"EACH OF US!"

Matthew 10:26-33                      (ESV)

"26 "So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.

27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.

28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. RATHER FEAR HIM WHO CAN DESTROY BOTH BODY AND SOUL IN HELL.

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.

30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.

31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my FATHER who is in heaven,

33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my FATHER who is in heaven."

 

Don't worry about this life!  RATHER FEAR HIM WHO CAN DESTROY BOTH BODY AND SOUL IN HELL!  Your wealth, health, and stature will be gone as soon as your breath leaves you!  It is coming for "EACH OF US"!  

"SERVING CHRIST!"

Matthew 25:24-40                         (ESV)

"34 Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,

36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'

37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?

38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?

39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?'

40 And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me'."

Dr. Charles Stanley, Max Lucado, and. Dr. Tony Evans are three ministers that I subscribe to.  I love Dr. Stanley because he shares his hurts and trials.  He doesn't try to gloss over them admitting that he grows more from them than the sun shiney days!  

Today's devotional from Dr. Stanley causes me to reflect on what my motivation to DO GOOD is?  Am I attempting to earn my way into heaven when JESUS paid my way?  Am I wanting to help someone that may be considered "needy" because I can demonstrate how much "I have"!  What is it that DRIVES me to SERVE HIM?  Am I trying to DO GOOD to benefit myself, or to draw GLORY to the FATHER?  

Prayerfully consider the words from Dr. Charles Stanley today and evaluate what is driving you to be what/who you are?

March 5
Serving Christ
Matthew 25:34-40
Stop for a moment and consider the purpose of your life. Are you living to pursue your own interests or success? Does your energy revolve around your family members? Perhaps your ambition is to change the world for the better.
All of these aims—even the last one, which sounds so selfless—are futile. The only goal of lasting value and fulfillment is serving Christ. As His followers, we should model our life after His. And Mark 10:45tells us that "even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” We honor Him by doing likewise.
Yet, sometimes we can feel overwhelmed when we consider the amazing ways that other believers are serving the Lord. With God on His side, King David led great armies into war. Today, there are evangelists who speak to tens of thousands, and many lives are saved. How could anything we do compare to accomplishments like these? And while comparisons may discourage us, Christians use other excuses for not trying—such as a lack of experience or having the wrong personality for the task. But God’s call for each person is unique. He will provide the words, ability, and circumstances so that you can achieve what He wants done. Remember, our Father is the one who makes the difference. We are merely tools, and we’re blessed to be used by Him.
EL: Are you demonstrating your love for the Lord by serving others? Live in such a way that each evening you can tell Him, “Lord, as best I know how, I have attempted to serve Your purpose today.”

"DEMONS BELIEVE AND SHUDDER!"

James 2:18-20          (ESV)

"18 But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

19 You believe that GOD is one; you do well. Even the "DEMONS BELIEVE AND SHUDDER"!

20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?"

Much is being made concerning the address of Prime Minister Netanyahu to a joint session of the United States Congress.   If our leaders could "see" (John 12:40) what scripture indicates  they would recognize that Israel is being "left alone", just like Jacob was left alone in Genesis 32 with GOD.  Only this time GOD will be fighting FOR Israel, not WITH Israel (Jacob)!  

I was blessed to have the occasion to be in the presence of a great friend of mine, Bishop Robert E. Smith.  He had a previously scheduled interview with a radio program about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address and the impact it had SPIRITUALLY!  My "eyes were opened" to some perspectives I had yet to consider.  When you back off from the situation and consider things from Bishop's point of view, things really began to make sense! 

Satan "trembles" in the presence of Deity!  The Bible says in book of James 2:19 that even the "DEMONS BELIEVE AND SHUDDER"!  Why??  They were defeated by JESUS CHRIST and they know their eventual fate is inevitable.  Whenever the Spirit of JESUS is present the spirit of the enemy MUST flee!

There is a reason that some leaders didn't appear at Prime Minister Netanyahu's address, and is not because they were against the Prime Minister's viewpoints.  The forces (spirits) that drive each of us are who we really are.  When the Spirit of GOD is present, other spirits are uncomfortable to the point of shuddering.  In Matthew 8:27-34 JESUS evicted two evil spirits from the two men.  The evil spirits BEGGED HIM to "send us away into the herd of pigs." JESUS didn't have to struggle and battle them!  HE simply said "GO" and it was so!

Evil spirits are no match whatsoever to the KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS!  To know HIS Spirit lives in me gives me great comfort and assurance.  James 2:19 says that "DEMONS BELIEVE AND SHUDDER", so why is it that mankind has problems believing?  The truths and prophecies in GOD's Word will NOT go infilled.  Not only do "DEMONS BELIEVE AND SHUDDER", but one day "every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD!!!

"HE LOVED US!"

1 John 4:9-12                              (ESV)

"7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from GOD, and whoever loves has been born of GOD and knows GOD.

8 Anyone who does not love does not know GOD, because GOD is love.

9 In this the love of GOD was made manifest among us, that GOD sent his only SON into the world, so that we might live through HIM.

10 In this is love, not that we have loved GOD but that "HE LOVED US" and sent his SON to be the propitiation for our sins.

11 Beloved, if GOD so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

12 No one has ever seen GOD; if we love one another, GOD abides in us and HIS love is perfected in us."

TOUGH LOVE has been discussed and dissected for centuries.  We all should LOVE our children enough to provide for their needs.  Whether it is as simple as cleaning a scraped knee or as complex as advising in a relationship matter, we all need guidance in our lives from time to time.  Admitting to NEEDING that guidance can be a humbling experience though!

GOD has put me into some uncomfortable places in my life that have REQUIRED me trusting in HIM with my whole heart.  Why would HE place one of HIS prize possessions (James 1:18) into difficult times when HE has the power to make everything nice???  You would think HE would make our stream smooth and calm?  You would think HE would make things easiest for those who profess LOVE for HIM?

It may be that "HE LOVED US" and HE wants us to, not only PROFESS love for HIM, but DEMONSTRATE love for HIM!  GOD could have created a bunch of robot-like creatures who stood around extolling HIS power and might.  But had HE not given us a choice the PRAISE and adoration would not have been as heartfelt.  When we cry out to HIM in need, we are demonstrating that only HE can solve our problems and needs.

GOD's plan is so magnificent that we have to use the word MIRACLE when describing it.  When we say "HE LOVED US" we have to realize how frail and human we are, while at the same time realize how DIVINE HE is!  Yes, "HE LOVED US" but HIS LOVE is so great that HE allows me to go through some trying times so I will proclaim that "HE LOVED US"!!

"ALL OF YOU!"

1 Peter 3:8-9                                (ESV)

"8 Finally, "ALL OF YOU", have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing."

The above verses were referred to in a sermon I recently heard.  The words spoke to me rather bluntly as I was formerly "an eye for an eye" type of person.  When a transgression was made, my response was usually one of likemindedness, one that was measured with retribution and carefully calculated.  I guess I thought that others could be the pushovers, but I was going to stand for right!

Scripture can be SO unpleasant at times!  Hebrews 4:12 says "For the Word of GOD is "living" and "active", sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."  The way GOD's Spirit constantly changes my life is a testament to how HIS Word is "living" and "active"!  There are some things that used to be acceptable in my life, but as I have matured Spiritually I am no longer allowed to act as "a child" (1 Corinthians 13:11)!  

Peter instructs "ALL OF YOU" (US) on how we should respond to bad things in our lives.  GOD doesn't need a "hit squad" to perform unpleasant tasks for HIM.  HE is capable of exacting retribution with no assistance from mankind.  Romans 12:19 says "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of GOD, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I WILL REPAY, says the LORD."  Does that verse leave anyone outside of its scope?  To make sure 'ALL OF YOU" understood, Peter included the words "ALL OF YOU" in his text!

The thing we need to keep in mind is that the same GOD who said "Vengeance is mine, I WILL REPAY" also says through Peter "that you may obtain a blessing."  If we are trying to exact revenge, we are trying to be God to someone who may need to see GOD's mercy and grace.  This is not just for us HARD HEADS who can't seem to get things through their thick skulls!  The entire Bible is written for "ALL OF YOU"!  We just have to slow down enough to hear from HIM!

"GOD MAY BLESS YOU!"

Deuteronomy 24:19:22                       (ESV)

"19 "When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, that the LORD your "GOD MAY BLESS YOU" in all the work of your hands.

20 When you beat your olive trees, you shall not go over them again. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.

21 When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not strip it afterward. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.

22 You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I command you to do this."

Recently I read about a man who was barred from a local business because he was eating from the waste containers.  It wasn't as if the man was stealing people's food from their table.  He was eating food they had either thrown away, or left for someone else to throw away.  You know, there are some people who feel they are above cleaning up after themselves when they eat!  

As far back as in Deuteronomy GOD instructs HIS children to care for those less fortunate.  No fatherless child planned to be fatherless.  Most widows didn't plan to be widowed.  GOD knew there would be needs and HE directed HIS children to use things HE gave them to provide for those needs.  And how things would be better if we would follow the directions from GOD.  Destitute people would have a source for provisions.  An orphan would be taken care of by someone who is a fit example of kindness. Widows would not be left to "fin" for themselves.  If only we followed GOD's instructions our needs would be supplied (Philippians 4:19) and we would supply needs of others!  

Former President Ronald W. Reagan said "Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face".  President Reagan was not perfect, but he nailed end it with this quote!  GOD's Word isn't something that mankind can ignore or minimize.  Mankind has gotten/taken things out of GOD's order.  We have turned that "GOD MAY BLESS YOU" into GOD bless our government so our government can give freebies to everyone in need!  If the the government fails we wonder what went wrong!  It couldn't be us, could it, as we are too "christian" to allow desperate situations to exist when GOD has been so good to us?  

But how many of us want to see someone taking food out of a waste receptacle for their nourishment?  Yet the "Answer Book" to ALL of life's problems goes largely unbothered in most of our homes.  GOD told Joshua in Joshua 1:7 "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".  Yet all we are interested in is "GOD MAY BLESS YOU" and we forget about following HIS Law!  

FATHER GOD, I pray you will move my heart to recognize NEEDS wherever they exists and that you will use me so that "GOD MAY BLESS YOU" to more people!

"YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN!"

1 Corinthians 6:19-20                      (ESV)

"19 Or do you not know that YOUR BODY IS A TEMPLE of the HOLY SPIRIT within you, whom you have from GOD? "YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN",

20 for you were bought with a price. So GLORIFY GOD in your body."

Eating Blue Bell Moo llineum Crunch ice cream is one of the most pleasurable earthly things that I am aware of!  When I eat Blue Bell Moo llineum Crunch I am not affecting others.  As a matter of fact I usually prefer to be alone when I "indulge"!  But the Blue Bell Moo llineum Crunch ice cream is not affected by who sees me eating it, only by being ingested into my body.  When I eat things that are on my "DO NOT EAT" list, I usually gain weight which is not good for me!

The fact that I love Blue Bell Moo llineum Crunch does not mean that it loves me!  GOD's Word says my body is not my own!  Eating outside of GOD's Plan can bring disastrous results that we may not recognize if we are TOO BUSY.  Recently there was a message shared with me that included some characteristics of GOD (stills you; reassures you; leads you; enlightens you; forgives you; CALMS you; encourages you; comforts you).  There were also some characteristics of the devil shared (RUSHES you; Frightens you; Pushes you; CONFUSES you; CONDEMNS you; Stresses you; Discourages you; WORRIES you).  The enemy tries to get us so worked up where we believe everything is dependent on something or someone OTHER  than GOD.  The enemy doesn't care who or what we are looking to for our focus in life, just as long as we are NOT focused on GOD ALMIGHTY!

Many times I have been asked if some act is a "sin".  In light of this Bible Study I would have to replay that "YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN" and you need to ask whosever your body belongs to! If I borrow someone's automobile and drive it somewhere to damage their reputation, then my future ability to borrow anything from them will be in jeopardy!  "YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN" should let us know that IF WE ARE BORN AGAIN we are NOT the one in charge of our body.  The HOLY SPIRIT indwells us, by the power of ALMIGHTY GOD, and HE is the ONE we should ask if something is okay for us to do!

That is why it is SO critical that we have a time of Bible Study, prayer and meditation every day! If we are not listening to and for GOD and HIS direction in our lives, the enemy is accomplishing his goal.  The reality that "YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN" is a humbling, yet enlightening, thing.  Our temples (our bodies) are inhabited by the Spirit we allow to reign on our throne.  We can surrender to THE KING, or we can be ruled by an imposter.  But the unmistakable, eternal fact remains I can't eat Blue Bell Moo llineum Crunch whenever I like, for I AM NOT MY OWN!!!