2 Timothy 3:12-17 (ESV)
"12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in CHRIST JESUS WILL BE PERSECUTED,
13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it
15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in CHRIST JESUS.
16 "ALL SCRIPTURE" is breathed out by GOD and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
17 that the man of GOD may be complete, EQUIPPED for every good work."
With the infatuation with social media sites these days and a desire to "get the news first" that appears to be driving our information appetites, there seems to be a growing tendency of NOT hearing from GOD about the things that really matter in life. In my experience, GOD most often speaks to mankind through HIS WORD, the HOLY BIBLE! Yet the "love affair" that mankind once had with The ALMIGHTY and HIS direction through scripture is waining. Some people want to tell us the have "a word from GOD", but don't want to back up "their word" with scripture. Such dispersions can sound really "grounded" in The WORD, but unless GOD's WORD is the basis for a statement, there is a good chance it is flawed in someway. 1 Corinthians 3:19 says the wisdom of "this world" is FOOLISHNESS with GOD!
Hebrews 4:12 says "For the Word of GOD is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword,...........". In 2 Timothy 3:12, when GOD tells us "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in CHRIST JESUS WILL BE PERSECUTED," HE doesn't leave room for a lot of misinterpretation! If we stand on GOD's Word and obey HIS precepts, WE WILL BE PERSECUTED, simply because "this world" says there is no other way to accomplish righteous actions. GOD does HIS greatest work when there seems to be no other way, when it seems hopeless! Remember the Red Sea? GOD works miracles when there seems to be no other way, because HE IS THE ONLY WAY (John 14:6)!
When will we get back to worshipping and honoring "ALL SCRIPTURE" for what it truly is, the Word of GOD ALMIGHTY, the CREATOR of the Universes? Mankind has become so "knowledgable" (Daniel 12:4) that they sometimes act like they don't need GOD or HIS intervention. It has been said "Within the covers of the BIBLE are the answers for all the problems men face" and there is no greater non-scriptural statement that has been made in recent times. The ability to find answers within "ALL SCRIPTURE" does not take a Bible Scholar with great theological backgrounds. James 1:5 says "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask GOD, who gives GENEROUSLY TO ALL WITHOUT REPROACH, and it will be given him". The thing I have to do is get away from the "gotta have it now" mindset and TRUST HIM to reveal it to me when I study "ALL SCRIPTURE"!!!
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Friday, July 29, 2016
"SEE, YOUR SON LIVES!"
1 Kings 17:23-24 (ESV)
"23 And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper chamber into the house and delivered him to his mother. And Elijah said, "SEE, YOUR SON LIVES."
24 And the woman said to Elijah, "Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth."
Nine years ago today I was awakened from a deep slumber that had lasted for seventeen days. My brain had hemorrhaged on July 09 and the decision was made to put me in a drug induced coma four days later. This day was significant for they were set to perform a tracheotomy on July 30! Also, it was my mothers 77th birthday! Although I made what many familiar with my case describe as a "miraculous recovery", my mom would not celebrate her 78th birthday on this earth. She passed into her eternal reward on February 27, 2008, and she was ready to go!
My plans today are to visit the hospital where I visited in 2007. Although It has been nine years I still meet someone every time I visit who had a hand in helping me through "the valley of the shadow of death"! I will forever be indebted to everyone, and there are MANY, in the healthcare industry who had a hand in my treatment and recovery.
There are many "signs" of the brain hemorrhage that are still in my home. There are walkers and canes used to assist in my walking. My "word recall" is still not as good as it was prior to the hemorrhage and my body temperature hardly ever gets above 97 degrees. But for a person who was as "sick" as I'm told I was, the fact that I'm here at all is a blessing beyond words. A recent conversation with a supervisor at the hospital I was treated at ended with these words, "You aren't bothering me!!!! Can't wait to see you!!!!! You are the reason I do what I do!!!!"
My mom was a testimony of survival. She reared three children on her own. She was a nurse who worked tirelessly to provide for her children with assistance from her family and the church we attended. Although breast cancer was listed as the culprit for her death, she knew where her HOME was, and she was ready to go there!
Elijah was able to tell the mother of her son in 1 Kings 17 "SEE, YOUR SON LIVES"! Nine years ago the doctors were able to tell my mom (and family) "SEE, YOUR SON LIVES"! My mom never experienced the "finer things" in life, but she demonstrated a love for the LORD in her life that will continue existing in my life, as well as her grandchildren and friends for many years to come. She loved her only son more than life itself. To hear "SEE, YOUR SON LIVES" was the best birthday present she had ever received. I love you mom, and I'll see you soon!!!
"23 And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper chamber into the house and delivered him to his mother. And Elijah said, "SEE, YOUR SON LIVES."
24 And the woman said to Elijah, "Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth."
Nine years ago today I was awakened from a deep slumber that had lasted for seventeen days. My brain had hemorrhaged on July 09 and the decision was made to put me in a drug induced coma four days later. This day was significant for they were set to perform a tracheotomy on July 30! Also, it was my mothers 77th birthday! Although I made what many familiar with my case describe as a "miraculous recovery", my mom would not celebrate her 78th birthday on this earth. She passed into her eternal reward on February 27, 2008, and she was ready to go!
My plans today are to visit the hospital where I visited in 2007. Although It has been nine years I still meet someone every time I visit who had a hand in helping me through "the valley of the shadow of death"! I will forever be indebted to everyone, and there are MANY, in the healthcare industry who had a hand in my treatment and recovery.
There are many "signs" of the brain hemorrhage that are still in my home. There are walkers and canes used to assist in my walking. My "word recall" is still not as good as it was prior to the hemorrhage and my body temperature hardly ever gets above 97 degrees. But for a person who was as "sick" as I'm told I was, the fact that I'm here at all is a blessing beyond words. A recent conversation with a supervisor at the hospital I was treated at ended with these words, "You aren't bothering me!!!! Can't wait to see you!!!!! You are the reason I do what I do!!!!"
My mom was a testimony of survival. She reared three children on her own. She was a nurse who worked tirelessly to provide for her children with assistance from her family and the church we attended. Although breast cancer was listed as the culprit for her death, she knew where her HOME was, and she was ready to go there!
Elijah was able to tell the mother of her son in 1 Kings 17 "SEE, YOUR SON LIVES"! Nine years ago the doctors were able to tell my mom (and family) "SEE, YOUR SON LIVES"! My mom never experienced the "finer things" in life, but she demonstrated a love for the LORD in her life that will continue existing in my life, as well as her grandchildren and friends for many years to come. She loved her only son more than life itself. To hear "SEE, YOUR SON LIVES" was the best birthday present she had ever received. I love you mom, and I'll see you soon!!!
Thursday, July 28, 2016
"SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS!"
Malachi 4:1-3 (ESV)
"1 "For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when ALL THE ARROGANT AND ALL EVILDOERS WILL BE STUBBLE. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD OF HOSTS, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.
2 But for YOU WHO FEAR MY NAME, the "SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS" shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.
3 And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the LORD of hosts."
It might be tempting to disregard the final chapter of Malachi, as literally six verses later the revelation story of GOD INCARNATE begins to be written. There can be a tendency to "speed read" past what seems like less important words, but GOD breathed these verses (2 Timothy 3:16-17) into HIS servant for our refinement and edification. Why should we overlook the CREATOR's design for our lives? Why do we ignore HIS Words of encouragement when the "evil one" is using every tool he can muster to ensnare us?
During a "personal" Bible Study recently the subject of does GOD allow "bad things" to happen to "good people" ever occur came into my mind. In Acts 9:15-16 JESUS tells Ananias "Go, for he (Saul/Paul) is a chosen instrument of MINE to carry MY name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I WILL SHOW HIM HOW MUCH HE MUST SUFFER FOR THE SAKE OF MY NAME". Even today, we may have to "SUFFER FOR THE SAKE OF MY NAME", but we don't need to lose sight that the "SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS" shall rise up with healing in its wings one day!
In 2 Thessalonians 2:8 scripture records "And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the LORD JESUS will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming." There are some who actually BELIEVE that the Word of GOD is more than a book of prophecy, it is a list of PROMISES, of HIS Plan for all of mankind. To be found guilty of being in such a group of radicals is an honor that can only be bestowed upon us by GOD THE FATHER (1 Peter 2:9), not because we are "good"!
While it is true that we may get to suffer for the sake of HIS KINGDOM (1 Peter 4:13-14), the "SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS" will one day be displayed in our lives with NO CLOUDS to obstruct HIS LIGHT! All of the ARROGANT AND EVILDOERS WILL BE STUBBLE before HIM! HIS brightness will be forever on display as the "SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS" assumes HIS Throne in GLORY!!!
"1 "For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when ALL THE ARROGANT AND ALL EVILDOERS WILL BE STUBBLE. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD OF HOSTS, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.
2 But for YOU WHO FEAR MY NAME, the "SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS" shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.
3 And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the LORD of hosts."
It might be tempting to disregard the final chapter of Malachi, as literally six verses later the revelation story of GOD INCARNATE begins to be written. There can be a tendency to "speed read" past what seems like less important words, but GOD breathed these verses (2 Timothy 3:16-17) into HIS servant for our refinement and edification. Why should we overlook the CREATOR's design for our lives? Why do we ignore HIS Words of encouragement when the "evil one" is using every tool he can muster to ensnare us?
During a "personal" Bible Study recently the subject of does GOD allow "bad things" to happen to "good people" ever occur came into my mind. In Acts 9:15-16 JESUS tells Ananias "Go, for he (Saul/Paul) is a chosen instrument of MINE to carry MY name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I WILL SHOW HIM HOW MUCH HE MUST SUFFER FOR THE SAKE OF MY NAME". Even today, we may have to "SUFFER FOR THE SAKE OF MY NAME", but we don't need to lose sight that the "SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS" shall rise up with healing in its wings one day!
In 2 Thessalonians 2:8 scripture records "And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the LORD JESUS will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming." There are some who actually BELIEVE that the Word of GOD is more than a book of prophecy, it is a list of PROMISES, of HIS Plan for all of mankind. To be found guilty of being in such a group of radicals is an honor that can only be bestowed upon us by GOD THE FATHER (1 Peter 2:9), not because we are "good"!
While it is true that we may get to suffer for the sake of HIS KINGDOM (1 Peter 4:13-14), the "SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS" will one day be displayed in our lives with NO CLOUDS to obstruct HIS LIGHT! All of the ARROGANT AND EVILDOERS WILL BE STUBBLE before HIM! HIS brightness will be forever on display as the "SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS" assumes HIS Throne in GLORY!!!
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
"YE SHALL KNOW!"
Matthew 7:15-20 (KJV)
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 "YE SHALL KNOW" them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits "YE SHALL KNOW" them."
There are a lot of people "quoted" as saying things that are probably true, but most be verified because of twisting and manipulation of what was actually said, or the context of how they said the quote. That is true even with what JESUS said during HIS earthly ministry over 2,000 years ago. How many times has someone quoted Matthew 7:1 which says "Judge not, that ye be not judged" in an attempt to justify a persons lifestyle choices?
In Matthew 5:44-45 JESUS says "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Are we to LOVE everyone, even those who have hurt us immensely? Or worse still, someone who has hurt a family member greatly?
If a person were trapped inside of a burning vehicle and you were their only hope of escaping, most of us would do anything and everything we could to prevent them from being burned alive. We wouldn't wait to see if we LOVE them, or we wouldn't JUDGE them to see if their lifestyle met with our approval. They may be in a similar situation Spiritually as their soul may be headed straight for hell with nobody telling them about JESUS and the free pardon of sin HE grants to those who believe in HIM. True LOVE for our brothers cannot be helping them into an eternity without JESUS. We are to lovingly inform everyone that JUDGEMENT is coming and the only way to receive forgiveness is to trust in HIS sacrifice for our sins.
So how do we KNOW that someone has made a commitment to live for HIM? JESUS said in the scriptures above a you cannot be a corrupt tree and bring forth good fruit. HE said by their fruits "YE SHALL KNOW" them. This doesn't mean a person can do a few "good things" and overcome a lifetime of corrupt behavior. When a person has had their life grafted into HIS LIFE, "YE SHALL KNOW" because of the eternal fruits, the exhibition of LIFE that comes forth from their existence. When there is NEW LIFE in a person, "YE SHALL KNOW" will not have to be proven, it cannot be suppressed!
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 "YE SHALL KNOW" them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits "YE SHALL KNOW" them."
There are a lot of people "quoted" as saying things that are probably true, but most be verified because of twisting and manipulation of what was actually said, or the context of how they said the quote. That is true even with what JESUS said during HIS earthly ministry over 2,000 years ago. How many times has someone quoted Matthew 7:1 which says "Judge not, that ye be not judged" in an attempt to justify a persons lifestyle choices?
In Matthew 5:44-45 JESUS says "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Are we to LOVE everyone, even those who have hurt us immensely? Or worse still, someone who has hurt a family member greatly?
If a person were trapped inside of a burning vehicle and you were their only hope of escaping, most of us would do anything and everything we could to prevent them from being burned alive. We wouldn't wait to see if we LOVE them, or we wouldn't JUDGE them to see if their lifestyle met with our approval. They may be in a similar situation Spiritually as their soul may be headed straight for hell with nobody telling them about JESUS and the free pardon of sin HE grants to those who believe in HIM. True LOVE for our brothers cannot be helping them into an eternity without JESUS. We are to lovingly inform everyone that JUDGEMENT is coming and the only way to receive forgiveness is to trust in HIS sacrifice for our sins.
So how do we KNOW that someone has made a commitment to live for HIM? JESUS said in the scriptures above a you cannot be a corrupt tree and bring forth good fruit. HE said by their fruits "YE SHALL KNOW" them. This doesn't mean a person can do a few "good things" and overcome a lifetime of corrupt behavior. When a person has had their life grafted into HIS LIFE, "YE SHALL KNOW" because of the eternal fruits, the exhibition of LIFE that comes forth from their existence. When there is NEW LIFE in a person, "YE SHALL KNOW" will not have to be proven, it cannot be suppressed!
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
"DEPART FROM ME!
Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV)
"21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'LORD, LORD,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my FATHER who is in heaven.
22 On that day many will say to me, 'LORD, LORD, did we not prophesy in YOUR name, and cast out demons in YOUR name, and do many mighty works in YOUR name?'
23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; "DEPART FROM ME", you workers of lawlessness.'"
How do men of GOD reject HIS Word when advising on worldly matters, including endorsing a political candidate? Has GOD changed HIS standards and forgot to tell us about it??? Then again, how could GOD IN THE FLESH walk among men and they not even recognize HIM????
On July 06, 2016 I wrote about "THE TRUTH". (http://ifidowhyme.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-truth_6.html?m=1). The last sentence of this writing says "I KNOW HIM AND HAVE SEEN HIM and "THE TRUTH" will not change to satisfy anything but HIS agenda!!!" It's not as if this surprises GOD ALMIGHTY. In Matthew 24:23 JESUS said "Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There he is!' DO NOT BELIEVE IT."
GOD can use anyone HE chooses to forward HIS gospel. But when HE selects a person, that person most often displays a broken humbleness that was exemplified by JESUS HIMSELF going to Calvary (Philippians 2:8)! When the persecutor Saul was "called" into the ministry he was on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) to further persecute members of "the Way". The Apostle Paul, after his conversion, went into Arabia for three years (Galatians 1:18) and then the area of "Syria and Cilicia" for fourteen years (Galatians 2:1) before he was "accepted" by the other disciples. During this time his ministry was proven to be genuine and true.
To my knowledge, there is no current candidate who demonstrates a broken humbleness that GOD can use for HIS glory. Now I'm certainly not qualified to be the one to judge for everyone, but I am required to judge the "fruits" of all candidates according to their actions for me to consider. Matthew 7:16 states "You will RECOGNIZE THEM by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?"
Nothing is impossible with GOD (Luke 1:37; Matthew 19:26), but GOD's Word NEVER changes! You can't go into the thornbushes trying to find grapes and you can't find GODLY LEADERS amongst the worldly. Until we surrender to HIS will and purpose for our lives we will continue to be like the children of Israel in 1 Samuel 8:7. GOD IN HEAVEN, I beseech YOU to extend YOUR mercy on us until we can SEE the time is drawing near for YOU to say " "DEPART FROM ME" you workers of lawlessness!
"21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'LORD, LORD,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my FATHER who is in heaven.
22 On that day many will say to me, 'LORD, LORD, did we not prophesy in YOUR name, and cast out demons in YOUR name, and do many mighty works in YOUR name?'
23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; "DEPART FROM ME", you workers of lawlessness.'"
How do men of GOD reject HIS Word when advising on worldly matters, including endorsing a political candidate? Has GOD changed HIS standards and forgot to tell us about it??? Then again, how could GOD IN THE FLESH walk among men and they not even recognize HIM????
On July 06, 2016 I wrote about "THE TRUTH". (http://ifidowhyme.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-truth_6.html?m=1). The last sentence of this writing says "I KNOW HIM AND HAVE SEEN HIM and "THE TRUTH" will not change to satisfy anything but HIS agenda!!!" It's not as if this surprises GOD ALMIGHTY. In Matthew 24:23 JESUS said "Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There he is!' DO NOT BELIEVE IT."
GOD can use anyone HE chooses to forward HIS gospel. But when HE selects a person, that person most often displays a broken humbleness that was exemplified by JESUS HIMSELF going to Calvary (Philippians 2:8)! When the persecutor Saul was "called" into the ministry he was on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) to further persecute members of "the Way". The Apostle Paul, after his conversion, went into Arabia for three years (Galatians 1:18) and then the area of "Syria and Cilicia" for fourteen years (Galatians 2:1) before he was "accepted" by the other disciples. During this time his ministry was proven to be genuine and true.
To my knowledge, there is no current candidate who demonstrates a broken humbleness that GOD can use for HIS glory. Now I'm certainly not qualified to be the one to judge for everyone, but I am required to judge the "fruits" of all candidates according to their actions for me to consider. Matthew 7:16 states "You will RECOGNIZE THEM by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?"
Nothing is impossible with GOD (Luke 1:37; Matthew 19:26), but GOD's Word NEVER changes! You can't go into the thornbushes trying to find grapes and you can't find GODLY LEADERS amongst the worldly. Until we surrender to HIS will and purpose for our lives we will continue to be like the children of Israel in 1 Samuel 8:7. GOD IN HEAVEN, I beseech YOU to extend YOUR mercy on us until we can SEE the time is drawing near for YOU to say " "DEPART FROM ME" you workers of lawlessness!
Monday, July 25, 2016
"HERITAGE FROM THE LORD!"
Psalms 127:3-5 (ESV)
"3 Behold, children are a "HERITAGE FROM THE LORD", the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."
This morning I observed a post on a social media site which read something close to "I don't think there is any greater feeling of joy than having a spiritual moment with your child"! As I pondered the statement, my mind went to several scriptures, like John 4:24 (GOD IS SPIRIT) and Genesis 1:27 (We are created in HIS image).
Yesterday I was blessed to visit my oldest son's house and celebrate his daughter's first birthday. Memories carried me back to celebrating the birthdays of my children and how it seemed only a short time ago they were children. Now, they are adults and are "free" to live their lives as they are led of the LORD to do. In meditating GOD's design for the human race, it amazes me that we, in all of our depraved existence, were/are entrusted with reproducing GOD's Creation to serve HIM?
As I contemplate Psalms 127:3-5 and how GOD chooses to honor and BLESS us with those who will be responsible for continuing the worship of HIM long after we have exhausted our time, and my mind is REALLY overwhelmed! Why would GOD choose me to be a "caregiver" to HIS CREATION for limited timeframe? It seems that I am seemingly consumed with making my "existence" in "this world" as comfortable as I can when I am only here for a short period. According to one dictionary, HERITAGE is "something reserved for one; something that comes or belongs to oneby reason of birth; an inherited lot or portion". Our "HERITAGE FROM THE LORD" are only on loan to us to teach about HIM, not to teach about what we THINK they need to know!
My "babies" are now in their mid/late 20's and have "babies" of their own. Their "HERITAGE FROM THE LORD" can be traced, not only back to me, but also my parents, and their parents, all the way back to Adam and Eve, who were formed from dirt and a rib by our Creator! GOD's design for humanity continually fills my mind with awe and amazement! My grandchildren, like every human being, are SPIRITS first and secondly have bodies that are extremely unique. Our physical attributes will not save us from eternal judgement. Only a living Spiritual being will be able to receive their "HERITAGE FROM THE LORD"! We need to focus more on the Spiritual and less on the physical, for the Spiritual is in HIS image! Thank YOU GOD IN HEAVEN for allowing me to be a guardian over YOUR "HERITAGE FROM THE LORD" for a brief period on this earth!
"3 Behold, children are a "HERITAGE FROM THE LORD", the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."
This morning I observed a post on a social media site which read something close to "I don't think there is any greater feeling of joy than having a spiritual moment with your child"! As I pondered the statement, my mind went to several scriptures, like John 4:24 (GOD IS SPIRIT) and Genesis 1:27 (We are created in HIS image).
Yesterday I was blessed to visit my oldest son's house and celebrate his daughter's first birthday. Memories carried me back to celebrating the birthdays of my children and how it seemed only a short time ago they were children. Now, they are adults and are "free" to live their lives as they are led of the LORD to do. In meditating GOD's design for the human race, it amazes me that we, in all of our depraved existence, were/are entrusted with reproducing GOD's Creation to serve HIM?
As I contemplate Psalms 127:3-5 and how GOD chooses to honor and BLESS us with those who will be responsible for continuing the worship of HIM long after we have exhausted our time, and my mind is REALLY overwhelmed! Why would GOD choose me to be a "caregiver" to HIS CREATION for limited timeframe? It seems that I am seemingly consumed with making my "existence" in "this world" as comfortable as I can when I am only here for a short period. According to one dictionary, HERITAGE is "something reserved for one; something that comes or belongs to oneby reason of birth; an inherited lot or portion". Our "HERITAGE FROM THE LORD" are only on loan to us to teach about HIM, not to teach about what we THINK they need to know!
My "babies" are now in their mid/late 20's and have "babies" of their own. Their "HERITAGE FROM THE LORD" can be traced, not only back to me, but also my parents, and their parents, all the way back to Adam and Eve, who were formed from dirt and a rib by our Creator! GOD's design for humanity continually fills my mind with awe and amazement! My grandchildren, like every human being, are SPIRITS first and secondly have bodies that are extremely unique. Our physical attributes will not save us from eternal judgement. Only a living Spiritual being will be able to receive their "HERITAGE FROM THE LORD"! We need to focus more on the Spiritual and less on the physical, for the Spiritual is in HIS image! Thank YOU GOD IN HEAVEN for allowing me to be a guardian over YOUR "HERITAGE FROM THE LORD" for a brief period on this earth!
Friday, July 22, 2016
"THE LORD HATES!"
Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV)
"16 There are six things that "THE LORD HATES", seven that are an abomination to HIM:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil,
19 a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers."
With all of the turmoil and strife going on in "this world" today, most people who are not familiar with GOD's WORD seem to be desiring to put GOD into a limited "box" named whatever they choose for that occasion. My favorite is GOD IS LOVE (1 John 4:8 and over 25 other places in scripture) so, IN THEIR OPINION, HE would never do anything that WE think that would be considered "bad"!
So how do you explain the scriptures above that say "There are six things that "THE LORD HATES", seven that are an abomination to HIM"? Since GOD is love, is HE even able to hate? Before you answer, remember in Isaiah 55:8-9 GOD HIMSELF says "For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways and MY thoughts than your thoughts." The Bible is filled with account after account of GOD instructing those who would listen to do things that "make no earthly sense", then HE steps in and works a "miracle"! JESUS says in Matthew 19:26 "With man this is impossible, but with GOD all things are possible." Although we may not be able to explain how or why, NOTHING is outside the realm of possibility with GOD! Except to be unholy!!!
A.W. Tozer, noted author and Biblical scholar, writes about the Attributes of GOD in his book named "THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY" the following paragraph about HOLINESS:
"Holiness: This is the attribute that sets GOD apart from all created beings. It refers to HIS majesty and HIS perfect moral purity. There is absolutely no sin or evil thought in GOD at all. HIS holiness is the definition of that which is pure and righteous in all the universe. Wherever GOD has appeared, such as to Moses at the burning bush, that place becomes Holy just for GOD having been there."
Everything GOD does, any place GOD has been, should be considered HOLY! HE made everything so HE has been everywhere. We SHOULD have a tremendous amount of reverence and respect for HIS Creation, but do we? We should have similar reverence and respect for our fellow man, but do we? GOD isn't just about a temple or church house. Colossians 1:16 states "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."
Believing that GOD is incapable of HATING sin while loving the world enough to send HIS SON to provide a road to redemption is akin to saying HIS WORD contains flaws and imperfections! GOD is incapable of one thing, and that is making a mistake! HE got close when HE made me, but HIS SON redeemed me on Calvary, along with the sins of the entire world. Yes, my GOD is awesome enough to love unconditionally! But HE is also HOLY enough to let us know exactly what "THE LORD HATES"!!!
"16 There are six things that "THE LORD HATES", seven that are an abomination to HIM:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil,
19 a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers."
With all of the turmoil and strife going on in "this world" today, most people who are not familiar with GOD's WORD seem to be desiring to put GOD into a limited "box" named whatever they choose for that occasion. My favorite is GOD IS LOVE (1 John 4:8 and over 25 other places in scripture) so, IN THEIR OPINION, HE would never do anything that WE think that would be considered "bad"!
So how do you explain the scriptures above that say "There are six things that "THE LORD HATES", seven that are an abomination to HIM"? Since GOD is love, is HE even able to hate? Before you answer, remember in Isaiah 55:8-9 GOD HIMSELF says "For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways and MY thoughts than your thoughts." The Bible is filled with account after account of GOD instructing those who would listen to do things that "make no earthly sense", then HE steps in and works a "miracle"! JESUS says in Matthew 19:26 "With man this is impossible, but with GOD all things are possible." Although we may not be able to explain how or why, NOTHING is outside the realm of possibility with GOD! Except to be unholy!!!
A.W. Tozer, noted author and Biblical scholar, writes about the Attributes of GOD in his book named "THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY" the following paragraph about HOLINESS:
"Holiness: This is the attribute that sets GOD apart from all created beings. It refers to HIS majesty and HIS perfect moral purity. There is absolutely no sin or evil thought in GOD at all. HIS holiness is the definition of that which is pure and righteous in all the universe. Wherever GOD has appeared, such as to Moses at the burning bush, that place becomes Holy just for GOD having been there."
Everything GOD does, any place GOD has been, should be considered HOLY! HE made everything so HE has been everywhere. We SHOULD have a tremendous amount of reverence and respect for HIS Creation, but do we? We should have similar reverence and respect for our fellow man, but do we? GOD isn't just about a temple or church house. Colossians 1:16 states "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."
Believing that GOD is incapable of HATING sin while loving the world enough to send HIS SON to provide a road to redemption is akin to saying HIS WORD contains flaws and imperfections! GOD is incapable of one thing, and that is making a mistake! HE got close when HE made me, but HIS SON redeemed me on Calvary, along with the sins of the entire world. Yes, my GOD is awesome enough to love unconditionally! But HE is also HOLY enough to let us know exactly what "THE LORD HATES"!!!
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