"A Consideration of Facts"

"He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: therefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?" (John 9:27 KJV)

  ""Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me."" (Matthew 10:16-18 NLT)

 Maybe this is a little much, but I do believe that things will get a little bit testy in the upcoming days. Whatever might happen, do not forsake the gathering together as believers! We must remain strong and aware of what is going on around us, at all times. Especially, when it comes to anything that might be coming against the churches! 

 Looking at this portion of Scripture, we must be aware that those who asked for a reason, were not interested at all in the way this man was healed but were looking for something more to accuse Christ over, some more facts that might be gathered to prove He had broken their laws. I say, their laws, because it was the Jewish leaders that had made the Sabbath into something that they could control, as it gave them power to do so. 

 Does that seem a little familiar to anyone? It is just the way things evolve, so really, I wouldn't care too much about it, because I don't think we can change the way of this current world. But we can do something important towards the Kingdom of God: continue to gather together and celebrate the Lord's soon coming; making our joy and expectations known to all! 

 Take a careful evaluation of what is going on, remembering all that Jesus said would be happening, and then, pray earnestly about what your role in this particular time should be. As for me, I know that my role, number one, is to care for my wife; other than that, I am expectant to speak when spoken to, especially when God is telling me what to say.

 By the way, today is our 40th wedding anniversary! I looked for something that might have said, Happy 40th Anniversary, but apparently it goes by 25th, 50th, and then 75th; 40th is really not all that celebrated, I guess! I will continue on, as long as the Lord will have me to do so. Who knows, maybe 50th will come; but I pray Jesus will come first...

""When you are arrested, don't worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking - it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."" (Matthew 10:19-20 NLT) 

"Those That See Not"

 "Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?" (John 9:26 KJV)

   "The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the LORD'S doing, and it is wonderful to see." (Psalm 118:22-23 NLT)

 It is really not that these Jews wanted to know what Jesus did, or how He did it; they could hardly care less. How did Jesus change your heart? What did He do in you that allows you to see? If that is the questions asked, of you, do you have the answers? 

 I think that the answer Jesus gave to John and Andrew is the best way to describe how to answer those questions: "Come and see!" (John 1:39) Just as Jesus told Nicodemus, "I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God." (John 3:3) No matter what we might say, no one will see or understand what you answer, until they can see it for themselves, with a new heart and God's Spirit! 

 It is really not a matter of understanding, because I don't think anyone totally gets it anyway; it is more about putting all of our faith in Christ's redemptive work, and not trying to figure out how He did it, but that He has done it, once and for all! God said it is done, I believe it, and that settles it! Now we get to walk in that, faithfully! 

 Listening to Doctor Chuck yesterday, he was speaking about Paul and whether or not he believed in, 'Once saved, always saved,' and Chuck said, "He absolutely did, but he lived his life as if he could lose it!" Once you see the prize, there is no turning back; and fight with all you can to keep it...

"Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training to do what I should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT) 

"Now I See!" - Too

 "He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see." (John 9:25 KJV) 

  "For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For the light within you produces only what is good and right and true." (Ephesians 5:8-9 NLT)

 I can recall something I did as a kid, where I would pretend to be blind, walking around with my eyes closed tightly, trying to walk in the darkness without stumbling into anything. We, that are of the Light, must walk in the Light! We have the Light, so we must live as people of LIGHT! 

 Wow, what a strange situation! Sad to say, but this is quite familiar to the act of pretending to be blind; because we must actually work towards walking in darkness, it does not happen naturally! You are now a child of God, who, as John does show, is LIGHT! Therefore, to become somehow back in darkness, is something that you must work towards, it just doesn't happen overnight. 

 Having said that, I must assure each and every one that feels as though they are walking in darkness: if you repent, turn towards God, and humble yourself before Him; just like light overcomes the darkness, you will be filled with the LIGHT! Guaranteed...

"Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light."" (Ephesians 8:10-14 NLT)  

"Now I See!"

 "He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see." (John 9:25 KJV) 

  "For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds." (Titus 2:11-14 NLT)

 You really can't refuse this, as being something special! "I was blind, now I see!" I can totally see where this man is coming from, because when I was saved, immediately, the scales had been removed from my eyes, whereas I could not understand the Bible and the message of the Gospel, and then I could see clearly the Message, because the Word of God was placed within me! 

 Hopefully that is what many of you experienced also? Because when the Spirit of God lives within you, you will know more about God's word, just by association and the new fellowship you have with God. It is meant to be just like that, because that is what we must allow for God to do within us! 

 I was reminded of that simple truth last night, as Pastor Nathan explained James 4:5, in what many might think to be totally and completely misunderstood. When James says, "What do you think the Scriptures mean," he really isn't quoting a specific Scripture, he is basically speaking about the entire Book! From the very beginning, God said, "Let us make man in our image," which was God's longing jealously for the human spirit that He has placed within us, that we might be one! 

 The Scriptures also say that Jesus Christ and the work He did on the cross, was established before the creation of the earth; so, it proves that God's plan of redemption was already in place, opposing our envy! Then, when we received His wonderful grace, God's Spirit, living within us, is at work in us, doing that very same thing: opposing our envy! 

 Those three things Paul shares about to Titus, "Wisdom, Righteousness, and Devotion to God," are pretty much a counter to those three sins, "The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life!" As this was also the three things that Eve saw in that tree: "that it was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise." (Genesis 3:6) 

 I really appreciated the message that Nathan gave regarding Deuteronomy 8, where he illustrated the principle that Moses showed the people; What should happen, what could happen, and what will happen, if could happens, instead of should... 

""But I assure you of this: If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods, worshipping and bowing down to them, you will certainly be destroyed. Just as the LORD destroyed other nations in your path, you also will be destroyed if you refuse to obey the LORD your God."" (Deuteronomy 8:19-20 NLT) 

"Nay-Say"

 "Then again they called the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner." (John 9:24 KJV)

  "The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit." (Romans 8:3-4 NLT)

 Having been there, I can say with all certainty, there is a real spirit which causes those opposed to Christ to harden their hearts and refuse to accept Him as God. John references this spirit as the antichrist, as if that is the purpose, to turn people away from Christ. 

 There is more to this than many people might realize. We can talk about God, as in a general sense, and many people will not take too much offence. But, as soon as you start declaring the name of Jesus, you will start to offend people, and you will become an enemy to their comfortable sin. 

 It might sound crazy, but it's true! There is just something about the name of Jesus that draws out sin; seriously! If you don't know by now why that might be, it is because He has the power over sin: He has defeated the power of sin, and our sinfulness is exposed by the power of His name! 

 Anywho, however you might see it works, is your prerogative, as long as you agree that Jesus Christ is, was, and always will be God! Even the thought of what is being said, sends those that oppose Christ Jesus, into a fit of rage, or at the very least, to turn and run! If you would just declare it, then you will know what I mean: the very Name, Jesus, has the ability to push back the power of darkness! 

 When darkness hides, sin is exposed...

"If anyone claims, "I am living in the light," but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves another brother or sister is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. But anyone who hates another brother or sister is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness." (1 John 2:9-11 NLT)   

"Pass"

 "Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him." (John 9:23 KJV)

  "Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety." (Proverbs 29:25 NLT)

 Hopefully I can get through this without too much of a problem, because I feel we seriously need to start focusing on the blessings and stop worrying about the problems. First and foremost, I know that my sins have been forgiven and that I will have eternal life in with Jesus! Everything else is secondary, at best! 

 Take a really close look at what John is saying here, because this is where most people are, passing the duty of sharing their faith onto someone else. It is hard to get by in this life without worry, but worry is the opposite of trusting in the LORD! Consequently, when we worry about this life, the blessings that have been bestowed upon us, seemingly are hard to find; almost as if they have been somehow removed.

 If you really want to get right down to it, we are given a chance to share our faith, once we embrace the trial and the difficulties that might come upon us. Case in point, these parents let off as if they knew not, but they knew! The whole crowd that witnessed what Jesus did, knew that Jesus was the one who healed the blind guy; and so, did the Jews!  

 So, it really wasn't a matter of them needing to know; they just what to try to erase the miracle, any way that they could! Really, it is pretty much about us! We the people, those of us that might not seem to matter all that much, when we start caring more about what God thinks, and less about what man might think, we can start turning our cities up-side-down! 

 If you are seemingly in the middle of something, you cannot seem to understand or find answers to, then embrace it as a trial, and believe that God has something more important than whatever it is that you might be worried about! Even if it is just a chance to share your faith in God, you will be making a bigger difference than most...

""But don't be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear! Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows - one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows."" (Matthew 10:26-31 NLT) 

"Pray for Boldness"

 "These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews agreed already, that is any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue." (John 9:22 KJV) 

  ""Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before me Father in heaven."" (Matthew 10:32-33 NLT)

 In the current culture that is progressing daily, it is more and more challenging to speak out and to declare that Jesus Christ is Lord. This is not just some sort of religion, as some might say; this is about having a relationship with our Creator God, knowing His love for us, and feeling His presence in our lives. 

 When we pray for boldness, it is most likely that God will place us in a situation where we will have a chance to be bold. When that happens, we must be prepared to pray within again, asking the Holy Spirit to help us and speak through us, boldly! We are just a vessel, and God's Spirit is alive in us, waiting to be poured out! The more that pours out, the more that pours in! 

 There are really two ways to look at this current climate: one, is to feel threatened and hold your peace; the other is to feel encouraged and boldly declare what you know in your heart. We are to be salt and light to a dying world; there never has been such a time as this, at least not in my lifetime, where everyone is looking for answers and trying to find peace. 

 Well, almost everyone, because there are some that just want to tear us all apart! Especially within the churches, where it is meant to be a place of refuge and where we go to worship. Certain topics and current issues are causing division, based upon what? 

 There is only one thing that matters, always: Jesus saved us from our sins! We cannot change anyone, no matter how hard we might try; but God will! He will perform a work in anyone that allows Him access into their heart, no matter what they might be or what they have done, they will become a new creature in Christ Jesus, guaranteed! 

 Okay, got that off my chest, so now I can share about something else. Many of you know about my wife, as if it hasn't been shared enough. This weekend is going to be our 40th anniversary of our wedding, and it has really been on my mind and in my heart. I just wish I could dance with her...

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)   

"Scattered Seeds" - 2

 "But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself." (John 9:21 KJV) 

  "Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them." (Titus 3:9-11 NLT)

 As we can determine by the tone, these parents of the blind guy, that now can see, have no desire to bring attention to themselves; even though, they could be a great testimony to a powerful work, something that is spoken of and know by all that are familiar with the Scriptures. Isaiah 42:7 is one of many that speak to this, as it would be a sign of the Chosen One! 

 Well, as it turns out, even if you think you can handle the pressure, you are not really as strong as you might think that you are. If you doubt what I just said, look at Peter's testing, as he was warned what would happen, announced his loyalty to Jesus, and then went ahead and denied knowing Him, not just once, but three times. 

 Which one of those seeds do you think he represented? Care to wager that he represented all three! I have too many things swirling around in my head to bring this to any sort of sensible sentence; but we must be aware of something very unique to the normal life of the Redeemed: bad things that happen, somehow get turned to good! 

 I have one thing to say about this, whether you want to believe it or not. Just about every major character in the Bible has something bad involved in their lives. In one way or another, there was some sort of bad thing that they are associated with, including Jesus Christ! Not that He did anything wrong, because He was sinless, but really bad things happened to Him! 

 I know, you can say whatever you want about me, because I really don't care! From this point on, I really only want to answer to One...

"You fool! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies." (1 Corinthians 15:36 BSB) 

"Scattered Seeds"

 "But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself." (John 9:21 KJV)

  ""Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and are it. Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn't have deep roots, it died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!" Then he said, "Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand."" (Mark 4:3-9 NLT)

 I have never pretended that I know much about anything, except maybe how to get rid of Termites. But this much I know about sharing Jesus: if you don't share what you know, when you know that you are told to share it, you guilty of sin! That said, it is not the end of the world for you, if that might happen. But as it is with anything we might do that is sin, we ask God to forgive us and repent from our wicked ways! 

 Oh, what, you don't think that not sharing your faith is a sin? More than you know, in case you didn't know! I know for a fact that it is, because I feel more conviction in my heart if I don't do something the Spirit prompts me to do, then when I might do something, I am not to do, even when I hear Him say, "Don't do that!" 

 This is a bigger problem than most people realize. In the parable of the Sower, there are two sides of this parable that needs to be looked at: the places on which the seeds had fallen, and what it was that prevented the seeds from producing the fruit. Each of the areas upon which the seeds fell, were not the complete end of those seeds being fruitful; but what happen after that, that is what did or did not work.

 I know God can do anything, and I have seen a tree that has grown out of a rock! I have seen a plant grow, where there is no other plant like it, because some bird dropped the seed, and that seed became a plant! If we allow God to speak through us, no matter where we are or what condition we might be in, there will be fruit! 

 Anywho, that's my story, and I am going to stick with it! We really don't need to be filled with knowledge and great wisdom; we don't even need to have an answer to someone's question: we just need to be obedient, yield to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, and then, speak! Let Go and Let God...

"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For he has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT)  

"No Doubt About It"

 "His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:" (John 9:20 KJV)

  "Don't let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, "Life is not pleasant anymore."" (Ecclesiastes 12:1 NLT)

 Here is a funny fact: the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge for this particular verse says, "There are no entries for this verse!" I say funny, because this verse is based upon a fact! There is no doubt that these parents knew who their son was and that he was born blind, because since his birth, they raised him and managed their lives around his blindness.

 I mean, really! How about "know"? I'm pretty sure that there are hundreds of references to that one word alone, many of which are connected to and about seeing, as in: "to see!" After all, we are talking about if this man could have seen or not; so why could it be that there are no Cross-References? Maybe that is why there is an exclamation after that statement! 

 Anywho! It is really nice to have something to talk about that is based upon a fact, because there is a whole lot of things being talked about, seemingly more and more every day, that are based upon whatever and whoever, without a single fact associated with anything being said. 

 If, and when, I can ever get done with this Book, I feel as though my next Book is going to be on the Book of Ecclesiastes. Not because I am familiar with the text, because I am not; to be perfectly honest, I have maybe gone through whole Book as many times as I have gone through the entire Bible, which is not enough!  

 The reason I am so interested in Ecclesiastes, is because withing that last few years it has been the topic of discussion in many messages I have heard. And without a doubt, the scale of why it is written, what condition Solomon was in when he wrote it, and what meaning is placed to whatever is being said, is like a scale of One to One Thousand! 

 Let's come to some sort of agreement on this: If It Is In The Bible, GOD Has Endorsed The Content...

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT)

"Unbelievable!"

 "And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?" (John 9:19 KJV) 

  "Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind: "Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them."" (Job 38:1-3 NLT)

 Well, it might not be as clear to see as you thought; nothing really is, because there is always some other work that is going on, which, if it could be seen, it would totally blow our minds trying to figure out what it was we were looking at. Some think these Jews were questioning the amount of blindness that their son was born with; or if they might have made a mistake, as if to ask, 'Are you sure he was blind?' 

 I have got to make anyone aware, just in case you didn't know: Everyone will be judged by God! We will all stand before God in one case or another: those that died in their sins will not be judged for sin, because Jesus died for those sins, all sin; but what they will be judged for, is for not believing in God's Son and the forgives that was offered to them. Those books are opened to prove that they were guilty and that they had no excuse to not ask for forgiveness! 

 We, on the other hand, have the honor to be judged for our works, by none other than Christ Jesus, Himself! I am pretty sure that He will be judging us by what we did with what He gave us; some have been given more than others; but all have been given the same portion, based upon their abilities. There really is no respect over one or the other, we all each are respected the same. 

 I guess what it all comes down to, if I had to make a guess: How much did you believe? And was it enough to make a change in your life? Something to think about, if you are into thinking about little things like that? 

 By the way, we were in James 3 last night, and Pastor Nathan was illustrating the power that a little bit in a horses' mouth, or a little helm on a big ship, can cause them to move in any direction. (James 3:3-4) Even so, even those of us with little faith, as long as our faith is in Jesus Christ, there is no limit to what Christ can do in us, if we allow Him to use us! 

 Dwight L. Moody said, "The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to him. By God's help, I aim to be that man." As it turns out, as he was passing, he realized that he was not that man! Oddly enough, when Jesus judges those that are His, many will not even know all that they did, saying, "Lord, when did I do this or that?" 

 Even the little things count! As unbelievable as that might seem, even just a smile can go a mile...

"But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness." (James 3:17-18 NLT)    

"Just Believe!" - 2

 "But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight." (John 9:18 KJV)

  "So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall." (Hebrews 4:11 NLT)

 In a strange sort of way, this is very relevant to our current situation. If you have any doubt, let your doubt be in yourself, not in God! That was the lesson back then, as well as it is in our lives today! God is the one that saves us, impowers us, keeps us, and will get us through, to the glorious other side of this life, period! 

 What are we to do with that? It is so very simple, but sometimes it is really hard: Believe God and obey Him! 'The Preacher' summed it all up with: "That's the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands. For this is everyone's duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad." (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NLT)

 It might be prudent for me to pay attention to the verse before, Verses Twelve! But my problem is that I have a very hard head...

"And since we died with Christ, we know we also live with him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now he lives, he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God's grace." (Romans 6:8-14 NLT)

"Just Believe!"

 "But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight." (John 9:18 KJV)

  "Who has believed our message? To whom has the LORD revealed his powerful arm?" (Isaiah 53:1 NLT)

 Today I want to speak about something that might hit close to home; Home being the heart! As I have mentioned before, this little book called, "My Heart - Christ's Home," and several different things that I got from it in the past; the one thing I don't remember it speaking too much about was belief, as in, a person's willingness to believe in Jesus Christ.

 Oddly enough, I think it is really not that hard to believe that Jesus was born, because history confirms that He was. History also confirms that He was crucified and died on the cross. And just the fact that almost all His disciples died confessing that He rose from the grave, proves that He still lives, and that everything He said was true; so, believing that what the Bible says is true, especially about who He is, is really not that hard to do.

 So, then, what is it that is the problem? The problem is in me! There is a little something to what God did for Adam before He made Eve from Adam's side: He made Adam aware that he needed a woman! Like a simple illustration of an invisible bridge that God has made from us to Him, the bridge is real enough, but do I believe that I am able to cross it? 

 That is the problem I believe many of us deal with, more than we care to admit. How many times I have dealt with that issue, confirming that I have been saved, believing that I have been redeemed; and then wake up one morning wondering if it is really true! Call it spiritual warfare, if you want, because most of the time it is; but some of the time, it is just us looking at ourselves and expecting something that we cannot become.  

 I cannot say what Paul's thorn in the flesh was, and neither can anyone else; that is totally between Paul, God, and anyone that Paul might have told. But I can say with all certainty that it was not really something that God was willing to correct. Paul accepted that, so called weakness, knowing that it was there to keep him humble and aware of his need for God's saving grace. 

 Besides that, this is not an easy journey! Jesus says, "Take my yoke upon you," but He also says, "Pick up your cross and follow me." His yoke is easy when we are looking straight ahead, keeping our eyes on Him, but this cross we bare is for this flesh, this flesh that needs to have been crucified with Christ! 

 Believe that and walk accordingly, as best as you can! But with all you that you can, keep your eyes on Christ Jesus for your salvation...

"Or have forgotten that when we were joined with Christ in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also live new lives. Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin." (Romans 6:3-7 NLT) 

"What Sayest Thou?"

 "They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet." (John 9:17 KJV)

  "For we don't live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it's to honor the Lord. And if we die, it's to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose - to be Lord both of the living and of the dead." (Romans 14:7-9 NLT)

 As it might appear, saying Jesus is a Prophet, should account for something; at least he puts Jesus in the position of being a Man of God. It's a first step, but it does not quite reach high enough! Jesus must be Lord! He is the Lord of ALL! As I have heard Pastor Mike say, again and again, "All in the Greek, means, ALL!" 

 I have settled this firmly in my heart and mind, as I did from the very beginning. There might have been some short period of times when I had some doubt, but those were only brief times along the way, where old thoughts and misguided fables had blinded my heart. That is a real thing, in case you might now have known it. We can be deceived by our old nature, by our lack of obedience, and by our failure to speak out on behalf of our Lord, Christ Jesus! 

 In these last days, we that are the body of Christ, need to become bold and let our voices be heard! It is a time of commitment and loyalty to the KING! We should expect persecution, because the world hates Jesus, so the world will hate what we have to say about Him. 

 Listening to Jan's message Saturday, the Mid-Tribulation believers are declaring that the Tribulation has already begun or is beginning to be fulfilled. There is a very big difference between persecution of the church and the wrath of God! Yes, there will be a multitude of believers that come out of the Tribulation, most of which will be of Israel and of Jewish descent. Or so I have been told. 

 Those that are currently here, that are the body of Christ, will not be subject to God's wrath: God does not pour out His wrath on the church! Those that are either non-believers or unfaithful will be left behind with all the wicked, but many will be saved during the Tribulation; but they will be giving up their lives in the process. 

 I really don't want to be here for that! It is better to serve Him now, that the choice is rather easy, than to confess Him then, while you are getting ready to be killed...

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ: and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled." (2 Corinthians 10:3-6 KJV) 

"Logical Reasoning"

 "Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them." (John 9:16 KJV)

  ""Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool."" (Isaiah 1:18 NKJV)

 It is pretty obvious that God works on the Sabbath; and since He works on the Sabbath, it is also pretty obvious that doing good works for God is also okay for man to do on the Sabbath. The logic that is being use by those who might believe Jesus is not of God, based upon keeping the Sabbath, is not based upon God's law, but is based upon man's interpretation of what God's law was meant to be for. 

 The way I see the Sabbath Day to be, is that we use that day for something other than our usual work: to take a rest from that which we labor on the rest of the week. Some of us spend that day focusing upon spending time with family; some will take that day to relax, by reading, chores around the house, playing golf, or just watching TV.

 The Sabbath Day was made for man to take a break, give thanks to the LORD, and to basically recharge that aging body, to keep it going, for as long as God would have you to be hanging around. That is just my opinion on what God's intention was meant to be, not something that is written in stone. No matter what, every day of our lives is meant to be a day dedicated to God!

 If you are able to wake up in the morning, you thank God for another day to live; and then you should pray that you are able to make it through that day. And when you go to sleep each night, you thank Him for the day you had, asking Him to allow you another day in the morning. 

 At least that is the way I think it should be, depending on your belief in the One who gives and takes away...

""For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being."" (Job 2:10 NLT)  

"Notwithstanding"

 "Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see." (John 9:15 KJV) 

  "The LORD is my light and my salvation - so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?" (Psalm 27:1 NLT)

 If ever there was a time when we are put to the test, it is when someone wants to examine how it is that we have the confidence in knowing the Truth. In such a time, we need not worry about what to say, or even how to answer when cross-examined; we only need to let the Holy Spirit speak, as He gives us the right words, at just the right time. 

 I know, it seems a little risky to just go willy-nilly into a den of wolves; but it is not our fight, the battle belongs to the LORD! It is really Jesus that is being persecuted by these Pharisees, not this man that was healed of his blindness. This poor guy is just one more thorn poking at their hardened hearts; one more reason for them, unknowingly, to go against God! 

 We must be certain of where we stand, what we believe, and why we believe it! Nothing can come against God's plans and purposes, even though the ones that try are confident in their ways, they really are not aware that they are actually playing into God's plan! 

 Case in point: these Pharisees need to be offended by Jesus and everything that He does; otherwise, they would not press so hard to have Him put to death. No matter what kind of miracle Jesus might do, they will do anything they can, to look beyond the mighty act, and to call Him a hack.   

 By the way, I have seen something very similar to this happen in church. There was a friend of mine that gave, what I believe was one of his most powerful messages, which was based upon the portion of Scripture in Revelation 3:5, as Jesus says, "and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life." 

 The message caused so many people to come forward, just about everyone in leadership, and anyone that was at all concerned about serving the Lord, all came forward overcome by guilt. Many were weeping and concerned about how they had been living imperfect lives before God. 

 But then, there was hardly 48 hours that had passed, and seemingly almost half of the church had turned that powerful message into a lie and false doctrine! Just like that, those hearts that were touched and prepared for a change for the better, got somehow replaced with hard hearts, hearts bent on making that message of no effect! 

 Having our hearts set on pleasing God, not men, is where we need to be! At whatever the cost, we must trust God and believe what He says, above all else, no matter the opposition... 

"I love the LORD because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!" (Psalm 116:1-2 NLT)

"The Day"

"And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes." (John 9:14 KJV)

  "The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the LORD'S doing, and it is wonderful to see. This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:22-24 NLT)

 Having been quite some time since I gave my life to the Lord, it is sometimes hard to remember what the afternoon was like; I can hardly remember what I did, right after the Lord saved me. I can recall the time prior, almost as if it was yesterday: the announcement from the chaplain over the load speaker, jumping off my bed and running down to the service, listening to the message, raising my hands, and praying the prayer that changed my life. 

 I do remember the evening, because that evening I called my wife to tell her the Good News! As a matter of fact, I can almost recall all of the times when I shared the Good News about Jesus Christ and the Gift that God has given us. "One life to live, 'twill soon be past, only what is done for Christ will last." (C.T. Studd) 

 Maybe that is why, because it is written down and kept forever! (Malachi 3:16) Besides that, the day of the week and the time of the day are clearly remembered. I might not recall the date, but I know that the day was Sunday, and the time was about the 11th hour! How cool is that: The 11th hour salvation! Now that I think of it, maybe that was what motivated me to run, not just walk, down to that service. 

 As we should take note, John is pointing out the day, not just because it was the Sabbath, but to show that Jesus made something on that day, as he points out that Jesus made clay. Just in case you might not know this, but God does some of His greatest works on the Sabbath! I know that for a fact, because He created it for me to draw closer to Him...

"Then Jesus said to them, "The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!" (Mark 2:27-28 NLT) 

 

     

"Blowing the Coals"

"They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind." (John 9:13 KJV) 

 "But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God's Spirit in them." (Jude 17-19 NLT)

 Just so you know, I used something Mattew Henry said for my title, as he said, "Those rulers that are of a persecuting spirit shall never want ill instruments about them, that will blow the coals, and make them worse."

 If you really don't think that we are living in the last days, as of yet, you haven't been paying attention to what is happening all around you! This morning I woke to the news about the D.A. in L.A. who is about as wicked as they come. His new act of wickedness is to make sure that bad people who are going to have parole hearings, have no notice given to previous prosecutors or victims, or the victim's families.

 I'm sorry if that seems political, but it is not meant to be, it is more about justice and what is morally right. If there is someone being released from prison that might be a threat to you, you should at least be notified that they might be paroled. If you were the arresting office or the judge that sentenced them, it might be nice to know if you should watch your back. 

 Anywho, I see that there are major differences in the way things are, compared to the way things were. In this current culture, the good guys are the bad guys, and the bad guys are treated as though they are good! Tell me if that is not something the Bible has warned us about! 

 Some might say that these Jews who brought this guy to the Pharisees were doing it to show how Jesus was what He claimed to be, as if they had proof that He was sent by God. I say, they were looking to show off their allegiance to the Pharisees and bring further accusations against Jesus, whom they did not believe in, having their hearts turned against Him. 

 If you haven't experienced the person that is opposed to anything you might say about Jesus Christ, then you might not understand how, Blowing the Coals, actually works. They already have it out for Him, as they totally feel threatened by the sound of His name. You speak about Him sets them off and makes their blood boil!   

 We must be ready, in season and out of season, to declare the name of Jesus, the Lord of heaven and earth...

""They will be my people," says the LORD of Heaven's Armies. "On that day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not."" (Malachi 3:17-18 NLT)   

"Controversy Over the Man"

 "Then they took the man who had been blind to the Pharisees, because it was on the Sabbath that Jesus had made the mud and healed him. The Pharisees asked the man all about it. So he told them, "He put the mud over my eyes, and when I washed it away, I could see!" 

 Some of the Pharisees said, "This man Jesus is not from God, for he is working on the Sabbath." Others said, "But how could an ordinary sinner do such miraculous signs?" So there was a deep division of opinion among them. 

 Then the Pharisees again questioned the man who had been blind and demanded, "What's your opinion about this man who healed you?" 

 The man replied, "I think he must be a prophet."

 The Jewish leaders still refused to believe the man had been blind and could now see, so they called in his parents. They asked them, "Is this your son? Was he born blind? If so, how can he now see?"

 His parents replied, "We know this is our son and that he was born blind, but we don't know how he can see or who healed him. Ask him. He is old enough to speak for himself." His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who had announced that anyone saying Jesus was the Messiah would be expelled from the synagogue. That's why they said, "He is old enough. Ask him."

 So for the second time they called in the man who had been blind and told him, "God should get the glory for this, because we know this man Jesus is a sinner."

 "I don't know whether he is a sinner," the man replied. "But I know this: I was blind, and now I see!"

 "But what did he do?" they asked. "How did he heal you?"

 "Look! the man exclaimed. "I told you once. Didn't you listen? Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?"

 Then they cursed him and said, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses! We know God spoke to Moses, but we don't even know where this man comes from." 

 "Why, that's very strange!" the man replied. "He healed my eyes, and yet you don't know where he comes from? We know that God doesn't listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will. Ever since the world began, no one has been able to open the eyes of someone born blind. If this man were not from God, he couldn't have done it."

 "You were born a total sinner!" they answered. "Are you trying to teach us?" And they threw him out of the synagogue." (John 9:13-34 NLT)

 As this might look rather strange, when people cannot see a miracle right before them, it is really not because they cannot see it, it is because they refuse to believe the TRUTH! The controversy may be represented against this man that was born blind, but in reality, the real controversy is about Jesus, the Son of Man! The Son of GOD! 

 I caught a small portion of a Senate meeting yesterday on the news, as a very respected Senator was verbally slapped across the face for speaking truth, by a so-called expert in human anatomy. Basically, if you don't agree with what these nutjobs say, then you must remain silent, because what you say might cause people to die! 

 Whatever the case, we must not remain silent! If there is anything that is holding back total spiritual darkness in this world, it is the Holy Spirit that resides inside of us; we must be vocal and speak out! As we observe this conversation, I believe we are going to witness some basic truth about the wickedness of the human heart. 

 Regardless of what man might say or do to us, we have standing...

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31 KJV) 

"Where Is He?" - 2

 "Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not." (John 9:12 KJV)

  "O LORD, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand? Turn and answer me, O LORD my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die. Don't let my enemies gloat, saying, "We have defeated him!" Don't let them rejoice at my downfall. But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the LORD because he is good to me." (Psalm 13 NLT)

 You have most likely heard, "God will never give more than you can handle." To a certain extent, that might be true; but it is only true, if you are trusting in the LORD! I was thinking of that yesterday, after I pondered what I shared, and I ask God, "Why did you put me through this? For what reason am I having to deal with this trial?" 

 Something interesting was put upon my heart, as I felt the Lord say, "Because I knew you could handle it." Then I started thinking back to all of the days of breaking down, of uncontrollable crying and feeling as though my heart was being torn apart. Somehow, those brief moments, as they seem, where replaced with incredible peace and joy. Don't ask me how, because it was practically like a switch, just like turning on a light. 

 As this Psalm illustrates, David gives us a Prayer for Help, yet the help that is shown in this Psalm is a mysterious help, that basically comes from a changed heart. We serve a God that has mighty hands! When that song says, "He has the whole world in his hands," that includes everything, including the stars in the sky! What do we have to worry about? 

 When we take our eyes off of Him and put our focus upon this world or our problems, then we feel as though we have no hope, and our joy is lost. But when we keep our mind on Him, on all that He has done for us, instantly and without even trying, we have hope for tomorrow, and we can rejoice! 

 "Where is He?" you might ask? He is just a breath away! As fast as you can take a breath of air, He is there, waiting for you to look to Him...

"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NLT) 

"Where Is He?"

 "Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not." (John 9:12 KJV)

  "My God, my God, Why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night you hear my voice, but I find no relief." (Psalm 22:1-2 NLT)

 Just a quick little story, if anyone might have time to listen; this really won't take long. The night that I went home from the hospital, after Marianne was back in Cardiac Recovery, I was so out of it, I really did not know what to do. The only thing I could think of, was to fall to my knees and pray.

 The very first words out of my mouth, were, "Why did this happen?" I was so shaken up, literally, I was shaking so hard I could hardly catch my breath. In that moment, I had felt further from the Lord then I had ever felt! I really don't know how else to describe the feeling, except to say that I felt as though He had abandoned us in our time of need.

 It must have been at least an hour or so, maybe more, because I really didn't feel like moving up from the floor; but I suddenly felt a very strange peace come over me, as if God was right there in the room with me. Strangely, I had such a change of heart, as though I could sense everything was going to be okay and He was going to perform some sort of miracle through all of this tragedy. 

 After a very brief sleep, maybe about 2 hours or less, I grabbed by small Bible from the office, and I went back to the hospital to pray over my wife. One of the first doctors that I spoke to that morning was a brain specialist, who took me out of the room and wanted to try and convince me that Marianne needed to be taken off life support, because she was never going to recover.

 I refused to take any such action, because I truly felt in my heart that God was going to somehow heal her, and I was not going to let them do anything to prevent that from happening. Even the nurse on duty that morning, tried to convince me, by showing me how Marianne's hands were stretched out away from her body, indicating some sort of brain injury that is not normal.

 I spent most of the day praying over and reading her Scriptures. When they made me leave that night, around 11:00, I went home, slept for a couple hours, and went back to the hospital at 4:00. When I arrived in the room, Marianne's hands were no longer spread out away from her body, but they were now tucked in, and she was no longer needing life-support.

 Basically, she was breathing on her own, and the ventilator was only assisting her about every third or fourth breath. Every day I was there, until they told me to leave, and every morning I was back there, at 4am. This was now one of those times when I felt as close to the Lord as I have ever felt. So close, it was as if we were having conversations together all day long. 

 My basic thoughts were all about the Lord, no matter who I spoke to, or about what, the Lord would somehow be part of the conversation. I just felt as though I needed to share that, mostly because I know that He is never apart from us, even in our darkest hour, He is always close by! 

 If you might be dealing with something that you cannot deal with, and it is tearing you apart, realize that it is a lot like drowning; when think that you are going to drown, your so in a mess, you can't even compose yourself. That is when you must relax and let go of everything! He will catch you...

"Yet I am confident I will see the LORD'S goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD." (Psalm 27:13-14 NLT) 

"Pointing to Jesus"

 "He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight." (John 9:11 KJV) 

  "Praise the LORD! I will thank the LORD with all my heart as I meet with his godly people. How amazing are the deeds of the LORD! All who delight in him should ponder them. Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our LORD!" (Psalm 111:1-4 NLT)

 Basic and true! Simply put, we really do not need to dress it up or make it sound extra ordinary, as if there was something as spectacular as Paul's encounter with the Lord; we just need to share what was done and how much it changed us, letting God do the rest. 

 How many times I have witnessed to someone, or some group of people, and then went away somewhat discouraged, thinking that my effort to save someone went unfulfilled, is just too many times to count. We do not save people! We are sinful men and women that have been saved by God's grace, and that is what we are, and that is what we must share, letting the saving of a soul be up to God!

 As a matter of fact, the biggest impact we can make, in just about and situation, is to declare God's word, plain and simple! That is exactly what this unblind man did! He told them what Jesus said, and then told them what happen because of what he did: He obeyed and was healed! When we do what God tells us to do, good things will happen! 

 It is really not rocket-science, it is just a fact! James tells us: "But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it." (James 1:25 NLT) God causes us to remember, by having people asking us to share! And the more we can share what God has done, the more we remember! 

 Amazing stuff...

"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes - the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."" (Romans 1:16-17 NLT) 

"Like a City Upon a Hill"

 "Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?" (John 9:10 KJV) 

  "Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother's womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things. Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don't know if profit will come from one activity or another - or maybe both." (Ecclesiastes 11:5, 6 NLT)

 Now, we look to that which is the most important thing about what this whole message is about: What it is that God does when He changes us and makes us into a child of God! The interesting thing about the fact of us being a city on a hill, is not just the fact that we are aware what we are, and we know that people are looking up to witness our lives; but it is the more important fact, that we really have no idea what is happening in the hearts of those onlookers, as to what God is doing, how He touches seeds that are planted, or what comes from the light that is seen in us. 

 This is important, because we really need to trust God by believing He uses us to be a light for Him. We really don't get to see all that goes on in the hearts of people we touch or speak to; so, we must not get discouraged if we cannot see what we have done is paying off. As a matter of fact, it is not really about anything that we do that counts; but it is about what Christ does through us! 

 We are just a jar of clay that is being used for God's glory! This isn't about the blind guy getting his sight, but about our amazing God that gives sight to the blind. When people look upon this city, they need to see Jesus: in one way or another He must be lifted up. Then it is not about us or our light, but His Light that shines the brightest...

"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone." (Colossians 4:2-6 NLT)

"Pointing Fingers" - To

 "Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he." (John 9:9 KJV)

"My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20 NLT)

 I have to admit, I cannot answer every question that I think up; nor do I even want to try. Most of what we think we know, doesn't even matter; as Solomon put it, "Everything is meaningless," says the Teacher, "completely meaningless." (Ecclesiastes 12:8 NLT)

 That said, I can only point to one thing that matters: God! There is really nothing else to say, because everything is dependent upon Him to exist, to survive, to live; nothing is anything without Him! They that run this world think that they can somehow erase His existence, they surely have another thing coming to them, no matter how much they do, He is the existence of all things! 

 When I saw that truth, back in September of 1981, I saw Jesus on the cross, and it broke my heart! Right then and there, I was broken, literally, I realized that I was broken, and I needed to be saved because of my serious brokenness. Since then, I have also realized that I still break; but now, even though I get broken, I am still kept whole because He lives within me, and He never breaks! 

 That's my story, and I am sticking with it...

"From now on, don't let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus." (Galatians 6:17 NLT)

"Pointing Fingers"

 "Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he." (John 9:9 KJV) 

  "Then David confessed to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan replied, "Yes, but the LORD has forgiven you, and you won't die for this sin. Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for the LORD by doing this, your child will die."" (2 Samuel 12:13-14 NLT)

 For the sake of time, I will skip all of the mushy stuff, and get right to the point: God is just! What that means, is that He does justice according to His standards: He will judge right and wrong! Without any question, when God says that you are guilty, you are guilty, no two ways about it! 

 You cannot blame it on anyone else, although you might try, because God has His finger on you! Now what? If you know that you are exposed, and you have no one to blame; what do you do? God is just! Thank goodness for the justice of our loving GOD! 

 In the story spoken of above, David mourned and prayed for the child, while the child was alive; but as soon as he was told the child was dead, he stopped, washed himself off, and ate. As far as David was concerned, that child was now okay, because he had gone to be with the LORD. In David's mind, the child was too young and was innocent of sin; having not reached an age of accountability. 

 We have been redeemed from the penalty of our sins! But we are still accountable for our sins, in that we must confess them, and ask God for forgiveness; and He is just, to forgive them! That is the finger that I want pointing to me! My Just God, pointing to me, and saying, "Look what I did!" 

 Don't you know that you are God's treasure...? 

""The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field."" (Matthew 13:44 NLT) 

"The Conversation"

 "The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?" (John 9:8 KJV)

  "It doesn't matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. May God's peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God." (Galatians 6:15-16 NLT)

 Just so you know, God really does love a cheerful giver! I am not bragging; I am declaring what I know. If we give grudgingly, then it is best that we do not even give at all. But if we give cheerfully, joyfully know from where it came from and to Whom it all belongs to, then we can rest assured that our Father in heaven is pleased. I might not do everything right, but I do right when I can. 

 This little conversation that is taking place, it simply does not happen enough! There should be a change in us that sets us apart, not only from what we once were, but from those who are worldly. Not that I have everything under control and can display all that I should, but I know that I can, if I surrender my desires to follow all of the Spirit's leading. 

 Basically, it is about choice! It always has been, since the very beginning, when God told Adam, 'You can eat from every tree in the garden, except that one!' One tree from the multitude of trees to choose from, and he had to choose that one, as the one to desire! 

 There are some things that I have learned, some good and some bad. One of the good ones, is the fact that God is always faithful to forgive me when I ask Him for His forgiveness. That does not mean there will not be consequences for my sins, which I usually expect; but I have peace with God, and that is all that matters! 

 One of the bad things, is that I must teach myself to sin. Yes, I know that doesn't sound right, because we are born sinners, right from the start. But being born again, we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, so there is always a presence of His instruction and guidance in our life. Now we must find a way to sin, to plan and maneuver around certain obstacles or barriers that God places as ways of escape. 

 Do you see the connection? Adam's way was by teaching his wife...

"Then the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?" He replied, "I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked." "Who told you that you were naked?" the LORD God asked. "Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?" The man replied, "It was the woman that you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it."" (Genesis 3:9-12 NLT)    

"The Washing" - Too

 "And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing." (John 9:7 KJV) 

  "This is what the Sovereign LORD says: "Long ago my people chose to live in Egypt. Now they are oppressed Assyria. What is this?" asks the LORD. "Why are my people enslaved again? Those who rule them shout in exultation. My name is blasphemed all day long. But I will reveal my name to my people, and they will come to know its power. Then at last they will recognize that I am the one who speaks to them."" (Isaiah 52:4-6 NLT)

 Do you know what I think I miss? I miss the chance to be called forward and kneel before the alter! I know that it doesn't happen much anymore, but it is this, which is by interpretation, Sent! Forgive me again for speaking out of place; but this just seems as if it might be something to talk about. 

 The writer has made mention of the pool's name for a reason, because there must be some sort of action on the part of someone that participates in believing that Jesus is Lord. Jesus sent this man, this man went; he went prepared to do something that was not allowed, because it was the Sabbath. Yet, he obeyed the Master, the One that made clay for his eyes, on the Sabbath.

 Not only did Jesus not have to put the clay of his eyes, He also did not need to tell him to go wash that clay off. It basically was just a chance for this blind man to walk in obedience! To get up from his place of comfort, and to put himself in a place of discomfort, for the sake of being transformed! 

 Well, that is a pretty deep subject! But it really does feel good to hear God's voice, especially when He instructs us to do something. Which reminds me of something I heard Him say, as I pondered the tithe check I was going to write Saturday morning. I heard Him tell me to write a couple offering checks as well. 

 My goodness, He is always so good! You must remember this: Tithes are taken off the top, because if you wait to write your tithe check after you pay your bills, then you will not have any tithes to give, let alone, an offering...

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reins! The watchmen shout and sing with joy, for before their very eyes they see the LORD returning to Jerusalem. Let the ruins of Jerusalem break into joyful song, for the LORD has comforted his people. He has redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD has demonstrated his holy power before the eyes of all the nations. All the ends of the earth will see the victory of our God. Get out! Get out and leave your captivity, where everything you touch is unclean. Get out of there and purify yourselves, you who carry home the sacred objects of the LORD. You will not leave in a hurry, running for your lives. For the LORD will go ahead of you; yes, the God of Israel will protect you from behind." (Isaiah 52:7-12 NLT)  

"The Washing"

"And he said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing." (John 9:7 KJV)

  ""The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." (Isaiah 55:10-11 NLT)

 Okay, so this is interesting. As I was on my way to church yesterday morning, I heard a message that was somewhat in line with my message yesterday, except, the soul and our new spirit were shown to be at war with one another. I have to admit, I was always under the impression that it was our flesh that needed to be crucified, not our eternal soul. 

 Besides that, we are born without the Spirit of God within us, or so I have always understood. The moment that we are saved, we are spiritually born, and the Holy Spirit takes up residence within us. Therefore, it is the Spirit and the flesh, not our spirit and our soul, that war against one another. But I could have been informed wrong for these last 40 years or more. 

 We are born separated from God, because when Adam and Eve sinned, they because spiritually dead, which means, the Spirit of God that dwelt within them, making them a holy vessel, left them, due to sin! From that moment on, they became spiritually dead; thus, everyone from their children, and all the way to us who are alive right now, were born spiritually dead! Which means, we are born apart from God! 

 Some have even gone so far to say, that Adam and Eve were radiant and bright, due to the light of God that shown off inside of them. When they sinned, the light of God was no longer there, thus allowing them to see the darkness of their nakedness. Which is why God asked, "Who told you were naked?" 

 If that is not what is so, then why does it say that it is so in the Bible? Maybe I just misunderstood the message? Regardless, we have three very distinct parts: body, soul, and spirit; two of which are eternal, and the body is totally and completely temporary and stays right here, on the earth that it was formed from! "From dust you came, from dust you will return!" 

 Anywho: I want to share about the washing! John starts his Gospel message saying, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." I find it rather interesting that the water is sometimes referenced as the Word, and sometimes referenced as the Spirit. Could that be due to the fact that they can never be separated from one another? 

 I heard a message from Pastor Jon about ten years ago, where I shared about the furnishings that were to be placed inside of the Tabernacle. As God was giving instructions to Moses on those items, everything was given a measurement, with the exception of the water basin, used for spiritual washing. 

 Oh, my goodness! Aren't you glad that we have infinite abilities to get washed...

"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." (1 John 1:5-10 KJV)   

"Master Potter" - 2

"When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay," (John 9:6 KJV) 

  "Then the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."  (Genesis 2:7 KJV)

 If you haven't yet heard this comparison, please understand that it is just a little symbol of how God uses the dust from the ground, forming it into clay. As I said yesterday, Jesus could have just spoken, and the man would have been able to see; but He instead illustrated a point, the illustration of forming clay with His spittle! 

 That might not be how He formed Adam; however, He did form man from the ground! All the other things in creation were spoken into existence, but man was formed into a creature that was made into His image. Whatever that image might be, we will know soon enough, because John says: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." (1 John 3:2 NKJV) 

 With that, let me say that God is not done with you yet! This stage of our existence is basically just a time of sanctification, as God is making us pure, as in the process of making us set apart. How that works, is totally and completely dependent upon the person; we are all different, with our own circumstances and issues, so we each have our own ways to be set apart, or purified, if that works better for you. 

 When we first asked Jesus Christ into our hearts, we were immediately justified: Just as if we had never sinned! Our eternal soul had been cleansed from every sin! Consider this part of the phase, as God dealing with the mud... 

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1 KJV) 

 

"Master Potter"

 "When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind with the clay," (John 9:6 KJV)

  ""I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me - gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also but white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference."" (Revelation 3:15-19 NLT) 

 Finally, a chance to explore some of the little secrets of being poor, blind, and naked! Jesus really didn't need to heal this blind man's eyes with mud. He could have just said, "Be healed," and that would have done the trick! So what is the lesson that He is putting across for us to realize? 

 Probably the greatest issue we face in our walk with the Lord, is the threat of confidence in our own abilities to stay standing! As soon as we think we have our lives under control, have a handle on the sins that usually knock us down, or can feel confident that our marriage is fortified and unbreakable: Wham Bam! On your own! 

 Yes, Jesus is the Master Potter! He makes beautiful things from clay, some for holding and displaying beauty, and some for holding ashes! Which one of those would make your day? I really appreciate the way the NLT translated this portion of Scripture, because it's putting the light on the repentance, as if to show exactly what the problem really is: indifference! 

 Having a business and giving instruction to workers, you can pretty much understand what that actual means. You say, "Do this as I say," and then, they listen to what you say, but then do what you said in their own way. It's really not that they don't want to obey or think that they maybe know more than you; it is really just a very minor indifference in understanding part of your instructions. 

 Seriously! If you are off just one step, to the right or to the left, the length of your walk can get way off course! I love the way Matthew Henry sums this up: "The way prescribed for getting spiritual wisdom is, Let a man become a fool, that he may be wise, 1 Corinthians 3:18. We must be made uneasy with our blindness, as this man here, and then healed."  

 Maybe it is best to just remain broken...

"So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can't. I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don't want to do, I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life - that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because on my sinful nature I am a slave to sin." (Romans 7:14-25 NLT)

"Light of the World"

 "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:5 KJV)

  "He says, "You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth."" (Isaiah 49:6 NLT)

 Because of what Jesus did, we too are partakers in this Light! We must let this Light shine! Today, more than ever before, we have such great opportunities to share the hope that is within us, because there are so many people looking for hope! 

 Last night I finished watching, "Risen," for about the sixth or seventh time, and I was reminded of how knowing Jesus has changed my life. That is not something we always really think about, mostly because we still deal with stuff, and we still stumble in our daily walk; it is questionable sometimes what real change actually is.

 I have hope! Not in myself, because this self is sometimes selfish and a lot like the old self! But I have hope in Christ Jesus, for the amazing fact that He lives, He has defeated death, He has promised us eternal life with Him, and because He can do exactly what He said that He would do! That is Him, not me! I get up every morning and I pray for strength enough to not mess up; even promising that I will do my very best: but my best is never good enough! 

 Thank goodness that does not count against me! Are you hearing me! I am not saved because of what I have done, but because of what Christ Jesus has done on my behalf! My life will never be the same again...

"I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me." (Philippians 3:10-12 NLT)