"A Little Discernment, Please!"

"His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest." (John 7:3 KJV)

  ""If racing against mere men makes you tired, how will you race against horses? If you stumble and fall on open ground, what will you do in the thickets near the Jordan? Even your brothers, members of your own family, have turned against you. They plot and raise complaints against you. Do not trust them, no matter how pleasantly they speak."" (Jeremiah 12:5-6 NLT) 

 Can I speak plainly for just a moment? First of all, there are spiritual forces working across this entire earth; this much I am sure most every Christian sees and senses the darkness that is at work, in just about every nation. Secondly, this thing being used to subdue most everyone, although it is alive and might have a scientific nature, it has spiritual power that is controlling where and how it works and spreads around the globe.

 Not that I can actually prove what I am saying, because I cannot; but I can mention a few things that I have observed. Much like the power some might think they have in controlling the devil and his demons, this thing will react to arrogance, boasting, and pride. 

 I good example of what I am talking about, was when Jesus sent His disciple out, and they came back bragging about how the demons were subject to them, and Jesus had to put them in their place! Just like with everything else that lives and dies upon this earth, everything is subject to the will of God! I know that there are some that do not believe that; that cannot imagine God would allow such terrible things to happen; but this is a fallen world, totally broken, and waiting to be made new again. 

 Just the fact that I am bringing this up, it might be suspiciously arrogant for me to do so; but at this point in my life, I really do not have any fear of dying. When God has determined my time is up, then it will be my time to go; but if He wants me to still be here, then here I will stay! You might think that is arrogant also, but that is just the truth of how God works! 

 As to the plot of the Jesus' brothers, they simply wanted to see Jesus amplified and lifted up, as it was something that they might take part in; even though they really did not believe He was who He said that He was! What say you? That is not a trick question, it is associated with just about everything else that is going on in this world! 

 There is only One that is in control, and it is not a man or even the devil: It is GOD ALMIGHTY! Think about the Tower of Babel, which according to some Biblical scholars, just as they see the Book of Genesis, it was mythological and not historical. Well, if you look closely and connect the dots, I am pretty sure that it was a breaking point for God. What say you...

"And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding, in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven." (Luke 10:17-20 KJV)  

"The Feast of Tabernacles" - Too

  "Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand." (John 7:2 KJV)

  "And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month: and that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written. So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in the courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim. And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness. Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner." Nehemiah 8:14-18 KJV)

 Okay, so you forgot how to be glad, letting the climate and changing times, weaken the joy that should be radiating from your live? Well, maybe it is time to start celebrating your freedom from captivity! Oh, but you don't feel free? Oh, but you are! You just forgot how to live in the freedom that Christ Jesus has brought you into:

 "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 836 KJV)

 I heard something interesting yesterday about the Prodigal Son, which was a parable Jesus shared about the love of the Father and the restoration of a fallen saint; or so it seemed. In the beginning of this story, the son asked for his father to give him his inheritance, but at the end of this parable, the son asked for his father to make him as one of his servants. 

 Oddly enough, we have been given a new life in Christ Jesus; and this life is abundant and free! The manner in which we live within it, however, is not given freely, because we cannot just say, 'God, please give me the ability to love, or give me the ability quit this, or give me the strength to start doing that.' Instead, we must ask Him to make us love, or to make us able to quit this, or to make us able to start doing that.

 He is always waiting for us to ask! Surprisingly, we ask Him to make us into this or that, and He will always make us into something greater than that which we asked for. On the flip side of this, every gift has a response attached it; much like the ten lepers that Jesus healed, and only one came back to thank Him. When we are given a gift, we are expected at celebrate what He has given...

""And the servant who knows what the master wants, but isn't prepared and doesn't carry out those instructions, will be severely punished. But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required."" (Luke 12:47-48 NLT) 

 

"The Feast of Tabernacles"

"Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand." (John 7:2 KJV)

  "And the LORD said to Moses, "Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. Begin celebrating the Festival of Shelters on the fifteenth day of the appointed month - five days after the Day of Atonement. This festival to the LORD will last for seven days. On the first day of the festival you must proclaim an official day for holy assembly, when you do no ordinary work. For seven days you must present special gifts to the LORD. The eight day is another holy day on which you present your special gifts to the LORD. This will be a solemn occasion, and no ordinary work may be done that day. 

  ("These are the LORD'S appointed festivals. Celebrate them each year as official days of holy assembly by presenting special gifts to the LORD - burnt offerings, grain offerings, sacrifices, and liquid offerings - each on its proper day. These festivals must be observed in addition to the LORD'S regular Sabbath days, and the offerings are in addition to your personal gifts, the offerings you give to fulfill you vows, and the voluntary offerings you present to the LORD.)

  "Remember that this seven-day festival to the LORD - the Festival of Shelters - begins on the fifteenth day of the appointed month, after you have harvested all the produce of the land. The first day and the eighth day of the festival will be days of complete rest. On the first day gather branches from magnificent trees - palm fronds, boughs from leafy trees, and willows that grow by the streams. Then celebrate with joy before the LORD your God for seven days. You must observe this festival to the LORD for seven days every year. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed in the appointed month from generation to generation. For seven days you must live outside in little shelters. All native-born Israelites must live in shelters. This will remind each new generation of Israelites that I made their ancestors live in shelters when I rescued them from the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God."" (Leviticus 23:33-43 NLT)

 Well then, it appears that God was pretty serious about the Jew's fallowing this Festival! Wonder what is going on now in the world? If you are, it might be just as important following the LORD'S reason for remembering this special week! There is always a reason the God makes special days, weeks, months, and years; most of which are to celebrate all the wonderful things that He has done for us! 

 Well, what if I don't feel like celebrating? What if I don't want have joy for seven days, because I feel like being sad and upset about something? See what kind of picture this might be representing! We are Jars of Clay, and God dwells with those of us that are filled with His Spirit! He Tabernacles in us, therefore His joy, the Joy of the Lord, resides within us. Once more, and more importantly, we get to reside in Him! So let the celebration begin and never end...

"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again - rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7 NLT) 

"Show Yourself to the World!" - Too

"After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him." (John 7:1 KJV)

 "And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there was a man which had not on a wedding garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen." (Matthew 22:11-14 KJV)

 "After these things," a parable in itself. If you don't know this, Jesus spoke in parables for a reason; and it wasn't just to be a Storyteller. Matthew Henry says something very important about this verse; something I believe is practical for each and every one of us to put into practice in more ways than one: "When we cannot do what and where we would, we must do what and where we can." 

 As far as the wedding guest that would not wear the wedding garment, this is something of a requirement to be a part of the wedding party: To dress in what the King says you should wear! I am pretty certain that every garment was not the same, each one was probably different in color and pattern. But these garments were made available to each and every guest that answered the call to attend the wedding party; and each guest was expected to wear the garment they were given. 

 We cannot always change what and where we would, but we can change what and where we can! "Wherefore, come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:17-18 KJV)

 Yes, we are to come to the Lord just as we are; but we must allow Him to change us! (Note to self!) Put on the garment and show yourself worthy! The time is now...

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to be plant, and a time to pluck up that which has been planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 KJV) 

"Show Yourself to the World!"

 "After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him." (John 7:1 KJV) 

  "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves together, the rulers take counsel together against the LORD, and against his Anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision." (Psalms 2:1-4 KJV)

 Yesterday I went to a memorial to celebrate a life of someone that loved to take a risk and loved people. I sometimes think of myself as a risk-taker, although sometimes I think I should pray more about doing something, and not just set out on my own without the Lord's blessing. Everything we do, should be done by the leading of the Holy Spirit, especially those things that involve other people, like your families!

 This portion of Scripture gets a little revealing to the things that went on between Jesus and His brothers as they are pretty much mocking Him and wanting Him to reveal Himself more openly, as if that would expose the foolishness that they saw in His ministry. Little did they know, but Jesus would soon be exposing Himself to the world! 

 The message given by the Pastor at the service yesterday, was based upon the time the children of Israel were first meant to go into the promised land. In that instance, they sent twelve men in to spy out the land; two come back with encouraging remarks, and ten were able to convince everyone that it was not safe to go. The message was about taking the risk, verses trying to remain safe.

 As pretty much everyone knows by now, these last two years have been governed by the idea that safety is more important than freedom. The buzzword is, safe! Be safe, keep yourself safe, keep those around you safe; make sure you are safe by keeping your distance from others; don't hug or shake hands, because it is not safe!

 As you also probably know, or at least you should, there are more people who choose freedom over safety; but the problem is, those that do prefer freedom, are also less inclined to step out and make themselves known! I seriously doubt that all the children of Israel felt the same as those ten spies that said, "It's not safe to go into the land, because there are giants in the land!" 

 Last I checked, my God is bigger! Don't you think there were some that felt that way, but were not willing to take that chance and speak out? They were not willing to take the risk of being wrong! What if theses ten guys are right? If I stand with those other two, and something bad happens, then I will be part of the blame! We all know what happened next!

 When we are trusting in God, risk is not the challenge, it is the reason to see what God will do...

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." (Hebrews 11:1-3 KJV)   

"Jesus and His Brothers"

  "After this, Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death. But soon it was time for the Jewish Festival of Shelters, and Jesus' brothers said to him, "Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! You can't become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world!" For even his brothers didn't believe in him. 

 "Jesus replied, "Now is not the right time for me to go, but you can go anytime. The world can't hate you, but it does hate me because I accuse it of doing evil. You go on. I'm not going to the festival, because my time has not yet come." After these things, Jesus remained in Galilee." (John 7:1-9 NLT)

 Before I try and go any further, I just would like to say that I have seen enough to prove that we are absolutely living in the last day; I really don't think that we have much longer before Jesus comes for His bride! Take that as a gentle warning, because I truly believe we should be ready!

 As I count on so many things to suddenly change, I am also quite aware the God wants us to continue on in doing what we do. But in what manner of planning should we be living? I really feel that I can get carried away by certain thoughts of doing this or that to continue on, sometimes even daydreaming about a whole different life of living out my final days.

 Not sure if anyone out there might understand what I am speaking of, but it is pretty much about life...

"I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven. We keep looking to the LORD our God for his mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy, for we have had our fill of contempt. We have had more than our fill of the scoffing of the proud and the contempt of the arrogant." (Psalm 123)

 

"The False Accuser" - Two

 "Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve." (John 6:70-71 KJV) 

  "Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart." (Psalms 40:7-8 KJV)

 Because of my current situation, I cannot clearly see what God might be doing, or even if there is some reason for this financial challenge to happen. All I can do, and should do, is to trust God has this, knows what is going on, and has a perfect plan for the outcome. No matter what, I believe that I will end up in the place He has promised me, and nothing on this earth can take that away! 

 As for this answer from Jesus, in the light of what was declared about Him, it was totally and completely the right time for Him to bring it up. Think about it, because the declaration had just been made, "Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God," and yet, there is one of those twelve that will be betraying him and totally ignoring who He is, and the power that comes from Him.

 This might not seem like such a big deal to some, because it is just the way it was meant to be, seeing how Jesus already knew what was going to happen. What difference is there between what Judas had done, and that of what Satan had done, by going against God? Isn't that the same mentality? Stupid! As Solomon wrote: "The way of the fool is right in his own eyes." 

 You know, I may not have this all figured out; and I might sometimes swerve outside the lines or may from time to time make mistakes: but I know that God is real, that He really loves me, and that whatever I do, He is always going to forgive me when I cry out for mercy!  I also know that there is always going to be a false accuser that will be trying to take me down, as should all of you know the same!  

 We must never give up doing what God has placed upon our hearts, no matter how hard it gets, because we should expect that there will be trials and tribulations! I believe that Joseph is a very good example of what that looks like, as he never gave up believing that the dream he had, was true. No matter what might have happened, he made the best of every situation. Twenty years had passed, until he had actually seen that dream become a reality.

 Not quite sure what else I can say, except that God always keeps His word! Don't ever forget that! If you think you are somehow off course and have maybe been misdirected, it might just be that you have forgot to check the Map. Then again, you might just be exactly right where God wants you to be...

"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 KJV) 

"The False Accuser"

"Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the Son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve." (John 6:70-71 KJV)

  "And now dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." (Philippians 4:8 NLT)

 If there is one thing that I am really always struggling with, it is always thinking of the worst possible things, not the good and pleasant things. Thinking good thoughts about any situation, is something that I really need to be better at putting into practice. Actually, it should be what we are meant to demonstrate in and through every situation or circumstance that God allows in our lives. 

 I have heard it said that Judas was totally disconnected from what Jesus came here for, and that he was expecting that if Jesus was the Messiah, there would be some sort of effort to take back the land from Roman rule, or at least establish His kingdom on earth. But when Jesus spoke of being put to death, it was something that Judas was completely confused over, and his heart turned against Jesus, from that point on. 

 The term "devil" that Jesus used is that of a false accuser or apposing the cause of God; much the same as when Jesus rebuked Peter, but on a little different level. In the process of thinking about certain things, it is really easy to take the wrong opinion on something, set a course in the wrong direction, and find yourself miles and miles away from the truth. Somewhere along that path, you will either have a change of heart, or you will harden your heart. Judas hardened his heart.

 As we know, Judas hung himself for what he had done, because of regret! Proof to the fact that he really did not understand what Jesus came for, and he absolutely did not understand the message of the cross! To share something that I believe, hopefully without getting in too much trouble: I believe that Judas could have been forgive, had he asked to be forgiven! Also, because Jesus said what He said about the condition of Judas' fate, it was because Jesus also knew what Judas would do, in the taking of his own life. 

 Jesus chose Judas knowing full well who he was and what he would turn out to be. It was all part of the plan for fulfilling all the Scriptures and for getting the task set before Him done. There are many things going on all around us, we have no idea what is going on, but God's plans are always being worked out to His purposes and will. 

 Recently I have been struggling with some financial issues; not that there is anything new with that, because I am terrible at controlling my finances. For pretty much the last decade or more, I have made every effort to tithe 10% of everything that passes through my hands; even though most of it gets passed elsewhere. But, for some strange reason, a question came up in my mind, that maybe I was giving too much, and that I should only be tithing on that which is mine personally and not what is going to anyone else. 

 To that, I say, 'Get behind me Satan!' As I shared this with someone dear to me yesterday, I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to explain: "What is this little bit in this hand, compared to the abundance in God's hand!" What a fool to even consider cheating on God! 

 When I first met with the IRS in March of 2010, the amount I owed on unpaid taxes was quite a lot compared to my resources. The first part of the process was to fill out some budget statements, listing all of my income and assets, and all of my expenses. In the expense portion there was no place to list my tithes and offerings, so I made a line for them, and listed it anyways. 

 The Agent that was dealing with my case, quickly told me that those expenses were not allowed to be listed, because I owed them money, so I wasn't allowed to give money away. So, I quickly explained my belief in God and that it was important to tithe. And then I added, "I am prepared to offer you that amount as a monthly payment, but I will still be tithing on matter what; and I will let God work it all out." 

 Two years into my five years of giving, I was confronted by this same Agent as I parked in front of his office. He said, do you have another payment for me, and I said yes. Then he answered, "He just keeps on giving," as he walked away. Don't ever doubt God's ability to do anything! And even if it does not happen the way you might think, don't ever stop giving of what you have been given, or have that which you have committed to give. God loves a cheerful giver...

""Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! "But you ask, 'What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?' "You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due me. You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do," says the LORD of Heaven's Armies, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe," says the LORD of Heaven's Armies." (Malachi 3:8-11 NLT) 

"The Power!"

 "And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God." (John 6:69 KJV)

  "Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?"" (John 11:25-26 NLT)

 Just enter your name, like this: "Do you believe this, Richard?" Yes, I do believe it! But I do need to keep reminding myself how important that it is, sad to say. Not really because I might doubt, because I really don't think I go that far; but I do from time to time forget about the awesome power that is yielded behind believing it with all my heart! 

 Interesting thing I discovered this morning, as I was looking at Acts 8:37 in the KJV, but when I went to the NLT, there was no verse 37; it went from 36 to 38, skipping 37 altogether. What is up with that? I know that I am not a Bible expert, that much is sure; but if Phillip said something that is in the KJV, why was it not in the NLT? Especially when it deals with something that might be of importance! 

 Anywho, you check it out for yourself and make your own determination. My assumption is that Phillip realized that the man truly believed, so he really did not bring up the requirement to be baptized, which was to first believe. The way that I have understood it, you must believe, which produces an inward change, and then you are baptized as an outward representation of the change that has happened within. 

 By the way, I have a feeling we are going to be witnessing a whole lot more outward expressions of what we believe, very soon. Not that it really matters to me, because I have already been made alive in Christ Jesus, in that regard. The point of having faith, is that we get a chance to use it! If you don't have a chance to use our faith, then how do we really know that we have it...

"Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we also live with him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus." (Romans 6:5-11 NLT) 

"The Answer!" - 2

 "Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life." (John 6:68 KJV) 

  "And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son does not have life." (1 John 5:11-12 NLT)

 The question still is being tossed around, 'What about those people who are good, will God send them to hell because they don't believe in Jesus?' I actually heard it asked yesterday, and just the fact that it was asked, it caused me to question what the answer might be to the question. Well, what say you?

 Sometimes I think we forget what a privilege it is to be in the Boat! It is really something that we should never take for granted, because if it was not for God's pushing us towards Him, many of us would not be where we are today. I don't remember how many times I rejected the invitation to accept Jesus as my personal Savior; I know of at least five or six times that I refused to even listen to the call. 

 Maybe that was why the calling was so important, because God was letting me know that it was His final offer! Could that be it? Do the Pigmies actually do hear, even though they might be isolated in some remote region of the world? Abraham heard God's calling, while he was living in a pagan land; so why would those who have not known, be called out to too? 

 Regardless of what we might think, these are God's judgments that are given out; the matter is not ours to determine who is right and who is wrong. Only what God says is right! I can only believe that we can be thankful for what we know and for having received God's free gift of Salvation! Now, let's do all that we can to spread the Good News! It is not up to us to save anyone; but it is up to us to share the Gift we have been given. I am pretty sure that there are many people looking for answers...

"He said to them, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields."" (Matthew 9:37-38 NLT)

 

"The Answer!"

 "Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life." (John 6:68 KJV)

  "Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant - I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever." (Psalm 73:21-26 NLT)

 Back to that day, the wonderful day when Jesus entered into my heart. What I had not expected, was to realize how much God loved me; it became personal and real, more real than I could have ever imagined. This was no longer some sort of story that gets handed down; it became something that needed to be lived out, because He was alive in me! 

 I really cannot do this any justice trying to explain how it felt, because the feeling is really not that, a feeling; it is a reality that there is a True and Living God, who loves us more than we could ever know. You can't feel that; you can't know the sum of it, because it goes and goes forever! All we can do is to live in it, never losing sight of it, and always trusting He will never let go of us! 

 I know there will be days when there is doubt, because there always will be situations where we don't expect or deserve His protection. But that's the greatest lesson that we need to be shown: His love for us never stops, ever! Everything He allows us to go through, He allows for our eternal benefit, not our earthly desires. What a very huge difference there is between what we gain here and what we gain in heaven; there is really no comparison, whatsoever! 

 Not that I have anything figured out, because I don't. As soon as I think I might have a handle on anything, God shows me how false any earthly handle really is; absolutely useless! It is God, and God alone that gives and takes away; where else can we turn, but into His loving arms, holding on with all our might...

"I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me." (Philippians 3:12 NLT) 

"Unquestionable!"

 "Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?" (John 6:67 KJV)

  "But Ruth replied, "Don't ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!"" (Ruth 1:16-18 NLT)

 If you want my opinion, Jesus is asking, not because He needs to know, but for them to think about where they stand. It is a lot like God saying to Adam in the garden, "Where are you?" He really did not need to know where Adam was, but Adam needed to realize where he was, and what circumstance was upon him.

 Taking some sort of account of where we stand, is actually a good thing; we must be assured of where it is that we might draw the line, and then take every bit of strength within us, to make sure that line is never drawn, to be able to even think about crossing it! Count the cost! Jesus spoke of this in several different ways, whether it be love of family, or the love of riches; noting should be more important than our love for the Lord! 

 Regardless of what you might think of Ruth, she loved Naomi, and she was not easily offended by her in any way. A few years ago, I had the honor of giving the Mother's Day message at a friend's church. I made the message to be based upon the Book of Ruth. It was meant to be the introduction to David's family, and how God uses our mistakes for good; but it really took a turn in me, as I focused upon Ruth and her great loyalty towards Naomi; even when she had a chance to be offended, she ignored the chance to let it happen! 

 Something I really which I could have the ability to easily do! Instead, it seems as though I am easily drawn to think of any offense, and then build upon it, as if it was meant to hurt me, or that my feelings were being ignored. What a stupid thing to do! Most of the time I have been totally wrong, having no clue what was really going on, because I was too focused upon my own feelings instead of those of the other person or persons.

 Anywho; we must get to a place where we know what is possible within us and be prepared to deal with it when it stands at the door and knocks. As God told Cain, "But you must subdue it and be its master." (Genesis 4:7d NLT) There must be a Way...

"A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, "If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison - your father, and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters - yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple."" (Luke 14:25-27 NLT) 

 

"The Departing Ones" - Too

 "From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him." (John 6:66 KJV)

  "How long, O LORD, must I call for help? But you do not listen! "Violence is everywhere!" I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see theses evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted." (Habakkuk 1:2-4 NLT)

 I was praying about how I might turn this into something good to talk about; not sure if this is the right way to help make that happen. Interesting message I heard yesterday afternoon, as Pastor Jack was speaking from Revelation 2:8-11 on the church in Smyrna. This basic point to the message, was Jesus saying, "He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." In other words, Jesus is saying, 'I got this, do not be afraid!' 

 We can sometimes feel as though there is no hope, especially when it might look as though death is winning and the only hope is death, itself. Nothing could be further from the truth!!! As Pastor Jack was sharing, (and with much passion I might add,) the churches in the region of Smyrna have been suffering through great trials; whole churches have been set on fire, while filled with people; rolled over with bulldozers while people were inside. Crushed like grapes, for no other reason, than loving Jesus! 

 Does it surprise anyone when someone might flee from that? For those on the outside, no; their friends and families would be encouraging them to escape the church, while they have a chance! A chance for what? "And ye shall have tribulation ten days," is the word from the Lord! What is that to you? Ten days could mean twenty years, or it might mean one day; depending on your circumstance, it could mean a lifetime of punishment; until it's over! 

 Please hear me when I say this: It is what you make it! In your suffering, you can sit and suffer all you want, but it does not help your suffering one bit! Press into God, with all the strength you might have, and more than you might even feel you can muster and praise Him for all He has done to save you from hell; then the hell you might be going through won't feel so uncomfortable. You might even find a little joy can appear from the trial you are tasting...

"The LORD replied, "Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it."" (Habakkuk 1:5 NLT)

"The Departing Ones"

 "From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him." (John 6:66 KJV)

  "These people left our churches, but they never really belonged with us: otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left, it proved that they did not belong with us." (1 John 2:19 NLT) 

 You know what I have to say about this, because it all comes down to what you were looking for and how important it is for you to keep what you found! I know that it is not all that easy sometimes to see it, but most people are driven away from following the Lord by being offended or disappointed, in one way or another. Usually, it is the later one, when it comes to what they thought was a personal relationship; when it comes to leaving a church, it is usually the first. 

 One might think that this was more about people being confused and misunderstanding what Jesus had said; all of that is good and well, if it had really just been about a misunderstanding. As we will see, it was completely about what they thought they came for, verses what they were being offered. You can call the complexity of that the same of misunderstanding, if you want; but it really comes down to the physical benefits verses the spiritual benefits.

 I have seen so many people walk away, disappointed that they were not promised happiness and the good life that they were expecting; instead, they were experiencing rejection from their families, their friends, and fellow workers. Never mind, that the trials, but the things they thought would change in them, seemed to become more and more present and harder to deal with. Then again, some just show up for the free food! 

 I can recall my calling to that meeting, as it was, I did not even think about what I was expecting; it surely was not about a need for happiness, because I was pretty much happy, even though I was in jail. I had plenty of things to do, I liked the jobs given to me, and I was anticipating getting out soon. As far as trying to get my life cleaned up, I had pretty much already established that my old life of dealing drugs was over; I had a really good job waiting for me to get back to, when I was released. 

 My only thought as I headed down to that meeting, was that I needed to go; it was as if there was something calling me, and for some reason it is was important for me to go! Little did I know that it was about eternity and meeting the Savior of my soul! That encounter blew my mind and broke my heart, all at the same time. Nothing else mattered, absolutely nothing: I needed Salvation...

"Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever." (Hebrews 10:32-34 NLT) 

"The Chosen Ones" - 2

 "And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that on man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father." (John 6:65 KJV)

  "For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are all in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it." (Philippians 1:29-30 NLT)

 Well, another person I know has went home, after being placed on a ventilator. This thing is not our enemy, but it sure is making a mess of a lot of people's lives. I do believe that it has a spiritual force behind it, as do most things that cause destruction in the world. Great is He that is in us, then he that is in the world!

 As for yesterday's post, we have been through that parable before; the one about the guest who refused to put on the garments he was given to enter the wedding super. It is really not that uncommon, because there are many who want the benefits without the change; as a matter of fact, I am pretty sure that almost all of us still have something we hold onto, in one form or another. 

 This much I really know: God will never give us more than we can handle! It might seem overwhelming and too much to handle, but somehow, we are given the strength to go on, because He is always with us and is helping to carry the load! Most of the time, if not all, the load that needs to be carried is me!

 Just a little detour from the real story that must be told, because if not for being chosen by God, I would really have nothing to say or offer, at all! We must never forget that we were chosen by Him, without Him reaching out and choosing us, we would have still been lost and without hope! I know that it is complicated and hard to understand, as I also know that I don't fully understand it. 

 As Paul clearly points out, we are given the privilege to trust in Christ for the salvation we are given; and along with that, cones the privilege of suffering for Him. He suffered for us, now we get to do a little suffering for Him. Count it all joy...

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." (James 1:2-4 NLT) 

"The Chosen Ones"

 "And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father." (John 6:65 KJV)

 "For by grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not yourself: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV) 

 Many of us that know these verses from Ephesians, have heard them repeated over and over, sometimes memorizing them in order to be able to repeat them, just in case the moment might arise to challenge the notion of works being what saves us. Works are fruit of our salvation: fruit is grown on a tree; a tree is not grown on fruit! Imagine the difference between those two examples and think of the magnitude of their differences. 

 So, what came first, the chicken or the egg? Come on man! You got this! The Bible clearly says: "And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the water brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. And the evening and the morning were the fifth day." (Genesis 1:21-23 KJV) 

 It is pretty obvious by this record of creation, the creatures were made first, and then God told them to multiply, which is when the egg was made, which was by their ability to do what God made them to do! And, if you really want to get scientific about that, this was done in one day: as God said, "the evening and the morning were the fifth day." God established the day, being the evening and the morning, the day before, when He created the sun, the moon, and the stars! 

 Oddly enough, this is pretty much a perfect illustration to the order of our salvation. Not that I want to build upon that, as if there was something there that needed to be made into teaching material. It just so happens, God has known of those who would be His children, since the beginning of time. We, on the other hand, don't have a clue! But we will know soon enough, once we have arrived in heaven!

 I've heard it said: 'When we arrive to the gate of heaven, there will be a sign above the door, that says, "The called," and when we pass through the gate, the backside says, "The Chosen." Jesus said, "Many are called, but few are chosen." (Matthew 22:14) Strange as it might seem, but that is really dependent upon what you are wearing...

"With the Lord's authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. But that isn't what you have learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God - truly righteous and holy." (Ephesians 4:17-24 NLT)

"Better Not Doubt" - 2

 "But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him." (John 6:64 KJV)

  "For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable." (Hebrews 4:12-13 NLT)

 As it turns out, there are more people that trust in man, than put their trust in God. Who would have guessed that? Actually, nothing has really changed, because it has been like that all throughout the ages. I find it very interesting that the very center verse of the Bible is Psalms 118:8, which says: "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." 

 Just think about that for a moment, as the scale is balanced, if you will, right down the middle! You really cannot have both, trust in God and man; yet there is a natural tendency for us to trust God for spiritual things, and man for physical or worldly things. What does all actually mean to you? I'm not trying to say that I have any sort of handle on this, because I absolutely do not! 

 As I was reading to my wife last night, we were in the Book of Genesis where Abraham went to Egypt because there was a famine in Canaan. This is the part where Abraham told Sarah to say that she was his sister, as to not be killed by them, so that might take her unto themselves. One small little issue with the way Abraham was thinking: God said He was going to make Abraham into a great nation! 

 It really does not take a whole lot of thought to tip the scale from one side to another: just one little issue, and the scale tips from trusting God, to putting confidence in man, including ourselves...

"We know that God's children do not make a practice of sinning, for God's Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them. We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life. Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts." (1 John 5:18-21 NLT) 

"Better Not Doubt"

 "But there are some of you thar believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him." (John 6:64 KJV)

  "O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!" (Psalm 139:1-6 NLT)

 Well, I was a little disappointed, because the NLT doubles down on God's regret for making man. We all have our different points of view, I guess, so I will not get stuck on the things that may or may not be relevant to our eternal security in Christ. That said: Do we really believe that God can know and see all we do, say, or even think? Do we truly believe that He really pays that much attention to us, at all? 

 Since I have brought this up, where do we think God goes when we sin? I mean, if we willfully sin, are we doing it at a moment that we think God is not watching? Just an observation, but it might need to be something that we watch out for! 

 I really do pray that the church will be on guard for what is coming and going, because it seems as though we have let down our guard when it comes to our marriage, our children, and our cares for one another. It might be due to the isolation and lockdowns, which many thought would be a chance for families to bond and grow closer together. 

 Don't forget to suit up in the morning, as well as throughout the day! Do not take any part of your armor off...

"A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." (Ephesians 6:10-13 NLT) 

 

  

"Made Alive!" - To

 "It is the Spirit that qickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63 KJV) 

  "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another." (Galatians 5:24-26 NLT)

 Okay, so I am terrible at keeping the Sabbath! I just cannot rest when there are things piled up around me that need to get done; 'There is no rest for the weary!' That said, I really did need to get some things done; and once I got started, I couldn't hardly start. Maybe I will make Sunday my rest day, because putting off work for Sunday hardly ever works. This should be a day for church, spending time with family, and fellowshipping with one another. Is that considered work? 

 Never mind all that I just said, it was just me getting things off my chest. I did, however, get a chance to read the NLT to my wife, at least 20 minutes, Genesis chapter one to chapter five. Now we are getting to flood! I'm really curious to see how they present God's repenting to have made man; because it is not exactly the way I see God's heart! 

 God needed to save mankind, as it was, and is, always slipping into self-destruction. We might not see it happening, but there comes a point when God must react; as Pastor Mike might say: "God gets up off the couch!" Believe it or not, but that is the message I feel must be made clear: We must wake up, out of our sleep, and come alive to the Spirit that is living inside of us! 

 Whether we feel like it or not, holding back from doing the work of the Spirit, is pretty much the same as quenching the Spirit, which basically means, we are not allowing the Spirit to work! There is a time to rest, and there is a time to get busy: This is a time to get busy, because the hour is drawing closer and more critical with each passing day. 

 If there is one thing that I have learned over these last 40 years, the Holy Spirit does not make you do anything, but He will help you do whatever He wants! We just have to step out and obey what He leads us to do; then we will be strengthened to do it again and again! If we hold back, then the Spirit will back off too. That is really not a good place to be, like painting yourself into a corner; if you know what I mean! 

 Regardless of what you might think about the responsibility we have as a believer in Christ, we are all called to do what we are meant to do; anything less is sin, which is missing the mark! I am a very strong believer in the rule: we will be judged more on what we do not do, then we will on what we do! The things we are meant to do are expected of us to do, they are usually the things God placing in our path that are meant for us to grow by and get stronger in our walk. 

 I really hope I can get back into the practice of paying attention to the leading of the Spirit, and then stepping out, doing what I know God wants me to do! Pray for one another...

"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them thy servant is warned: and in keeping them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." (Psalms 19:7-14 KJV) 

"Made Alive!"

 "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63 KJV)

  "For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:17 NLT)

 Happy New Year to all! Let's make this year count for the Kingdom of God! 

 Have you ever thought about the parable of the talents, as to the third man that buried his talents in the ground? I find it rather interesting, but the ground I feel represents the earth, as in the things that really do not count towards the Kingdom of God. If we are looking for ways to express the gifts that God has given us, by using them towards His Kingdom, then the opposite of that, would be investing those same gifts into the worldly good, which, according to Jesus, profit nothing at all!

 Anywho; today I turned off my alarm and slept in a little while. I didn't even make my bed right after I got up, because I might get back into it, after I am done posting this; after all, this is the day that I call my Sabbath, so I am told to rest! It is a nice day though, so I might take my wife to the movies; as it nice to get her out of the house, from time to time. If it is not raining in the morning, I will be taking her to church; Lord willing! 

 When God created Adam, He formed him from the dirt; the earth is the dirt, thus Adam was made from the earth. I find that rather interesting, because God had planned for something down the road, by making man from the earth. All other creatures made, God had spoken into existence, but man, God formed from the earth.

 Then the Bible tells us, after man was formed, God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul. What was it about God's breath? Did God breath His Spirit into man? Isn't that the same breath that Jesus breathed into His disciples, as He said, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." (John 20:22)

 Then, when Adam sinned, this same Spirit departed, causing death! Adam became spiritually separated from God and was spiritually dead. This is life on a whole other level, eternally speaking...

"This is the account of the creation of the heaven and the earth. When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, neither wild plants nor grains were growing on the earth. For the LORD God had not yet sent rain to water the earth, and there were no people to cultivate the soil. Instead, springs came up from the ground and watered all the land. Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man's nostrils, and the man became a living person. Then the LORD God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he placed the man he had made. The LORD God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground - trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." (Genesis 2:4-9 NLT)