"From Eternity and Beyond!"

 "But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me." (John 7:29 KJV)

  "Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the LORD, for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with truth." (Psalms 96:11-13 KJV) 

 So, it does make me wonder why, but I don't worry about it, nonetheless! I believe that there is no other way that anyone can be saved, but to put their trust in Jesus Christ and His finished work upon that cross! Call that being narrow-minded, if you will; but it is what it is, and there is nothing we can do to change what God has established, from the beginning of existence. 

 When I first got saved, I created a crossword puzzle based upon the Scriptures that spoke of Jesus. It took me a few weeks to do, but it was amazingly anointed by the Holy Spirit. If I recall correctly, the Old Testament Scriptures were the across words, and the New Testament were the down words. Each of the blank spaces were in the center and spelled out the name Jesus. 

 I only say this because I was totally and completely overwhelmed by knowing the real Jesus! All my life I had been told that Jesus was someone or something else; anything else, except that He was God. So, you can imagine my excitement in finding the truth; so much so, I had to explore all those missing verses that I had previously overlooked. 

 Having learned what Jesus did upon the cross, it totally changed the way I felt about God's love for me. Before, I believed that God loved me, but it was more about His love for the entire world, and it just so happened that I was included. This must be personal and must receive it whole-heartedly! There must be a personal relationship between you and your Creator! 

 This is what I believe Jesus did for us, besides the eternal life thing, this is ten times better! He has closed the gap between us and Him! The blood of Christ washes us clean and allows us to enter into the Holies of Holies, as we get to fellowship with the Eternal Father, no doubt, as one of His children...

"He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:10-14 KJV)  

"Blinded by the Light"

"Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, and him ye know not." (John 7:28 KJV)

  "My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; of thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasure; then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God." (Proverbs 2:1-5 KJV)

 Much of what is taught today in our churches are the things that deal with life issues here on this earth; not that there is anything wrong with knowing how is manage the things of life, but there are really more serious things that need to be managed first. Maybe the problem, if there actually is a problem at all, is that many people in the average church sitting, really do not want to feel uncomfortable when they come to church; they really just want to be blessed and feel as though everything is okay. As if, just showing up for church, is all God really requires a person to do.

 That was basically the thing that caused me to hate church when I was young, the hypocrisy of those that pretended to be good, in and around church, but were something totally different at home. Not that I have any perfection in that area, because there is nothing perfect about my life, except that I am washed in the blood of Jesus Christ! But that is pretty much my point; before we can begin to seriously manage this life, we must know the seriousness involved in the life to come! 

 Maybe I am making too much of something I really know nothing about? Maybe it is just the way things are, and I should keep my opinions to myself? To be perfectly honest, I am usually not really that focused upon it; most days I just try to keep my own life in order, not paying attention to the lives of those around me. 

 This verse, as little as it might say, it says a lot! For one thing, Jesus points to the heart of the matter, saying that these people did not know God. They might think that they knew Him, but they could not see Him, nor could they understand their need to actually know anything about Him. That is not all that uncommon in this life, because the more we learn of God, the more serious we see how much His knowledge is of us, and the more guilty we actually feel...

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shown it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." (Romand 1:18-25 KJV) 

"Spiritual Blindness" - Too

"Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is." (John 7:27 KJV)

  "Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD might in battle." (Psalms 24:8 KJV)

 Not sure how they do it now, but when I was saved, back in 1981, if we didn't have a Bible we were given one, and who ever gave a Bible instructed us to start by reading the Gospel of John. John's gospel deals with the deity of Christ Jesus: where He came from, His eternal being, the power that He had, and the power that He stepped away from to come and be killed for our sins. 

 As far as I am concerned, this is the beginning of Spiritual Sight! If we truly do not know Jesus was, is, and forever will be, then we are missing a major part of the puzzle: THE PICTURE! Instead, we are just matching puzzle pieces up by the shape they match up to, instead of the pieces that actually fit into the picture. 

 These people that doubted Jesus could be the Christ, did so because they could not see beyond what they knew of His human nature. As Matthew Henry puts it: "But then it is not true that as for this man they knew whence he was, for they knew not his divine nature, not how the Word was made flesh." 

 Basically, what John points out, sometimes boldly, sometimes in hidden messages, is the divine nature of Jesus, being the Son of God! This is very important for us to know and understand, because it is and always will be the Key to eternal life... 

"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." (1 John 5:13 KJV) 

"Spiritual Blindness"

 "Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is." (John 7:27 KJV)

  "Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgement and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." (Jeremiah 23:5-6 KJV)

 Secondly, there are those that just cannot believe because they simply think they know the truth, even though they are totally blind to the truth and cannot see. This I know, because that was me! As I have shared on this before, I won't get into all the details, but simply say that I was totally against any type of organized religion. As a matter of fact, I was even against the institution of marriage. 

 It was not that I did not believe in God, because I did, and would argue with anyone that wanted to try and say that there was no God. I just didn't know God, who He was; and I surely did not know who Jesus really was, or the awesome work that He did for me on that cross! 

 Because these people thought they knew Jesus, and where it was that He grew up, that proved to them that He was not the Messiah, or the Christ; ether, or they both represent the anointed One that would come to save the world. They just could get past the knowledge that they had, letting what they understood to be true, prevent them from actually seeing the truth. 

 If you do not know, this is not all that uncommon in the church. It really is something that is really sad and should happen, but, for the most part, the old adage is true, as Jesus clearly said: "A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house." (Mark 6:4)

 In addition, the person side of this, is that those within the church that are into works, are usually the hardest ones to be shown that they need forgiveness. The connection is pretty much the same, whether we are looking outwardly, or focused inwardly, we still miss out on what is Truth...

"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whosoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth." (1 John 5:3-6 KJV) 

"Confounded?" - 2

"But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?" (John 7:26 KJV)

  "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel. For which I am an ambassador in bonds; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." (Ephesians 6:14-20 KJV)

 First off, let me clarify what it is that I am trying to get across, about how important it is to know what you are, and what it is that you are not. When we received Christ into our heart, we became a child of God; in that very instant we were born again into the Kingdom of God. This was something that God did, based upon our choice to answer the call upon our life. Whether you might believe it or not, what God has done in making you His child, cannot be undone.

 In that regard, we have overcome the wicked one, who no longer has dominion and control over our lives. That said, there are ways that we can become entangled, even snared, by things of this world, thereby giving power back, all be it, limited to that which takes place upon this earth. Basically, what that means, if you are into cartoons: when you do arrive in heaven, there will still have smoke lifting up from you, based upon the fire that you went through to make it there! 

 You might see it another way, and that is totally your right to see it whatever way you want. That said, what should matter more than anything else, is your salvation being real and being eternal! Once you have been born into the Kingdom of God, you are a New Creation! All things are New! You have a new set of rules, a new destination, and a new Spirit dwelling inside of you. 

 Now, about this conversation from these, gossipers of Jerusalem: A love for Christ is the furthest thing from their hearts; they have really no concern about who He might say that He is, or what the leaders might think about Him; only that He is being allowed to teach. Oddly enough, there is something special that takes place in the heart of those that accept who Jesus is, and in the heart of those that refuse to believe that it is so. 

 Having shared that special message from Peter, you must believe that you have been given a place in heaven that is reserved for you, for once you have graduated from this earth. That is our hope, which we must hold onto with all of our heart! That said, if you release your grip, I firmly believe, God is still holding onto you, and He is not letting go! 

 Obviously, there is more to it than just that simple illustration; not that I have any special knowledge of what happens in heaven or how everything is going to work out, because I do not. But what I do know, and what I choose to believe, is that I am saved: washed by the blood of Jesus, I am now a child of God! The most important thing I can do, is, be confident of what Christ has done, and doing all that I can to live accordingly. 

 The most powerful tool the devil has in his toolbox, is discouragement! Don't let sin rule your life! If we have learned anything from these last few years, what you focus upon and fear, will get the best of you; so, do not let it control your life, but let God's love control you... 

"Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised want to look good to others. They don't want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save. And even those who advocate circumcision don't keep the law themselves. They only want you to be circumcised so they can boast about it and claim you as their disciples. As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world's interest in me has also died. 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 6:12-16 NLT) 

"Confounded?"

 "But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?" (John 7:26 KJV)

  "For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together, saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him. O God, be not far from me: O my God; make haste for my help. Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries of my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt. But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more." (Psalms 71:10-14 KJV)

 Well, I was going to chew on verse 25 a little more; but I really only had one more point to make: Although the enemy of my soul may want to consume me: God is far more powerful, and He wants me more! It is really amazing when we have a God that loves us, because His love is stronger than the hate of anyone else! More than that, He has the power to make His love do something spectacular! 

 If you could be a fly on the wall, who do you think would be more confused, these of Jerusalem, or you? The conversation is seemingly lost between the thickness of the trees: on the one hand, they say, 'Isn't this he they seek to kill,' yet on the other, they say, 'Do the know he is the Christ?' If they did know He was the Christ, would they seriously be seeking to kill Him? 

 Just so you know, the harder that we get pressed, the more the world gets squeezed out of us; the more the world gets squeezed out of us, the more the Holy Spirit is revealed in our lives. It is just how it works, as the Scripture says, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4 KJV) 

 The question some might ask, is, 'When did we actually overcome the world?' "When?" you might ask! It was on that day when you asked Jesus to come into your heart! That was the day in which you said no to this world and said yes to Jesus! The world kept holding you back, but you finally gave up, and gave your life over to Christ: You overcame...

"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance - an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see." (1 Peter 1:3-5 NLT)  

"A Wanted Man"

 "Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?" (John 7:25 KJV)

  "I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption." (Psalms 16:8-10 KJV)

 If there is one thing that I have learned, over these last forty years, it is the fact that God absolutely has control of my destiny. I have periods of doubt, as many of us do; but when I put my mind upon God, taking it off the things of this world, I come to my senses and realize that nothing here can come against me, nor take away the security of my soul. 

 Small little things, like death and the destruction of this body, are really nothing when compared to the eternity that awaits; but it is absolutely a must that we hold tightly onto what we hope for and believe! That, my friend, is the essence of faith! You think that you are looking for truth, then walk in faith, and you will experience the truth that you are looking for, guaranteed! 

 Doubt does nothing but block us from seeing the truth; because even though the things we hope for are unseen, faith makes that which is unseen come to life: that which is believed in, becomes remarkably real! Somehow, I feel that there might be certain things that cause the opposite reaction; the biggest of these, I believe are the weaknesses we might have to sin. 

 God knows, way in advance, everything we are going to do, long before we even think of doing it. I heard a message yesterday about God's warning to Nebuchadnezzar, where Daniel interpreted his dream, the one where his heart was transformed from a man to that of a beast. The premise of this transformation was caused by his declaration of having created such a marvelous kingdom; as if it were his doing, and his alone! 

 Just as the words had come forth from his mouth, a voice from heaven spoke, saying, "O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken: The kingdom is departed from thee." Such as it were, this is not the end of the story! Yes, in an instant it was all stripped away, but the end result was far better than the beginning. 

 This too I see for those that might slip or fall, whether they be a new believer, or well-seasoned in the faith, because God's love never changes and never runs out of mercy. If you were His child then, then you will remain His child now; and if you are His child now, then you will remain His child forever and ever! That is His doing, not our own...

"This is what the LORD says: "You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you," says the LORD. "I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land."" (Jeremiah 29:10-14 NLT)  

"Is Jesus the Messiah?"

 "Some of the people who lived in Jerusalem started to ask each other, "Isn't this the man they are trying to kill? But here he is, speaking in public, and they say nothing to him. Could our leaders possibly believe that he is the Messiah? But how could he be? For we know where this man comes from. When the Messiah comes, he will simply appear; no one will know where he comes from." 

 While Jesus was teaching in the Temple, he called out, "Yes, you know me, and you know where I come from. But I'm not here on my own. The one who sent me is true, and you don't know him. But I know him because I come from him, and he sent me to you." Then the leaders tried to arrest him; but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come.

 Many among the crowds at the Temple believed in him. "After all," they said, "would you expect the Messiah to do more miraculous signs than this man has done?" 

 When the Pharisees heard that the crowds were whispering such things, they and the leading priests sent Temple guards to arrest Jesus. But Jesus told them, "I will be with you only a little longer. Then I will return to the one who sent me. You will search for me but not find me. You cannot go where I am going."

 The Jewish leaders were puzzled by this statement. "Where is he planning to go?" they asked. "Is he thinking of leaving the country and going to the Jews in in other lands? Maybe he will even teach the Greeks! What does he mean when he says, 'You will search for me but not find me,' and 'You cannot go where I am going'?"" (John 7:25-36 NLT)

  "Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah." (Psalms 24:7-10 KJV) 

 Forgive my lack of expression yesterday; I must have had one of those days. Those of us that are looking for the Lord to come soon, anticipate the world will not expect it to happen; He will come as a thief in the night! Basically, that is meant to be a hint that there will be no way to know the day or the hour. The Tribulation has a series of events that show when Jesus will physically return; but His bride will be taken quickly, and without notice. 

 The mid-tribulation rapture, if that is what you are expecting, happens during those sequent of events. There are just some things the Bible makes clear, and some that are lift for interpretation. Who Jesus was is not one of those things left for interpretation...

"I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee." (Psalms 2:7 KJV) 

"Inside Out"

"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." (John 7:24 KJV)

  "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 KJV)

 Nothing can matter more than the condition of the heart: if the heart is not right, then we are not right with God. As that is the case, we must thank God for the grace He was measured out to use, because we all have something wrong in our hearts! If it were not so, then we would actually know it!  

 As for the message Jesus is making known to these Jew's, there are two sides to this meaning: one involves looking at the appearance of others, the other involves the appearance of Jesus, Himself. As Matthew Henry puts it: "We must not judge concerning any by their outward appearance, not be their titles, the figure they make in the world, and their fluttering show, but by their intrinsic worth, and the gifts and graces of God's Spirit in them." 

 Those that were looking for the Messiah, figured Him to be of a certain noble character, with the appearance of glory and might; yet Jesus came as pretty much the opposite, as shown in Issiah 53:2, "For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he shall have no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him." 

 Don't ask me why, but today my mind is totally and completely somewhere else! Please take some time to pray for those that you care about who have not yet made Jesus the Lord of their lives! Make it you passion to not only pray for them, but to share what you know, and why it is so important that they don't put it off any further. 

 Soon, and very soon, we are going to see THE KING...

"The LORD will not reject his people; he will not abandon his special possession. Judgment will again be founded on justice, and those with virtuous hearts will pursue it. Who will protect me from the wicked? Who will stand up for me against evildoers? Unless the LORD had helped me, I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave. I cried out, "I am slipping!" but your unfailing love, O LORD, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, you comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer." (Psalm 94:14-19 NLT) 

  

 

 

 

"Open Wide!" - To

 "If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every wit whole on the sabbath day?" (John 7:23 KJV) 

  "Then God said to Jonah, "Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?" "Yes," Jonah retorted, "even angry enough to die!" Then the LORD said, "You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn't I feel sorry for such a great city?"" (Jonah 4:9-11 NLT)

 Okay, so as you might have known, I have been dealing with something of a trial for over 18 years; not that I am complaining about it, because it has actually been something amazingly special. If I do actual complain, my complaints are directed towards God, as it is only God that can do anything about it. 

 Without getting into too much personal information, let me just say, taking care of my wife is more than just a blessing, it has become more of a passion, which is exactly what I believe that Jesus is getting at with His complaint over the attitude of these Jews. Where is their compassion and desire to see the good in healing a man, no matter what day that a person is healed upon, it should be a good thing! 

 If those that are calling themselves godly people, cannot see or understand that God is good, how can they begin to open their hearts to the goodness that is done by God? I cannot begin to tell you the number of times I have prayed for my wife, that others have prayed for us both, and that people have tried to make something happen by praying over us. What is it that makes this not good, besides the fact that my wife is stuck in this condition? 

 I know in my heart that my wife is going to be perfectly fine, and one fine day, it is going to happen! In the meantime, my obligation is to keep her comfortable and love on her as much as I possibly can. The rest is totally up to God; I will not attempt to speed things up, nor slow them down; and I will not let her die, but I will allow her to die, when it is time that God calls her home! 

 That might have been a little too personal, but I think you get the message. It is basically about being committed to your calling, whatever that calling might be. If God has called you out of the darkness and into His Light, then commit yourself to those things of the Light, and move away from those things which are of the darkness! 

 It must not just be a notion, it needs to be a passion, and your heart really needs to be in it...

"As God's partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God's kindness and then ignore it. For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation. We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. We faithfully preach the truth. God's power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, yet we have everything.

"Oh, dear Corinthian friends! We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you. There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us. I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us!" (2 Corinthians 6:1-13 NLT) 

"Open Wide!"

 "If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?" (John 7:23 KJV)

  "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:24-29 KJV) 

 If you know anything about the Jewish law regarding circumcision, if a man is born on the sabbath, then the following sabbath he must be circumcised, even though it is actually the Sabbath Day. Basically, the promise is more important than the sign! Hopefully you get that, because it goes back to the contract that God signed with Abraham, which Abraham did not even sign! 

 Circumcision is a cutting away: in other words, the difference between what they allow to happen on the Sabbath, and what Jesus did on the Sabbath were totally completely opposite works! Jesus made a man whole, but circumcision takes away. As Matthew Henry points out: "Circumcision was a bloody ordinance, and made sore: but what Christ did was healing, and made whole. The law works pain, and, if that work may be done on the sabbath day, much more a gospel work, which produces peace." 

 Now about this weird title: Man is prone to be justified by works, whether that is based upon pride, or guilt, it really does not matter, because God's gift of salvation does not involve either one. This is not about what we are, what we have done, where we have been, or how much we might hurt: this is about who Jesus is, what He has done, where He now is, and the pain He suffered to make it all happen! 

 The mark that circumcision was all about was Abraham's showing that he had been chosen of God; much the same as we that are of Christ must demonstrate that we are chosen, by the cutting away of the things of this world. Not because we are mandated to do anything, because it is not a condition of our salvation; but it is a sign of being one with Christ! 

 The mark of a believer is that we are of Christ Jesus and not of this world...

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." (1 John 2:15-17 KJV)

"Just a Nudge"

 "Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man." (John 7:22 KJV) 

  "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more a promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise." (Galatians 3:16-18 KJV)

 It is really not all that complicated, but there are many ways to complicate it and make it hard to figure out. To put it into some rational think, think of it as a nudge, which is really not a mandate, but rather, is more like an incentive, which might be like God saying, "Taste and see." 

 Here is the thing about a promise, they are only worth as much as the one that might be giving the promise! When God gives a promise, then that promise is as good as done, because God will always keep His word; if God says that it will happen, then you can absolutely believe that it will happen. 

 Which reminds me of a message I heard yesterday afternoon from Pastor Jack. He was explaining in great detail how Abraham brought his son out to sacrifice him, as God had instructed. Interestingly, Isaac was most likely in his 30's, much a Jesus was that old when He was crucified. Isaac, just like Jesus, could have resisted being tied up and placed on the wood for the sacrifice, as he was a grown man, and Abraham was pretty old. 

 There are certain things that God does, which show us the way that things will be or happen in the times ahead, most of which cannot be realized until those later events actually happen. If you think anything going on now is an actual mandate, you haven't seen anything yet! 

 Anywho, this is Jesus setting them up for something that they have no way to wiggle their way out of. It is like they are leaning in to pay attention, and the Lion is going to bite their heads off; or at the very least, convict their heart...

"Keep this in mind: The Teacher was considered wise, and he taught people everything he knew. He listened carefully to many proverbs, studying and classifying them. The Teacher sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly." (Ecclesiastes 12:9-10 NLT) 

"Think on This"

 "Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel." (John 7:21 KJV)

  "These things hast thou done, and I kept silence, thou thoughtest that I was altogether such a one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there is none to deliver. Whoso offereth praise glorifieh me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God." (Psalms 50:21-23 KJV)

 It might seem not very important, at least at first glance; especially since those of us that know who Jesus really is, we expect for Him to be worshiped and honored. But for those who do not know or believe, it just doesn't make much sense. Think about the one that is writing this, the one that is telling the story; in an effort to show who Jesus really is, John simplifies what he writes into one continuous message: Jesus is God! 

 Just in case you might not know, the first eighteen verses of John's Gospel, is believed by some to be a prologue or forward to the message that he is about to write about. Then, at the end of his message, he gives a summary of all that he tries to get across, by saying, "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." (John 21:25) 

 Okay, maybe I need to help you with the key to this little mystery: Who is it that can perform a mighty work with just a word? "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." (Genisis 1:3 KJV) How is it that speaking a few words on the Sabbath, might be considered breaking the law, unless the words that are spoken actually get things done? 

 No doubt about it, only God can make things happen with just a word, because His Word works...

"Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don't wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well. For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. "Everything is meaningless," says the Teacher, "completely meaningless."" (Ecclesiastes 12:6-8 NLT)

"Meaningless"

 "The people answered him and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?" (John 7:20 KJV)

  "Jerusalem, once so full of people, is now deserted. She who was once great among nations now sits alone like a widow. Once the queen of all the earth, she is now a slave. She sobs through the night; tears stream down her cheeks. Among all her lovers, there is no one left to comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her and become her enemies." (Lamentations 1:1-2 NLT) 

 Tossing through the night, I kept asking God to show me a title for today's post. Several things came to mind, but none really seemed to be that meaningful or to the point. One kept on pressing me, "Sticks and Stones," which reminded me of spats I would have with my siblings growing up; and upon further thought, they reminded me of my mother. 

 Again, having known the outcome, we can sometimes miss the punchline of the story: nothing that anyone might say, can change the condition of the human heart! Little did many of these people know, they too would be guilty of killing Jesus; they just did not know it, yet. To be perfectly clear, every one of us has a part in the death of Jesus Christ, but many may not know it, or wish to accept it.

 While I was typing the words to the verses from Lamentations above, I couldn't help but think about all the people who were affected by the actual results of all that was being said. There are so many things in our lives, many of which we would really not like to think about, but much of which really doesn't even matter. When God wipes our slate clean, then everything is swept away! 

 Will there be crying in heaven? I am pretty sure that there will be, only because it says in Revelation 21:4, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." God can change everything and anything, so never give up on those you love...

""The rain and the 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. You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands! Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow. Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up. These events will bring great honor to the LORD'S name; they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love."" (Isaiah 55:10-13 NLT)  

"Plain and Simple"

 "Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?" (John 7:19 KJV)

  "And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are partners with those called to heaven, think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God's messenger and High Priest. For he was faithful to God, who appointed him, just as Moses served faithfully when he was entrusted with God's entire house. But Jesus deserves far more glory than Moses, just as a person who builds a house deserves more praise than the house itself. For every house has a builder, but the one who built everything is God. Moses was certainly faithful in God's house as a servant. His work was an illustration of the truths God would reveal later. But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God's entire house. And we are God's house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ." (Hebrews 3:1-6 NLT)

 Because we know how all this turns out, it is easy to ignore some of the simple details that we should pay attention to along the way. These Jew's, who took pride in themselves for keeping the law, did not really realize that they had not been keeping the law, that they thought they had kept. Wow, that seems to hit home, in so many different ways! 

 Understand that we are all guilty of sin: if you somehow don't think that you are, then you are guilty, just for not believing that you have sinned and fallen short of holiness! The Bible clearly says, "None is righteous, no, not one." (Psalms 14:1-3, Psalms 53:1-3, Romans 3:10-12) So, if we really want to be free from sin, then there is only one way for that to happen: Believe in Jesus Christ, God's Son; that He paid the price for your sins, rose from death to life, ascended up into heaven; where He now sits, at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for those sins that you keep on doing! 

 But wait, you say, 'I don't keep sinning, because I am no longer under the law.' Thankfully, I really do believe that God will have mercy on those that might say and feel as though that is the case, because the law never really went away, but was fulfilled by Christ! Those Books that will be opened on Judgment Day, will be judging according to the law; only those that are written in the Lamb's Book of Life, will be found innocent before the throne of God: based entirely upon the blood of Christ having cleansed us from our sin! 

 Slippery slope, that is what some might call it, as it becomes such a thing, when we try to walk anywhere but in God's wonderful grace! We might not be under the law, but we are never above the law; we live by grace, based entirely upon what God has freely given to us; period...

"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 we are God's masterpiece. 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) 

"Keep Looking Up" - To

 "He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him." (John 7:18 KJV)

  "I look up to the mountains - does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever." (PSALM 121 NLT)

 I assure you, if you are His child, He cares about every single thing that goes on in your life! As I went into the part of choosing a title for the post yesterday, a picture popped into my head, the one which shows Jesus kneeling at a rock, hands folded, and looking up into heaven. I know that it is a very popular picture, because that same picture is the one that is on the cover of my Family Bible.

 Think about what that portrays, as the Son of God prays to the Father: How much more do we need to be praying and counting on help from the LORD! We have such a blessed life, even in our trials and our storms, we are blessed because we are loved, more than we can ever know or truly understand. That is why we do not worry about anything; at least we should not be worried; but how and why we do, sometimes worry, is all because of where our heart might be, in that moment. 

 Maybe I am wrong, but it appears to me that there is more to this than just what we might say. Jesus did not come doing His own will: He came to do the will of the Father that sent Him here to die on our behalf. Let that sink in for just a moment, and then you can maybe see why it was Jesus speaks about seeking the glory of the Father. 

 Yes, Jesus was God! He had eternally been with the Father, yet He was here to experience death in human flesh! That is some pretty crazy stuff, if you get right down to it; so much so, that many people can't even fathom it, let alone believe that it actually happened. And yet, people still ask: Why would God need to come and die on a cross for my sin? 

 Only God could have taken our place, because only God is righteous enough, to be innocent enough, to die as a spotless Lamb: a sacrifice for our sins, once and for all! We really do need to speak more about this...

"Who has believed our message? To whom has the LORD revealed his powerful arm? My servant grew up in the LORD'S presence like a tender green shoot. a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected - a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all." (Isaiah 53:1-6 NLT

"Keep Looking Up"

"He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him." (John 7:18 KJV) 

  "So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don't give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many will be saved. And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ." (1 Corinthians 10:31-33 NLT)

 Matthew Henry ends his commentary on the last verse, saying, "Those who resemble God are most likely to understand him." And then, he begins his commentary of this verse, saying, "That hereby it appeared that Christ, as a teacher, did not speak of himself, because he did not seek himself." 

 That might seem easy to see myself doing, as I typically set out to make it the practice for just about everything that I do; but to be perfectly honest, at the end of most every day, I am still asking God for forgiveness regarding some lack in doing so, at least one time during the day. I am convinced that it is triggered by thinking on what not to do, and not being focused upon that which I am meant to do.

 I might have shared on this before, but it was a story I had heard one morning on my way to church, years ago. A famous pastor shared about a time he was in a rush to get to church service but needed to get something at a drugstore on the way. He grabbed the item, rushed to the register, and stood behind one customer, for what seemingly was forever. The customer was trying to get the exact change to pay for their items, while the clerk seemed weirdly patient.

 The pastor was getting thoughts of being forced to be late for service, making himself more important than the customer that was in front of him; he even thought of speeding things up by paying for the person's items himself, just to get on with it and get back on the road. Then, when the ordeal was finally over, the customer turned around to leave, and he could see that they had no hands. He really didn't like himself very much after that, and his sermon that morning took on a whole new meaning.

 If you are wondering how that relates to this verse, it is the heart of the message! If you ask God for patience, you will be given a chance to have patience. If you ask God to give you love in your heart, then He will put someone in your path that makes you love them. If you ask God to make you unselfish, whether it is your time, your money, or even your heart, He will give you a lesson in selflessness.

 Perhaps the easiest thing to learn, is not to focus upon what you should not do, but to put all you thought and cares in that which God wants you to do. Replace that empty space of the bad things you don't want to do, with the good things that you are made to do...

"When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death. But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit." (Romans 7:5-6 NLT) 

"Take a Knee" - 2

 "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." (John 7:17 KJV)

 "Say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you." And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland. The parched ground will become a pool, and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land. Marsh grass and reeds and rushes will flourish where desert jackals once lived. And a great road will go through that once deserted land. It will be named the Highway of Holiness. Evil-minded people will never travel on it. It will be only for those who walk in God's ways; fools will never walk there." (Isaiah 35:4-8 NLT)

  Okay then, having spilled the beans with that little story, let me get into something a little more serious and in line with God's amazing power and might! As many of you probably know, I am very much a believer in the fact that God created the earth in six days; and when I say six days, I mean six real days, morning and night days! How do I know for certain that this is so? Because God has said so: therefore, it is so! 

 As amazing as it might sound, God can do anything! Nothing is impossible with God, absolutely nothing! With that, what then is the will of God? Think hard, because it really matters more than you might know! John instructs us in his first Epistle, saying, 

"That which was from the beginning, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." (1 John 1-4 KJV)

 Because it really matters, believing is not just a notion, a feeling, or even a choice: it is something that you must stand upon, counting it dearer than life itself! It must be unmovable and unshakable, even when it is challenged within your own mind, it must be fortified and made to be raised up above everything else! 

 A somewhat small example of what it means when I say it is not even a choice, is marriage. That thing which once was available, 'choice,' is no longer viable; there is no such thing as choice, as if you have the option to stay or go! You are committed till death do you part!  

 It is not guaranteed that you will not have days of doubt; but He does guarantee to keep you in His hand, even though you might have days of doubt! Shake it off and stand on the promises of God! When you think you cannot stand, then bow down and worship God with all you might have within you; and then witness the glory of Christ Jesus, declaring Himself anew. 

As for that section of Scripture from Isaiah 35; that is about this thing we get to know, live in, and live out, it a dry and thirsty land: knowing God and the power of His Living Word...

""For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy."" (Exodus 20:11 NLT) 

"Take a Knee"

"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." (John 7:17 KJV) 

  "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever." (Psalms 111:10 KJV)

 Interesting topic of debate, much as the idea floating around about asking God for something, believing that it shall happen, and then expecting that it will be done. Not always the way things go, because the go button is God's will, not our own! The main concern we must have, is the will of God, whether we are seeking an answer for prayer, or we are trying to understand doctrine: Does what we seek after line up with God's will? 

 Just to be clear, the bigger issue that Jesus presents to these Jews, is, 'Does our life seek to do God's will?' It is really not that big of an issue to understand God's word, if you are willing to live by the word's that you gain understanding of, because they will seem natural and right when you know God's heart! Basically, it is about being humble and willing to let God have His way in our lives, and not seeking our own ways. 

 I do not pretend to know God's will for everything that I and meant to do. If anything, most everything I do, is somewhat like walking by faith, which is really not based upon what is seen in front of you, but what is put within our hearts. If it is a really big issue, I ask for God to show me a sign; otherwise, I put it into an act of faith, which is to say, "If this is God's plan, then this is what will happen," and it happens, just as God spoke it into my heart. 

 When I needed to find a house to rent, to bring my wife home from the hospital, I was being turned down left and right, as my credit and my finances were in a quick spin downward, and this were going quickly into the gutter. I looked for a place that would have a master bedroom large enough for my bed and Marianne's hospital bed, something that was really not that easy to find.

 When I had pretty much given up, I came into the office, tossed my keys on the desk, saying, "Okay, this is how it's going to happen: The place God has for Marianne and me, is going to be just right, and the person that rents it to me is not even going to ask me to fill out a credit report; just ask me if I want the house!" 

 Two days later, I was driving through a neighborhood and saw a for rent sign in a yard, got out, looked through the windows, and saw it looked like it would work. I went to the Rental Office to pay for a key to go look inside, and the Owner of the office, who heard me mention the house, stepped out of her office, and said, "Rich, do you want that house?" I said, "Yes, but that I just wanted to take a closer look inside." Then she said, "If you want it, you need to get me $3,000 and fill out the Retal Agreement really soon, because I have someone else that has already given me an application." 

 Just like that, that is how God get things done! He knows exactly what we need, and He knows exactly how He is going to make it happen! We might not know anything, but when God's tells us to trust and obey, we must believe that it is going to be His way...

"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. No dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made." (Philippians 3:12-17 NLT) 

"The WORD!"

"The Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me." (John 7:16 KJV) 

  "In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." (John 1:1-5 NLT)

 To be very frank, I evaluate any translation that I might choose to read by this Scripture, the first five verses from the Book of John. The main context of John's opening remarks, is, John 1:1. If the Bible I might be reading does not say that, then it does not get validated as the true interpretation, in my book! Period, end of story! 

 You might think that is being overly picky, as if that is something we should not be that judging the whole book upon; but it is the main point of everything that the Bible is about: God's great love and sacrifice for us, His children! 

 Yes, I have heard many times, by all sorts of people, 'Don't throw the baby out with the bath water,' or 'You shouldn't judge the whole book based upon one simple Scripture.' Absolutely true, to some extent. I start by that one verse, and then, if it passes the test, I move onto the Scriptures that deal with the Virgin Birth: if the word does not say Virgin, then that too is a reason to close the book and set it down! 

 Go ahead and say it: "Rich, you are being very judgmental!' Yes, I am, because this means a lot to me. For far too many years, I was fed a lie, that Jesus was not who the Bible clearly says that He is, was, and always will be: Almighty God...

"Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to your meeting and does not teach the truth about Christ, don't invite that person into your home or give any kind of encouragement. Anyone who encourages such people becomes a partner in their evil work." (2 John 9-11 NLT)  

"The Living Word" - 2

"And the Jews marvelled saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?" (John 7:15 KJV)

  "I have entered my garden, my treasure, my bride! I gather myrrh with my spices and eat honeycomb with my honey. I drink wine with my milk." (Song of Songs 5:1 NLT)

 Some days it seems really hard to make anything constructive happen; and then, some days it just makes something on its own, out of nothing. Long story short: Jesus made those letters that they speak of, so why wouldn't He know them by heart! Basically, that is my observation; much like this special verse from the Song of Songs: He created everything that there is, His special garden; He knows every single part of it, and how everything works! 

 I know firsthand, many church-goers do not follow the same interpretation of certain Scriptures that I might understand. And I have no problem with anyone that might understand certain Scripture different than myself. But when it comes to the identity of Jesus Christ, as to whether or not He is God, there is where I draw the line; having once been there myself, I know the spirit that blocks that interpretation. 

 The letters being spoken of are the sacred writings, the Scriptures that were normally taught to those which were of a certain sect or group of people, like the Pharisees. Believe it or not, but I was once part of and a group that taught from a special set of books, using those books to interpret Scripture. It was told to us, those being taught, that if we studied the Scriptures uses the books, in two years we would be in the light; but if we set the books aside and only read the Scriptures, in six months we would be in darkness. 

 I heard Pastor Mike say, many times, "If you were the only person on a deserted island, and a Bible washed up on the shore, you could read it from cover to cover, and you would have the right interpretation." Maybe that might be correct, and maybe there might be variations; but one thing I believe would always be true: You would truly know that Jesus is God...

"This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who still is to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before the throne; and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him - even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen! "I am the Alpha and the Omega - the beginning and the end," says the Lord God. "I am the one who is, who always was, and who is to come - the Almighty One."" (Revelation 1:4-8 NLT) 

"The Living Word"

 "And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?" (John 7:15 KJV)

  "Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." (1 Peter 2:1-3 KJV)

 Maybe this is a really good time to start remembering how important the Word of God is, over every other thing that causes us to be attracted to Christianity! If God's Word is not that which is at the top of our list, we might not have our priorities in the right place. I am trying to be serious, because these are those days that are spoken of by Paul to Timothy: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (2 Timothy 4:3-4 KJV) 

 I can recall my early days of witnessing to people, it was like I really had no control of what I was doing or how I was doing it, the words just came out of my mouth. It still happens now, from time to time, but there are times when I can feel myself trying to maintain a certain composure and not get carried away. 

 Do you know why I might do that, maintain myself from getting carried away? If I had to try and put it into an illustration, I would imagine it was the same reason Moses wore a veil upon his face. I really don't want to come across as anyone that is special or with some sort of anointing, because I know first-hand that I am not! I sin like everyone else, but it is not my abilities that do anything; it is me being willing to make myself available for God to do a work in me. 

 That is pretty much the lesson we must all learn to adhere to; the abilities to share God's word, in season and out of season, are from God's Spirit working in us, not from ourselves. That said, we must practice making ourselves available! Oh, it still happens anyway, but if you do not readily make yourself available for God to use you, you will not experience being used frequently. 

 Anywho, that is my two cents worth of that gobbledygook! I think Moses is a pretty good example of what it means to just make yourself available to be used; Just do what God says, and go where God leads, and say what God tells you to say; if there is a problem or something goes wrong, it is not your fault, give God the glory...

""Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will gather you and your children from east and west. I will say to the north and south, 'Bring my sons and daughters back to Israel from the distant corners of the earth. Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them."" (Isaiah 43:5-7 NLT) 

"The Midst of the Feast"

 "Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught." (John 7:14 KJV)

  ""For this is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth, the oceans and the dry land. I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will be brought to the Temple. I will fill this place with glory, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies. The silver is mine and the gold is mine, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies. The furure glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies. And in this place I will bring peace. I, the LORD of Heaven's Armies, have spoken!"" (Haggai 2:6-9 NLT) 

 Wouldn't you know, just when you think you have seen it all, there is always more to be seen than you could have ever imagined! Just ask the Lord to open your eyes, your spiritual eyes, because there are some powerful and mighty things that are going on all around us. 

 To that point, the most powerful thing, which is being spoken of here, is the manifestation of Jesus Christ, entering the Temple, in the midst of this Feast. Something to consider, The Feast of Tabernacles is meant to represent several different things; most of which, is the fact that God has come to tabernacle in the body of a man; that the Son of Man might take on the sins of all mankind; and then, that man can then be able to tabernacle within God, because God is able to tabernacle within Him. 

 What do you think was the peak of that celebration? The most important part was when the Son of God was at His weakest, the Son of Man was claiming victory and at His strongest. It might not make perfect sense, but the Temple is only a representation of God's dwelling place; it is in no way the dwelling place of God, at least not till God shows up and dwells within it! 

 The cross is where it all came about: where the curtain was torn from top to bottom, because God ripped that curtain in two; making a way that man and God might dwell together, as One! Did you not know, that the stone which was rolled away, was not to let Him out, but that we might enter in...

"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 NTL)  

"Can't Shut My Mouth" - Two

 "Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews." (John 7:13 KJV) 

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

 Before you go and think that there is nothing wrong with not saying anything, you must remember what went on in the story of Peter, and his denial of Jesus. I can only imagine the feeling he had after the Rooster crowed, as he made eye contact with the Lord; it must have stripped him of ever once of pride he had in him, realizing that what he thought he could withstand, became the stand he couldn't do.

 To be totally honest, sometimes it requires more than just the little strength we might have on our own; we need to call upon the Lord to give us boldness and the ability to deny ourselves. Talk about a way of learning how to share, being that guy I see myself as, is not always the way things turn out. 

 I know that I shared on this before, but there are times when the Holy Spirit needs to be the one that speaks for us; times when we really don't know what to say, and that which is said comes from our mouth, but it is the Holy Spirit that does the talking. 

 These are the times when we pray that God will use us, even if we might not really know what to do or say, but we just make ourselves available, that He can work through us. Seriously, sometimes all that is required of us, is to show up and let God do what God does: Flow out from us, because people really do want to know the truth...

"We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: Behold, now is the acceptable time, behold now is the day of salvation.)" (2 Corinthians 6:1-2 KJV)  

"Can't Shut My Mouth"

 "Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews." (John 7:13 KJV) 

""But anyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven."" (Matthew 10:33 NLT)

 Something that really needs to be pointed out, as it seems more and more normal, just to remain quiet and not offend anyone or make them uncomfortable or uneasy. Believe me, it requires a little practice! You must be prepared to open your mouth and speak the truth, because you will remain quiet if you do not first count the cost, remembering who it is that you are going to answer to! 

 Does that sound strange to say? As it is, there are so many reasons to obey the leading of the Spirit, when you have your heart tugged on to speak; first and foremost, is the fact that we do not want to offend God! Not that it doesn't happen, because it absolutely does! It happened to me yesterday, as I was speaking to a customer about some experiences I had in the Service. He shared about some things that changed his whole believe in heaven and hell, as he now believes the hell is on this earth.

 I felt the sudden urge to share something about the truth, yet I did not want to interrupt his explaining the things that triggered his change of heart. There are powerful life-changing stories of those who have been in the heat of war; especially the wars that seemingly do not feel like fighting in or dying for. I really did not know how to react to the powerful story, as there are some things that just cannot be easily undone. 

 That said, my best illustration is always about Termites, those little creatures that God has made to do something, which they amazingly do very good. I don't avoid the chance to share on something that is amazingly easy to use, to point to our Creator, who just so happens to be Christ Jesus, our Lord and Saviour! 

 If you missed it, that is how I was saved: by someone that showed me the Creator, and then pointed out that the One who created all of this, is also the One that hung on the cross, to create Salvation for my soul. Once you see the Gift, you can't turn back...

"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen." (Galatians 6:14-18 KJV) 

"Seeking Who?"

 "And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people." (John 7:12 KJV)

  "Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!" (Psalm 32:1-2 NLT) 

 You would be amazed of the lack of understanding there is among the churches, of who Jesus was, what He did for us, and how important it is for us to believe in the powerful gift that has been given to us. If you do not believe that there is a hell, then it is hard to comprehend the magnitude of what was done on that cross; there is a death beyond the grave, just so you know, your life is not over when you take your last breath on this earth! 

 I was able to catch an interview that Todd did with a young man named Brandon, as Brandon was being asked to share in four minutes, as a Christian, the important news that people needed to know about the Christian life and what it offered. He spoke four minutes about being part of a club that would give you purpose and continuity as being a part of something that makes your life better and will make you a better person. Much like a social club, but one that makes everyone part of a bigger team.

 It was hard to listen to what he was saying, because in the heart of many, so called Christians, there is a very similar spirit that agrees with what was being said. There is a movie, from twenty years ago, called, "Time Changer," where the main character wants to teach students at a Christian school the lesson of doing good, in order to find Jesus and become a better person; or something in that order. He ends up being sent into the future to experience what that kind of thinking does, and why trying to be good, does nothing but give a false security; and that good is defined differently by many people.

 Earlier in the day, I was able to catch part of another message where the Pastor spoke of a man that had never cheated on his with, had never stolen, never lied, always given to the church and the poor; was a very good person, or so it seemed. But he was short tempered, very judgmental, and really did not love others, very much at all. Was this man good? 

 What does good have to do with it? Because we really cannot become good enough to earn eternal life! No matter how hard we try, there is really only one way to be good enough for eternal life, and it is not our goodness that will make it happen! Jesus was not just a good Man; He was the Son of Man, to show us the Goodness of God! He came as a man, to lay down His life, that we might inherit eternal life, being freed from our sins, made innocent before God, and freely given a right-standing in the eyes of our Heavenly Father!

 If that does not do it for you, then you need to start over again, making the cross the crossroad of your new life...

"The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18 NLT) 

"Seeking Jesus"

 "Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?" (John 7:11 KJV)

  "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13 KJV)

 Maybe today is a good day to start talking about Jesus! I mean, if you really want to start getting into a conversation about misinformation and wokeness, it might as well be about the real stuff that matters the most: Salvation of the soul! All this other stuff is going to pass away; here today, gone tomorrow; but what really matters is where we go when this life is over! 

 Besides that, there are far more reasons to share about Jesus, right now, then there might have ever been before. People are searching for answers, to questions that they aren't even sure of, nor do they even really know what to ask, or who to ask, or why they even need an answer; because if they get an answer, it will most likely not be the answer that they are looking for. 

 The number one issue that needs to be answered: How do I fix my life? Answer: Lose it! Amazing as that might seem, as a solution, it is not something that you work on, as if you labor for it to happen; the change does not happen in a vacuum! You cannot just take or give it all away; there must be something else that takes the place; something far more important and powerful, that there is a stronger desire to hold onto, then that which you have left behind. 

 I am not trying to talk anyone into just making a drastic change; that is not how this works! We cannot change this heart, only God can make that change. But we must be willing to allow Him to change it, and that my dear friends, is where you make your decision! How far are you willing to be changed...

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you want to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?"" (Matthew 16:24-26 NLT) 

"Indeed" - To

 "But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret." (John 7:10 KJV) 

  "Oh LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them. You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand - you don't require burnt offerings or sin offerings. Then I said, "Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures: I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart."" (Psalm 40:5-8 NLT)

 Sometimes it takes a little pressure applied to our lives, in order to get us to start paying attention to what God is asking of us or instructing us to do. We don't always get the message right away; but, in God's economy, late is always better than never! Do you know why that is and how that works? If you do, maybe you can let me know, so I can understand how He does it. Maybe then, I can try to plan ahead and not be so worried about having messed things up! 

 As it turns out, God has a really good sense of humor when it comes to keeping promises. As much as I try, keeping up with what He does and how He is going to do, whatever it is that He is doing, there is just no knowing how or when anything I think He has promised will come about. There are some things we get to experience right away; and then there are some things we get to experience gradually, over years of trials and failures, until one day, everything comes together and makes perfect sense. 

 Stepping back from whatever it is that you might be troubled by you can maybe see it from a different perspective, because in most cases, our perspective is almost always totally off. As it is in this illustration of why Jesus went alone and in secret! If you might speculate that we went to avoid being arrested and prematurely killed before it was time, you would be totally off base, and misunderstanding the way God makes His plans trump anything mere mortals can try to do. 

 We see things happening one way, and then we think that is the way things will happen; but if you are really familiar with Scripture, that is almost never how things turn out. I have heard it said, 'If man can do something on his own, then God won't be part in it; but if man can't make it happen, then God will get it done,' or something to that effect. That said, I am not really sure I believe that is the case!

 I have lived long enough in this world to know, God is always working in everything we do, even in the smallest things that we think we can handle on our own. Nothing gets done in the life of His children without watching over us, protecting us, and making His plans for our lives be perfectly played out. You might think you have control over all that you do, but there is nothing you can do that God already isn't aware of, nor, that He isn't ready to straighten out. 

 Besides, the most important part of this Feast, is when Jesus shows up...

""Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged. He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth. Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction." God, the LORD, created the heavens and stretched them out. He created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone who walks the earth. 

 And it is he who says, "I, the LORD, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind. You will free the captives from prison, releasing those who sit in dungeons. 

"I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise with carved idols. Everything I prophesied has come true, and now I will prophesy again. I will tell you the future before it happens."" (Isaiah 42:1-9 NLT)