannot be prepared to "resist" him (James 4:7) and expect him to "flee from you"!  

JESUS was/is able to SEE "the enemy" for who he is and what he is trying to accomplish.  When HE told "the enemy" to "get behind me, Satan", HE wasn't rebuking Peter, rather HE was identifying "the enemy" trying to act through Peter.  Genesis 3:1 says that the devil is more deceiving than any other creature GOD has made.  He will disguise himself as anything to be able to convince us to follow his evil ways.   We MUST remain intimately connected to GOD ALMIGHTY to be able to recognize and identify the enemy much like JESUS did on this occasion.   

There is no substitute for setting your mind on "THE THINGS OF GOD"!  The things of man can be offered as an attractive alternative, but the satisfaction they bring will only last briefly.  "THE THINGS OF GOD" will bring eternal joy and peace.   The choice is yours!!!