“WHY DO YOU CRY TO ME?”

 Exodus 14:15-18                          (ESV)

“[15] The LORD said to Moses, “WHY DO YOU CRY TO ME?” Tell the people of Israel to go forward. [16] Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground. [17] And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they shall go in after them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his chariots, and his horsemen. [18] And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.””

Exodus 14:14 has been a verse of Scripture that has had a great impact on me, “The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”  Always wanting to be THE PERSON that GOD used to accomplish HIS PURPOSE was what “I wanted” in my life!  Until recently while reading again GOD spoke to me in a humbling way.  

HE said “Am I not GOD THE CREATOR?  Did I need you to understand everything when I SPOKE these worlds into existence?  I can CREATE everything from nothing, so I don’t need you to do anything, I CHOOSE to allow you to work on my behalf and for my GLORY!”  

We’re I writing the script for the Exodus, I might have had the Egyptians get attacked by killer bees or something similar!  But GODS PERFECT PLAN called for them to try and capture the Israelites again and GOD to gain GLORY at the Red Sea!  Exodus 14:28 records what happened, “The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, NOT ONE OF THEM REMAINED!”  The enemy was once again annihilated by THE LORD!

When I get caught up in my feeble, brain damaged mind on how I THINK things should happen, ALMIGHTY GOD has to remind me that “GOD did not invite me to be co-god with HIM”!  HE is GOD the CREATOR, so “WHY DO YOU CRY TO ME”???  

“THE LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH!”

 Genesis 39:2;6;11-21                                          (ESV)

[2] “THE LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH”, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master.

[6] So he left all that he had in Joseph’s charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate.  Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. 

[11] But one day, when he went into the house to do his work and none of the men of the house was there in the house, [12] she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house. [13] And as soon as she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled out of the house, [14] she called to the men of her household and said to them, “See, he has brought among us a Hebrew to laugh at us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice. [15] And as soon as he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried out, he left his garment beside me and fled and got out of the house.” [16] Then she laid up his garment by her until his master came home, [17] and she told him the same story, saying, “The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought among us, came in to me to laugh at me. [18] But as soon as I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment beside me and fled out of the house.”

[19] As soon as his master heard the words that his wife spoke to him, “This is the way your servant treated me,” his anger was kindled. [20] And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined, and HE WAS IN PRISON. [21] But “THE LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH” and showed him steadfast love and GAVE HIM FAVOR in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”

The wife of Potiphar was deceitful and conniving.  She wanted to have her way with Joseph but he wouldn’t yield to sin.  Joseph refused her advances and was ultimately placed into prison for doing the right thing, even though he was innocent of her accusations.  He was placed into prison, “the place where the king’s prisoners were confined”, but “THE LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH” and used his apparent misfortune for HIS GLORY!

Even though I try to “see it all as coming from ME” (as Dr. Charles Stanley spoke in an interview), acknowledging that ALMIGHTY GOD would allow difficult times in my life is hard to swallow sometimes.  If GOD is such a good GOD, why does HE allow unpleasant, even painful events in my life?  

Joseph was imprisoned in “the place where the king’s prisoners were confined” so GOD would be GLORIFIED!  GOD interpreted dreams through Joseph, and that would lead him into the presence of Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt.  Yes, “THE LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH”, even though he was in a place of despair and ridicule and Joseph knew that GOD was IN CONTROL!  

When things become chaotic and seemingly “out of control” we must remember that our GOD IS IN CONTROL, not only of us, but in control of everything around us!  HE is grooming me for HIS GLORY, regardless of the uncertainty and madness of circumstances.  Joseph was promoted to second in command of this world behind Pharaoh, although he found himself unjustly imprisoned.  Never forget that “THE LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH”, not only in the “good times”, but more importantly in the bad!!!

“HIS PURPOSE!”

 Ephesians 1:7-10                         (ESV)

“[7] In HIM we have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of HIS grace, [8] which HE lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight [9] making known to us the mystery of HIS will, according to “HIS PURPOSE”, which HE set forth in CHRIST [10] as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in HIM, things in heaven and things on earth.”

Philippians 2:12-13

“[12] Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, [13] for it is GOD WHO works in you, both to will and to work for HIS GOOD PLEASURE.”

In a memory I shared recently I mentioned that being anything you wanted to be was not always possible.  Being 6’6” tall was a non-starter for the U.S. Air Force in 1978 if you wanted to become a pilot.  If you were over 6’4” tall you weren’t even considered for the pilot program, especially if your education level was a high school graduate!  It wasn’t a dream career to me and I quickly began looking at other options when these requirements were made known to me.  

Being in the senior citizen population now, it amazes me the path that GOD has CHOSEN for me to travel for “HIS PURPOSE”.  Sure an Air Force pilot would have been difficult and demanding, but this PATH was not according to “HIS PURPOSE” for my life.  When I review what I can remember of the first 60+ years of my life, the “highs” and “lows” are many, but the main force of my life remains FAITHFUL!

To do anything other than “HIS PURPOSE” is something that I want to avoid.   Living “the testimony” of just the medical MIRACLES that I have experienced is literally astounding, but KNOWING GOD has led me to draw GLORY to HIS NAME humbles this one unworthy vessel.  To understand that THE CREATOR uses me to draw GLORY to HIS NAME, and for “HIS PURPOSE”, is a blessing beyond my wildest imagination!!!

“HE CHOSE US!”

 Ephesians 1:3-10                        (ESV)

“[3] Blessed be the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO has blessed us in CHRIST with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, [4] even as “HE CHOSE US” in HIM BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD, that we should be holy and blameless before HIM. In love [5] HE predestined us for adoption to HIMSELF as sons through JESUS CHRIST, according to the purpose of HIS will, [6] to the praise of HIS glorious grace, with which HE has blessed us in the Beloved. [7] In HIM we have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of HIS grace, [8] which HE lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight [9] making known to us the mystery of HIS will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in CHRIST [10] as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in HIM, things in heaven and things on earth.”

“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”  John Adams, 1st Vice-President and 2nd President of the United States of America spoke these words in an address to the Militia of Massachusetts on October 11, 1798.  The second President of the United States of America stood for a number of rights and principles for a “free” people.  Those rights weren’t bestowed upon these “free” people by a government, rather by “their Creator”!  In the address to the Militia of Massachusetts mentioned above, John Adams made it clear that he thought the humility of the Believer was paramount in not only following CHRIST, but also following the Constitution of the United States.  

Another great President who shares the same exit date from “this world” (July 04, 1826) is Thomas Jefferson.  President Jefferson said “The GOD WHO gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time.”  These men were undoubtedly flawed, but they understood that ALMIGHTY GOD chose them for the season which they found themselves.  It’s not “coincidence” that they were born during the time they were, just as everyone else was born “for such a time as this”!  

The fact that GOD ALMIGHTY selects who HE does has been debated as long as time has existed.  GOD accepted he offering from Abel while HE rejected the offering of Cain.  “HE CHOSE US” doesn’t indicate that we are any better than those who aren’t chosen according to Deuteronomy 7:7-8.  We should be humble enough to accept that we are here for a PURPOSE and fulfilling that PURPOSE is the only way to have PEACE in “this world”!

Many people, including this servant, have plans that they attempt to complete.  Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the PURPOSE of the LORD that will stand.”  “HE CHOSE US” to fulfill HIS PURPOSE on earth, so LORD fulfill YOUR PLAN with my every breath, like you did with our forefathers!!!

“IN HIM ALL THINGS HOLD TOGETHER!”

 The Preeminence of CHRIST

Colossians 1:15-17                                   (ESV)

[15] HE (JESUS) is the image of the invisible GOD, the firstborn of ALL creation. [16] 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. [17] And HE is before all things, and “IN HIM ALL THINGS HOLD TOGETHER”.”

The story of LAMININ (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laminin ) was first heard by this humble servant on a video by Louie Giglio.  He tells that when a Molecular Biologist from East Texas was explaining what LAMININ was and performed, this scientist was almost beside himself because his EYES were OPENED long ago and he saw the opportunity for others to SEE also!  “IN HIM ALL THINGS HOLD TOGETHER” is as close to a perfect description of the invisible GOD that mortality can define! 

When my brain was hemorrhaging on July 09, 2007 (14 years ago this Friday!) my ability to explain, to the best of my ill-equipped ability, what was happening to me was TOTALLY removed from my mouth!  I tried everything in my knowledge to communicate, but it wasn’t happening.  It seemed like everything was out of “my control”.  But it wasn’t out of GOD’S CONTROL!  Of course, on August 29, 2007 I was released and walked out from the Rehab Hospital……52 days later!  

How did those who loved me get through this valley of the shadow of death?  “IN HIM ALL THINGS HOLD TOGETHER”!!!  My wife was there everyday, and she was the one who told everyone that “he will be fine”!  No, she wasn’t in denial, but GOD gave her a PEACE that “IN HIM ALL THINGS HOLD TOGETHER”!

Even what we humans see as the “bad things” in life display WHO is in control.  When Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers in Genesis 37 did he panic and give up on GOD?  When Job lost ALL he had did he give up and curse GOD?  When we are faced with desperate circumstances we need to remember that we have THE CREATOR of ALL THINGS living inside of us.  We too should be excited to let people know that “IN HIM ALL THINGS HOLD TOGETHER”!!!

“WHY DID SARAH LAUGH?”

 Genesis 18:10-15

“[10] The LORD said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. [11] Now Abraham and Sarah were old, ADVANCED IN YEARS. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. [12] So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” [13] The LORD said to Abraham, “WHY DID SARAH LAUGH” and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ [14] Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I WILL return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” [15] But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. HE said, “No, but you did laugh.””

The account of Abraham and Sarah, formerly known as Abram and Sarai, has MANY lessons for us.  Just today My EYES have been OPENED to a TRUTH that I have never seen before.   In Romans 4:20, the Apostle Paul writes “No unbelief made him (Abraham) waver concerning the promise of GOD, but HE GREW STRONG IN HIS FAITH as he gave glory to GOD,”. If he was growing, that indicates to me that he hadn’t arrived yet in his spiritual maturity??  So I should be confident that GOD is ABLE to work in my weaknesses similar to working in the life of Abraham!

GOD changed the name of Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah in Genesis 17.  But in Genesis 16 Sarai convinced Abram to NOT WAIT ON THE LORD and have a child with Hagar, her handmaiden.  Abram was 86 years old when Hagar gave birth to Ishmael according to Genesis 16:16.  In the next verse of Scripture GOD speaks to Abram and makes HIS COVENANT with him, in spite of Sarai’s and Abram’s failure to TRUST GOD to fulfill HIS PROMISE! 

GOD’s PROMISES aren’t made because of our goodness or worthiness, they are simply because HIS NAME IS TO BE PRAISED and we are CALLED to recognize HIM as GOD ALMIGHTY!  HE is, even though “I am undone” (Isaiah 6:5 KJV) and tremendously weak!  Abram and Sarai were changed to be known as Abraham and Sarah AND THEN GOD blessed them with Isaac (son of Promise) 14 years later or so!  

GOD “chose” to work in the life of Abraham, not because Abraham was worthy, but because GOD LOVED (Deuteronomy 7:7-8) him!  Why did GOD “choose” me?  Not because I am worthy, but because HE LOVES me!  Forgive me for LAUGHING when I read “WHY DID SARAH LAUGH”.  Maybe she was growing and could not yet SEE that GOD SPECIALIZES IN THE IMPOSSIBLE!!!

“WAIT FOR THE LORD!”

 Five years ago the HOLY SPIRIT directed me to write these words, and HE is still working in and through me to PERFECT HIS will in my life!  It amazes me how much patience GOD uses with me!!!

Psalms 37:34-36                                    (ESV)

"34 "WAIT FOR THE LORD" and keep HIS way, and HE will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off. 

35 I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree. 

36 But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found."

Seeking GOD's Will for our lives is a tremendously important, maybe imperative, thing for us to do.  When GOD has given you HIS PLAN, all worries about how and why seems to dissipate as HE is responsible for the details, as well as the big picture.  The biggest thing I have to be on guard against is making sure I "WAIT FOR THE LORD"!  

To say patience has never been a strong suit of mine could quite possibly be the greatest understatement of all time!  A cartoon from my youth comes to mind when thinking of my mindset when performing a task, whether for the LORD, or anything else in my adult years, The Tasmanian Devil!   "Taz" would get moving so fast that he couldn't see what was going on around him, he couldn't be concerned with anything but what he was trying to accomplish.  When I get The Message from GOD of what I'm called to do for HIM, I then have to "WAIT FOR THE LORD" as to when I am to do what HE has instructed me to do!  

Since GOD has given me HIS PLAN, it seems I always want to help GOD along, and that is where I usually mess things up!   Can you imagine if the children of Israel had chosen to NOT "WAIT FOR THE LORD" at the Red Sea?  More than likely the Egyptians would have a lot of company at the bottom of the Red Sea.  But when they "WAITED FOR THE LORD" HE delivered them across the Red Sea AND "not one of them (the Egyptians) remained" (Exodus 14:28)!

The Israelites knew that they were on the way to The Promised Land.  GOD was providing cover for them with a Pillar of Cloud and Pillar of Fire.  But they had to "WAIT FOR THE LORD" AND HIS TIMING to get the deliverance across the Red Sea.  You can "spread yourself like a green laurel tree" and try things on your own timetable, but you might wind up "cut off, or better still, "passed away"!  To prefer to "WAIT FOR THE LORD" is how I will choose to live my life.