Hebrews 3:1-3 (ESV)
"1 Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, "CONSIDER JESUS", the apostle and high priest of our confession,
2 WHO was faithful to HIM who appointed HIM, just as Moses also was faithful in all GOD's house.
3 For JESUS has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses-as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself."
Constant amazement is the only thing that adequately describes the rhetoric surrounding the political pundits and the current race for the Presidency of the United States of America. Every current candidate, just as every previous candidate, is flawed, some more deeply than others! It would be refreshing to hear just one person admit their imperfections and claim the grace of GOD in, and over, their life? Seemingly, that would be almost too much to suggest for a modern day politician to submit themselves to.
But who (or WHO) would be qualified to lead us through our wilderness, like Moses ledge children of Israel? YHWH was the only ONE capable of leading the Israelites in the wilderness, and HE did that via the Pillar of Cloud by day and the Pillar of Fire by night. The Pillar of Cloud provided protection from the hot sun and led them exactly where they needed to be going to fulfill GOD's Plan on their way to the Promised Land. They could've made their journey a lot easier by having more FAITH. However, their path could have been a lot more difficult had the Egyptians overtaken them at the Red Sea.
Following the leadership of GOD is something that we have to make a choice about each day. Why don't I seek to follow HIM (HIS HOLY SPIRIT) more fervently as I serve HIM? Just as HE led the children of Israel through the wilderness, GOD is wanting to guide me/us to people and places where I/we can be used to glorify HIM! The easiest way for me to get out of GOD's Plan is when I come to a fork in the road I assume I have to take one or the other? GOD may be wanting me to just BE STILL and wait on HIM for directions?!
Sometimes we need to "CONSIDER JESUS" before we continue down our path of life. HE has been with GOD since the foundations of the worlds, so HE knows everything we need to flourish, IF we simply trust in HIM! If we would just "CONSIDER JESUS" before taking the proverbial fork in the road we might steer clear of a world of trouble. HE IS THE ANSWER, not a Presidential candidate! "CONSIDER JESUS"
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Monday, August 29, 2016
"HOW LONG?"
Numbers 14:11-12 (ESV)
"11 And the LORD said to Moses, "HOW LONG" will this people despise me? And "HOW LONG" will they not believe in ME, IN SPITE OF THE SIGNS THAT I HAVE DONE AMONG THEM?
12 I will strike them with the pestilence and disinherit them, and I will make of you a nation greater and mightier than they."
The insane pace at which "this world" operates is a direct reflection of a rejection of GOD and HIS principles. Most people who read my writings understand that I am extremely fond of Psalms 46:10, "BE STILL, and know that I AM GOD"! Well, can you fathom a candidate for President of the United States proposing that America should cease operations for just one day and spend time on our knees seeking GOD's direction for our country? How many voters do you think would support someone who actually thought the most important thing we should be doing is to "BE STILL, and know that I am GOD'?
The children of Israel had seen miracle after miracle from ALMIGHTY GOD during the exodus from Egypt. First there was the ten plagues, followed by the crossing of the Red Sea, numerous victories over people who did NOT fear GOD, and countless other miracles. In Numbers 14 they were once again doubting that GOD and HIS Plan for them, and that their victory was secured in HIM! Has America taken for granted the miracles from GOD and HIS awesome Hand of guidance over our prosperity? Do we believe more in our military and economic prowess than we believe in the GOD WHO delivered our position within this world?
GOD did not operate on the children of Israel's schedule during their journey to the Promised Land, and HE doesn't work on America's timeline today, nor our preconceived ideas! We can continue trying to force GOD into a box of how we feel HIS deliverance should come, but until we are willing to accept victory in anyway GOD defines, we will continue being frustrated and bewildered by the divine results! HIS Plan is HIS Plan, and we don't get to interject our wishes, nor our desires, into HIS Plan. Working on what WE FEEL should be a better outcome or result could be stepping outside of FAITH into common sense, and anything outside of FAITH is a sin (Romans 14:23)! In Numbers 14:43-45 the children of Israel went to battle without the LORD leading them and THEY WERE DEFEATED by the Amalekites and the Canaanites!
Has America fallen into the same trap as the children of Israel fell into in Numbers 14? GOD allowed Israel to be defeated in Numbers 14:44-45, and America has not out and out won a battle/war since World War II. Have we allowed the enemy to get us moving at such a pace that we are not comfortable with WAITING ON THE LORD for HIS guidance and direction in our own lives, or our country's prosperity? Might GOD be once again saying "HOW LONG" will THIS PEOPLE despise listening to ME? GOD chose to wait until all of the doubters of HIS Plan died (possibly premature deaths) and then HE directed the nation of Israel into The Promised Land! "HOW LONG" will HE allow America to exist without honoring and exalting HIS Name, and BELIEVING IN HIM? "HOW LONG???"
"11 And the LORD said to Moses, "HOW LONG" will this people despise me? And "HOW LONG" will they not believe in ME, IN SPITE OF THE SIGNS THAT I HAVE DONE AMONG THEM?
12 I will strike them with the pestilence and disinherit them, and I will make of you a nation greater and mightier than they."
The insane pace at which "this world" operates is a direct reflection of a rejection of GOD and HIS principles. Most people who read my writings understand that I am extremely fond of Psalms 46:10, "BE STILL, and know that I AM GOD"! Well, can you fathom a candidate for President of the United States proposing that America should cease operations for just one day and spend time on our knees seeking GOD's direction for our country? How many voters do you think would support someone who actually thought the most important thing we should be doing is to "BE STILL, and know that I am GOD'?
The children of Israel had seen miracle after miracle from ALMIGHTY GOD during the exodus from Egypt. First there was the ten plagues, followed by the crossing of the Red Sea, numerous victories over people who did NOT fear GOD, and countless other miracles. In Numbers 14 they were once again doubting that GOD and HIS Plan for them, and that their victory was secured in HIM! Has America taken for granted the miracles from GOD and HIS awesome Hand of guidance over our prosperity? Do we believe more in our military and economic prowess than we believe in the GOD WHO delivered our position within this world?
GOD did not operate on the children of Israel's schedule during their journey to the Promised Land, and HE doesn't work on America's timeline today, nor our preconceived ideas! We can continue trying to force GOD into a box of how we feel HIS deliverance should come, but until we are willing to accept victory in anyway GOD defines, we will continue being frustrated and bewildered by the divine results! HIS Plan is HIS Plan, and we don't get to interject our wishes, nor our desires, into HIS Plan. Working on what WE FEEL should be a better outcome or result could be stepping outside of FAITH into common sense, and anything outside of FAITH is a sin (Romans 14:23)! In Numbers 14:43-45 the children of Israel went to battle without the LORD leading them and THEY WERE DEFEATED by the Amalekites and the Canaanites!
Has America fallen into the same trap as the children of Israel fell into in Numbers 14? GOD allowed Israel to be defeated in Numbers 14:44-45, and America has not out and out won a battle/war since World War II. Have we allowed the enemy to get us moving at such a pace that we are not comfortable with WAITING ON THE LORD for HIS guidance and direction in our own lives, or our country's prosperity? Might GOD be once again saying "HOW LONG" will THIS PEOPLE despise listening to ME? GOD chose to wait until all of the doubters of HIS Plan died (possibly premature deaths) and then HE directed the nation of Israel into The Promised Land! "HOW LONG" will HE allow America to exist without honoring and exalting HIS Name, and BELIEVING IN HIM? "HOW LONG???"
Friday, August 26, 2016
"QUIETLY WAIT!"
These words were written on September 29, 2014 and were found this morning when I completed a word search. Although the prophet wrote these words many years ago, they STILL are currently being used in my life!!!
"QUIETLY WAIT!"
Lamentations 3:22-26 (KJV)
"22 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because HIS compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is THY faithfulness.
24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in HIM.
25 The LORD is good unto THEM THAT WAIT for HIM, to the soul that seeketh HIM.
26 It is good that a man should both hope and "QUIETLY WAIT" for the salvation of the LORD."
It is widely accepted that the Prophet Jeremiah wrote the book of Lamentations under the guidance of the Spirit of GOD. I state that he was guided by the Spirit of GOD because this morning I awoke with verse 23 of Lamentations 3 on my heart. I didn't know where the verse was located, but I soon found it and also found that the author wrote the book sometime around 575 B.C. during the time Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians.
Why would something written almost 3,000 years ago be on my heart this morning? How could a man of seemingly little significance be impacted by a few lines written by a prophet nearly 3,000 years beforehand? The Word of GOD can be used by the Spirit of GOD to do magnificently wonderful things to and through the most unlikely vessels known to mankind. We just need to humble ourselves and realize we are merely vessels to display HIS glory and might for ALL to see.
GOD has been working on me for the past few years about slowing my life down and listening for HIS guidance in my life. This morning, after reading HIS mercies are new every morning: great is HIS faithfulness, I continued to read and be blessed. The words in verse 26 got my attention quickly. "It is good that a man should both hope and "QUIETLY WAIT" for the salvation of the LORD." "IT IS GOOD" and "QUIETLY WAIT" seemed to stick in my mind. It was if GOD was telling me it was a good thing for me to "QUIETLY WAIT" for HIM to do a work in my life that only HE can get glory from!
A person can busy themselves into a frenzy trying to make a name for themselves and be successful. One could easily get discouraged and downtrodden trudging through this journey with no HOPE! Don't let the enemy hurry your life into a rat-race of trying to fulfill others expectations for your life. Jeremiah said IT IS GOOD for a man to HOPE and "QUIETLY WAIT" on the salvation of the LORD.
"QUIETLY WAIT!"
Lamentations 3:22-26 (KJV)
"22 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because HIS compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is THY faithfulness.
24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in HIM.
25 The LORD is good unto THEM THAT WAIT for HIM, to the soul that seeketh HIM.
26 It is good that a man should both hope and "QUIETLY WAIT" for the salvation of the LORD."
It is widely accepted that the Prophet Jeremiah wrote the book of Lamentations under the guidance of the Spirit of GOD. I state that he was guided by the Spirit of GOD because this morning I awoke with verse 23 of Lamentations 3 on my heart. I didn't know where the verse was located, but I soon found it and also found that the author wrote the book sometime around 575 B.C. during the time Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians.
Why would something written almost 3,000 years ago be on my heart this morning? How could a man of seemingly little significance be impacted by a few lines written by a prophet nearly 3,000 years beforehand? The Word of GOD can be used by the Spirit of GOD to do magnificently wonderful things to and through the most unlikely vessels known to mankind. We just need to humble ourselves and realize we are merely vessels to display HIS glory and might for ALL to see.
GOD has been working on me for the past few years about slowing my life down and listening for HIS guidance in my life. This morning, after reading HIS mercies are new every morning: great is HIS faithfulness, I continued to read and be blessed. The words in verse 26 got my attention quickly. "It is good that a man should both hope and "QUIETLY WAIT" for the salvation of the LORD." "IT IS GOOD" and "QUIETLY WAIT" seemed to stick in my mind. It was if GOD was telling me it was a good thing for me to "QUIETLY WAIT" for HIM to do a work in my life that only HE can get glory from!
A person can busy themselves into a frenzy trying to make a name for themselves and be successful. One could easily get discouraged and downtrodden trudging through this journey with no HOPE! Don't let the enemy hurry your life into a rat-race of trying to fulfill others expectations for your life. Jeremiah said IT IS GOOD for a man to HOPE and "QUIETLY WAIT" on the salvation of the LORD.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
"FOUNDED ON THE ROCK!"
Matthew 7:24-29 (ESV)
"24 "Everyone then who hears these words of MINE and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
25 And the RAIN FELL, and the FLOODS CAME, and the WINDS BLEW and BEAT on that HOUSE, but it did not fall, because it had been "FOUNDED ON THE ROCK".
26 And everyone who hears these words of MINE and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."
28 And when JESUS finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at HIS teaching,
29 for HE was teaching them as ONE who had authority, and not as their scribes."
This morning I observed a meme that said "Without rain nothing grows, learn to embrace the storms in your life!". That got me to thinking, we recently received several days of rainfall in the area where I live. After a few days of precipitation there were a lot of comments about how the rain needed to go away, that we had experienced enough of this. Even I have in the past complained about how the weather was too hot, too wet, too cold, too stormy, or you are free to fill in the blank!
The circumstances we might find ourselves in could be preparing us future life experiences? You should never presume you're not being exposed to something to better prepare you for your future. In Matthew 7:24-29 JESUS is telling everyone who will listen not how to avoid storms. HE is telling them that if a person is "FOUNDED ON THE ROCK" that they can withstand whatever comes their way! Whether it be storms or drought, whether it be feast or famine, being "FOUNDED ON THE ROCK" will prevent a person from falling when everything else around them is crumbling!
It can be rather convenient to have our focus be placed on the RAIN, FLOODS, and WINDS that life can send our way, but when we are "FOUNDED ON THE ROCK" we can rest assured that we will survive the storms of life and not be swayed. Don't let a storm, no matter how violent it becomes, shake your foundation! If you are "FOUNDED ON THE ROCK" everything will be just fine!
"24 "Everyone then who hears these words of MINE and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
25 And the RAIN FELL, and the FLOODS CAME, and the WINDS BLEW and BEAT on that HOUSE, but it did not fall, because it had been "FOUNDED ON THE ROCK".
26 And everyone who hears these words of MINE and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."
28 And when JESUS finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at HIS teaching,
29 for HE was teaching them as ONE who had authority, and not as their scribes."
This morning I observed a meme that said "Without rain nothing grows, learn to embrace the storms in your life!". That got me to thinking, we recently received several days of rainfall in the area where I live. After a few days of precipitation there were a lot of comments about how the rain needed to go away, that we had experienced enough of this. Even I have in the past complained about how the weather was too hot, too wet, too cold, too stormy, or you are free to fill in the blank!
The circumstances we might find ourselves in could be preparing us future life experiences? You should never presume you're not being exposed to something to better prepare you for your future. In Matthew 7:24-29 JESUS is telling everyone who will listen not how to avoid storms. HE is telling them that if a person is "FOUNDED ON THE ROCK" that they can withstand whatever comes their way! Whether it be storms or drought, whether it be feast or famine, being "FOUNDED ON THE ROCK" will prevent a person from falling when everything else around them is crumbling!
It can be rather convenient to have our focus be placed on the RAIN, FLOODS, and WINDS that life can send our way, but when we are "FOUNDED ON THE ROCK" we can rest assured that we will survive the storms of life and not be swayed. Don't let a storm, no matter how violent it becomes, shake your foundation! If you are "FOUNDED ON THE ROCK" everything will be just fine!
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
"HEART OF MAN!"
1 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV)
"9 But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, NOR THE "HEART OF MAN" IMAGINED, what GOD has prepared for those who love HIM"
Many times I have grieved rather profusely and openly about a loved one, related or non-related, who has gone on before me to their Heavenly reward. My baby sister was 34 years, three days old when stomach cancer ended her earthly assignment. A dear friend was 35 years old when he was suddenly taken to Heaven while riding his bicycle. There was a precious little girl of nine years of age who GOD called Home about 15 years ago. And I grieved over each one of these like their ability to "live" was over!
But in reality, their "living" was just beginning! In 1 Corinthians 2:9 scripture tells us that NO EYE has seen, NO EAR has heard, NOT THE "HEART OF MAN" IMAGINED, what GOD has prepared for those who love HIM! In John 11:25-26 JESUS tells us "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" JESUS shortly afterward went out and raised Lazarus from the dead, displaying that what "this world" sees as a limitation of GOD's power and might in reality didn't exist. That is why in Matthew 19:26 JESUS says "With man this is impossible, but with GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!"
Understanding how our Spirits can leave our bodies "in the twinkling of an eye" and be in Heaven is something this finite mind cannot explain. However, my FAITH tells me that "HEART OF MAN" cannot fathom what GOD has prepared for me in Heaven! And while it's true that we are "separated" physically from our loved ones for now, the enemy doesn't want us focusing on the eternity we will spend together with them and our Savior, for that reminds him of his future! HEAVEN IS REAL, as REAL as it could be, and we need to remember that! The "HEART OF MAN" cannot comprehend what only the SPIRIT OF GOD can reveal!
Don't let missing your loved ones grieve you for years. As I age, there seems to be more friends and loved ones on the other side than there are left on this side. It is difficult to imagine in the "HEART OF MAN" what awaits me when I get to Heaven. There is a song from a few years back named "I can only imagine". The song was/is extremely popular, even inside the church. But the Apostle Paul was telling us about 2,000 years ago that "eye has seen, nor ear heard, NOR THE "HEART OF MAN" IMAGINED, what GOD has prepared" for we who love the LORD! We don't have the mental capacity to understand just how wonderful and majestic Heaven really is. The "HEART OF MAN" may not be able to comprehend it, but thankfully GOD is not limited by the futility of my heart and mind. That is where those who have gone before me are!!!
"9 But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, NOR THE "HEART OF MAN" IMAGINED, what GOD has prepared for those who love HIM"
Many times I have grieved rather profusely and openly about a loved one, related or non-related, who has gone on before me to their Heavenly reward. My baby sister was 34 years, three days old when stomach cancer ended her earthly assignment. A dear friend was 35 years old when he was suddenly taken to Heaven while riding his bicycle. There was a precious little girl of nine years of age who GOD called Home about 15 years ago. And I grieved over each one of these like their ability to "live" was over!
But in reality, their "living" was just beginning! In 1 Corinthians 2:9 scripture tells us that NO EYE has seen, NO EAR has heard, NOT THE "HEART OF MAN" IMAGINED, what GOD has prepared for those who love HIM! In John 11:25-26 JESUS tells us "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" JESUS shortly afterward went out and raised Lazarus from the dead, displaying that what "this world" sees as a limitation of GOD's power and might in reality didn't exist. That is why in Matthew 19:26 JESUS says "With man this is impossible, but with GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!"
Understanding how our Spirits can leave our bodies "in the twinkling of an eye" and be in Heaven is something this finite mind cannot explain. However, my FAITH tells me that "HEART OF MAN" cannot fathom what GOD has prepared for me in Heaven! And while it's true that we are "separated" physically from our loved ones for now, the enemy doesn't want us focusing on the eternity we will spend together with them and our Savior, for that reminds him of his future! HEAVEN IS REAL, as REAL as it could be, and we need to remember that! The "HEART OF MAN" cannot comprehend what only the SPIRIT OF GOD can reveal!
Don't let missing your loved ones grieve you for years. As I age, there seems to be more friends and loved ones on the other side than there are left on this side. It is difficult to imagine in the "HEART OF MAN" what awaits me when I get to Heaven. There is a song from a few years back named "I can only imagine". The song was/is extremely popular, even inside the church. But the Apostle Paul was telling us about 2,000 years ago that "eye has seen, nor ear heard, NOR THE "HEART OF MAN" IMAGINED, what GOD has prepared" for we who love the LORD! We don't have the mental capacity to understand just how wonderful and majestic Heaven really is. The "HEART OF MAN" may not be able to comprehend it, but thankfully GOD is not limited by the futility of my heart and mind. That is where those who have gone before me are!!!
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
"HE WAS THERE ALONE!"
Matthew 14:22-23 (ESV)
"22 Immediately HE (JESUS) made the disciples get into the boat and go before HIM to the other side, while HE dismissed the crowds.
23 And after HE had dismissed the crowds, HE went up on the mountain by HIIMSELF to pray. When evening came, "HE WAS THERE ALONE","
JESUS had just finished feeding the 5,000 men, plus women and children, and HE "MADE" the disciples get into the boat to go to the other side of the lake where they were. The area was a "desolate place" where JESUS had gone to be alone, but when the crowds found HIM, HE had compassion on them and healed their sick. Then when it was time to eat JESUS fed the multitudes with five loaves and two fishes. When JESUS dismissed the crowds and strongly suggested (one translation uses the word "compelled") HIS disciples go to the other side, scripture says HE WENT BY HIMSELF TO PRAY!
When there is a NEED to spend time ALONE with the FATHER, anything that causes a distraction should be removed from the equation. The final words of the passage above is "HE WAS THERE ALONE"! JESUS knew the importance of being ALONE with GOD. HE didn't need the crowds, and HE didn't need HIS disciples. HE simply needed to be ALONE with HIS FATHER to commune with HIM. JESUS knew that spending time ALONE with the FATHER was imperative to living a life that glorified and honored HIS FATHER. Beginning HIS moving prayer in John 17:1 JESUS prayed "FATHER, the hour has come; glorify your SON THAT THE SON MAY GLORIFY YOU,".
JESUS is/was all about glorifying the FATHER, not about growing the numbers in the ministry, not about building bigger buildings, not about seeing how many baptisms HE could perform. No, instead JESUS was sending HIS disciples to the other side of the water so "HE WAS THERE ALONE" to pray! HE had just ministered to thousands and had sent the throngs of people, even HIS closest friends away, so that "HE WAS THERE ALONE" with the FATHER.
How many times do I allow the thing of "this world" to regulate the time I spend with THE FATHER? JESUS "compelled" HIS disciples to leave HIM ALONE to pray, but sometimes I allow my cellphone, email, social media, and anything else interrupt my time with THE FATHER. Could it be that I don't place a high enough value on my time ALONE with THE FATHER? JESUS "loved" like no other being in history, but yet "HE WAS THERE ALONE" with the FATHER, so why should I be? Maybe I should value my time ALONE with the FATHER more, placing nothing else in line ahead of this time? HEAVENLY FATHER, cause me to recognize that the time spent with YOU will never be better spent as long as "HE WAS THERE ALONE" with YOU!!!
"22 Immediately HE (JESUS) made the disciples get into the boat and go before HIM to the other side, while HE dismissed the crowds.
23 And after HE had dismissed the crowds, HE went up on the mountain by HIIMSELF to pray. When evening came, "HE WAS THERE ALONE","
JESUS had just finished feeding the 5,000 men, plus women and children, and HE "MADE" the disciples get into the boat to go to the other side of the lake where they were. The area was a "desolate place" where JESUS had gone to be alone, but when the crowds found HIM, HE had compassion on them and healed their sick. Then when it was time to eat JESUS fed the multitudes with five loaves and two fishes. When JESUS dismissed the crowds and strongly suggested (one translation uses the word "compelled") HIS disciples go to the other side, scripture says HE WENT BY HIMSELF TO PRAY!
When there is a NEED to spend time ALONE with the FATHER, anything that causes a distraction should be removed from the equation. The final words of the passage above is "HE WAS THERE ALONE"! JESUS knew the importance of being ALONE with GOD. HE didn't need the crowds, and HE didn't need HIS disciples. HE simply needed to be ALONE with HIS FATHER to commune with HIM. JESUS knew that spending time ALONE with the FATHER was imperative to living a life that glorified and honored HIS FATHER. Beginning HIS moving prayer in John 17:1 JESUS prayed "FATHER, the hour has come; glorify your SON THAT THE SON MAY GLORIFY YOU,".
JESUS is/was all about glorifying the FATHER, not about growing the numbers in the ministry, not about building bigger buildings, not about seeing how many baptisms HE could perform. No, instead JESUS was sending HIS disciples to the other side of the water so "HE WAS THERE ALONE" to pray! HE had just ministered to thousands and had sent the throngs of people, even HIS closest friends away, so that "HE WAS THERE ALONE" with the FATHER.
How many times do I allow the thing of "this world" to regulate the time I spend with THE FATHER? JESUS "compelled" HIS disciples to leave HIM ALONE to pray, but sometimes I allow my cellphone, email, social media, and anything else interrupt my time with THE FATHER. Could it be that I don't place a high enough value on my time ALONE with THE FATHER? JESUS "loved" like no other being in history, but yet "HE WAS THERE ALONE" with the FATHER, so why should I be? Maybe I should value my time ALONE with the FATHER more, placing nothing else in line ahead of this time? HEAVENLY FATHER, cause me to recognize that the time spent with YOU will never be better spent as long as "HE WAS THERE ALONE" with YOU!!!
Monday, August 22, 2016
"WHO GOD IS!"
LORD, I want to beg forgiveness for too many times in my past following what a candidate or a political party said they believed in, while ignoring what YOUR WORD instructed me to do. Far too many times people who "claim" to be Believers in The WAY (Acts 9:2) listen to what someone else Believes and agree or disagree with the person. Why don't we agree or disagree with THE WORD and let people either agree or disagree with us/it? If a person doesn't line up with the WORD OF GOD, do we REALLY want them leading us negotiating with the rest of the world?
Might it be we have relegated our choices to those "we think" have been successful in either politics or the business world and not considered who GOD has chosen to LEAD our nation? Sure, I understand GOD is sovereign and HE can change hearts, but I also read in 1 Samuel 8:19-22 "19 But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel. And they said, "No! But there shall be a king over us,
20 that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles."
21 And when Samuel had heard all the words of the people, he repeated them in the ears of the LORD.
22 And the LORD said to Samuel, "Obey their (the people's) voice and make them a king." Samuel then said to the men of Israel, "Go every man to his city."
The children of Israel decided they knew better than GOD about their leadership, and so GOD decided to grant their wishes and desires. Samuel prophesied that a King would be disastrous (1 Samuel 8:10-18) for the children of Israel, but they wouldn't listen to Samuel (OR GOD) and so GOD let them have what they wanted!
Has GOD decided to give America what she wants? Has GOD "gave them over to a REPROBATE mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of GOD, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
Who knowing the judgment of GOD, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." (Romans 1:28-32 KJV)
As I have reported FAR too many times, the HOLY BIBLE is NOT just a book of fables and myths. Unless we return to reading the BIBLE with a reverence respect once accorded to GOD's WORD we could miss a lot of the blessings that HE has prepared for us. OUR CREATOR has given as an instruction manual on how to operate out lives. When will we come to the realization that HE only has our best interest in HIS PLAN for us? Our plans will NEVER be as complete and fulfilling as HIS. TRUSTING in HIM is what we should do.
Recognizing who we are, AND MOST OF ALL "WHO GOD IS", will be the first step toward getting back to HIS PLAN!
Might it be we have relegated our choices to those "we think" have been successful in either politics or the business world and not considered who GOD has chosen to LEAD our nation? Sure, I understand GOD is sovereign and HE can change hearts, but I also read in 1 Samuel 8:19-22 "19 But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel. And they said, "No! But there shall be a king over us,
20 that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles."
21 And when Samuel had heard all the words of the people, he repeated them in the ears of the LORD.
22 And the LORD said to Samuel, "Obey their (the people's) voice and make them a king." Samuel then said to the men of Israel, "Go every man to his city."
The children of Israel decided they knew better than GOD about their leadership, and so GOD decided to grant their wishes and desires. Samuel prophesied that a King would be disastrous (1 Samuel 8:10-18) for the children of Israel, but they wouldn't listen to Samuel (OR GOD) and so GOD let them have what they wanted!
Has GOD decided to give America what she wants? Has GOD "gave them over to a REPROBATE mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of GOD, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
Who knowing the judgment of GOD, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." (Romans 1:28-32 KJV)
As I have reported FAR too many times, the HOLY BIBLE is NOT just a book of fables and myths. Unless we return to reading the BIBLE with a reverence respect once accorded to GOD's WORD we could miss a lot of the blessings that HE has prepared for us. OUR CREATOR has given as an instruction manual on how to operate out lives. When will we come to the realization that HE only has our best interest in HIS PLAN for us? Our plans will NEVER be as complete and fulfilling as HIS. TRUSTING in HIM is what we should do.
Recognizing who we are, AND MOST OF ALL "WHO GOD IS", will be the first step toward getting back to HIS PLAN!
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