“WITHDRAW?”

 Luke 5:16                                 (ESV)

“But HE would “WITHDRAW” to desolate places and pray.”

A technique that I use on occasion that brings interesting results is to go to Biblehub.com and enter a verse and read all of the different translations showing for that particular verse.  Luke 5:16 is https://biblehub.com/luke/5-16.htm !

JESUS, GOD IN FLESH, would OFTEN withdraw (remove HIMSELF) from the cares of “this world” to be alone with and pray to HIS heavenly FATHER.  You might think that since HIS SPIRIT was divine that HE would not be required to spend a lot of time conversing with HIS FATHER, because HE had been with HIM for eternity past and probably knew what GOD was going to direct HIM to do before HE even ask?  But JESUS not only KNEW, but HE lived the realization that FELLOWSHIP with GOD IN HEAVEN wasn’t just desired, it was a NECESSITY OF LIFE!!

JESUS says in John 14:6 “…No one comes to the FATHER except through ME.”  HE also says in John 10:30 “I and the FATHER are ONE.” Why then do I find it incredibly difficult to “WITHDRAW” from the DISTRACTIONS of “this world” and enter into PEACE and contentment that is only possible through HIM?  In Exodus 33:11, Scripture records “Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, WOULD NOT DEPART FROM THE TENT.”  Joshua couldn’t get enough of THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD so he WOULD NOT DEPART FROM THE TENT!

Having WITHDRAWALS from anything you are addicted to can de difficult.  Am I ADDICTED to JESUS enough that I find it difficult to “WITHDRAW”?  Or am I so addicted to “this world” that I don’t want to “WITHDRAW” for time alone with JESUS???

“THE RIGHT THING TO DO!”

 James 4:17                                          (ESV)

“So whoever  knows “THE RIGHT THING TO DO” and fails to do it, FOR HIM IT IS SIN.”

Knowing what is “THE RIGHT THING TO DO” thing to do and actually doing it are two different things.  We can plead ignorance, that we were unaware something was wrong, but GOD SEES THE HEART (Psalm 27:2).  It is a BLESSING beyond measure to be CHOSEN by the CREATOR, but HE is constantly refining me, causing me to choose between HIS PRECEPTS and “the easy” way out of a circumstance.  

“THE RIGHT THING TO DO” is not always the easiest thing, but we are never promised that living for CHRIST will be easy.  Yielding to the temptation of the enemy is NEVER the wisest thing for a person.  Our lives are supposed to be pictures of HIM living inside of us. When we are tempted to take“the easy” way out, seeing “THE RIGHT THING TO DO” is always our best choice!!!

“THE WORD!”

 John 1:1-5                                              (ESV)

THE WORD Became Flesh

“[1] In the beginning was “THE WORD”, and “THE WORD” was with GOD, and “THE WORD” was GOD. [2] HE was in the beginning with GOD. [3] ALL THINGS WERE MADE THROUGH HIM, and without HIM was not any thing made that was made. [4] In HIM was LIFE, and the LIFE was THE LIGHT of men. [5] THE LIGHT shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

The fellowship I attend is currently watching THE CHOSEN, a television series that has been placed into videos about JESUS the CHRIST.  Seeing the disciples discussing what they heard JESUS (the CREATOR) instruct them to do is mind boggling.  Having GOD IN THE FLESH instruct them must have been awesomely unique, intriguing and educational, but we have the same guidance as the disciples afforded to us in “THE WORD”.  Finding my somewhat self-righteous mind saying that “I would spend all day with JESUS given the opportunity” is almost immediately given over to a dreaded shame as I won’t even spend time alone with HIM and HIS WORD, and that with no threats to my life or livelihood. 

How many times do I fail to seek guidance from THE CREATOR when faced with difficult questions about the direction that GOD would have me travel?  JESUS is “THE WORD”.  Whenever we try to figure things out ON OUR OWN, we are basically saying that we don’t need THE CREATOR giving us any input.  When we are convinced that GOD has given us direction for our lives and others try to explain a better answer than JESUS offers, who we wind up listening to says A LOT about this JESUS we serve!  Why do we find it easier to listen to “professionals” than the ONE WHO CREATED those “professionals”?

President Ronald Reagan is quoted as saying “Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for ALL the problems men face.”  It is IMPERATIVE that we go to “THE WORD” for answers, instead of what mankind “thinks”!  1 Corinthians 3:19-20 plainly warns us “For the wisdom of “this world” is folly with GOD. For it is written, “HE catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.””  What man believes to be wisdom is “folly”to our CREATOR!  HE shows this all through Scripture, and will continue confounding “the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:18-30)!

The ONLY way we can have an inkling of GODLY WISDOM is to IMMERSE ourselves in “THE WORD” and pray that it transforms us into HIS IMAGE.  Schooling, studies, financial gain, and everything else of this world are used by the enemy to DECEIVE those who are unable to discern THE TRUTH.  The best way for me to be transformed into the image of “THE WORD” is to expose myself to it more often.  Don’t be DECEIVED by the trickery of the enemy.  Find THE TRUTH in “THE WORD”!!!

“HE WAS DESPISED!”

 Isaiah 53:1-3                           (ESV)

     [1] Who has believed what he has heard from us?

        And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 

    [2] 

    For HE grew up before HIM like a young plant,

        and like a root out of dry ground;

    HE HAD NO FORM OR MAJESTY that we should look at HIM,

        and NO BEAUTY that we should desire HIM. 

    [3] 

    “HE WAS DESPISED” and REJECTED by men,

        a MAN OF SORROWS man of sorrows and ACQUAINTED WITH GRIEF;

    and as one from whom men hide their faces

        “HE WAS DESPISED”, and we esteemed HIM not.”

The enemy is extremely suave, debonair and deceptive in his ways, leading the vast majority of humans down the road to destruction. On the other hand, according to Scripture, JESUS HAD NO FORM OR MAJESTY that we should “look at HIM” like people gaze at models in advertisements. As a matter of fact, “HE WAS DESPISED” by the crowd so much that HE was crucified for doing nothing but good for HIS fellow man, but wreaking havoc amongst “this world”!

Typically we make such a big deal about how things “appear” to our human eyes.  If a person “appears” weak or unhealthy we might even suggest that they see a physician.  If a person “appears” physically in distress we might suggest some water to drink.  But how we “appear” might not be what we really are.  Some are even very adept at camouflaging their emotional pain so that no one is aware of the situation they are dealing with.

According to Scripture, JESUS wasn’t a handsome looking man.  HE was TRUTH (John 14:6) and that probably made HIM even more certain to be REJECTED by “this world”.  The TRUTH is that we are ALL filthy sinners (Psalm 14:3; Ecclesiastes 7:20), and we NEED a Savior to enter the PRESENCE of GOD ALMIGHTY!  The ONLY WAY (John 14:6) that is possible is through JESUS CHRIST!

It has been said that “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder”.  The ONE WHO gets to determine whether or not anyone gets to SEE THE FATHER is NOT the great deceiver.  He is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44) so don’t listen to his demagoguery.  When we listen to lies, we become desensitized to TRUTH and begin to accept lies.  Knowing that “HE WAS DESPISED” needs to be a badge of honor worn by HIS SAINTS as we are becoming more like HIM!!!

“PLEASING IN THE SIGHT OF GOD!”

 1 Timothy 5:1-8                                           (ESV)

Instructions for the Church

[1] Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, [2] older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.

[3] Honor widows who are TRULY widows. [4] But if a widow has children or grandchildren, LET THEM FIRST LEARN TO SHOW GODLINESS TO THEIR OWN HOUSEHOLD and to make some return to their parents, for this is “PLEASING IN THE SIGHT OF GOD”. [5] She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on GOD and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, [6] but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. [7] Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. [8] But IF ANYONE DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR HIS RELATIVES, and especially for members of his household, he has DENIED THE FAITH and is WORSE THAN AN UNBELIEVER.”

The Apostle Paul was mentoring Timothy in an effort to grow him in the FAITH.  In this passage of Scripture he writes instructions for assistance to those who are older, as Timothy was still quite young, not only in the ministry, but in age as well.  When Paul writes “…IF ANYONE DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR HIS RELATIVES, and especially for members of his household, he has DENIED THE FAITH and is WORSE THAN AN UNBELIEVER”, it is a glaring indictment of people who are so caught up in their own success that they possibly ignore the needs of their own loved ones.  

But Paul also writes that when widows have children or grandchildren, those widows should be taken care of by their own family, not by the church.  Should the church ignore the needs of those neglected by their families?  That isn’t addressed here by Paul, but I would have a difficult time allowing even a neglected dog to suffer when in need.  

GOD will judge each of us on our deeds, as HE SEES and KNOWS everything according to HIS perspective.  We SHOULD be ever mindful of doing that which is “PLEASING IN THE SIGHT GOD”.  Let’s be honest, is there ANYTHING that is out of the SIGHT OF GOD?  Can we HIDE anything from our CREATOR?  Will I be able to stand before HIM on JUDGMENT DAY proud of the way I have treated those HE placed in my path?

Most of those close family members older than me have left this world.  All I have now are memories.  Cherished are the nights my wife and I spent playing cards with my grandparents.  The final month my mom was alive, I was able to spend my undistracted time with her as I was recovering from the Brain Hemorrhage.  But I also have memories of times when what I did was NOT “PLEASING IN THE SIGHT OF GOD”!  Help me, O GOD, SEE things through YOUR perspective and not through my earthly vision!!!

“IT IS I; DO NOT BE AFRAID!”

 John 6:16-21

JESUS Walks on Water

“[16] When evening came, HIS disciples went down to the sea, [17] got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and JESUS had not yet come to them. [18] The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. [19] When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw JESUS walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and THEY WERE FRIGHTENED. [20] But HE said to them, “”IT IS I; DO NOT BE AFRAID”.” [21] Then they were glad to take HIM into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.”

It is no surprise that JESUS was always right on time.  HE never was early, and likewise was never too late.  Lazarus was in the tomb for four days (John 11:28-44), yet when JESUS showed up, Lazarus had to come up from the grave!  

Many actually think that the miracles of the Bible are hyperbole or parabolic.  I am of the Belief that with GOD “all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).  It is NOT coincidence that JESUS wasn’t with the disciples when THE STORM blew up.  When HE appeared to them and said “IT IS I; DO NOT BE AFRAID” the disciples were immediately at their destination, no longer WERE THEY FRIGHTENED!

JESUS and fear CANNOT coexist.  If our eyes are on JESUS, fear must vanish.  If fear is consuming us, THE CREATOR must not be in our midst.  When JESUS “had not yet come to them”, THEY WERE FRIGHTENED!  When HE came into their presence and said “IT IS I; DO NOT BE AFRAID they were glad to take HIM into the boat”!  Hearing from THE MASTER OF THE WIND calmed the storm they were fighting!

Why do I try and navigate my life when ”IT IS I; DO NOT BE AFRAID” is here for me?  Invariably the path that I choose leads me directly into stormy seas and I am FRIGHTENED because of my bad choices.  KING JESUS, cause me to SEE that “IT IS I; DO NOT BE AFRAID” is here to guide my life and this novice needs to yield to HIS GUIDANCE!!!

“WHEN THE WINE RAN OUT!”

 John 2:1-5                                        (ESV)

The Wedding at Cana

“[1] On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of JESUS was there. [2] JESUS also was invited to the wedding WITH HIS DISCIPLES. [3] “WHEN THE WINE RAN OUT”, the mother of JESUS said to HIM, “They have no wine.” [4] And JESUS said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with ME? MY HOUR HAS NOT YET COME.” [5] HIS mother said to the servants, “DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.””

JESUS was only on earth IN PHYSICAL FORM for 33 years, and HIS MINISTRY lasted a little more than three years.  JESUS “chosen” HIS disciples, and according to John 2:1, three days later went to a wedding in Cana, WITH HIS DISCIPLES.  Now HIS mother was at the wedding helping and HIS disciples were there.  What better time could it be for JESUS to make HIMSELF known to “this world”?

When Mary came to JESUS and proclaimed “They have no wine”, the embarrassment for hosts of the wedding feast must have been immense.  But Mary must have remembered Gabriel speaking to her in Luke 1 when he told her that she was carrying the SON OF GOD within her womb?  She apparently had NO DOUBT that producing a little wine would be no problem for the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES!  JESUS, WHO IS THE SON OF GOD, told her “MY HOUR HAS NOT YET COME”, but she simply told the servants “DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU”!

My thoughts are numerous regarding these things.  If Mary ask KNEW that JESUS was the SON OF GOD, why didn’t she just order up what they needed before the wedding celebration began and everything would have been taken care of?  Why did she wait until JESUS was “on the spot” to deliver?  Why do I do the same thing with things in my life?  Since I have HIS SPIRIT living inside of me, why do I wait until a crisis presents itself before begging for HIS intervention?  

“WHEN THE WINE RAN OUT” there was about to be a serious problem for the hosts of the wedding.  The ministry of JESUS wasn’t nearly as much about the needs of the people who benefited from HIS MIRACULOUS deeds, but about GLORIFYING THE FATHER!  Our “needs” are most often brought on by our incompetence and ignorance, but JESUS stands ready to deliver us, but we need to understand that HE IS THE SON OF GOD, and GOD’S WILL is HIS work!!!