"Waiting on the LORD" - 2

 "Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart." (Ecclesiastes 7:7 KJV)

  "Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good news about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News." (Philippians 1:3-7 NLT)

 As many of you should know, the children of Israel are there, going through all that is written within the Scriptures, to show us God's great mercy and grace, even though we don't deserve it; much as they too didn't deserve it, God never stopped loving and caring for them, even in the times that they were taken away to other lands, God was always with them! This is what He does for all of His children! 

 Yes, they rejected God, wanting a king as the other pagan people around them had; even though it was God that was their King, they wanted a king they could see, who would represent them, and that they could show off, as if he was something to enhance their image. I know, it sounds totally crazy, because all of that and more is what God was doing, if they would just stay true to Him, they could have figured that out. 

 However, this is something that was no surprise to God; like everything else that is within the heart of man, He already knows what we really want, and He has already had the remedy and the cure for any strange and stupid thing we could do. Oddly enough, looking at the word for "mad," which is meant to be something foolish; it turns out that there are more praise-worthy definitions for that word, then there are for things that might tear us down. 

 That doesn't mean that we can do what we want, and God will make it all turn out good for us, because there has got to be justice and right choices involved; after all, God is Just and Holy! In the case of Paul, who was being held in prison, not because he did anything that was bad or unjust, but because he was spreading the Good News. 

 This was no surprise to Paul, because Jesus had already shown him all that he would suffer; but what was a surprise to Paul, was how much it blessed him and how it caused him to know the love of God! When we know what the final day will look like, the days that we live in-between, have more promise and give us joy; even in the suffering we might be living in, there is always the hope ahead which is so much more important...

"Many of the people of Israel are now enemies of the Good News, and this benefits you Gentiles. Yet they are still the people he loves because he chose their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For God's gifts and his call can never be withdrawn. Once, you Gentiles were rebels against God, but when the people of Israel rebelled against him, God was merciful to you instead. Now they are the rebels, and God's mercy has come to you so that they, too, will share in God's mercy. For God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone. Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!" (Romans 11:28-33 NLT)    

"Waiting on the LORD"

 "Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart." (Ecclesiastes 7:7 KJV)

 "The sinners in Jerusalem shake with fear. Terror seizes the godless. "Who can live with this devouring fire?" they cry. "Who can survive this all-consuming fire?" Those who are honest and fair, who refuse to profit by fraud, who stay far away from bribes, who refuse to listen to those who plot murder, who shut their eyes to all enticement to do wrong - these are the ones who will dwell on high. The rocks of the mountains will be their fortress. Food will be supplied to them, and they will have water in abundance." (PSALM 33:14-16 NLT)

 This might be hard to understand, but it takes years of living it out, before you can know what it actually feels like. The word for "oppression" is really not that difficult to see how it applies; it actually has two sides, the one being that which caused injury or anguish, and the other that which grows into unjust gain.

 Now, it really doesn't take rocket science to discover what unjust gain actually means, because it can involve all sorts of different things, both physical, financial, spiritual, or even supernatural. However, when you start talking about experience of life itself, meaning living out something that is life changing, things can really get very complicated, yet amazingly simple.

 This is really hard for me to share, but it will hopefully be better tomorrow! That said, whenever we have anything happening in our lives, there is always ways for the LORD to make beauty from ashes; the heart that is destroyed, doesn't necessarily need to be a bad thing...

"As Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons to be judges over Israel. Joel and Abijah, his oldest sons, held court in Beersheda. But they were not like their father, for they were greedy for money. They accepted bribes and perverted justice. Finally, all the elders of Israel met at Ramah to discuss the matter with Samuel. "Look," they told him, "you are now old, and your sons are not like you. Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have." Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the LORD for guidance. "Do everything they said to you," the LORD replied, "for it is me they are rejecting, not you. They don't want me to be their king any longer. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually abandoned me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a king will reign over them."" (1 Samuel 8:1-9 NLT)  

"It is All Good!"

 "For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity." (Ecclesiastes 7:6 KJV)

  "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Let all Israel repeat: "His faithful love endures forever." Let Aaron's descendants, the priests, repeat: "His faithful love endures forever." Let all who fear the LORD repeat: "His faithful love endures forever."" (PSALM 118:1-4 NLT)

 Just stop and think what might happen, knowing how just God is, and how the wicked will be judged; there is really nothing we need to do, that can compare to God's judgment upon the wicked! I hate to see the children be taken into the path of wickedness, but I do believe that there will be mercy upon those who have been deceived, not knowing "their right hand from the left." 

 But those who were responsible for manipulation of the children, they will pay the price! Therefore, we really don't need to make much of a fuss about how badly things might appear, although it doesn't seem right. There is a day of reckoning that will come, we just need to be thankful that we will not be reckoned with, for the sins we might have done. 

 Think about it this way: the crackling of the thorns under a pot, is about all the thorns can do, as they get burned up, they crackle! So it is with the fool's laughter, as if they mock God; but God will not be mocked! There is the just of what they can do, nothing...

""I have a plan for the whole earth, a hand of judgment upon all nations. The LORD of Heaven's Armies has spoken - who can change his plans? When his hand is raised, who can stop him?"" (Isaiah 14:26-27 NLT) 

"Something Has Got to Give" - Too

 "It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools." (Ecclesiastes 7:5 KJV)

  "Then Job spoke again: "How long will you torture me? How long will you try to crush me with your words? You have already insulted me ten times. You should be ashamed of treating me so badly. Even if I have sinned, that is my concern, not yours. You think you are better than I am, using my humiliation as evidence of my sin. But it is God who has wronged me, capturing me in his net."" (Job 19:1-6 NLT)

 Sorry for skipping a verse! I totally overslept yesterday, believe it or not; that is something that hardly ever happens. I could blame it on getting old, but then I might accept it as being okay, which it is not! This time is very important to me, and I don't want to make light of how praying and hearing God's word is the special time of my day.

 Putting this aside, I will try to understand why there are some believers that might be falling for the lies and the insults against someone that truly does want to make America better, again! I'm sorry if that is not something that shouldn't be talked about, as if it is not really a Christian thing to do. But why isn't it? 

 This might be the strangest election year that I have ever seen. If you don't mind, this might be the last chance we will have to actually have a vote that counts, if it even gets counted! Personally, I don't see it happening; and if it does, somehow happen, there will be all sorts of opposition and revolt from the other side. But most likely not from us! We will just take it, call it God's will, and move on...

""I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning! I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished. Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other! From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against - or two in favor and three against."" (Luke 12:49-52 NLT) 

"Something Has Got to Give"

 "It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools." (Ecclesiastes 7:5 KJV)

  ""What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treat the ancient prophets that same way."" (Luke 6:22-23 NLT)

 Interesting how things happen, as if they are made to happen as a way to verify something is true, that something is from the Lord, or to show you that the Spirit is working in the whole church, making the Word of God alive and present in these last days! This is more than just about you and me; this is about the fact that the King is coming, and we need to be about The King's Business...

 ""But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don't try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you. If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get the credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get the credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return. Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate."" (Luke 6:27-36 NLT)

"Serious Business" - Too

 "The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth." (Ecclesiastes 7:4 KJV)

  ""Yes, Lord," she told him, "I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God." Then she returned to Mary. She called Mary aside from the mourners and told her, "The Teacher is here and wants to see you." So Mary immediately went to him. Jesus had stayed outside the village, at the place where Martha met him. When the people who were at the house consoling Mary saw her leave so hastily, they assumed she was going to Lazarus's grave to weep. So the followed her there. When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. "Where have you put him?" he asked them. They told him, "Lord, come and see." Then Jesus wept. The people who were standing nearby said, "See how much he loved him!" But some said, "This man healed a blind man. Couldn't he have kept Lazarus from dying?" Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance." (John 11:27-38 NLT)

 Besides the fact that the church may have to be broken up, there is also the possibility that families will also be separated from their children. If you don't believe it could happen, think again. There are many in the current system that want nothing more than to have the children to teach and train, to worship the government and not believe in God. If you don't think it is so, then you do not know much about history. 

 Enough talk about the physical world; there is much more to see in the spiritual world, where things really happen! So many people wonder why Jesus wept, thinking He was weeping for people who mourn over those that have died; or maybe He was weeping over Lazarus; or, because He was angry, maybe He was weeping because of the mourners, some of which were paid to mourn at funerals. 

 Maybe there was something that was playing out before Him, that reminded Him of something that was about to happen: Himself being placed within a tomb! I once had heard a message about why Jesus folded the napkin that was put over His face. According to the pastor that was speaking, it is the custom in some parts of the world, that if you were happy with the meal, you crumbled up the napkin and tossed it down onto your plate. But, if you were not happy with the meal, or the service, you folded the napkin and politely sat it down next to your plate. 

 I have previously shared on this, but it is something that should cause us to wonder: 'Why did the wrapping of His body lay in a pile, but the napkin neatly folding, was place on the slab on which He laid?' Was He treated well or was He treated badly? 

 The point that Solomon is making has to do with the heart, which speaks of moral character, the will, and the conscience: What makes you tick! If you get a chance to watch "Reagan" you will hopefully see what it is that made him tick, which is pretty much what the movie is all about. 

 Martha knew Jesus was the Messiah, but there was much more to be known, than just a title...

"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) 

"Serious Business"

 "The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning: but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth." (Ecclesiastes 7:4 KJV)

  "Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask." Jesus told her, "Your brother will rise again." "Yes," Martha said, "he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day." 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 11:21-26 NLT)

 As we creep forward towards the election, I am feeling less optimistic about there being a good result. Not that I worry about what might happen, because that is not something I believe any Christian should be worried about; God is the one who is in charge, if He wants this nation to fall, then it is going to happen, whether we like it or not. 

 I watched the movie, "Reagan", yesterday. It was much better than I thought it would be. As it was, Jon Voight was the one that was telling the story, as a former KGB agent, who was more like an Analyst than a spy, he was showing the way Reagan was made to be the one that would take down the Soviet Union, without even firing a shot. 

 Watching the news last night, Pope Frances was casting both Trump and Harris as the choice between two evils: Harris because of her stance on abortion, and Trump because of his stance on the border. Well, help me try to understand where this logic comes from, because from where I sit, the border is a problem that needs to be fixed, not left alone! 

 Moving on: This is really all about being serious about the wrong that happens around us, even if it does not happen to us personally, it is still something we need to care about. Think of it as you like, but the fool is just focused upon himself, what pleasures he or she might get, regardless of what might be happening to anyone else. 

 Without saying too much about what I really think, let me just tell you what is very easy to see: One of the people running for President is sacrificing a very lot to make a difference; while the other is living off the people, hoping to live off the people even more. Which one is going to treat you right? 

 Again, regardless of the outcome, the church will continue to endure; whether we are still together or we are torn apart. If we are still together, we will continue as we have, making disciples that make disciples; but if we are torn apart, we will be martyrs making martyrs. Either way, we will endure...

"For we don't live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it's to honor the Lord. And if we die, it's to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." (Romans 14:7-8 NLT) 

"Sweet Release"

 "Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better." (Ecclesiastes 7:3 KJV)

  "That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!" (2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NLT)

 As I have said before, and I will say it again: We must look for the message of the cross throughout the Scriptures, because it is always going to be somewhere, somehow. Like, did you know why Balaam was not able to curse the children of Israel, as the king Moad kept telling him to look down on them from all sorts of different directions? Because they were marching through the wilderness in the form of a cross! 

 Imagine what that might have looked like, as a few million people were grouped together, the tribe of Levi in the middle, and all the other tribes formed front, back, and side-to-side, marching down below, as Balaam kept blessing them, when he was asked to curse them. The cross of Christ is more than just a symbol of sorrow and pain; it is the power of God to Salvation! 

 Anywho! As I was preparing for this verse, I thought about the message it is giving, thinking about how long it has been since I really had a good cry. I am not talking about a couple of tears, because I can get that from watching a movie, as I feel touched by something that might hit close to home. We really need to stop and think about the cross, how hard it must have been, the complete humility and pain that Jesus felt, as He hung there, sacrificing His life for our sins! 

 Compare that to your sin, or sins, which seem to weigh you down, and let that sink in for a moment...

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin." (Hebrews 12:1-4 NLT) 

"Wink and a Nod" - 3

 "It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart." (Ecclesiastes 7:2 KJV)

  "God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God's wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:20-21 NLT)

 To help see the Good News that is somehow coming from this, I thought it best to try and explain what it is that I see coming forth from these three illustrations, or illusions, depending upon your frame of mind. Much like the illustration from when Elisha caused the ax-head to float, there is something here to make a case for an illustration of being born again.

 It's really not that hard to see, but it does take a little imagination and awareness. The first indication of what must be done, is to be humble, which is the reason it is better to go to the house of mourning, than the house of feasting. When we are going to be saved, it counts when we are sorry for the sins that we have done; which should lead to the act of repentance, when we realize that we need to be saved, and need to turn from our sins. 

 There is really no better place that we can be, than when we are surrendering our lives to the Lord; whether it is when we first got saved, or when we need to be restored and put back on the right path. Which then makes the second part become more apparent, "for that is the end of all men". Before we can actually be born anew, there must be death! Not a physical death, but the fleshly passions and desires must be put to death, and the life of the Spirit needs to come to life.

 Without getting carried away, the word 'men' is that of common sort, of which we are not! Once we have given our lives to Christ, we have become a new creation in Christ, the old common man, which was patterned after the fallen Adam, is no more; there is a new creation, which is reunited with the Father, and is no longer common, but is a saint, free from sin! 

 We were born in sin and bound to the penalty of sin, which is death; but we have been born again free from sin, and now we are bound to Christ, forever and ever! Which opens up the last part of this, so called illustration: "and the living will lay it to his heart". We are alive! Once we were dead, totally separated from God, and destined to damnation; now we are alive, united with God, and given eternal life! 

 That is what it's all about! There is nothing better than this gift we have been given, and we must take it to heart! It is not just about what you know, based upon what you think: We must take it to heart; Jesus must be in our hearts, not just in our minds! There must be a loving relationship...

""I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command."" (John 15:9-14 NLT)   

"Wink and a Nod" - 2

 "It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart." (Ecclesiastes 7:2 KJV)

  "Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don't be concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval." They replied, "We want to perform God's works, too. What shall we do?" Jesus told them, "This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent."" (John 6:26-29 NLT)

 Basically, we have only one work that really counts: Believing that Jesus is who He said He was, and in the powerful work He accomplished on that cross! All other things, whatever they might be, do not give or contribute to, the eternal life that we have been given! 

 I know it might sound too good to be true; but it is what God has planned from the very beginning, long before man even had the chance to blow it, God had put the plan of our salvation into motion. There are at least 13 verses that show that God had preordained Jesus to come and die for our sins, before the foundation of the world; before man even had the choice to sin, sin was accounted for, and forgiveness was in works. 

 So it is God's works that really count, not ours; we only have one work, which is to believe in Jesus! All the other works, if you want to call them works, are the gifts we are given from God's love living in us and through us. It is God's love that makes us love others, live for others, and sacrifice ourselves for the sake of knowing Jesus. 

 Some of us are more committed than others, but that doesn't mean the weak ones don't make it into heaven! Our salvation is not based upon what we do or do not do; our salvation is based upon what Jesus has already done; we just need to believe and receive it! 

 What might this have to do with Ecclesiastes 7:2? Die to yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus! I know, sometimes I don't make any sense; but sometimes the Good News also doesn't make any sense! But we still must believe and accept it; God will work it all out in the end...

"They answered, "Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, 'Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.' " Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, Moses didn't give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." "Sir," they said, "give us that bread every day." Jesus replied, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But you haven't believed in me even though you have seen me. However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. For it is my Father's will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day."" (John 6:30-40 NLT) 

"Wink and a Nod"

 "It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart." (Ecclesiastes 7:2 KJV)

  "Because of the weakness of your human nature, I am using the illustration of slavery to help you understand all of this. Previously, you let yourselves be slaves to impurity and lawlessness, which led ever deeper into sin. Now you must give yourselves to be slaves of righteous living so that you will become holy. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:19-23 NLT)

 Okay then: having the hope of heaven, is something that requires a result that is bigger and greater than the actions and the habits that we might not like but seem to still be dealing with. We are still human beings that have a sinful nature; we just have been set free from being a slave of that nature, and now can practice being slaves of righteousness. 

 There is so much more that is felt doing what is right, than doing wrong; depending upon what it is that you want to become. If you want to become a follower of Christ, then the things you do that are right will give you encouragement and make following Christ something that gives you joy and strength; but doing wrong, will cause you to feel ashamed and your joy will fade.

 However, if you are not all that interested in becoming a follow of Christ, but only want what He has to offer, without becoming a slave of righteousness; then that which you do wrong really won't hurt so much; but joy and peace will not be as secure as they could be. 

 I remember hearing a message from Pastor Jon, regarding what heaven might be like. He illustrated the outer court and the inner court, as if one place was for those that followed the Lord, while the other was for those that barely got by, just holding unto salvation. He also shared about those in the outer court were like banging on pots and pans, as if they were really missing out on something special.

 My guess is that we will be where we fit in: if you served yourself here in this life, you will be serving others in heaven; but if you served others in this life, you will be serving with the Lord in heaven. It is all about what you want to be; but being a slave to God, makes living through this life so much easier! 

 If you think about it, the things you do for yourself really don't bring great satisfaction, only temporary pleasure that will soon fade away; but the things you do for the Lord are eternal, bringing us to a place that shows us satisfaction and a glimpse of hope that will never fade...

""Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God's law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. But I warn you - unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of the religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!"" (Matthew 5:12-20 NLT) 

"The Hope of Heaven"

 "A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth." (Ecclesiastes 7:1 KJV)

  ""But don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven."" (Luke 10:20 NLT)

 Maybe there is still something to be said for trying to be good, as I seem try really hard, yet it doesn't always work out the way that I planned it. Not that I fail on purpose, because it isn't my intention to do anything that might be bad or seem unloving; it is just hard sometimes to die to myself, letting nothing upset me. 

 Hopefully none of you are dealing with the same issue, because it is almost as if there are two people inside of me: one that wants to do good, never becoming unloving; the other is sensitive to self, forgetting that love is not easily made irritable and does not demand its own way! (Pray for me!)

 If you look closely at this verse, as Solomon shares "Wisdom for Life", the only way this actually works, makes any sense, or seems beneficial, is if there is somewhere better this life. Basically, this would be considered wisdom for eternal life, which is something that causes us to have hope; a hope that on the day of death, we will be set free from this life and find peace in heaven! 

 Yesterday, Pastor Bryan was sharing on the books that will be opened on judgment day; based upon Daniel's vision in Daniel 7:10. As we all should know, the books which are opened for judgment are not going to condemn anyone that is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Whether or not they show what we might have done, that is not clearly made known; except for the fact that our sins are totally forgiven. 

 Personally, my opinion is that they will be listed, most likely to show that they have been forgiven, which is the main point of the judgment upon those who refused to accept God's free gift of salvation. This will be the judgment, not that they did things that wrong, but that they did not do what God wanted them to do and believe in His Son....

""God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants."" (John 3:17-21 NLT) 

"Wisdom for Life"

  "A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume. And the day you die is better than the day you are born. Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties. After all, everyone dies - so the living should take this to heart.

 Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us. A wise person thinks a lot about death, while a fool thinks a lot about having a good time. 

 Better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool. A fool's laughter is quickly gone, like thorns crackling in a fire. This also is meaningless.

 Extortion turns wise people into fools, and bribes corrupt the heart. Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride. Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool. Don't long for "the good old days." This is not wise. 

 Wisdom is even better when you have money. Both are a benefit as you go through life. Wisdom and money can get you almost anything, but only wisdom can save your life. 

 Accept the way God does things, for who can straighten what he has made crooked? Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that mothing is certain in this life." (Ecclesiastes 7:1-14 NLT)

 "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7 KJV)

 Believe it or not, but I was seriously thinking about putting a hold on this journey, as it was feeling as though it had me spinning around in circles and not progressing at all; almost as if I was swimming in my own fishbowl, without anyone watching. However, I said this was going to continue as long as my wife is here, or until the Lord takes me home; whichever comes first. So away we go, merrily on our way...

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8 KJV) 

"Tip of the Spear" -2

 "For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?" (Ecclesiastes 6:12 KJV)

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

 I am sorry about yesterday's post; as it was, most of the people I shared my feelings with, did not feel the same, saying that the father deserved to be arrested for giving his son a gun. I was given a shotgun when I was 12, by my grandfather. Although he owned a ranch and there were many things to do, like hunt racoons at night, and have target practice by day; I guess life was not the same back in the early 70's. I also had a Tennesse-Toothpick and a hatchet, which I got rather good a throwing both of them; enough to take out a snake, if it happened to cross my path. 

 Anyway, this world has gotten out of sorts; but regardless of what might happen here, God is still on the throne, and Jesus has still defeated sin and death! Which is what I think we need to stay focused upon, even though everything might be falling apart around us, Christ Jesus still holds it all together, every last bit! 

 All that Solomon is asking, has already been answered: It was answered on the cross of Christ! Everything from Asaph's temporary issue to Job's worries about life and his children; there was nothing left undone or that was not addressed, which wasn't covered by the blood of Christ when He hung upon that cross.

 When Jesus said, "It is finished," all that had fallen was restored, for all that are willing to believe! Oh, there is more to come, that much is certain; but the curse was undone, and we can now live forever with Christ; which actually started in your life, the day you said Yes to Christ Jesus! 

 Oddly enough, it started in your life here, living under the sun; however, you had been waiting for that moment ever since you were born; you just didn't know it. Jesus was looking towards the cross, from the beginning of creation; ever since the command, "Let there be light," He was preparing for what He would do, and we were already chosen. 

 Not so you might get confused by what was just said, we have no clue what shall be after, while living under the sun! However, the moment you accept Christ into your heart, everything changes, and you have been set free from the curse. No longer is death the end; peace and joy enter in; and you have a hope, the kind of hope that cannot be taken from you, as long as you abide in Christ! 

 I watched a movie at the theater earlier in the week, what was based upon belief; but to my surprise, it was based upon believing in ourselves. At the end of the movie, there was a funeral for someone that many people admonished, who died from cancer. When his best friend was done sharing about some of the memories he had with him, he said, "On thing is certain, we don't get to leave this earth alive." 

 Well, I objected to that statement, saying that this body doesn't, but my soul certainly does! This much I believe with all of my heart! I believe it because of Jesus Christ and the finished work that He completed on the cross! So, who can know what shall be after this body dies? Well, I know that I will be no longer under the sun, but I will be with the Son...  

"So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun. And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We are speaking for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God!" For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be an offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ." (2 Corinthians 5:16-21 NLT) 

"Tip of the Spear"

 "For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?" (Ecclesiastes 6:12 KJV)

  ""But instead, as mountains fall and crumble and as rocks fall from a cliff, as water wears away the stones and floods wash away the soil, so you destroy people's hope. You always overpower them, and they pass from the scene. You disfigure them in death and send them away. They never know if their children grow up in honor or sink to insignificance. They suffer painfully; their life is full of trouble."" (Job 14:18-22 NLT)

 From our perspective, things may not always appear to be all that great; especially when it comes to the times when we face family issues or troubles. The weird day I feel, is mostly based upon the report of the father of the shooter being arrested as this is the second time in a row that the parents are being held for the actions of their children. 

 Not to be alarmed, but I am pretty sure that part of the blame should be on the public school system; as the schools feel that they have more rights raising the children, than do the parents. If you don't think that is so, you should probably look it up and see for yourself. Anywho, it isn't that hard to pin the blame on the parents; especially when they don't pay much attention to their children as they should.

 As it was, Job was a man that had a pretty busy life; most likely he didn't have the free time to perfectly raise his children; which was probably why he offered sacrifices for them, as if they needed it, just in case they hadn't offered any or enough for themselves. (Job 1:5) 

 After praying about this, I wondered why God might not have blamed Adam for Cain killing his brother; but then again, since when are the parents charged for the sins of their children...

""Parents must not be put to death for the sins of their children, nor children for the sins of their parents. Those deserving to die must be put to death for their own crimes."" (Deuteronomy 24:16 NLT) 

"The Morning Fog"

 "For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?" (Ecclesiastes 6:12 KJV)

 "Look here, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit." How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog - it's here a little while, then it's gone. What you ought to say is, "If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that." Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil. Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." (James 4:13-17 NLT)

 I really wish there was something else to talk about this morning, because this specific topic is not what I would like to start my day with; especially not knowing where it might be going. Have you ever thought you could do something to better your life, only to find out that your plans you made, only made your life harder to manage? 

 It really doesn't take too many mistakes to cause us to stop and think we don't have control, as much as we thought we did. When you read Psalm 73, "A Psalm of Asaph," it starts with him saying how he almost slipped away from following the Lord, just because he started to envy those who were wicked and yet were very prosperous. They seemed to be able to do what they wanted, and yet, still they became successful and their riches multiply. 

 Asaph asked himself, "Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?" Suddenly he has a special different view, saying, "Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked." (Psalms 73:17) What a difference our lives become, once we see where we must be and what it is that matters the most. 

 There are some days when I feel as though everything, I have done, was just for nothing, until I see that God's hand was on my life, even though I might have strayed, gone of course, or made mistakes, He has never stopped holding onto me! Oh, it hurts a little to see the consequences of things done wrong, but He still has control, even in the darkest times, even when I think things are too far gone. 

 "Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." Without question, this is more than just a little boasting or making plans without first checking with God; this is about being His child, listening to His commands, knowing that His ways are best, and believing that there is nothing better...

"Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and 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 guild 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. Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do." (PSALM 73:21-28 NLT) 

"Blowing in the Wind"

 "For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?" (Ecclesiastes 6:12 KJV)

 "Offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the LORD. Many people say, "Who will show us better times?" Let your face smile on us, LORD. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe." (PSALM 4:5-8 NLT)

 Basically, this is a tree part message; most of which is based upon the hope that we might have, whether it is based on what we get from this life, or what we believe to be waiting for us in the next. Regardless of the thing, or things, you might be going through here on this earth, nothing happening here will take away your security that is locked away for you in Heaven! 

 That said, there are reasons to be challenged with certain things, which might seem hard to deal with, whether that is physical, financial, or maybe even something causing you to feel totally outnumbered and alone. We that are the property of Christ, have nothing to fear, except fear itself! If you haven't heard, the word 'fear,' stands for: "False Evidence Appearing Real". 

 We have been given a command: "Have no fear," it is not a suggestion that the Lord gives, because He has said it, so it is the truth that we can have no fear. He wouldn't tell us to have no fear, if it wasn't an issue that could be taken out of the way. It is all based upon whether we trust Him or not; because if we trust Him, then we will not fear what could appear to be real, even though it is actually happening! 

 That my dear friends, is the whole point of what faith is all about! There is nothing on this earth that can harm your security in Christ Jesus, even though you might be feeling overwhelmed and outnumbered, you are not alone! Anything that you are presently going through, whatever it is, it is something that you can use, not only for your own strength, but to strengthen others and to bring others to the Lord. 

 "Yes, but you don't realize what I am going through!" You might be right; but I know someone that does; and He knows that you will be okay; so just trust Him...

"The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads be beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever." (PSALM 23 NLT) 

"Moreover"

 "Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?" (Ecclesiastes 6:11 KJV)

 "But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love." (Galatians 5:5-6 NLT)

 As to being worthy, or not worthy; Jesus living in us makes us worthy! Without Christ, we were lost in sin, not knowing the real state of our hearts; especially, not knowing how much we needed Jesus to cleanse us and make us a new creation in Him. Before we received the salvation God so freely gave, we really did not know or understand what it was that we needed! 

 Matthew Henry puts it like this: "We know not how to advise others for the best, nor how to act ourselves, because that which we apprehend likely to be for our welfare may become a trap." How amazing is the love of God for not giving up on us! If God hadn't moved me to get off of by bunk that Sunday morning, who knows where I would have ended up. But I imagine He wouldn't have stopped!

 Don't think for a minute that you were the one that came knocking at God's door; because the god we were looking for, was not the same God that saved us! We think we might be worthy enough, based upon the salvation that we accepted; but it was God that prompted us to move towards Him! As a matter of fact, all Three, Father, Son, and Spirit, working together in that perfect moment, made it happen, as if it was miraculous sign and wonder! 

 Yes, it was the Father that drew you to the Son; the Holy Spirit softened your heart, showing you that you needed salvation; and Jesus knocked, for you to let Him in! So, what was your part, that might have made you worthy on your own? There is a very good reason for casting crowns: Only He is Worthy...

"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)  

"The Invitation" - Too

 "That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he." (Ecclesiastes 6:10 KJV)

 "The LORD of Heaven's Armies has sworn this oath: "It will all happen as I have planned. It will be as I have decided."" (Isaiah 14:24 NLT)

 As I was praying about this, so called message, I felt the need to express that the time for being lazy is over; we that are called to be light in this world, need to start making a difference, and showing those that are around us that we are serious: Jesus is Lord! I know that God has more for me to do, yet I have put the brakes on so many things, throughout my entire walk with the Lord, and for what? 

 Was it because I didn't want to give up my comfortable life? Did I think I wasn't worthy enough to be the man that God has shown me I could be? Maybe, I just didn't want to surrender all? Whatever the reason, whatever I might have not done, God is not done with me yet! How do I know this, you might ask?

 As I shared yesterday, we need to take in all that God has offered; we cannot just pick and choose the parts we like or feel comfortable with, we must give Him all, if that is, we expect to experience the mighty power that is right there, waiting for us to experience. He might not make us surrender all, but He will give us many reasons and opportunities to at least try! 

 One thing is for sure: You cannot contend with He that is mightier than you! That will not work out well for you, at all! Does that mean you might lose your salvation? I do not believe that is so, as long as you are truly saved, you have a place waiting for you in Heaven. But what a difference your life could be, just by experiencing the things you have been missing out on. 

 Not that I have a say in the matter, but I do believe that I could! Is there something in your life that is wrecked and might seem overwhelming? Then thank God for whatever it is and make it the reason you have a chance to shine your light for Him! Not a suggestion, but it is an invitation...

""Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock."" (Matthew 7:24-25 NLT) 

  

"The Invitation"

 "That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he." (Ecclesiastes 6:10 KJV)

 "So you see, God chooses to show mercy to some, and he chooses to harden the hearts of others so they refuse to listen. Well then, you might say, "Why does God blame people for not responding? Haven't they simply done what he makes them do?" No, don't say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, "Why have you made me like this?" When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn't he have the right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into?" (Romans 9:18-21 NLT)

 I'm pretty sure this was meant to be for someone else; but God uses even the simple minded and foolish people in this world, as a testimony to His wonderful and powerful grace and mercy! As I was thinking about the message God has me to share this morning, I was reminded of the most important part, that it is not about me and the message that I might share; it is about Him, and the message that has been given!

 I really think that we sometimes forget that, because God is already planting seeds in hearts, that His word will not return void; He will accomplish that which He has sent it to do! It was the same for my salvation, so many years ago. I had no clue, why I needed to go to that service, but just felt that I needed to go. It was because God had prepared a certain message that was meant for me to hear; and I listened!

 No matter what I might say, God will say what He wants to say, and to whomever He chooses. We are just jars of clay; some of us are seriously broken, and some of us are bright and polished; but all of us are molded and made to minister in ways that overwhelm, even the hardest of hearts. 

 That is pretty much my point, for this moment. We should never try to be something that we are not; but we should be willing to let God use us, for what we were made for...

"He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone - as though we had never been here. But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children's children of those who are faithful to his covenant, to those who obey his commandments! The LORD has made the heavens as his throne; from there he rules over everything." (PSALM 103:10-19 NLT)