Flower Shoppe Cards

"Who IS Your God?" - N

2021-06-10T18:29:00.012-07:00

"Who Is Your God?" - N

What is In A Name? Names Of God....

Who is God to you? Is He your Most High God, All sufficient One, Master, Lord of Peace, Lord Who Will Provide? Is He your Father, your Jehovah Raah, the Lord your Shepherd?

What does a "Name" mean. I am a female, Joshua's Mother, Duane's wife. I am Gramma. I am and I always will be. My "Names" identify me.

The Names of God show us Who He is, His character and His Nature. We can count on what His "Names" mean. His "Names" tells us Who He IS and What He Will Do. We can count on Him to fulfill His "Names" meanings. They identify Him and the way He responds.

I thought this was an excellent article, why rewrite it? Please read....

https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/don_stewart/don_stewart_1302.cfm

Names of God and their meanings:

El Shaddai el shad-di' Lord God Almighty

El Elyon el el-yone' The Most High God

Adonai ad-o-noy' Lord, Master

Yahweh yah-weh Lord, Jehovah

Jehovah Nissi yeh-ho-vaw' nis-see' The Lord My Banner

Jehovah-Raah yeh-ho-vaw' raw-aw' The Lord My Shepherd

Jehovah Rapha yeh-ho-vaw' raw-faw' The Lord That Heals

Jehovah Shammah yeh-ho-vaw' shawm'-maw The Lord Is There

Jehovah Tsidkenu yeh-ho-vaw' tsid-kay'-noo The Lord Our Righteousness

Jehovah Mekoddishkem yeh-ho-vaw' M-qadash The Lord Who Sanctifies You

El Olam el o-lawm' The Everlasting God

Elohim el-o-heem' God

Qanna kan-naw' Jealous

Jehovah Jireh yeh-ho-vaw' yir-eh' The Lord Will Provide

Jehovah Shalom yeh-ho-vaw' shaw-lome' The Lord Is Peace

Jehovah Sabaoth yeh-ho-vaw' se ba'ôt The Lord of Hosts

Proverbs 18:10 - The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

Psalm 20:7 & 8 - Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.

Malachi 3:16 - Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name.

Psalm 9:10 - And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 64:8 - Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; his name is the Lord; exult before him!

Exodus 6:3 - I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord I did not make myself known to them.

Which Names of God do you have a personal knowledge of God by. Do you personally and intimately know God as your Jehovah Rapha? The Lord that heals you? Do you know him personally and intimately as Jehovah Jireh? The Lord Who provides for you! Is He your Adonia - Your Lord and Your Master? Or, are you still attempting to rule your own life? Are you confident that He is your Jehovah Ra'ah, The Lord your Shepherd? Are you at peace in your life knowing that He really IS your Shepherd in every aspect of your life?

Meditate on the Names of God. Realize that every Name reveals another part of Who He is for you. He is Jehovah Rapha. It is Who He Is. He is Your Healer. He can't turn back from Who He is. It is His nature to heal you. Healing is what He Does!

"Who Is Your God?" - M

2021-05-23T12:50:00.014-07:00

Who Is Your God? - M

Magnificent!

Marvelous!

Majestic!

Mighty!!!

To be very honest, I have been procrastinating writing this message for several weeks....Why? What possible reason could there be for not writing about our Magnificent, Marvelous, Majestic, Mighty God???

We don't even need to hear scriptures to know that God is all of that. Even non-believers know, even though they may not admit it, that there has to be a Higher power who created all they see. He has to be one impressive God.

We sing songs about our Mighty God. More songs about our Majestic God. We know that He is Mighty and Majestic. We do not need to be told about that....so then, What was my problem?

To explain that, you must hear what I have to share about our recent trip...

Recently my husband and I took a 12 day trip to visit some people who are very dear to us. We had a wonderful time. We were treated like Royalty. We had a suite that beat any hotel we have ever stayed in. We were fed wonderfully with many an opportunity to try different kinds of food. We were taken to many places we have never been before. We were certainly treated well. They were so kind and generous toward us and we are very grateful.

The recent virus has unquestionably affected everyone. Our loved ones followed with respect and great caution, all the advice of a Dr. and all of the government rules that had been set forth. They stayed away from others, wore their masks whenever they left the house or would even possibly be near another. They had groceries delivered to their home or they utilized drive thru's .... whatever it took to stay away from other people. Then the vaccine came available and after 2 shots they saw themselves safe - fine and protected. So then, we were permitted to come visit. They were, however, greatly relieved to learn that our covid tests came back negative the day before we left.

Everyday we were there we went somewhere different for a tour. Every time, before we left, the lady of the home would call out, "Do you have your masks?" We would then be certain we did or quickly run back inside to get one. When we were in a waiting line, whenever I would step over my 6 foot distance line, she would remind me to step back and keep my distance. She was very faithful to be "on the ball" for all the mask and distance covid rules and confident regarding the proclaimed protection of the vaccine. So, now we could go to places with lines of people waiting to get in, restaurants, grocery stores, candy stores and ice cream stores.....see, I told you we had a great time!😃

So, you ask, "What is the problem with all of that?" It not so much what is wrong with all of that particularly.....it is more of a problem with what is MISSING in all of that. This woman is a Christian. She has been active in church for her entire life. She has volunteered and helped with things at church for years. That is all fine and dandy. But what IS MISSING? What was it that grieved me, making it difficult for me write about our Magnificent, Marvelous, Majestic, Mighty GOD?

Exactly, That WAS what was MISSING!!!! She had full confidence in following the advice of a Dr. that she didn't even know. She followed diligently the rules set forth and trusted a man-made vaccine. She had a conscious, steady, "on the ball" awareness and conviction regarding all the issues pertaining to this virus and she diligently followed all the rules and advice.

There is nothing "wrong" in taking the advice of another or following the rules of our government (when they comply with truth and righteousness) or in getting a vaccine....realize, please, that is NOT the point of this message. This issue regarding our dear one is simply an example pertinent to a far bigger issue that affects a vast majority of Christians currently and apparently, since the time of Adam and Eve. This problem is evident in the way we respond the problems we face. My point is "What is Missing" in our attitude, perspective, behavior and our conversation.

2 Corinthians 4:13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak,

So.....What is Missing??? Why am I grieved???? What IS my problem???? No more beating around the bush....here it is in a nutshell...We sing and say that God is Magnificent, Marvelous, Majestic and Mighty. However, in our everyday life, our conduct, focus and words deny that we really DO Believe that God really IS all that. In our practical, daily life we leave our Magnificent, Mighty God out of our situation.

You may argue with me at this point, saying, "I read my Bible and pray every day!" Wonderful! But, how do you apply what you read the rest of the day? Are you taking God's Word seriously? When troubles come, are you focused on the troubles and all you think and say points to the trouble? Or, are you bringing God and His Word into the predominate place He belongs in your situation? Can you... Do you remember and say, believing confidently that my God is my Help! He never fails to fulfill His promises to me. I know what it looks like, but my God is Greater than this and this mountain is coming down!!!!

Seriously, IF we really believed God, Who He IS (far greater than any natural Dr) and What He says (wiser than any wisdom of man) and Mighty (far more powerful than any vaccine made by man) wouldn't we be acting like it, talking about it and following the advice and rules laid forth by God????? Wouldn't we be much more "on the ball" exalting our God, Praising Him, our Magnificent God with whom nothing is too difficult? Wouldn't it be the norm for us to walk out of the house with the promises of God in our mind and coming out of our mouth instead of saying, "Do you have your mask?"

Why does it seem wrong, foolish and strange to Christians for other Christians to proclaim God IS my Refuge! I run to Him and He protects me. He is my Deliverer. He rescues me from all of my troubles.....my God IS our Magnificent, Majestic and Mighty God!!!! Why is it strange to be more confident in my God to keep His word to me than for any virus to harm me or any vaccine to protect me? Do we realize that we are so easily exalting the problem or man made solutions instead of daring to trust our God?

"Well", you say, "What do you want me to do? Pretend the problem does not exist?" No! I want you to really believe and act on what you SAY you believe .......about God!!!! Start evaluating your life and problems in the light of our Magnificent God who truly is Mighty!!!!

It is important and necessary that we Know our God....Knowing Him is far more than the starting gate of being born again. Knowing God comes from spending time with Him, building an intimate relationship with Him. Study His Word. Love Him. Show our love for Him by believing what He says and doing things His way. Then evaluate our behavior and our words and see how they line up with God's Word and His character/nature. Make our thoughts, consequently our words , agree with God. If we are not agreeing with God and responding to what He says. Are we really being faithful to Him? Luke 18:8 asks us the following question... .....when the Son of Man comes, will He find [this kind of persistent] faith on the earth?” Are we faithful to God or are we "on the ball" faithful to the problems?

If you really believed that truth, you would look at whatever problem is at hand and declare with confidence....you are nothing compared to My God!!!! The problem may look like a Goliath in everyone else's eyes and fear may be prevalent in the entire crowd, but, because you know your God, you can confidently say, honestly believing, what David said, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the LORD will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone assembled here will know that the LORD rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the LORD’s battle, and he will give you to us!” 1 Samuel 17:45-47

Where is our confidence and boldness in our God? How well do we really KNOW Him? How long will we stand by as a fearful, ineffective army of God! Stop giving lip service to God and exalting the problem! If God be God, then let Him prove it by truly trusting Him.

This lady that we love and have known for many years, asked me why we did not get the vaccine. I calmly told her that we had more confidence in our God's ability to keep us safe than we did in any virus or vaccine. She responded, "I know other people who said they believed, but they died!" Then, I was even more saddened. That is a common statement I've heard many, many people say.

When will we realize that it is satan who comes to steal, kill and destroy and that Jesus really did come to give us life and life more abundantly. I don't know the situations of other people, but I'm not going to build my doctrine based on any negative experiences of anybody. I certainly will never blame the destruction of a Christian on God!!!!. I am totally convinced that satan is the destroyer and Jesus is our Life Giver!!!! I choose to take God at His Word, I choose to believe that He is True, that He cannot lie and that He is Faithful to fulfill His Word to me. I dare to be bold for Him and proclaim His excellencies. Will you?

Do not say that you just don't think you can believe God like that. After all, look how easily you have believed the word of a doctor and the words of the government and the power of a vaccine or the lies that you hear being spoken regarding any other trouble. You take THEM as truth. You've responded to them. Choose today to Dare to Trust God instead.

. I cannot be silent any longer ....

Our God is Our Magnificent God!

Our God is our Majestic God!

Our God is our Marvelous God!

Our God is our Mighty God!

He is greater than anything that would attack us from without or from within! Where is our confidence in this Mighty God we say we serve? Where is our proclamation of what we say we really believe .... do we really believe it?

2 Chronicles 16:9 -The eyes of the Lord go around looking in all the earth for people who are faithful to him so that he can make them strong. Asa, you did a foolish thing. So from now on you will have wars.”

Our dear one revealed what she believed as she spoke so reliably, consistently and confidently regarding the virus, the rules and the vaccine.

How much more reliably, consistently and confidently should we be answering what our reason for hope is and as a result speak and act in response to our our Magnificent, Marvelous, Majestic, Mighty God?

Who do You really Believe your God is?

1 Peter 2:9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A CONSECRATED NATION, A [special] PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

So ...what are we proclaiming???? The issues of the problems or the excellencies of our God????

Psalm 68:34 -Tell everyone about God’s power. His majesty shines down on Israel; his strength is mighty in the heavens.

Psalm 104:1 - Bless and affectionately praise the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great; You are clothed with splendor and majesty,

Deuteronomy 32:3 - For I will proclaim the name of the LORD; you must acknowledge the greatness of our God.

"Who IS Your God???!!!" - 10

2021-04-08T08:00:00.006-07:00

K - King

Certainly we must, as Christians, know that God, our God, the One True God, The Maker of Heaven and Earth, Our Creator, IS also our King!

Psalm 47:6-7 - Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm

Psalm 24:1 - Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah

K - Kingdom

Our God, Our King, is the King over His Kingdom, "The Kingdom of God".

Luke 8:1 - Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him,

Acts 19:8 - And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.

Matthew 4:22 - And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.

John 3:1-36 - Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Mark 10:15 - Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

Colossians 1:13 - It is God who has delivered us out of the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us into the Kingdom of His dearly-loved Son,

L - Lord

Philippians 2:9-11 - Therefore God has highly exalted him and restored on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and in earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Romans 10:9 - because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Luke 6:46 - So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?

Matthew 7:21 - “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.

Isaiah 33:22 - For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; he will save us.

1 Chronicles 29:11 - Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.

Hebrews 12:28 - Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,

Many people, even Christians, at this time are disgruntled, discouraged, feeling defeated and even depressed over the situation of our world and in particular the condition of the United States of America.

However, God is Our King. Let's hear that again: GOD IS OUR KING! !!!!!!

If we have entered into the Kingdom of our God by being Born Again, then we have spiritually been translated out of the domain of darkness, the rule of satan and we have been transferred into the Kingdom of His dear Son...the Kingdom of God.

If we are Born Again, we are now children of God and citizens of His Kingdom.

Remember that Romans 10:9 tells us:

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord (Master, supreme authority of our lives now)

and

believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

So, put this truth together....

God IS Our KING

We are Citizens of God's Kingdom.

The Kingdom of God has different rules. Different ways of thinking, being and doing

AND Jesus is the Lord, the Ruler, the Master, the Supreme authority over this Kingdom that we are now citizens of.....The Kingdom of God.

So....we must learn the ways of the Kingdom of God. Jesus was all about teaching about the Kingdom of God while He was on this earth. Obviously, learning them and walking according to His ways must be important since He admonished saying, "Why do you call me Lord, Lord and do not do what I say?"

We are, in effect, Ambassadors of His Kingdom. Citizens of His Kingdom. Living in and representing Him and His ways while we currently reside in the Kingdom of this world with all of His power and authority backing us up.

How should this affect us??? In every way, at all times, in all situations, under any conditions. God IS Our King. He is our Lord, Master and Supreme Authority. No earthly president or congress outweighs or outranks Him. We are subject first and foremost to our King and our Lord and we are, in reality, citizens of the Kingdom of Our God. His power and authority is Far Greater than any natural king, lord or president. We must start seeing ourselves from the real perspective of Who We Are and Who Our GOD IS!!!!

We must remember what acknowledging and confessing Him as our Lord and yield ourselves to His Lordship. The Kingdom of God is not a democracy. Our opinion in the matter is not the Wise way. God's way is the way that any "wise" person would willingly yield to. His way is the Right way to go All the time!!!

So, how does that affect and impact our natural situation now????

I have been pondering the following thoughts....

Was there anytime that God's people were in a pickle (other than Jesus on the cross) that, when they got tired of their situation and called out to God, that God failed to help them?

In helping them, were there people involved with their deliverance or was it entirely by the hand of God with no human participation?

Answer those two questions and then apply the result to our current situation.

Ponder these examples:

The Israelites were in bondage to the Egyptians.

They cried out to God after what? 430 years in slavery - how long does it take us to get smart????

Then God sent Moses. Through the human hand of Moses, God caused plagues to attack the enemy.

Through Moses' obedience to stretch forth his staff over the Red Sea, God parted the Sea. The Israelites crossed over on dry ground. Then the Sea went back to normal and all the Egyptians who were in pursuit of God's people drowned.

This all took place by:

1. God's people calling out for God's help.

2. By a man cooperating with God to lead the people out and comply with God's instructions along the way.

3. By the cooperation and participation of God's people.

4. By worship and praise of God's people to God

Now think about the following examples in like manner asking the same questions....:

Joshua leading God's people out of the wilderness to the Promised Land.

Gideon

Jericho

Elijah and the rain

Ezekiel and the dry bones

Queen Esther

Elijah and the woman with last meal

The NT woman with the issue of blood

The Centurion

Jairus

The 10 lepers

The guy let down through the roof by his friends.....

Shall I continue? The Bible is full of more of the same.

Just Because.......

2021-03-23T09:05:00.004-07:00

Just Because.....

We make trusting God too hard....

My Grandson is quick to remind me saying, "Remember, last time I was here, you said that when I come to your house next time we would..." And he will remind me of what I had promised him. It is very important to me when I tell him something that I intend to do, that I do it. My word is my promise to him. I do not tell him things to pacify him or patronize him. I give him my word, which is my guarantee, my promise to him that I will do what I told him. I intend to do it.. I want him to trust me. I want him to know that my word is good, that he can count on me. If I were to have forgotten, I would go out of my way to fulfill my word even if it was an inconvenience. However, mostly, I am prepared before he even comes to fulfill my promise to him.

God does what He says He will do.

God IS Faithful!!!

Joshua 21:45 Not one of the good promises which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel failed; all had come to pass.

2 Samuel 7:28 Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant.

1 Kings 8:56 "Praise be to the Lord, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses."

Psalm 33:4 For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,

God tells us to remind Him of His promises

Isaiah 43:26 Remind me of my promises; plead them before me; declare them, that by my free grace I may justify thee."

So......onward to what is Really on my mind!!!!

Just Because...

Just Because God says so....that's all I need.

Come to God like a child...."Remember, you said...."

Mark 5:36 But Jesus overheard their conversation and said to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; just believe.”

His Word is all I need.....Just Because You said....that's All I need,!

Matthew 8:8-10 But the centurion answering, said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof; but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

And Jesus having heard, marveled and said to those following, “Truly I say to you, no one in Israel with faith so great have I found.

Luke 1:38 Then Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel left her.

So, if we are childlike in our faith we would accept God's Word as the final and only answer. We would say. Ok. Be it unto me according to your word. God's Word is all we we need. That is the Faith that changes things.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance (faith is what gives substance to or reality to) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

So...... Just trust that God and His Word are true and choose to Only Believe it. This becomes easier as we get to know God, His character and nature and see His Faithfulness as we dare to move forward Just Because of our trust in Him based on His Word.

Ponder these scriptures:

James 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking..

Sounds like a guarantee to me.

Jeremiah 33:3 ‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you [and even show you] great and mighty things, [things which have been confined and hidden], which you do not know and understand and cannot distinguish.’

YES!!!

Jeremiah 30:17 ‘For I will restore health to you And I will heal your wounds,’ says the LORD, ‘

That's a promise from God!

Psalm 32:8 The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

Thank God!!!!

Psalm 107:20 He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.

Psalm 103:2-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Be it unto me according to your Word, O Lord.

Proverbs 3:5-8 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. This will bring healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.

Don't make Trusting God so difficult!

Will you Only Believe 'Just Because' of what God's Word says???

Coming up: "Who IS Your God???!!!" Part 10

K - King of Kings

"Who IS Your God???" - 9

2021-03-16T07:48:00.003-07:00

Who IS Your God???

J - Jesus!!!!

Some say Jesus was a man..... just a man like any other and that's the end of the story. Some say He never existed. Some say He was a teacher. Others say He was a prophet. Some say He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Who do you say He is? Let's investigate the Bible and find out what the Truth is about Jesus.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

That answers that in one simple verse. But, you ask, "Who is The Word?"

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

The Word is the Son of the Father.

No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known. John 1:18

The Son is Himself God. He has made the Father known.

I and the Father are One [in essence and nature].” John 10:30

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time, and you do not know Me yet, Philip, nor recognize clearly who I am? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ John 14:9

Indeed, Jesus revealed the Father to us. If you've seen Jesus, you Have seen the Father!!!

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Hebrews 1:3

I find it interesting and sad that so many believe such negative things about God. People say such things like, "God put this on me to teach me something." Or, "It must not be God's will to heal me." Or, calling Storms "Acts of God"

....... Certainly all we need to do is to read the Gospels and Acts and see what Jesus spent His life on earth doing.....

He went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil. Acts 10:38;

So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere. Luke 9:6

And He was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23

At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. Then he told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.c” Luke 7:21-23

On and on we can continue to investigate the scriptures regarding Jesus and Who IS our God? The obvious and clear conclusion is: Jesus is our God. He and the Father are One. Jesus was with the Father from the beginning. Jesus is the Word made Flesh. He is the Exact Representation of the Father and when we see His ways, we have seen the Father's ways. Jesus said He only does what He sees His Father do and He only says what He hears the Father says

So, if you don't see Jesus doing something in the Scriptures, rest assured the Father doesn't do it either. If you see Jesus going about healing the sick and doing Good, then you know that is the nature and behavior of the Father as well. They are One!

"Who IS Your God???!!! -8

2021-03-05T09:22:00.007-08:00

I - I AM

The Name of God "I AM", to me, encompasses the fullness of Who our God Is from before the beginning, now and eternity to come.

As I was studying I found these verses - which is just a start, I am writing my comments as I have them.

I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35)
I am the Light of the World (John 8:12)

Therefore Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. The one following Me shall not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life."

Isn't it interesting that God not only tells us "I am the light of the world" then specifies that the one following Him will have the light of life. I used to interpret that to say "the one who is born again will have the light of life". But, is being "Born Again" the meaning of 'Following' Him? Perhaps you think my thoughts are very elementary, even worthless, after all, who would think that? Well, I did, - subconsciously and automatically with no pondering or reflection happening on my part. Sadly, I also know there are many in the church who also have never really processed the way they think or act to see if they are really "Following" Him. They stop at I am a "Christian", I go to church and I do my best to serve and be good. That is NOT what I am presenting to you. My question is, "Are you FOLLOWING" The Way - God Himself????

Follow Definition: to side with His party. To be in the same way with. To follow, to cleave steadfastly to one, conform wholly to his example, in living and if need be in dying also:

Ok, so how much of what we do is doing what, when and where we want and how much is denying our will and pursuing to do things His way. Are we wholly conforming to Him? Who or what are we really conforming to????

Are we truly following Him? If not, we are missing experiencing the light of life and we remain in darkness, being deceived in our thinking. We believe that all is well, when it is actually not. Or if we know it is not well, then we find fault with God, instead of asking God to help us walk in the light.

1 John 1:7.

I am the Door (John 10:9)
I am the Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14)
I am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)
I am the Way and the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)
I am the Vine (John 15:1,5)

All of those verses have significant impact to me. The one that currently captures my attention the most the past few days is:

I am the Way and the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)

In the past, I would have associated that scripture to "I am the way to eternal life" and never gone beyond that. Now, however, those words Way, Truth and Life, mean far more to me. My God being "The Way" means to me: Yes, the way to Eternal Life, but also The Way - NOW - in my everyday life, every moment.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you [who are willing to learn] with My eye upon you. Psalm 32:8

He hath set me in a place of pasture. He hath brought me up (leads me), on the water of refreshment (still, restful, peaceful place of refreshment) Psalm 23:2.

He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Psalm 23:4

And many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; That He may teach us concerning His ways, And that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Isaiah 2:3

Isn't that a main thing in the life of a Christian, to be taught His ways and walk in them???? I am very concerned that many in the church do not know The Way to go beyond being "Born Again". Many decisions are being made by "Christians" that are clearly not in accordance to The Way or the Truth or the Life who God is and how He teaches us in His Word.

“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.” Luke 6:46-49

But when He the, Spirit of truth, shall come, He will guide you into all the truth. John 16:13

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching [of the law] is light, And reproofs (rebukes) for discipline are the way of life, Proverbs 6:23

For whoever wishes to save his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], but whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake and the gospel’s will save it [from the consequences of sin and separation from God]. Mark 8:35

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. John 10:10

Reflect on Who Your God Is.....He is The Great I Am!

Now, reflect on your response to this Awesome God we say we serve and Love....

Am I Really Following Him in the Way? His way is the Right Way, the Wise Way, the Tested Way, the Proven Way. His Way is The High Way.
Am I pursuing to learn and follow the Truth, The Word of God. He Is The Truth that really does set us free when we Know the Truth.
Am I trying to hold on to my ways of doing and thinking. Or am I losing, gladly letting go of, my ways to conform and embrace true Life - God Himself.
Am I enjoying the abundant life He came to give me? Isn't the fruit of Life (God Himself) Life???? If I am not enjoying abundant Life, I suggest that I am not partaking of the Great I Am, Life Himself as He intends.
One final thing that has been on my mind for many weeks.....if you find yourself constantly regretful and repenting regarding your thoughts, behaviors and situations in your life. Take a look at it from what we have just talked about.....Am I Following the Way? Am I pursuing to know the Truth actively/daily meditating on the Word by day AND by night? Am I experiencing Life Abundantly. If these 3 things are not prevalent. Repent verbally less and let your repentance be shown in your actions. Turn your behavior around and pursue our God Who IS the Way, The Truth and The Life!!!! Watch your Life Change!!!!

Come fully into alignment with The Great I Am!!!!

This only scrapes the surface of Who IS Your God - The Great I Am. Keep pondering and embracing Your Almighty, Deliverer, Faithful, Good, Good God. He Is Your Healer. He is The Great I Am!!!!

This article was interesting to me:

https://busyblessedwomen.com/the-great-i-am/

"Who Is Your God?" 7

2021-02-28T18:07:00.009-08:00

H - My God IS my Healer.

He IS Jehovah Rapha, the Lord that Healeth me. Exodus 15:26

He IS my Great Physician. Read the New Testament.

He IS the One who brought millions of people out of bondage in Egypt with not one even feeble, let alone sick, among them. Psalm 105:37

He IS the God who sent His Word and Healed us. Psalm 107:19-31

He IS the One who bore my sicknesses and carried my diseases. By whose stripes I am healed. Isaiah 53:5

He IS the One who went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. Matthew 8:35

Healing is part of and evidence naturally of the Good News Matthew 4:23

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Act 8:12-13

He Is still compassionate toward us. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Matthew 14:14

He IS the same yesterday today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

He NEVER changes. James 1:17; Malachi 3:6; Numbers 23:19.

If you believe He forgives your iniquities, why not believe He heals all your sicknesses, too?

Read the Word of God....

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, Psalm 103:2-3.

That is the complete scripture. Why refuse to receive all of the benefits He provided you?

1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.

Why believe only half of it? Study it out for yourself. It literally includes physical sicknesses and diseases as well as spiritual. Jesus healed the Whole man. Receive your entire salvation by grace through faith. Ephesians 2:8

Matthew 8:16-17 That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”

It is obvious that the diseases Jesus went about healing were physical diseases. We know this was the will of God because Jesus only did what he sees His Father do. John 5:19. Read also John 14:10.

Saved: heal, be made whole. To make well, heal, restore to health spiritually, physically and emotionally. The entire person restored to life and health abundantly. John 10:10.

From a primary sos (contraction for obsolete saos, "safe"); to save, i.e. Deliver or protect (literally or figuratively) -- heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.

Your whole man, spirit, soul and body is who God created you to be from the very beginning. Why would He neglect to provide salvation, deliverance, rescue and healing for the complete person He created?

Your spirit, soul and body have been saved by the death and resurrection of Jesus. Receive your entire healing today.

He IS the Lord that Healeth YOU and Me, too!

"Who IS Your God - 6 ???!!!"

2021-02-13T10:26:00.014-08:00

G - "GOOD, GOOD GOD"

For many days now, I have been pondering this thought, "God is a Good God". I know we sing, "God is a good God and He's worthy to be praised" at church, but then, when something undesireable happens, we blame God for the "bad" that just occured. So.......tell me, is God a Good, Good God" all the time??? Is He a Good God who does good or does He change His mind periodically and do harm, damage and evil to His people to teach them something or some other argument we create to attempt to justify what we do not understand?

Psalm 119:68 - You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.

Nahum 1:7 - The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.

Psalm 145:9 - The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.

I present to you the Truth! God IS Good - All the time, All the TIME!

So, I've been thinking how easily God's people tend to complain about what bad they think God has done and blame Him for what has happened. Several things come to my mind as I have been pondering.

#.1 - The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].

Who comes to steal? The thief!

Who comes to kill? The thief!

Who comes to destroy? The thief!

So.....if what is happening to me is either stealing, killing or destroying .... Who is the culprit?????? The thief!!!!!

So.......do not blame God because Jesus came so that we would have life in abundance till it overflows.

Have - Have, Hold and Possess

Life - life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence

Abundantly - exceedingly in abundance of, superior, superabundant, til it overflows.

God IS our Good, Good God - That IS Who He Is!!!!!

John 10:11 - I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His [own] life for the sheep.

#2. The majority of people, christian and non christian, view things in life as they see it by their own eyes, their own ears, their own understanding and their own experience. Few have learned to view things from God's point of view, especially in difficult times. Few stop to inquire of God for His perspective on what is going on. Few are willing to lay aside the natural report and seek to understand things from the spiritual vantage point.

Isaiah 55:8-9 - For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

I have heard people say....See! Our thoughts are not God's thoughts, so we will never understand Him or His ways. However, that way of responding is not at all consistent with the Word of God.

We are told to search the Scriptures (Acts 17:11); Get (acquire) wisdom (Proverbs 4:7); the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel (Proverbs 20:15);

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18).

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5

It seems pretty clear, in just these few scriptures, that we are to grow in the knowledge of Him and cast away our human thoughts and acquire for ourselves God's way of thinking and perceiving things. So, I encourage you. Don't evaluate things according to your way of seeing and understanding things. Ask God to help you understand things from His point of view.

Then I was thinking of how the Israelites, after leaving the slave life in Egypt, found themselves boxed in between the Red Sea and the Egyptians, who were in pursuit of them. Their viewpoint of the situation is found in:

Exodus 14:10-12 - When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the LORD. They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”

They were accusing God of things that were not at all God's intention and things that did not at all include God's plans for their deliverance. They only evaluated things from their eyes, ears, emotions, fear and experience.

If, they would have truly known their God, they would have had a different report. Something more like, " We know you are a Good God. You brought us out from slavery to these Egyptians who are now pursuing us. You told us you are taking us to The Promised Land. This is not it. This is not looking good to our eyes, but we know You! You are a Good God. You cannot Lie! Your Word is True, You are Faithful, You WILL Do what You said You would Do....You ARE bringing us to the Promised Land. We don't know how You are going to fix this problem, but we know you are working on it because You are our Good and Faithful God. They would have bowed down in Worship to their God. They would have Praised Him for Who He IS. They would have given Him Thanks for the deliverance He was in process of bringing them from the enemies who were after them. Not because there was any physical evidence to that end, but because they would have been looking at things from the spiritual view, not the natural view. They would have been great people of Faith in their Almighty God because they would have known their God was a Good and Faithful God!

This verse actually explains what God was thinking:

Exodus 13:17 - When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them along the road through the land of the Philistines, though it was shorter. For God said, “If the people face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”

We know how God, in His love and mercy, rescued the Israelites and destroyed the Egyptians as we read on in Exodus 14:15-31.

Meditate on the following verses regarding our Good God and grow in maturity and Faith in Him, so that when trouble comes, you are a worshipper of God, not a complainer because you know who your enemy is and what he comes to do and you know Who your God is and what He comes to bring us....Life and Life More Abundantly - That Is Who Our God IS!!!!! The Giver of Abundant Life now and in the future.

Psalm 34:7 - Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

Romans 8:28 -And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Matthew 19:17 - And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.

Psalm 107:1 - Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

James 1:17 - Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Romans 12:2 - Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, thato

1 John 1:5 - This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Psalm 84:11 - For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Psalm 31:19 - Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!

Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Isaiah 41:10 - Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

So....WHO IS Your God?????

"DO NOT...."

2021-02-09T20:02:00.007-08:00

A few nights ago, I had a bad dream that was far to real and emotionally impacting. I woke up, fear had gripped me. Since I could not go back to sleep, I got up and read and studied the Bible. I came away from my time with God with peace and a very clear message.... "DO NOT BE anxious or worried about anything. God will supply your needs. If I give in to anxiety, worry or fear I am no different than the ungodly. I need to remember that I am a child of GOD. He cares for the birds, how much more does He care and provide for me?

There are two major lessons in these two words, "DO NOT"

The First one is Obvious....Don't Do It!

I am stuck on the words "DO NOT." This requires me to make a choice, a decision. No excuses acceptable. I either Will or I Won't.... my choice. There is really NO choice, if you Love God....

"DO NOT" leaves NO room for compromise or "why I can't" excuses. There is NO room for "Well, I'll Try" or " I will do my best" or "God understands...." NO!!! God instructs me to "DO NOT" do it. No anxiety, no fear, no worries - this is not an option. Simply give no room to anxiety, fear or worry. Stop them at the first thought. Don't Do It!!!!! Do Not go there. Make the choice, the decision, that fear, anxiety and worry are not options in my life. When the thoughts come that affect our emotions negatively and in opposition to God's word, stop them from going any further. Do not ponder on them, do not give them the time of day! Decide that I will not give these kind of thougts any space to torment me. Here is what these verses counsel us regarding this issue:

2 Corinthians 10:5 - We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Matthew 6:31 - Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

Do not give anxieties, worries or fear any room to think about them and do not talk about them. Do this instead:

Philippians 4:8 - 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.

These scriptures are all instructions from God regarding the wise way to handle things.

Apparently, God knows it is possible to follow His instructions or He wouldn't so clearly state, "Do Not be anxious about anything"! Additionally, He must have good reason in giving us those instructions. Finally, remember His Grace is His power on our behalf. Certainly, that must include helping us to do as He instructs.

Read Matthew 6:25-35 and Philippians 4:6

The Second is less obvious, but even more impacting.... not often spoken, but nonetheless obvious...."will you follow My instructions?"

It boils down to my choice to obey (Loving God), or not, and trusting His Counsel or not.

John 14:15 - “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.

Psalm 21:6 - For the king [confidently] trusts in the LORD, And through the lovingkindness (faithfulness, goodness) of the Most High he will never be shaken.

Jeremiah 17:7 - But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.

Proverbs 29:25 - Don't fall into the trap of being a coward--trust the LORD, and you will be safe.

Will I do according to the instructions of God or will I disregard His counsel? If we really know "Who our God Is", we will obey and trust Him because we Love him and we know He is the All Wise God. His way is the Wise way. He instructs us in order to help us. This is not an attempt to put the law on us. This is His instruction in the wise way to go. These are words of Love. Can't you see...if he cares about clothing the Lilies of the field, and feeding the birds of the air, how much more does He care for me, His very own children!

Often, when we read God's Word - we often gloss over His instructions, without realizing what we are really doing or thinking. We are essentially silently saying "I could never do that", or some other lie of an excuse. We must understand that when God gives us instructions, He wants to help us to go in the best way to go and He will enable us to do it. That is what Grace is about....His power on our behalf. God is not telling us "Do Not" to be controlling, difficult or to frustrate us. He gives us His instructions to follow because it is the wise way, the best way, the smart way to go. He is trying to help us have peace and success. His way is the way of peace! Besides that, what do we gain by worrying? Sleepless nights? Ulcers?

This is a necessary lesson we must all learn to apply in every area of our life: Trust and obey God. Not because He is a dictator ready to strike us down or punish us for any deviation from His instruction. No! That is NOT Who Our God Is! He is our Loving Father, Great in Mercy. Ephesians 2:4.

He is instructing us in the right way to go because He Loves us. Because it is the Best Way to go. His Way is the tested Way, the Proven Way, the Wise way. His Way is the High Way.

I wonder how many times we make our lives miserable because we do not take His instructions seriously and choose to do things our own way instead.

Proverbs 12:15 - The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.

"Do Not" be anxious, worried or fearful about anything ..... Not just about what you will eat, drink or wear, but anything.....finances, politics, children, your future.....absolutely anything. Don't Worry about it! Why? Because God cares for you. You belong to Him.

Follow God's instructions, whatever they are, not only because you Love Him, but because that Love causes you to trust that He has your best interest in mind and His counsel is truly the best way to go. You don't need to understand the details. You just need to Know Who Your God is!!!!

Philippians 4:6 - Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.

Don't be anxious or worried about anything. Not one thing. Alternatively, pray and give God Thanksgiving!

Isaiah 41:10 ‘Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].

PRAYER: Father, help me never to take your instructions lightly or ever consider them optional. I desire to show my love for You by my obedience to your Word, by trusting You. Your way is the Wise Way to go, it is the right way. I do not want to be a fool, I will follow your counsel. Thank You for loving me, for Your Mercy and Grace.

On the horizon is "Who Is Your God - 6 ???!!!

God Is our Good, Good God!!!!

Who IS Your God - 5 ???!!!

2021-02-01T07:16:00.003-08:00

"Faithful, Faithful, Faithful God"

Deuteronomy 32:4 - He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a Faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!

Faithfulness: literally firmness, steadiness: stability, steady, truly, truth, verily.

Deuteronomy 7:9 - Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.

Many years ago, there were three things that I learned that completely changed my life. Still, today, I apply them constantly. These truths impact and direct my decisions and behavior. These three things help me stay steady in my faith toward God no matter what the circumstances are. I have written about these truths many times and speak to others frequently about them.

I am convinced of these truths. I know that I have become more, much more steady and immovable in my faith toward God because I firmly believe that:

1. God's Word is True

2. God cannot lie. It is Impossible for Him to Lie.

3. God IS Faithful. He Will do what He says He will do!!!

In the process of daily life, there are multitudes of things that we must process. Thoughts that we must evaluate and determine if they must be cast down and traded in for God's perspective or if they are currently in agreement with God's Word. It is a necessity to know what God's Word says. Without knowing what God says we have no solid basis in which to place our trust. God is Faithful to fulfill His Word, but what Word is it that we are standing on?

The most difficult to handle are the times of devasting news. We must stay steady and follow the same pattern of trusting that what God says is true no matter what. Regardless of how I feel, how it looks or any report contrary to God's report, I must hold fast to God and His Word. I must be convinced and choose to continually stay steady, knowing that it is simply impossible for Him to lie and I can confidently trust that He will do what He says He will do because He IS my Faithful God. That is the essence of the "Faith" that we are to Live by. I look to God, to His Word, and I say what God says about my situation. God always has something to say pertaining to whatever the situation is. I choose to agree with God. (Period). I know He will fulfill His Word to me - He is Faithful!!!! I just need to believe that and hold tight.

God IS Faithful, He will do what He told you. He is a covenant keeping God of Loving Devotion. El Shaddai who nourishes you, cares for you, giving you all you need, this is not to difficult for Him.

In whatever situation you are in. Ask God for His Counsel to you. If you ask, He will answer you with His particular counsel to you.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 - Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is calling you [to Himself for your salvation], and He will do it [He will fulfill His call by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as His own].

English Standard Version - He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

Numbers 23:19 - God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Lamentations 3:22-23 - The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Psalm 89:33 - But I will not remove from him my steadfast love or be false to my faithfulness.

Hebrews 11:11 - By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.

Our Faith is based on His Word and is our response to His Faithfulness to His Word.

Will you consider Him Faithful who has promised? If you will, you will see the power of God working mightily in you and on your behalf..

I have determined that the question is NOT "Will God be Faithful to me?", but rather, "will I be found Faithful to Him?"

Luke 18:18 - I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?”

Proverbs 20:6 -Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?

Psalm 138:2 - for you have exalted your Word above all your name.

Psalm 89:8 - O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O LORD? You are entirely faithful.

Certainly, God is our Faithful, Faithful, Faithful God!

Respond to Him with that conviction. Show Him your faith!!!!

Who IS Your God - 4 ???!!!

2021-01-26T09:23:00.002-08:00

This study has taken me a while of research and has opened my eyes even further to see what a magnificent God we serve.

Over the years there have been many words that I have thought I knew the meaning of. However, when I began to really study to understand, I found out that the words have far deeper meaning than I ever would have known without studying..... this is one of them....

El Shaddai

El Shaddai is generally translated "God Almighty", however, that description only begins to scrape the surface of this Name of God.

It is important to understand what "Name of" means. It is far more than just what some one calls you, which could merely mean nothing more than saying, "Hey, Cat" to a stray cat walking around.

When someone speaks the "Name of" someone they know well and intimately, that "Name" encompasses their identity, their background, personality, characteristics and qualities about them that others who don't know them well, yet, may not know. Their "Name" speaks of "Who" that person really is. Things that no one can take away from them. Their "Name" points to ways that are unique to them. It identifies things that hold within it the understanding of how that person behaves, responds or reacts One might say, "that person is trustworthy, faithful, reliable, patient and kind.....she is such a sweetie, you will really like her, I always can count on her. Her name is:...."

So, when God identifies Himself with certain names throughout the Bible, that "Name" is far more than just a title to call Him by. That "Name" encompasses far reaching depths of "Who He Is"! That is why simply translating "El Shaddai" to only "God Almighty" is no where near sufficient enough. That is my explanation, so far, hope it makes sense.

Now, let's look at the "Name" El Shaddai, a little deeper. This is a valuable search, because these explanations help us to understand more completely "Who Our God Is".

El Shaddai:

"El" is another name that is translated as "God" and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God's character.

It is believed that Shaddai comes from the word "Shad", which means: "the breasty one". This refers to God completely nourishing, satisfying, and supplying his people with all their needs as a mother would her child Connected with the word for God, El, this denotes a God who freely gives nourishment and blessing. He is our Sustainer.

The first time El Shaddai is used is found in Genesis 17:1-2, "and when Abram was 99 years old, the Lord (Jehovah) appeared to Abram, and said to him, I am the Almighty God (El Shaddai); and be perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.

The Name - El Shaddai also reveals God as a Covenant keeping, Promise keeping God

God Almighty - review "Who IS Your God - 1 ???!!!"

Often when we think about God Almighty, we connect that aspect of God with Maker of Heaven and Earth, we think of the great and amazing miracles He did in the Bible. We think of all that was done to make a way for us to come back into relationship with Him, to be forgiven, redeemed and made righteous through Christ. These are all true and magnificent, but add on to the "Mighty" aspect of who God is and see Him as your Nourisher, Sustainer and Promise Keeping, Covenant Keeping God.

Bring our "Mighty God" into our daily walk with Him and see Him additionally as our Covenant Keeping, Promise Keeping Nourisher and Sustaining God. Ponder these promises of God's nourishment and sustainance:

Psalm 91:14-15 - The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.

Psalm 55:22 - Cast your burden on the LORD [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail).

Isaiah 40:29 - Behold, God is my helper and ally; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul [my upholder].

1 Peter 5:9 - casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].

Do you see the promises and the guarantee of sustainance that God gives us. It is so important that we take God at His Word and realize He cannot lie, His Word is true and He will fulfill His promises to us. Stop attempting to do it alone, leaving only the "Mighty" things up to God. Stop attempting to be Self-Sufficient because El Shaddai also means that God is our:

All Sufficient One - I have been pondering that one for a while now.

Ephesians 4:6 - one God and Father of us all who is [sovereign] over all and [working] through all and [living] in all.

1 Corinthians 15:28 - However, when all things are subjected to Him (Christ), then the Son Himself will also be subjected to the One (the Father) who put all things under Him, so that God may be all in all [manifesting His glory without any opposition, the supreme indwelling and controlling factor of life].

2 Corinthians 9:8 - And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity.

Psalm 57:2 -

Bereans Study Bible - I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me.

King James Bible - I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.

Question: What is lacking in "All"? He IS our ALL Sufficient One.

All Sufficient definition - sufficient (meeting all that is needed) to everything; infinitely able.

More Than Enough

Ephesians 3:20 - Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us,

Luke 6:38 - Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more]. For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.”

Jeremiah 32:7 - “I am the LORD, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?

Luke 1:37 -

English Standard Version
For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Berean Study Bible
For no word from God will ever fail.”

Oh, I could go in and On and ON!

How exciting to Know "Who Our God Is!!!"

Why don't you let God be El Shaddai to you....

• Your Almighty God

• Your Nourisher

•. Your Sustainer

• Your Promise-Keeper

•. Your Covenant- Keeper

• Your All--Sufficient One

• Your God who is More than Enough

What an Awesome God we serve!

Who IS Your God - 3 ???!!!

2021-01-24T11:08:00.002-08:00

So, Who IS Your God and What are You going to about it?????

Three "D's:

#1 - D.

Deliverer

Psalm 144:2 - He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.

Deliverer Hebrew definition 'palat' - my deliverer: rescuer, cause to escape, bring into security, carry away safe.

Psalm 18:2 -The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my sa lvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 18:50 - Great deliverance giveth He to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.

Deliverer Hebrew definition 'yeshuah' - something saved, i.e. (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity -- deliverance, health, help(-ing), salvation, save, saving (health), welfare.

2 Corinthians 1:10 - He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again

Notice: God Delivers us Past, Present and Future

Deliver Greek definition - rescue, deliver (from danger or destruction. Lord deliver me out of my (personal) pains and bring me to You and for You." Nhýomai ("rescue") implies removing someone in the midst (presence) of danger or oppression, i.e. delivered "right out of" and to (for) the rescuer.]

#3 - D.

Defender

Isaiah 51:22 - This is what the Sovereign LORD, your God and Defender, says: “See, I have taken the terrible cup from your hands. You will drink no more of my fury.

Defender definition: pleads the cause, contend for, strive for, fight for.

Psalm 35:1 - Plead my cause, (defend) O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.

Hebrews 7:25 - Therefore He is able also to save forever (completely, perfectly, for eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede and intervene on their behalf [with God].although intercede and defend are not the same word, it seems the idea of the meaning is alike.

Ponder the depth of meaning regarding "God is our Deliverer." This is Who He IS - Our Deliverer. Rescuing us out from danger to and for Himself.

Ponder on the truth that He pleads our case. He IS our Defender..

Ahhhhh, What an Awesome God we have!!!

# 3 - D.

He is our Almighty God, our Banner, our Cornerstone, Deliverer and our Defender?

So, What Will We DO about this?????

Declare!!!!

Psalm 96:3 - Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works and wonderful deeds among all the peoples.

1 Chronicles 16:24 - Tell every nation on earth, "The LORD is wonderful and does marvelous things!

Psalm 40:5 - O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.

Deuteronomy 32:1-4 - “Listen, you heavens, and I will speak;

And let the earth hear the words of my mouth!

“May my teaching drip as the rain,

My speech trickle as the dew,

As droplets on the fresh grass,

And as the showers on the vegetation.

“For I proclaim the name of the LORD;

Ascribe greatness to our God!

“The Rock! His work is perfect,

For all His ways are just;

A God of faithfulness and without injustice,

Righteous and just is He.

1 Peter 2:9 - But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Let me present this question to you now.....

What are you Declaring or Proclaiming?

Are you Declaring reports of the problems you face or of the Excellencies of our God?

Are you like David, as you boldly face Goliath (what opposes you and attempts to defy you and cause you to draw back in fear as the Israelite army did)? Read 1 Samuel 17.

Are you like the Israelites in the Wilderness who constantly magnified the troubles or like Joshua and Caleb who proclaimed WHAT God said and WHO God is?

REMEMBER this vital Truth....those who Proclaim the Truth Those who stand firmly on the side of God, (Faith) regardless the circumstances..... They are the ones who experience the Power of God on their behalf.....the healing, the deliverance, the overwhelming Victory, !

That is a Bold statement, I know, but study the patterns and the words that were spoken by those in need throughout the Old and the New Testament. The pattern is obvious. The truth is clear.

Who IS Your God - 2??!!!

2021-01-23T16:05:00.008-08:00

So, Who IS Your God???

Deuteronomy 10:17 - "For the LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the Great God, the Mighty and Awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed.

Jeremiah 32:17 - Oh, Lord GOD! Behold, You Yourself have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You,

Acts 2:31 - And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name (character, fame, reputation) of the Lord shall (will) be saved.

Saved - Greek definition: rescue from injury or peril); to save a suffering one (from perishing), e. g. one suffering from disease, to make well, heal, restore to health: to make one a partaker of the salvation by Christ; heal, be made whole "safe"; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect (literally or figuratively) -- heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.

It does not matter what situation or circumstances you find yourself in, Your God is the Great God, Mighty and Awesome. There IS Nothing, NOT One thing, that is too difficult for Him. If you will call on who God IS, you Will be rescued from the trouble that is against you, whether spiritual or physical. Such a wonderful Promise and this is Not too difficult for our Awesome, Mighty Great God!!!

Continuing with "Who IS Your God???!!!!" alphabetically, in the days to come.

For now, remember Your God is Your Almighty God, Your Banner and Your Cornerstone.

Trust Him completely regardless what you face today. Remember Who Your God Is!!!! He will never fail you. Live by faith in Him (absolute trust and Confidence in Who Your God Is and What His Word says) today. Agree with Him. Speak Life not death or fear. There is Power in Your Words, too. He came to give you Life and Life more abundantly. What an Awesome God we serve!!!!!

Who IS Your God??!!!!

2021-01-21T09:06:00.007-08:00

Let's begin taking a look at who our God is.....

Almighty

Genesis 35:11 - Then God said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Be fruitful and multiply. You will become a great nation, even many nations. Kings will be among your descendants!

Revelations 11:17 - saying, “To You we give thanks, O Lord God Almighty [the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all], Who are and Who were, because You have taken Your great power and the sovereignty [which is rightly Yours] and have [now] begun to reign.

Job 34:12 - “Surely God will not act wickedly, Nor will the Almighty pervert justice.

Question: is the Lord God Almighty truly the Ruler of your life?

Banner

Exodus 17:15 - Moses built an altar there and named it Yahweh Nissi (which means “the LORD is my banner”).

Read Exodus 17:8-15... .as long as as Moses held up the rod of God, the Israelites succeeded. Afterwards, Moses built an altar, recognizing that it is God who is like unto the "rod of God" that we hold up. He is our Banner. We put Him forth and we succeed...

Question: Are you holding Jesus up as the Banner of your life.

Cornerstone

Ephesians 2:20 - Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.

1 Peter 2:6 - Forgot this is contained in Scripture: “BEHOLD, I AM LAYING IN ZION A CHOSEN STONE, A PRECIOUS (honored) CORNERSTONE, AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] WILL NEVER BE DISAPPOINTED [in his expectations].”

Isaiah 28:16 - Therefore the Lord GOD says this, “Listen carefully, I am laying in Zion a Stone, a tested Stone, A precious Cornerstone for the [secure] foundation, firmly placed. He who believes [who trusts in, relies on, and adheres to that Stone] will not be disturbed or give way [in sudden panic].

What does Cornerstone mean?

It is the rock upon which the weight of the entire structure rests. It is the cornerstone. Scripture describes Jesus as the "Chief Cornerstone" of our faith.

Question: is the entirety of your life totally dependent on Jesus? Is He your Cornerstone?

How's your perseverance???

2021-01-14T09:27:00.004-08:00

This morning I have been pondering the word "perserverance". I do have a particular fascination regarding the meaning of words. I figure if it is something I am to have and strive after, I had better understand what it is.

Perserverance definition:

5281 hypomonḗ (from 5259 /htpó, "under" and 3306 /ménō, "remain, endure") – properly, remaining under, endurance; steadfastness. A patient, steadfastness, constancy, endurance.

in the N. T. the characteristic of a man who is unswerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings:

2 Peter 1:3-11 - 3For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4For by these He has bestowed on us His precious and magnificent promises [of inexpressible value], so that by them you may escape from the immoral freedom that is in the world because of disreputable desire, and become sharers of the divine nature. 5For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding), 6and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, steadfastness (Perserverance), godliness, 7and in your godliness, brotherly affection, and in your brotherly affection, [develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit]. 8For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9For whoever lacks these qualities is blind--shortsighted [closing his spiritual eyes to the truth], having become oblivious to the fact that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by doing these things [actively developing these virtues], you will never stumble [in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin]; 11for in this way entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly provided to you.

In my pursuit to understand "Perserverance", I have gotten hung up in these verses in 2nd Peter. I am attempting to pick out main points in these verses to emphasize them, but finding it quite difficult to do so. Every word is essential. I think it wise to ponder these verses and ask yourself, "How am I doing increasing these values in my life? Am I headed to spiritual maturity or, alternatively, am I lacking the qualities listed and I am actually closing my spiritual eyes to the truth and stumbling?

Since it was the word "Perserverance" that started this entire investigation this morning, I will briefly pursue that thought with some questions:

Since Perserverance means endurance and steadfastness and constancy. Unswerving from your loyalty to faith or your loyalty to keeping steady in trusting God in the midst of troubles and suffering. My main question is: How are you doing in regard to that? Are you blind to spiritual things? Are you building on sand or on a solid rock? Are you quickly sinking in the storm by being distracted by the wind and waves? Are you steady with your eyes on Jesus? When trouble hits, are you quickly bailing out on God or are you faithfully Stickin' with Jesus, who is the Truth, the Word of God?

Do you have the knowledge that you are sharers of the divine nature? Do you know that for this very reason, you must apply your diligence [to the divine promises, and make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to develop Perserverance along with all the other attributes to be sharers of His divine nature.

How steady and constant are you in your confidence toward God (faith) when trouble comes? When you evaluate yourself and if you find these qualities lacking, know this: His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, and make every effort to add these characteristics, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, develop moral excellence, knowledge (insight, self-control, steadfastness (Perserverance), godliness, brotherly affection, and [develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit].

Know this: if these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. So, apply diligence and every effort to increase in these characteristics and grow spiritually. Where you are regarding these characteristics reflects where you are in your relationship with Christ and remember...we are headed for an eternal kingdom. This is no small potatoes. Pay attention. Apply diligence.

Counsel for today

2021-01-12T10:42:00.002-08:00

This morning I was reading Psalm Chapter 50 from several translations. Some very interesting things caught my attention.

Please read Psalm 50. I will only point out the things that impacted me the most. I am certain as you ponder the words in these verses, you will see things that I will not be commenting on.

Verse 11: “I know every bird of the mountains....

This reminds me of the song "His eye is on the sparrow". It is very reassuring that since He knows every bird of the mountain, how much more does He know what is going on with me and cares.

Psalm 33:18 - Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,

1 Peter 3:12 - The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the LORD turns his face against those who do evil.”

2 Chronicles 16:9 -
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.”

Matthew 10:29-31 -

What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows

Verse 14: “Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving and pay your vows to the Most High;

Thanksgiving is the sacrifice God desires. How much Thanks do we give God, particularly when things are not going the way we think they should be? Remember, it is a sacrifice!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Psalm 107:20-22 - He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death. Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and sing joyfully about his glorious acts.

Philippians 4:6 - Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Psalm 69:30 - I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.

So, Magnify the Lord today.....with Thanksgiving.

Verse 15: Call on Me in the day of trouble;

I will rescue you, and you shall honor and glorify Me.”

Some valuable instructions....Call on the Lord in the time of trouble!!!

Wonderful Promise....God Himself will rescue me!!!

Our response.....honor and glorify God!

Verse 16 - But, to the wicked God says: “What right have you to recite My statutes

Or to take My covenant on your lips?

Hmmmm, that verse tells me that the wicked have no right to God's Word or right to speak God's Covenant. But, I am not wicked. I am Righteous before God, as a gift from God. So, I have a right to speak God's Word and speak of the covenant I have with Him. Look at these translations:

Good News Translation
But God says to the wicked, "Why should you recite my commandments? Why should you talk about my covenant?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But God says to wicked people, "How dare you quote my decrees and mouth my promises!

Notice the words: talk, speak, recite, quote, lips.....those words are not there by accident.

Hebrews 8:6 - But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.

So.....what is in my mouth???

Verse 17 -“For you hate instruction and discipline and cast My words behind you [discarding them].

How are we dealing with instruction, discipline from God? What are we doing about God's Word????

Proverbs 7:1- My son, keep my words And treasure my commandments within you [so they are readily available to guide you].

Job 23:12 - I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food.

Proverbs 2:1-8 - My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Verse 23 - "He who offers a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving honors Me;

And to him who orders his way rightly [who follows the way that I show him],

I shall show the salvation of God.”

Salvation definition: deliverance, rescue, salvation, safety, welfare

Sounds wonderful to me!!!

Peace, Peace in Times of Trouble

2021-01-08T08:31:00.007-08:00

What do you do in Times of Trouble? How do you find Peace, let alone Peace, Peace in the midst of chaos and evil????

Irregardless, what situation we find ourselves in, whether political, physical trauma, disease, financial problems, relational distress....it doesn"t matter the problem, beaten with rocks or with rods, shipwrecked, hunger, shivering in the cold, storms, injustice and left to die ... It Does Not matter what the issue is....How we respond is a thermometer that shows where we are in our relationship with God.

Now, listen up! Don't get mad, defensive and shut out what I am saying! Look at the vast number of Israelites who so easily and quickly went against God continually after they were delivered from Eqypt by the mighty hand of God and they turned against their leader who had led them out of bondage. Only 2 (Joshua and Caleb) plus Moses stuck with God and His Word.

The more you know God the easier it gets to hold steady to His Word in terrible times of trouble. The more you spend time with Him and get to know Him, His nature, His character and His Word, the more your confidence (faith) in Him grows.

Through your life experiences you've watched and seen the awesome ways He has worked again and again. Many look only at the negative reports of what has happened when the devil has momentarily gotten the upper hand and even blame God for the trouble, but we must know Who our God really is. We must know that He is a Good God, a Just and Righteous God. As His children He is For us and Not Against us. He is Mighty on our behalf and does exceedingly, abundantly and above ALL we can Ask or think. Psalm 103:8 tells us that

The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. God tells us that the wicked will fall by their own devices, be entangled in the nets they themselves have laid and fall into the traps they themselves have out. Their evil deeds will be found out and Justice will prevail. God's Word is true. God Is Not a liar! It is Impossible for Him to Lie! DO NOT CALL HIM A LIAR!!!!! Expect His Word to come to pass. His Word never fails. God IS Faithfull

As you learn and grow in your relationship with God, you trust Him more and have more confidence to hold fast to Him in terrible times, but it still take commitment and FOCUS!

Isaiah 26:3 says: You keep him in perfect peace (peace, peace) whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Where will your thoughts be if you are really trusting God? Your thoughts will be Stayed, Fixed on, God and His Word. Immovable from the truth. That is how you will remain in Great Peace in the midst of the worst situations and negative reports. You have your report from God. His report outranks and outweighs every other report regardless how it looks, feels or reports to the contrary. We must Know what a Mighty, Powerful and Awesome God we serve!!!! Do Not lose your Awe of God in the midst of the trouble! It goes back to taking charge of your thinking and making your thoughts and words stick to what God says. 2 Corinthians 10:5; Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8. As you meditate on God's Word and Practice being a Doer of His Word not a hearer only. James 1:25, you will get more and more confident that God IS who He says He is and He Will do what He says He will do. You will see awesome things in your life as you watch and see what God will do!!!!!

There is far more going on in the spiritual realm, good and evil, than we can see. We must know that God is working even and especially when we cannot see it and when evil, unrighteousness and all forms of demonic actions, deception and lies and media and negative medical reports are working overtime to take precedent over everything. Know this: if what you are seeing, thinking and feeling stirs you up negatively and makes fear and disruption that depresses you, it is not God. If it is working to steal, kill and destroy, it is NOT God! God works for Peace, Righteousness, Joy, and Justice, Healing and Restoration .... all things GOOD! He IS at work regardless of how it appears. Don't be a fearful, faithless Israelites who caves in on God in the rough times, thereby missing out on what God is working out. Choose to stick with God. Are you being carnally minded or spiritually minded? Romans 8:6-9. Believe what he says and make yourself be found faithful. God has not turned away. Fight with Him, not against Him. Fighting against Him is only taking your stand with those that are evil. Keep fighting. Hold Fast to God and His Word and watch and see what God will do!

Joshua 4:21-24 Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future your children will ask, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the LORD your God dried up the river right before your eyes, and he kept it dry until you were all across, just as he did at the Red Sea when he dried it up until we had all crossed over. He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the LORD’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the LORD your God forever.”

Never lose your Awe of God

2021-01-03T16:14:00.006-08:00

For a few days this thought has been rolling around in my mind, "Never lose your Awe of God".

I wondered then, "What does "Awe" mean? You know me, curious, right? I think I have a pretty good idea what the word "Awe" means, but I want to be certain that I really know, you know..... just in case there is more to it than I really know....most of the time there is. It's always exciting to investigate!!!

Awe - OT translated revere, to turn aside from the road, fear

Awe - NT reverence; respect, fear

In a rather quick study of having the Awe of God, I
saw three things regarding how people respond to the Awe of God.

#1. People see signs and wonders and the are filled with Awe of God and then they praise God

Luke 5:24-26
Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”
And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God. Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”

Acts 3:1-10
One day Peter and John were going up to the Temple for the hour of prayer—the ninth hour—and, just then, some men were carrying there one who had been lame from birth, whom they were wont to place every day close to the Beautiful Gate (as it was called) Seeing Peter and John about to go into the Temple, he asked them for alms. Peter fixing his eyes on him, as John did also, said, "Look at us." So he looked and waited, expecting to receive something from them. "I have no silver or gold," Peter said, "but what I have, I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene— walk!" Then taking his hand Peter lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were strengthened. Leaping up, he stood upright and began to walk, and went into the Temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God; and recognizing him as the man who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple asking for alms, they were filled with awe and amazement at what had happened to him.

#2. Many references speak of the multitudes of signs and wonders that God did before Pharaoh and for the Israelites. Although they praised God upon seeing and experiencing the marvelous things that God did, their "Awe" of God was quickly lost. They complained, whined and murmured against God and did not remember the miracles he had done. How quickly they forgot the awesomeness of God and His power on their behalf. Read Psalm 78.

Psalm 78:42

They did not remember [the miracles worked by] His [powerful] hand, Nor the day when He redeemed them from the enemy,

Hebrews 12:28
Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, and offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship with reverence and awe;

#3. David was an excellent example of how I see we should be. He remained in Awe of God and Praised God in whatever situation he found himself. His reverence and Awe of God preceded the miracles he experienced. We, as children of God, should hold to the Awesomeness of God. We should remember all He has done for us. Must we wait for signs and wonders to be in Awe of God, then quickly complain when things are not going as we think they ought to? Perhaps our continual Awe of God will precede the power of God on our behalf!

Acts 2:43
A sense of awe was felt by everyone, and many wonders and signs (attesting miracles) were taking place through the apostles.

Read and ponder the following verses and never lose your Awe of God. He is the Great, Mighty and Awesome God forever and always whether we are seeing His power on our behalf at the moment or not!!!!

Malachi 2:5
“The purpose of my covenant with the Levites was to bring life and peace, and that is what I gave them. This required reverence from them, and they greatly revered me and stood in awe of my name.

Job 37:24
No wonder people everywhere fear him. All who are wise show him reverence.”

Message 37:23-24
“Mighty God! Far beyond our reach!
Unsurpassable in power and justice!
It’s unthinkable that he’d treat anyone unfairly.
So bow to him in deep reverence, one and all! If you’re wise, you’ll most certainly worship him.”

Psalm 33:8
Let the whole world fear the LORD, and let everyone stand in awe of him.

Psalm 119:160-162
The sum of Your word is truth [the full meaning of all Your precepts], And every one of Your righteous ordinances endures forever. Princes persecute me without cause, But my heart stands in [reverent] awe of Your words [so I can expect You to help me]. I rejoice at Your word, As one who finds great treasure.

Revelations 15:4
Who will not stand in awe of you, Lord? Who will refuse to declare your greatness? You alone are holy. All the nations will come and worship you, because your just actions are seen by all."

Be Who YOU Be - 2

2020-12-17T06:40:00.004-08:00

"Be Who YOU Be" is a thought far deeper and life-changing than I ever realized when I first"heard" it. I had no idea what would happen from the place I was with the grieving question, "But, Who do I Be?" "I don't KNOW Who I Be!!!! Father, show me Who I Am!"

I AM LOVED By GOD Himself!!! That is WHO I Be!!!!

Well, who doesn't Know that???

There are at least two basic aspects of "Knowing". Of course I knew that, "Jesus Loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so." I mentally have known that from memory as a child in Sunday School.

But, have I "Known" what that really means?Do I comprehend how that knowledge really impacts my life? What level of knowledge of God's Love for me do I really have? It is somewhat like, 'Do you know so and so?" "Sure, isn't she the one with the long blonde hair that works at the front desk at....?" and, "Do you know Duane Krieger?" "Sure, he is my husband. We've been married for, ahhhhh, 38 years. Yes, 38 years! The level of "Knowing" is drastically different.

I suggest that our level of knowledge of God's Love for us drastically affects our understanding of God, consequently, affecting our response to God. I used to respond to God sort of like an abused dog, cowering within myself, thinking God was ready to punish or condemn me at any time for even the slightest fault.

One of the most powerful thoughts I have had regarding this was one day when I was meditating on Matthew Chapter 14 where Peter was walking on the water toward Jesus. Peter saw the wind and became frightened and began to sink. Verse 31 tells us that, "Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him."

Probably most would never have the eye-opening revelation like what I had that day, but we all interpret things according to our past in many ways. I thought, "Jesus didn't hold Peter's head underwater yelling at him, chewing him out about his lacking of faith." NO!!!!! No, No, No!!!!! NEVER! IMMEDIATELY Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed Peter and got him to safety. He Loved Peter so much that He immediately rescued him. Yes, he corrected him, but not by holding his head underwater.

More and More, as I grow in my "marriage" relationship to God, I am seeing and "knowing" Him more and more accurately. Things I used to think God would do, or heard other people say that God would do, I realize cannot be true, because He LOVES Me.

Ponder the following scriptures and find more that tell you about the Love your Father has for you. Allow the "Truth" to permeate deep within you and pray He will expose the lies you have embraced and see you Father as He is... Deeply devoted to you!

1 John 3:1 - See how very much your Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.

Ephesians 3:17- 19 - And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love, be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]; and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].

Ephesians 2:4-5 - But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)

Psalm 145:8 - The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion.

Psalm 103:8 - The LORD is merciful and loving, slow to become angry and full of constant love.

Psalm 85:13 - for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death.

Lamentations 3:22 - The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease.

Ephesians 1:5-6 - For it was always in his perfect plan to adopt us as his delightful children, through our union with Jesus, the Anointed One, so that his tremendous love that cascades over us would glorify his grace—for the same love he has for his Beloved One, Jesus, he has for us. And this unfolding plan brings him great pleasure!

Think about THAT for a while, why don't you!!!!

And....."Be Who YOU Be.....Loved by your Father with the Same Love He has for His Beloved One! " Be Loved because that IS Who YOU Be!!!

Be Who YOU Be

2020-12-14T10:16:00.004-08:00

You have heard me mention this little statement "Be Who You Be" many times in my writings. It ranks in the top of impacting statements that are life changing to me. As I learn, I find out more and more about "Who I Be". The bottom line and the essence of that statement is that "I am who God says I am" and that's the final answer.

I first heard with my physical ears the statement "Be Who You Be" on a TV program called "JAG". It wasn't the physical hearing with my ears that was the issue, it was the way that statement ricocheted through my entire being then and for days and weeks to follow. I knew God was getting my attention as that statement continued to echo within me. Even now, years later, it still impacts me. I know that it is a statement from God to me. I believe, to the entire world.

At first it was an exciting statement, but after pondering for awhile, I became concerned as this question, "Who do I Be?" rattled me. I did not know the answer to "Who am I?" How can I "Be Who I Be" IF I do not know Who I am???? That was a serious problem to me, especially since I know it was God telling me to "Be Who I Be!!!!

Over the years there has been an ongoing flow of answers to that question, far more than the basic, yet profound answer, "I am a child of God"

The first things that really got my attention and began a change in me are these simple truths....Notice, I say, "Truths". That word, "Truth" is key to "Be Who You Be". We believe lots of things, we would say anything we believe is True, because we "believe" it. However, Truth be told, the only "Truth" is what God says. Anything else we call True, is subject to change. God's Word is unchanging, Hebrews 6:18. His Word will never change. His Word is Jesus, the same yesterday, today and forever. If what I think does not agree with what God says it is not the Truth. In fact, if it is not the Truth, it is a lie. Sadly, we believe a lot of lies that we call truth. The devil has effectively deceived us and we have accepted his statements as True to us. We don't even realize it. We are told and replay the lies in our minds and hearts for so long that they can only be exposed by the real and only Truth, The Word of God. John 17:17 "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth." The Holy Spirit enlightens our understanding Ephesians 1:17-18, and as we begin to renew our mind to God's way of thinking, The Truth, we are changed more and more into the likeness of Christ. Ephesians 4:23-24.

Ooooops, that was a detour..... a very, very necessary one....back to the first simple "Truths" that changed my life..... I am Accepted by God, Approved of by God and Adopted by God and it is His pleasure to do that. He wanted me so much that He adopted me and Chose me to be His very own. He actually really wants Me....He wants you, too.

Ephesians 1:5-6

For it was always in his perfect plan to adopt us as his delightful children, through our union with Jesus, the Anointed One, so that his tremendous love that cascades over us would glorify his grace—for the same love he has for his Beloved One, Jesus, he has for us. And this unfolding plan brings him great pleasure!

Psalm 119:18

Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.

Honestly, I didn't even get to what I was planning on sharing today, but it is a good start with lots of life changing "Truths" to ponder on. Perhaps the three aspects along the line of "Be Who YOU BE" that I had intended to share will be three more posts in the upcoming days!!!!

Pay Attention!!!!

2020-11-23T10:01:00.007-08:00

Yesterday I heard from the pulpit a statement that made me frustrated, actually angry. I must address it. I cannot be silent.

This is the statement and I quote, "How does it look for somebody who just really trusts God and now they have a diagnosis with cancer and they don't know if they're going to make it."

Many would respond to that statement and my frustration with a comeback like, "What's wrong with that?"

Here's what is wrong with that statement and you may quote me, "If you really trust God and you get a diagnosis of cancer or any other negative report, your response, IF you Really trust God, will Never, EVER be to wonder IF you are going to make it."

How can you say that???? You say, "I know many, many people who were Christians, loved God and died of cancer. Yes, and so do I. Why????

Many, many people will instantly get on my case and accuse me of putting them under condemnation and accusing them of not having enough faith. Of judging them and being too radical. Go ahead with your arguments and justification for your reasoning. But, at least give me your ear to present my case.

True trust in God does not have an end or a limit of how far it will go. Trusting God continues and fights all the harder in the face of a diagnosis of cancer or any other negative report. There is nothing greater or more powerful than our God. Nothing is too difficult for Him. Nothing is impossible with God.

"But", many argue, "Maybe God wants to Teach me something through this. Perhaps this is His will for me. God needs another angel....Those arguments are evidence of man's lack of knowledge concerning spiritual things. You give me the scriptures to prove any of those ideas. In the meantime, let me give you God's point of view.

Psalm 34:4-7 - I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.

Exodus 15:26 - I am the LORD that heals you.

Malachi 3:6 - For I am the LORD, I change not

Jehovah Rapha - The Lord who Heals.

Jehovah "The Existing One"

Rapha - 'To Restore" "To Heal"

Jehovah is the great physician who heals the physical and emotional needs of his people.

Isaiah 53:5 - But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Peace = well, favor, friend, great, good health, perfect,

shalom, safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace -- X do, familiar, X fare, favour, + friend, X great, (good) health, (X perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, (X all is, be) well, X wholly.

We are healed = cure, cause to heal, physician, repair, thoroughly, make whole

Or raphah {raw-faw'}; a primitive root; properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e. (figuratively) to cure -- cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, X thoroughly, make whole. See raphah

Matthew 8:16-17 - This was to fulfill what was declared by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "It was he who took our illnesses away and removed our diseases."

1 Peter 2:24 - He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Answer me this - how is it that we have no problem believing the first part of Isaiah 53:5

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities"

and the first part of 1 Peter 2:24

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness..

Yet when it comes to the second parts of each verse we believe lies and make up our own doctrines in attempt to comfort ourselves and attempt to explain what we don't understand?

Tell me this ....do you understand how it can be that Jesus paid the price by the shedding of his blood to forgive and cleanse us from our sins. If you were honest, you would answer, "No, I don't understand, I just believe it by faith."

So, why is it any different for the second part. "By his wounds you have been healed."

We make it difficult because we do the very same thing today as the people from Jesus' own hometown where Jesus could do no mighty work because they would not believe. Mark 6:2-5. They couldn't get past what they had seen and knew naturally. He was just a carpenters son, i.e.,the reports show I have cancer. They were not in a position to receive because the would not believe.

If you had eyes to see, you would see beyond the natural into the Word of God (spiritual) Jeremiah 5:21 and value God's Word more true and powerful than ANY other report to the contrary. You would continue to "Really Trust" God in spite of all other reports and things you visually and physically see and experience.

Your response identifies whether you are carnal or spiritual Romans 8:6. Your response to difficulty shows your soil quality. Mark 4:4-9; Matthew 13:3-9

If you are Truly Trusting God, You will fight to stand with God, 1 Timothy 6:12. You will not cave in, not knowing if you will live or die. Hebrews 10:38; Luke 18:1. You will KNOW the Truth and the Truth that you know will make you free!!! You will fight to not let go of The Truth that sets you Free. Joshua 23:8-13, this is extremely applicable to what we are talking about. John 8:31-32. You will KNOW Your God is still the Lord that heals you. You will know He cannot lie. Therefore, it has to be, that the situation must change. I am the Healed for Jesus really did bear my sicknesses and He really did carry my diseases and it IS really true that By His stripes I am healed. This is the faith (the Truly Trusting God), that changes my situation. Then I continue to cast down every thought and argument that opposes the Word of God and make my thoughts come into agreement with what God says. 2 Corinthians 10:5.

Regardless of how things look naturally. Regardless of how it feels. Regardless of any reports to the contrary. You hold fast to God's Report. His report is true and He is Faithful. He will fulfill His Word to us. Our job, "Only believe" John 7:50; Mark 5:36.

Your Faith (confidence in God, Truly Trusting God) will prove itself to be the Substance that is needed to bring the supernatural into your natural, Hebrews 11:1 thus changing your natural circumstances. You will KNOW beyond a shadow of doubt that you will live and not die. Psalm 117:18

You will KNOW that your situation will change and you will be green and full of sap, full of vitality and fruitful in your old age Psalm 92:14. You will be confident that you will live a long and satisfied life. Psalm 91:16. You will know that the troubles you currently face are Only Temporary. Why? Because your Bible tells you so! He sent His Word and delivered me from all of my troubles. Psalm 107:20.

Warning, Warning! Warning! Pay Attention to the Word of God. Be on guard against things that are taught that sound good, but are actually not in agreement with Who God is and What His Word says. Do not be destroyed because you lack knowledge of the Truth or are not diligent to search the scriptures to be sure what you are being taught/believing us the Truth not doctrines if man, opinion or experiences that do not agree with God.

Ponder these verses...

2 Peter 2:1

1 Timothy 4:16

John 10:10

Read the Gospels and see how Jesus went about teaching, preaching and healing the sick. Remember, He only said what He heard His Father say and He only did what He saw His Father do. Remember, He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:7 He never changes. What He did for me He will do for you!!!!

Acts 17:11

Psalm 103:2-5

James 1:2-8

Psalm 54:7

Psalm Chapter 34

Psalm Chapter 18....ponder what lengths God would go through to rescue me, if He needed to

2 Timothy 3:11

Attention!!!!

2020-11-20T07:42:00.003-08:00

Yesterday I was frustrated, irritated, distracted, annoyed or something on that order. Something wasn't right and I didn't know how to explain what was going on or what to do.

So, I started to read my Bible and my thoughts went to the word "attention". Like usual, my curiosity spiked and I began to look up scriptures with the word attention in them. This is some of what I found:

Proverbs 4:20-23 - My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life

Proverbs 4:1 - Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father, And give attention that you may gain understanding, For I give you sound teaching; Do not abandon my instruction.

Proverbs 5:1 - My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel.

Proverbs 7:1-4 - My son, keep (pay attention) my words And treasure my commandments within you [so they are readily available to guide you].

Keep my commandments and live,
And keep my teaching and law as the apple of your eye.
3
Bind them [securely] on your fingers;
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4
Say to [skillful and godly] wisdom, “You are my sister,”
And regard understanding and intelligent insight as your intimate friends;

As I read those verses I realized they were not telling me something that was optional or just a good idea. They weren't even words of encouragement. These were warnings to me.

The clincher for me was found here:

Hebrews 2:1 - For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.

Pay close attention to God's Word.

Why?

So we do not drift away from it.

Then I saw my problem.

What? you ask....

Here it is..... Coronavirus issues, mask rules, distancing rules, Thanksgiving rules, rules for group meetings, schools, churches, election fraud issues, job issues, threats of closing the country, fears of many people, fake news, false teachers.....need I continue? Distractions, distractions, distractions .....everywhere I turn....Distractions.

Here's the warning....do not be distracted by all of the things that so easily lead us astray!!! Pay Attention to God's Word. If you don't it is not at all difficult to drift away from it.

Why would that really be an issue? It seems like distractions are commonplace among many... How often do I hear Christians say, "I know I need to spend time with God, but I have been so busy. I just haven't had time".

Let me ask these questions...how much time have you spent feeding your physical body, but left your Spirit man hungry? How much time have you spend watching the news, worse yet watching "fake" news, yet put the Truth aside? How many other things have we placed as priorities in our lives that really are nothing more than distractions from the truth that brings life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.

Are those distractions leading us to drift away from getting truth planted deep within our hearts? Apparently, God knows this is a serious issue Something we should Pay Attention to.

As I read and reread Hebrew 2:1 - For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.

I asked the question, "For what reason?" What is the reason?

Hebrews 1:14 clarifies this issue....Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

The reason for me to Pay Attention to getting God's Word planted deeply into my heart and not being distracted so that I do not drift away is because I am one who Jesus died for, so I will inherit salvation.

How am I treating that? How am I treating my Savior? How am I treating the Word who was made flesh?

Pay Attention!!!

Stay in the fight!

2020-11-18T10:42:00.002-08:00

Stay in the fight = You Win!😊

Cave in, Give up and Quit = You Lose!🙄

I talked a little about this yesterday, but I need to rub it in to me a little deeper, so you get it, too!

Ephesians 6:12 - Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil]; take hold of the eternal life (the life as God has it and given to us now and in the future) to which you were called, and [for which] you made the good confession [of faith] in the presence of many witnesses.

This life is a fight of faith. The evil, enemy forces are constantly exercising their strategies to get us off of our fight to live by faith, i.e. to get us to not maintain our confidence in Who our God is and What our God says.

The enemy's tactics have been obvious since the very beginning. His efforts succeeded with Adam and Eve with just the simple statement, "Did God say???" Directing their thoughts off of what God really DID say onto something alternatively before their eyes.

People have continued to be led away from their confidence in God since then. The Israelites were some of the most consistently Inconsistent people written about in the Bible. Finally, after 430 years of slavery to Egyptian rule, they are rescued. Amazing plagues had affected the Eqyptians, but not the Israelites. The Israelites are freed and sent out loaded with silver, gold.....

Exodus 12:35-38 - The Israelites did what Moses had told them and asked the Egyptians for gold and silver jewelry and for clothes. The LORD made the Egyptians generous to the people, and they gave them what they asked for. So the Israelites stripped Egypt of its wealth.

That night the people of Israel left Rameses and started for Succoth. There were about 600,000 men, plus all the women and childrens. A rabble of non-Israelites went with them, along with great flocks and herds of livestock.

Wow!!! What a rescue! Psalm 105:37 gives us us yet more detail....He also brought them out with silver and gold, And there was none feeble (not one unfit for the march or military duty)!!!

Question?: Were they all strong and fit because they had partaken of the Passover Lamb???

Take note now, as we move forward with the Israelites as they come to the Red Sea, blocked in by sea, mountains and the Egyptians chasing after them, their quick turn from the magnificent God who had very recently and powerfully delivered them from bondage to caving in because of their predicament.

Think of how Jesus has freed us from bondage. Compare ourselves, our attitude, words and behavior when facing difficulty, to that of the Israelites....

Exodus 14:10-12- As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the LORD, and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’”

Like the Israelites, how quickly do we turn from our solid stand in faith (confidence) toward God and what He says when we face a predicament?

Here is God's Word to the Israelites on the outset of their deliverance....

Exodus 3:17 - I have promised to rescue you from your oppression in Egypt. I will lead you to a land flowing with milk and honey

Exodus 12:25 - When you enter the land the LORD has promised to give you, you will continue to observe this ceremony.

Exodus 13:11 - “This is what you must do when the LORD fulfills the promise he swore to you and to your ancestors. When he gives you the land where the Canaanites now live,

Didn't they remember the promise God gave them? Didn't they respect God, honor Him and believe what He said, that they so quickly give up?

Do we?????

It is my observation and opinion that the number 1 problem in many Christians today is not knowing for certain what God says and if they do, then sticking with it no matter what gets in our way!

Hosea 4:6 - My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge...

What? Rejected knowledge?????

Hosea 4:1 - Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

Hosea 4:4 - For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Moving on with the Israelites, as they were trapped by sea, mountains and Egyptians, they were whining, complaining, ready to turn back and Give in to the enemy. Then Moses tells them in Exodus 14:13 - And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.

Here's how you take down an enemy attack:

1. Fear Not

2. Stand firm

3. Stay in the fight, don't turn back.

Here's the outcome:

1. See the salvation (rescue, deliverance) of the Lord.

2. Know God is working today.

2. This enemy you see today, you shall never see again.

Most know this ongoing story of the Israelites travels in the Wilderness. They have a constant repetoire of inconsistencies in their relationship with God. They would not stick with God. They were not interested in going up the mountain with God. They whined and complained and the bottom line was that they were unfaithful to God.

When they had gone into the Promised land to inspect it, the majority came back with an opposing report to God's Promise. They essentially said, "we cannot take this Land". Joshua and Caleb said, essentially, "we can take this land. God said it is ours and He is with us"

Numbers 14:11 - God responded, and the LORD said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them?"

Read verses 12- 19 to see Moses intervene and change God's mind about destroying His people.

Don't tell me there is no power in prayer!

Numbers 14:20-25 - Then the LORD said, “I will pardon them as you have requested. But as surely as I live, and as surely as the earth is filled with the LORD’s glory, not one of these people will ever enter that land. They have all seen my glorious presence and the miraculous signs I performed both in Egypt and in the wilderness, but again and again they have tested me by refusing to listen to my voice. They will never even see the land I swore to give their ancestors. None of those who have treated me with contempt will ever see it. But my servant Caleb has a different attitude than the others have. He has remained loyal to me, so I will bring him into the land he explored. His descendants will possess their full share of that land. Now turn around, and don’t go on toward the land where the Amalekites and Canaanites live. Tomorrow you must set out for the wilderness in the direction of the Red Sea.”

Take special notice that only those that remained loyal to God, Joshua and Caleb, partook of what God had promised to all of the Israelites. All of the others essentially forfeited their inheritance because they did not Stand or remain faithful to God. They refused to listen to {keep in sync with) the voice (Word) of God. They did not enter into what God had for them. They treated God with contempt. Please, look at this whole issue with the same view as God has. This is some serious stuff. God is the same today! How are we treating God? What are we missing out on because of our behavior?

This is getting to be a long post. I hope you are understanding clearly, what I am seeing.....standing firmly, faithfully in our faith in God and His Word, is not a small, unimportant, no big deal to God, issue. To say, "God understands" as an excuse for not pursuing and not believing God's character or what God says, is actually a stupid attitude. If we are constantly living in defeat and/or never advancing in the promises of God, my questions are:

How am I Standing?

Am I staying in the fight?

What is God saying to me in His Word?

Am I treating God with contempt (to scorn; abhor, (give occasion to - blaspheme, contemn, despise, provoke). ????

Where is my confidence?

What is moving me? Fear or the enemy? Distrust in God?

What do I need to change?

What am I saying?

How do I resemble the Israelites?

Am I responding to God like Joshua and Caleb did at the Promises Land?

A dear friend of mine wrote to me this morning in response to my post yesterday and Galatians 5:1...

"if we could learn to stand firm we would not always get "tangled up"!"

Powerful and true! Ponder your "Stand".

Staying in the fight Requires Standing firm in the faith that we are to live by. Without that Standing Faith we are defeated and we are not pleasing to God.

Hebrews 11:6 - But where there is no faith it is impossible truly to please Him; for the man who draws near to God must believe that there is a God and that He proves Himself a rewarder of those who earnestly try to find Him.

Hebrews 11:6 Amplified Bible - But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.

Read and ponder the following verses...

1 Corinthians 9:25
Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.

Philippians 3:12
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been perfected, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

1 Timothy 1:18
Timothy, my child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you, so that by them you may fight the good fight,

1 Timothy 1:19
holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and thereby shipwrecked their faith.

1 Timothy 6:19
treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Psalm 73:28

But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord god, that I may declare all thy works.

2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Jude 1:3
Beloved, although I made every effort to write you about the salvation we share, I felt it necessary to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints.

Zechariah 10:5
And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.

Read Jeremiah Chapter 5

Get an open/shut case

2020-11-17T10:34:00.002-08:00

What is an open/shut case?

A legal case or other matter that is easy to prove or decide because the facts are very clear.

Topic:

STAND.

JUST STAND!

What does Stand mean?

Webster's 1828 Dictionary: to stay in a specified position. Persist or persevere. To continue unchanged. To be fixed or set; steadfast. To continue to endure. To be at a stationary point. To be on its foundation not to be overthrown or demolished.

The Greek Dictionary has the same meaning.

Stand How?

Stand Why?

Stand When?

Stand Where?

Ephesians 6:10-18

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. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Stand How?

• Strong in the Lord.

• Firm. Immovable.

• Stand your ground. Don't be moved from your solid position.

1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable.

Colossians 2:5 - For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.

• Wearing the full armor of God.

Stand Why?

• We are fighting against evil powers in unseen realms.

• So we can resist the strategies of enemy in the time of evil.

• So, when the battle has ended you will still be standing.

Stand When?

• All the time, be ready!

Luke 21:36 - But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Luke 4:13 - And when the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.

Philippians 4:1 - Therefore my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.

2 Thessalonians 2:15 - With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.

Stand Where?

• Strong in the Lord

• Firm in faith, in the stability of your faith

Colossians 2:5 - For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.

1 Corinthians 16:13 - Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong

1 Peter 5:9 - But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.

This morning, I was pondering these things. Stand How? Why? When? Where?

These are the things I thought....

HOW? I wouldn't be doing very well if I was not standing firm. Standing wobbly is not much of a stand. In that position I am easily knocked down. I must stand firmly fixed in position.

WHY? Seemed pretty obvious and not at all surprising. We have enemy forces that we cannot physically see, but their efforts are clearly seen. They have strategies to take us down and cause us to no longer be strong in the Lord or firm in our faith. Really, what impact can we be for good and Righteousness wuthout being strong in the Lord and standing firm in our faith.

WHEN? So, my question was, "when is the enemy going to be on attack?" Who knows? Whenever he sees an opportunity....so, I must be on guard. Stay alert, firm in faith and remain strong in the Lord at all times, fully in the armor God gives me.

WHERE? Yes, of course....strong in the Lord and firm in faith. But what does that mean practically? How does that look. How do I get in that position and how do I stay there?

It must be a big deal since many of the seven churches in Revelation had issues with some aspect of staying strong in the Lord and remaining firm in faith, not going off track by many things. Read Revelations Chapters 2 and 3 and identify the issues that pertain to Standing Strong in the Lord and Firm in faith. Additionally, read Luke 8:11-15 and ponder how this applies to "Standing".

The final thing that I thought about regarding this issue of standing relates to How do I know Where exactly to Stand?

This seems to be a big issue with many people, Christian and Non -Christian alike. There seems, in many people's mind, a lack of clarity regarding where is the right place to stand?

The short answer is: "Stand where Jesus stands". Where is that? "Stand in agreement with the Word of God". Until you know God's position regarding any issue you will not have a case in which to stand solidly.

You have an opinion. You may have particular feelings or arguments on which you base your "Stand". However, without knowing what God has to say and Standing firmly on that knowledge you are on unstable ground, with no evidence to base your case and cause those enemy powers to flee.

Study God's Word to know that you know His position on any given issue. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth and Pray for wisdom, understanding and insight into God viewpoint. His ways are the only right ways. They are the only ways to be able to remain on solid ground and come out victorious. Do not go with any arguments, doctrines of man, opinions, feelings or what others say or how it looks to make up your mind regarding where to Stand. The only answer that works is the answer God has. If you search for His answer, you will find His answer. Then, Stand, immovable, steady and unshaken in agreement with God, firm in your confident trust in Him. You have the evidence of the right way to stand. You have an open/shut case. No arguments can prevail You are now on His side, Standing. Who then can succeed in their efforts of opposing you?

Why Rejoice?

2020-11-16T10:36:00.005-08:00

Do you ever wake up grumpy? Even if you have no particular reason to be grumpy, suddenly you can think of plenty of reasons for an attitude that is far less than "Rejoicing".

So, this morning, with encouragement from my dear friend, I began to wonder, "Why Rejoice?"

#1. Simply because we are instructed to do so.

Philippians 4:4

KJV - Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Good News Version - May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice!

International Standard Version - Keep on rejoicing in the Lord at all times. I will say it again: Keep on rejoicing!

Rejoice Definition: be glad, favorably disposed- leaning toward God to delight in God's grace. Be consciously glad for His Grace.

The Message Bible: Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him!

1 Thessalonians 5:16 - Rejoice at ALL times!

#2. It is fitting, it becometh, it is suitable, it is beautiful for the ones who are Righteous to Rejoice in the Lord.

Psalm 33:1 - Rejoice in the LORD, O righteous ones; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him.

Psalm 146:1 - Praise the LORD! How good to sing praises to our God! How delightful and how fitting!

#3. Being reminded to Rejoice in the Lord is a safeguard for us, for our faith.

Philippians 3:1 - Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith.

#4. Rejoicing in the Lord keeps us from depending on flesh (human efforts).

Philippians 3:3 - For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,

#5. No matter how it appears, we Rejoice in hope, which is our confident expectation that God is at work in our situation to do good and fulfill His Word to us.

Romans 12:12 - Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.

#6. It is the example of David, the "Man after God's own heart".

Psalm 145:1-3 - I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.

Psalm 146:1-3 - Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have my being. Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.

Psalm 149:1-4 - Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, His praise in the assembly of the godly! Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King! Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; He adorns the humble (needy) with salvation (deliverance, aid, prosperity, victory).

Psalm 5:11 -But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

There simply is no stopping.....Read Psalm Chapter 92; Psalm Chapter 118; Psalm 32:11.

Finally, Proverbs 29:6 - An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices.

So, Rejoice in the Lord and again, I say Rejoice in the Lord....

* It is God's instruction to us.

* It is what those who are Righteous do.

* It is a safeguard to us to be reminded to Rejoice in the Lord.

* Rejoicing in the Lord keeps us from depending on our own human efforts.

*Rejoicing in Hope keeps us strong in our expectation of God's help.

*Rejoicing in the Lord is the example and advice set for us by David.

A last thought to ponder....who was put out in front when they marched around Jericho? Why?