"Comfort and Joy"

 "And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:" (Hebrews 11:36 KJV)

  "So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold - though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." (1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT)

 Seeing that this title might not seem to be the fit for the verse, it is important that we remember that we are servants of Christ. Jesus clearly said, "No servant is greater than his master," so if we go through trials of any kind, we must always remember that our Master took on much more than we ever could! 

 There will be great comfort and joy, whether you believe it or not, if we just focus on the salvation, we have waiting on the other side! We are made for more, the more we pick up our cross and follow Christ; because every trial we are given is an opportunity to shine, letting our faith come alive, as we trust and believe that everything will work for His purposes! 

 The real difference is that His purposes are most important; we can only be a servant, which means that we do not tell the Master what to do; nor do we get discouraged when it doesn't work out the way that we wanted it to happen...

""I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels - a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me."" (John 12:24-26 NLT)  

"For Better or Worse"

 "Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:" (Hebrews 11:35 KJV)

  "Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?" Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up."" (Daniel 3:14-18 NLT) 

 As I was praying about this message, I was reminded about our relationship with Christ, as we are the bride of Christ! That may not be something we don't already know, because it is pretty well known to almost every believer. As it is with must marriage ceremonies, the term, "For Better or Worse," is meant to be a commitment, as if to say, "No matter what!" 

 Something to think about, as we are dealing with any sort of trial or circumstance, that no matter what, we will be perfectly fine, because He loves us, no matter what...

""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 10:28-31 NLT)  

"Facing the Giants"

 "Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of aliens." (Hebrews 11:34 KJV)

  "Then the angel who had been talking with me returned and woke mem as though I had been asleep. "What do you see now? he asked. I answered, "I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl of oil on top of it. Around the bowl are seven lamps, each having seven spouts with wicks. And I see two olive trees, one on each side of the bowl." Then I asked the angel, "What are these, my lord? What do they mean?" "Don't you know?" the angel asked. "No, my lord," I replied. Then he said to me, "This is what the LORD says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force or by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies."" (Zechariah 4:1-6 NLT)

 It is hard sometimes to put this into practice, mostly because we forget that it is by His Spirit, not by our own might or strength! This is not just something that we put into practice; this is what we must believe and make it a reality, which can only happen by faith, not in ourselves, but in the Spirit of the Living God!

 I believe I might still have a shirt from a retreat I went to, probably 30 years ago, which had this same Scripture on it, "Not by might, nor by strength, but by my Spirit." It is interesting that Zechariah says the angel woke him you, as if he was sleeping, because that is the case for many of us today! 

 No matter what we are facing in this life, be it cancer, challenges with finances, or a failing marriage, we must die to ourselves and give everything to God! Again, I will share the illustration given by Pastor Gary, which he taught us about learning how to drown. If you are flailing around and the lifeguard is coming to save you, he will most likely wait for you to either relax or drown. That way he doesn't get hurt or get knocked out, then you both might drown. 

 If we try to do the things we face, that seem overwhelming, instead of giving it all to God, then we are going to be like that person who is drowning, flailing their arms all around, out of control. Like that lifeguard, God will simply wait for you to drown, and then pull you out of the water...

"In that day you will sing: "I will praise you, O LORD! You were angry with me, but not any more. Now you comfort me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory."" (Isaiah 12:1-2 NLT) 

"For This Cause"

 "Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness. obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions," (Hebrews 11:33 KJV)

  "Praise the LORD, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle. He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer. He is my shield, and I take refuge in him. He makes the nations submit to me. O LORD, what are human beings that you should notice them, mere mortals that you should think about them? For they are like a breath of air, their days are like a passing shadow." (PSALM 144:1-4 NLT)

 As much as I would have like sharing about some of those great saints, I wanted to focus on this one character, King David; mostly because he fits all four of these examples, each one, even the one about stopping the mouths of lions! If you don't know where that comes in, it was his testimony to King Saul, when he wanted to take on Goliath.

 When we take a good look, David was just a man, like any other man. What made David special and able to do mighty things, was his faith and trust in the LORD; because he believed that through God, all things were possible! Much like taking on Goliath, who was most likely twice his size and even King Saul was afraid to confront him!

 David ended up being mighty in battle, so much so, King Saul became jealous of him and wanted to kill him; but God was always protecting him, and he was already anointed to be the next King, so it was just a matter of time, and King he would be! When God makes a promise, it will happen, one way or another!

 Several times David had almost given up the idea of becoming King; hiding and running from Saul, he became a little less certain that he was meant to be the one; even though Samuel had anointed him and told him that he was the one. This PSALM that I posted above is a psalm of David; who shares the way God trained him and protected him; yet he also knew how weak he really was...

"I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the LORD'S greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!" (PSALM 34:1-8 NLT) 

"A Space of Time"

 "And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; and of David also, and of Samuel, and of the prophets:" (Hebrews 11:32 KJV)

  "Then he said, "When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said, "Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: 'There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.' You are witnesses of all these things."" (Luke 24:44-48 NLT)

 When I tried to think of a way to start this morning's post, my number one thing I do is to search out the Cross-References for the particular Scripture that I am sharing about; unfortunately, my tablet is still doing that little spinning thing, so this Scripture is what we are dealing with! 

 Before I get too carried away, let me remind anyone that doesn't know or has forgotten, the prophesies that are written about Jesus that were fulfilled, the probability of one person fulfilling eight specific Old Testament prophecies is estimated to be 1 in 100 quadrillion! If you really wanted to take the challenge, try to figure out what those odds would be and how long it might take to challenge them with any kind of argument.

 This last evening as I was headed home from church, I heard Pastor Chuck sharing about Jonah and the type of fish he might have been if for three days. As many might know, in the King James Version, it says Jesus referred to it as a whale; yet there are several different ways the story is told; some of which are just flat-out lies! 

 Having very little time this morning, I will make this short: I believe Jesus is right, it was a really big fish... 

"One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, "Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove your authority." But Jesus replied, "Only an evil adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign: but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights."" (Matthew 12:38-40 NLT) 

"The Hall of Faith"

  "How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. There weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death.

 "But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed by the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.

 "All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us." (Hebrews 11:32-40 NLT)

  ""Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."" (John 5:25-29 KJV)

 This might not make sense to everyone, but it is just an example of what the difference is between those before the cross of Christ, and us that lived after Christ paid the price for our sins: Those that were before had their salvation given in the form of a credit card, charging up their many sins, with credit to be forgiven; and we that lived after, received a debit card, with unlimited cash in our account, that has endless forgiveness...

"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? harken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness." (Isaiah 55:1-2 KJV) 

"The Harlot Rahab"

 "By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace." (Hebrews 11:31 KJV)

  "Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah (whose mother was Tamar). Perez was the father of Hezron. Hezron was the father of Ram. Ram was the father of Amminadab. Amminadab was the father of Nahshon. Nahshon was the father of Salmon. Salmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab). Boaz was the father of Obed (whose mother was Ruth). Obed was the father of Jesse. Jesse was the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon (whose mother was Bathsheba, the widow of Uriah)." (Matthew 1:3-6 NLT)

 Looking at this from a different point of view, you would think that some people would feel good about these four women that are listed in the line of Judah, as they are clearly mentioned for a reason. However, there are some that don't think Rahab the harlot is the same Rahab that is listed in the line of ancestors of Jesus the Messiah. 

 Why have her listed among those others, if it didn't count for something meaningful? Why judge one person differently than that of the others? As I was saying, God does speak to people personally; and Rahab was someone that was spoken to, by God! How else would she have known who those spies were and that God was going to destroy her city? She was chosen for a reason, and it wasn't just to let those spy's escape. 

 What is the difference between the harlot Rahab and Mary Magdalene? Absolutely nothing...

"And so it happened just as the Scripture say: "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith." He was even called the friend of God. So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. Rahab the prostitute is another example, She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them away by a different road. Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works." (James 2:23-26 NLT) 

"The Walls Fell Down"

 "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days." (Hebrews 11:30 KJV)

  "Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, "Does this offend you? Then what will you think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again? The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But some of you do not believe me."" (John 6:61-64 NLT)

 To be perfectly clear, God controls every element in all of creation! Absolutely nothing that is seen or unseen is not under His control, and nothing in all of creation cannot be moved or taken down, with just a word; if He says it, it will happen! This is what I truly believe, not because I think it is so, but because the Bible says that it is so; and I believe the Bible is God's spoken words! 

 Having said that, I also believe that those walls would have come down without those Israelites marching around that city for seven days; that was God's way a letting take part in what He was doing. Much as it is for all of us, whatever we do in any sort of ministry, from the least to the greatest. God could just speak to anyone to call them into service, yet He uses us because that's how we grow and live by faith.  

 Hands and feet, is what we are: He is the voice that makes it all work! I know that some people who teach and preach think that they are the voice that does all the work; but if the Spirit is not in the volume of the words being spoken, then it is all gibberish! 

 Anywho, that is my thought on the subject, so don't worry if it doesn't make any sense. There is a lot of things going on in this world that don't make sense; but believe it or not, God is still on the Throne and He is ultimately the One in control... 

"Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. As the Scriptures say, "People are like grass: their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. But the word of the Lord remains forever." And that word is the Good News that was preached to you." (1 Peter 1:21-25 NLT)

"The Walls of Jericho"

  "It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, and the walls came crashing down. It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies." (Hebrews 11:30-31 NLT) 

  "Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life." (1 John 2:24-25 KJV)

 Well, as deep a subject can get, this is one that is worth digging into! One of the things I remembered from one of the early Bible Studies, back in the days of my time in jail, after I got saved, was a discussion of how the walls of Jericho came down. Me, being a new believer, didn't think it really was all that hard to accept that it was the breath of God, which was brought on by the shout of the people of Israel. 

 Regardless, God's hand was what did it, not an earthquake or storm, or any other natural force. With that, I have this other thing that is constantly being talked about, which I have settled deeply in my heart, yet constantly get in arguments over, which is the days that God created the heavens and the earth. Even just the other day, I heard someone bring up that a thousand years is a day with the Lord, as if those days of His creation were thousands of years. 

 I believe that our God is able to do anything! There is nothing that He cannot do, even if it involves make a universe in a matter of minutes, He can do it by just a Word. Besides that, my Bible says the moment God said, "Let there be Light," and the day He finished, were all done in the same year, BC4004. I don't see how thousands of years compute in that timeline; and besides that, the Bible says, "evening and morning were a day," so it sounds as if it was a 24-hour day...

 "And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day." (Genesis 1:31 KJV) 

"Leap of Faith" - 2

 "By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned," (Hebrews 11:29 KJV)

  "As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the LORD, and they said to Moses, "Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren't there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn't we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, 'Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It's better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!'" But Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm."" (Exodus 14:10-14 NLT) 

 Somebody once said, "Act as if you have faith!" This idea is most likely taken from something Jesus said about moving mountains. (Matthew 21:21-22) The point being, that Moses really didn't know what God was going to do, only that God wasn't going to let His people be killed by the Egyptians, because the plan was to get them back to the land where they belonged.    

 Much as Paul was not concerned over the poisonous snakebite, because he knew that he had to go to Rome, because God already told him it would happen. Moses might not have known what God would do, but he knew that one way or another, He would take care of His people and destroy the Egyptian army. 

 The whole point to this title, "Leap of Faith," is not based upon the faith of the people, because they had no faith, but only complained around every corner. Whenever there was anything to complain about, they would say, "Why did you take us out here to die!" It was Moses that had faith enough to know that God was able to do what was needed; no matter what it might have been, God could do anything!

 As for the statement, "Act as if you have faith!", this is not really something that is played out, as if we are pretending to have faith that God will do something, but that we trust that God will do whatever he has promised, no matter what! We might not know how He will do it, and we certainly don't know when; but we can act as if He is doing it, by the faith that He is good and faithful...

"Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground. And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers. When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the LORD!"" (Exodus 14:15-18 NLT) 

"Leap of Faith"

  "It was by faith that the people of Israel went right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned." (Hebrews 11:29 NLT)

  "And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island as called Melita. And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Howbeit, they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god." (Acts 28:1-6 KJV)

 Not quite sure about this, but I had planned to continue the message from yesterday, but I decided that I said enough. If that which was said didn't make sense or wasn't understandable, then I will take the blame for not explaining a little more plainly. Besides that, Jesus lost a few followers when he shared about them eating His flesh and drinking His blood; so, it really is understandable! 

 I was thinking about something that could demonstrate what a leap of faith might look like; which made me think about this snakebite Paul encountered. There is something I feel was certain to Paul's heart, and that was the fact that God was taking him to Rome, and not even a snake was going to stop that from happening! After all that they had been through and then ending up shipwrecked, there is always faith that can be manifested, even in the greatest storms! 

 You just shake it off and trust that God will get you through, just as He promised...

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you."    

"The Passover"

 "Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them." (Hebrews 11:28 KJV)

  ""I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world."" (John 16:20-21 NLT) 

 Having been through several things that cause grief, I can somewhat relate to what Jesus is trying to tell His disciples; even though they still didn't truly understand everything that He said. The thing about the Passover, that many people don't really understand, that the main character in this story, is not the angel of death, or even the firstborn children that were passed over from death; it was the Lamb! 

 If those who were familiar with what Passover truly represented, could actually have connected the dots, then they would have figured out that Jesus and that cross He was crucified on, were a mirror image of pretty much every element of the Passover. Yet, their hearts would not allow them to see the truth! 

 That is still something we see today, as the truth is abundantly obvious, but because of the condition of their hearts, many people simply cannot see the truth, even though it is really abundantly clear...

"You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ's suffering and his great glory afterward. They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen." (1 Perter 1:8-12 NLT) 

"Seeing Him!" - Too

 "By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible." (Hebrews 11:27 KJV)

  "But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ's triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are like a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ's authority, knowing that God is watching us." (2 Corinthians 2:14-17 NLT)

 This might seem a little different, as there some that might not see things the same way many of us see, shall we say, the Spirit of Christ, moving in our midst. But there is a really big difference in those that watch for God's hand to move, and those that consider things to be circumstance or a coincidence. God does everything with purpose and results, no matter if they are good or bad, rising up or tearing down; no matter what the condition might look like, if He allows it, it is meant to be. 

 There is a big difference about asking God why He is allowing or doing this or that and asking God to show us what He is doing and allowing Him to teach us or correct our path. Moses escaped from Egypt by thinking he was a wanted man; yet God moved him out of Egypt to become a shepherd of sheep, and to make him the man to deliver His people. 

 There was nothing that was coincidence in what took place in Moses' life; from the very moment that his parents saw his worth, without even knowing for what, except that it was on their hearts. Who do you think made them take that chance? Just like that Pastor who listened to God and followed through doing what He asked, they too did the same; a simple little task, to some would seem a risk, but when God is involved, things become visible and we can actually see Him moving and doing His will and purposes!

 Hopefully no one was offended by anything I said, because I have had discussions with some who say they are believers, yet they don't fully and completely believe everything in the Bible to true; making some things an allegory or a story with fictional characters. If you are looking for Jesus Christ to show up in the Scriptures, He is really not that hard to find...

""And the Father who sent me has testified about me himself. You have never heard his voice or seen him face to face, and you do not have his message in your heats, because you do not believe me - the one he sent to you. You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life."" (John 5:37-40 NLT)

"Seeing Him!"

 "By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible," (Hebrews 11:27 KJV)

  "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 k 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)

 It seems that there might be something familiar in this message, especially the part about "he endured." If you think about it, basically means that he was patiently waiting for something, which, if you really know how that might look, it requires a person to be strong and steadfast; knowing that we have a purpose. 

 I really don't know how to say this, but there is no other way that I can see myself, then by seeing that which I cannot see! There is nothing that can compare to the glory that we will experience when we are in the home where we are going; nothing we can even imagine. Yet, it is that which cannot be seen that makes us patiently wait, longing for that which we hope for; getting stronger in our spirit, the closer we get to that day, which seems to be closer and closer. 

 If you remember the challenge Moses had, when the LORD asked him to go and deliver His people; he had several excuses as to why he wasn't able to do what God wanted him to do. Yet, it was not long into the challenge, once he stood before Pharoh, he realized that he was right where he was meant to be; which not only gave him confidence, but gave him a certain boldness, as he spoke for God. 

 Yesterday I heard a message from a Pastor that was sharing about his first encounter as the beginning of his ministry, when God asked him to confront a certain person. What started with just a simple task of sharing the Good News with someone, became a very big deal, for hundreds of people. Nobody really knows the results of what that might look like, but just that one small thing, doing what God asked him to do, became something amazingly big!

 If the LORD tells you to do something, He is opening a door that cannot be shut; it is a door that opens to many more doors, doors that are not even visible...

""The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, 'Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more,' "The Master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!'"" (Matthew 25:20-21 NLT)   

"Greater Riches!" - Too

 "Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches that the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward." (Hebrews 11:26 KJV)

  "I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 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!" (Philippians 3:7-11 NLT)

 There are certain things that cause us to want to know more about God's love and passion towards us, as we try hard to figure out why He really cares for us as He does. I constantly think to myself about how unworthy I am to receive His abundant mercy and grace; yet it overwhelms me each and every time that I do, as I envision Christ on that cross, knowing that God's love is overwhelmingly sufficient to save, even the worst of sinners! 

 The real reason most of us have this guilty feeling, isn't because we mess up from time to time, but it is because we can't stop messing up; we try so hard, but it seems the harder we try to be righteous, the more unrighteous we feel, and the further away from the Lord we see ourselves. This is really a thing, as Paul uses that in his message in Galatians, that the law is only there to show us how much we need Jesus...

"Is there a conflict, then, between God's law and God's promises? Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it. But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God's promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ." (Galatians 3:21-22 NLT)