GOING FORWARD: TO BUILD!

1 John 4:1-6
4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. 4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.                 NKJV

I like what our pastor spoke on Thursday evening. He was speaking on that KEEPING IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT! Of course, we know what that is, right? But he simplified it: walking with the spirit is the building up and anything else is the tearing down.......that spirit of error!

In looking into that which we see in those with a prophet's call will see this:Jeremiah 1:9-12

Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me: 

"Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. 

10 See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms,

To root out and to pull down,

To destroy and to throw down,

To build and to plant." 

11 Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Jeremiah, what do you see?" And I said, "I see a branch of an almond tree." 12 Then the LORD said to me, "You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word."            NKJV

Like what was given to Jeremiah, the prophet, certainly represents the picture of whatever is to be built was first rooted out........that which did not belong there in the first place. Pull down anything existing in structure........see it destroyed and then to build and plant.

It was a seeing what needed to come down.........that needed to be destroyed in Israel. But in all this for Israel.........that which was given to Jeremiah was for judgment to the people and the land! But we have the PROPHET:JESUS!

Today, we can see people who thoroughly want to destroy what has been established by God and they will use any means to do it. But in truth, these folks are only hurting themselves. We certainly do not want to be found fighting against God.

DISCERNMENT

IT IS GIVEN BY GOD: 

Daniel 2:20-22

"Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,

For wisdom and might are His. 

21 And He changes the times and the seasons;

He removes kings and raises up kings;

He gives wisdom to the wise 

And knowledge to those who have understanding. 

22 He reveals deep and secret things;

He knows what is in the darkness,

And light dwells with Him.     NKJV

He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him. Is that not the most wonderful thing to hear? 

Like Daniel, we can see into that darkness, and find answers that may seem to stop us. But finding this takes prayer. When we read the entire portion in context, Daniel had asked his companions to pray as well.

Daniel 2:17-23

17 Then Daniel went to his house, and made the decision known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, 18 that they might seek mercies from the God of heaven concerning this secret, so that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. So Daniel blessed the God of heaven. 20 Daniel answered and said: 

"Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,

For wisdom and might are His. 

21 And He changes the times and the seasons;

He removes kings and raises up kings;

He gives wisdom to the wise 

And knowledge to those who have understanding. 

22 He reveals deep and secret things;

He knows what is in the darkness,

And light dwells with Him. 

23 "I thank You and praise You,

O God of my fathers;

You have given me wisdom and might,

And have now made known to me what we asked of You,

For You have made known to us the king's demand."              NKJV

Yes, Daniel went to his house.......and sought out his companions and asked that they might seek mercies from the God of heaven concerning this secret.

Verse 19.....the secret was revealed and Daniel blessed God of heaven.

We certainly can find wisdom in the pages of Proverbs..........and read a chapter for everyday of the month!

GIVEN TO US THROUGH HIS WORD:

Hebrews 5:13-14

13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.        NKJV

We find in the verses above that we can discern both good and evil.........truth and error.....by taking on the solid food........that is God's Word for us! That solid food helps us to grow and to exercise in discernment!
Our living on milk only is for infants. But the real meat is for those who have grown in their Christian walk. It is by doing that which helps us practice the Word, learning right from wrong and walking in righteousness. (Hebrews 5:12-14 TLB)

Philippians 1:9-11

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.               NKJV

Loving God's word will produce in us a discernment that is rich in truth, Embracing God's Word brings to us the good.......and show us clearly that which should be avoided. He directs us through to that which is excellence and of the best thing for us.

GIVEN TO A RENEWED MIND: KNOWING GOD'S WILL

Romans 12:2

2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.      NKJV

2 Corinthians 2:16-17

16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.      NKJV

ASKING: TO RECEIVE DISCERNMENT FROM THE WISDOM OF GOD

James 1:5-8

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.   NKJV

NO doubting now, but if you lack wisdom ask God who will give liberally and without reproach.

Is it not interesting that God adds this portion to this verse...........no doubting.........for that man is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind?

Ever seen this in church? Church service begins.......people are worshiping..............PERSON....comes in and sits at the front and middle of congregation. They will not stand.............but said PERSON....just sits............placing their face in their hands. Then in the next moment.........the cell phone comes out..............PERSON......takes it in hand and writes out some text. In the next moment.............PERSON.........puts phone down............places face in hands again............and THEN LEAVES THE SANCTUARY...............never mind service has BEGUN!

NOT WORSHIPING GOD RIGHT NOW!!!

PERSON............goes out to the foyer to find some shoulder.........NOW, THIS IS NOT FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. AND interesting is the truth....of.....how many are out in the foyer.....some 15 -20 minutes after service has started.
What do people need to talk about while a service of worship is going on?
Not sure why I thought of this: but here goes!
Back in April, we had put some property on the market to be sold and praise the Lord, it sold! Hallelujah! My husband had wanted to go up and check on the property when we put it up to be sold. The few days before he was to go, we heard about this young woman, 19 years old..........drove off an overpass of I-5 while she was texting. She flew over and that Ford Explorer slammed to the ground. Yes all was recorded..........and it happened at 3:40 pm.......blocking southbound lanes till after 5 pm that eventful Friday the 10th. ( the texting we heard some days later as many investigated this tragic end)
What would have been so important to cause one to text and drive at the same time? My first thought was if "she was saved".

So we come back to PERSON. What if something really big is coming toward her and she needs God for the answer?

PERSON...........now has several patting them on shoulder............and said PERSON.............does not know what to do in THIS SITUATION. REALLY?!? Saved for decades now, and gone through really high water and things that can cause death..........and.......come out on the other side.........and still this up and down, up and down..........OH, POOR PERSON!

I have been there. But we really must grow up in the Lord. Friendship is awesome. Cherish your friends but do not let THEM become a "god" to YOU.

I like what Joyce Meyer said about something like that! She mentioned her early years, and how she was up and then down......depressed, not depressed.........and in reality.....she mentioned that those times of being up and down can sometimes be because "PERSON" likes the attention.......more  ................ than God teaching them how to go forward. They really like the ATTENTION!

But the main thing I remember what Joyce said was, that her husband would call her on it......this very thing, when she acted like this........! And he would speak something ...and Joyce said that he was right............She would be up one day and down the next. She was happy one day and sad the next. She said if someone did not speak to her, or she did not have the day she thought she should have had...........well, it was all over! Then she would go back and be depressed. But Joyce's husband told her she needed to stop doing that. Either God was God in her life or He was NOT! (She probably has a teaching on this!)

Well, Shelley, I think you are just judging PERSON. Scripture tells us that we can judge their fruit! What fruit are they producing?

Matthew 7:17-20
17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. NIV

Matthew 7:19-20
19 So the trees having the inedible fruit are chopped down and thrown on the fire. 20 Yes, the way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit produced.  TLB
Not good for anything.....my words!

I go back to the teaching on Thursday night, and the scripture our pastor gave on Galatians 5. And like God's fruit, there is (verse 22-23)  love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.  NKJV

Yikes, yes, there it is.........crucified that flesh creature with its passions and desires. Now, let's take a look at us. Do we do any of that? If we live in the Spirit, then we are to walk in the Spirit. 

Okay........so let's say, we have to stand in line at the grocery store.........will we complain about it? It is the city you know! What about not being chosen to do something you really want to do? What about the pastors not noticing you at all.............they will not talk to you! Yikes!

So if PERSON is really needing say help for something serious....like life or death......why take it out to the foyer..........God says He inhabits our praises, right? So what about worshiping God and finding the answer in asking Him about it instead of man!

We must let God lead us, and that is into truth always! People like PERSON can certainly have some trying moments in their lives, but however hard that wave comes and however painful it may be......it is by His Word and His touch on our hearts that will brings us to the moments of victory. Yes our times are in His hand. He Who created the Heavens and the earth........He is the Master craftsman and He has a wonderful plan for PERSON!

But what if you or I "try to help PERSON"........BUT only end up giving her some crutches.........instead of what she really needs. What if you gave PERSON a boost last week and she still acts like she does? Well, Shelley, she seems to hear from God! So does the devil! 

Job 1:6-12

6 One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. 7 The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" 

Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it." 

8 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." 

9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face." 

12 The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." 

Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.    NIV

I have been in that place where the pity pat worked for about 2 minutes. But ultimately we all need God............that friendship with man can take you so far, but it is that friendship with God that brings us to peace in HIM! And believe me, I would rather be in His peace when needing to make a MAJOR DECISION! Seriously, if someone has had the same behavior pattern , and nothing changes, then it is only God who can help. We should not be dealing with stuff that causes us to fall back into unbelief. If we have that kind of stuff that is a wave after wave............up one minute and down the next..........we as the individual have to find out why we do it, and then stop doing it!

FOR that word in James 1:5-8........is truth and anyone double-minded will not receive that wisdom of God.

I would rather have the wisdom of God and know that He is with me when those bad reports come. For people cannot be with you at 3 AM in the hospital room when the Admitting Dr. appears and tells you  ARE of the "high risk" you just signed up for, but the ONLY other answer is "death".

No, our trust has to be in God and in His wisdom.............to know when there is "truth or error" in our lives. We must know when to sign our names and get the needed treatment or leave it alone and go home. (see blog on HIGH RISK!)

I certainly like spending time with people and love hearing them laugh and tell their stories, but I am not one to stroke the fur. If we truly desire to move out of the mundane and into the supernatural of God, we must be men and women who seek God daily to know His wisdom. It is in Him that we are to live, move and have our being.
If we see someone in need, pray for them........encourage them in the Word..........maybe they need someone with them as they go for a test at the hospital or maybe help with a suffering or dying spouse, but we are not to become god to them. We are to direct them to God.

In closing:

I return back to what our pastor was speaking and that which builds us. If we are seeking that which strokes our fur, is that not the "bad thing" in getting people to rally around us? Are we those who attend church "with our own agendas" or we truly there to worship God?

In our distinguishing that which is Holy from the common thing is this:

Leviticus 10:8-11

 10 Your duties will be to arbitrate for the people, to teach them the difference between what is holy and what is ordinary, what is pure and what is impure; 11 and to teach them all the laws Jehovah has given through Moses."           TLB

1 Peter 3:3-6

 4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.   NIV

And do not give way to fear................good word.........!

1 Peter 1:13-19

13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 

16 because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."  17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 

NKJV

Conducting our lives is that which is of faith and hope that are in God. Not living anymore in ignorance, but living out our lives in the fear of God. If our hope is in God, will we not trust Him completely? Like Jeremiah the prophet, we are the prophets of our own lives. As God had called Jeremiah, God has called us each to that which He placed in us long ago. It is certainly His plan to build. But running to others when we have a crisis can become serious when we begin thinking they have the answer for us. If we keep running to them instead of God, we become of no effect. And the devil will know it. It can then turn out to be detrimental at times. For some folks certainly have loose lips, and loose lips can sink ships. Certainly we are to be those leaders who solve problems, but our first priority should be to pray for them, and not just give a pity pat on the back!

Ours is not to think towards the negative of a "thing" but toward what God has planned. If one like PERSON, desires to be wrapped up in the wave after wave of doubt and unbelief, then where is God in all that? In the Superstorm Kartrina back in 2005...........who should "one" have run to? Seems like most did not have an answer and most could not come to help..............there was flood waters everywhere!
People did not need the pity pat on the back, they needed a solution to the problem. AND ONLY GOD HAS THAT ANSWER.

 In Daniel, we can read throughout many times when he and his companions were put on the line, so to speak..............that someone was coming against what they believed..........as in ONE GOD...........and not to pray to HIM....but Daniel brought his companions together to pray. If there is a crisis or a problem, by all means seek out a prayer person to agree for a healing, a promotion, a salvation, or even finances to come, but not to have the "fur creature stroked"!

Let's not be those with the "doom" mentality. We have a God who has a place wrapped up for us and that is in that knowledge of Him.

May we pray like Daniel, and speak as the "prophet" over our lives............and expect good things!

We can look into that "darkness" and know without a doubt that God will bring His light and gives us details of what we can do going forward.............to build! Amen!

Father, thank You for Jesus. He was made wisdom to us. As Jesus grew and became strong in spirit, may we also become the strong in spirit; filled with wisdom. (Luke 2:40)

May we even speak like Jesus did when He was only twelve years old, and that others would be astonished at our understanding and answers. May we be about Your business and not the world's. May we forego the "me, myself and I" trip.

But like Jesus, we desire to increase in wisdom and stature and in favor with You our Father and with men. (Luke 2:52)

May we be so much like Stephen to be full of faith and power doing great wonders and signs among the people that will bring glory to YOU our Father. (Acts 6:8) 

We desire to not be those "tossed by every wave".....like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For whatever wind of doctrine........even our own made up ones, have to be stopped. We desire to not be double-minded in all our ways. We have people counting on us as in our husbands or wives, children and even a elder parent or two.

Father, in Jesus' name, we pray and give thanks for the communication of our faith becomes effectual by acknowledging every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus. Wisdom and might are YOURS. (Daniel 2:20) It is You who gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. (Daniel 2:21) It is YOU Who reveals deep and secret things.........that which is in the darkness. Thank You for giving to us that which we have asked of YOU. We are those who today are led into truth by Your Holy Spirit. And whatever He hears from the Father, He announces and declares to us those things that are to come. Thank You Father.AMEN!

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV 

EAT WHAT I GIVE YOU!

Acts 18:9-11
9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, "Don't be afraid! Speak out! Don't quit! 10 For I am with you and no one can harm you. Many people here in this city belong to me." 11 So Paul stayed there the next year and a half, teaching the truths of God.   TLB

Acts 18:9-11

9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, & do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city." 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.  NKJV

IN the above passage we find, the Lord telling Paul in a vision to not be afraid. "Speak out!" "Don't Quit"!

There was no synagogue open for him to minister and preach the Word, so God saw to it that a house would be opened for the Word to be taught.

How interesting is that?

And this house was located next door to the synagogue. It was opportunity for Paul's speaking to continue and that those who went to the synagogue could come hear the gospel preached.

For what lay ahead for Paul in those coming against him, would rear its ugly head and reveal all those who were against Paul and that which he taught. In that year and a half, Paul did just what the Lord asked him to do.

Acts 18:12-26

12 While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him into court. 13 "This man," they charged, "is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law." 

14 Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. 15 But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law-settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things." 16 So he had them ejected from the court. 17 Then they all turned on Sosthenes the synagogue ruler and beat him in front of the court. But Gallio showed no concern whatever. 

18 Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken. 19 They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. 21 But as he left, he promised, "I will come back if it is God's will." Then he set sail from Ephesus. 22 When he landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch. 

23 After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. 

24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.  NIV

Here we see a group decidedly making accusations against Paul.(verse 14)  They brought Paul in to complain. These Jews said that Paul was teaching something contrary to what they knew and that he Paul was starting a new religion. At that time, Judaism was recognized as a religion in Roman law and anything outside of that was breaking the law.

But Gallio found no false teaching in all that Paul spoke. Gallio refused to give judgment against Paul in this matter. The Jews then were so mad at this decision that they turned on Sosthenes and beat him.

It is evident that these Jews had malice in their heart toward Paul. It is also evident that Gallio was not going to be apart of this group of haters toward Paul.

In some commentaries it says that Gallio was not interested in those things and would not elaborate or give much time for these things the Jews complained about. Other commentaries said Gallio was just a mild mannered man who would rule in peace.

Whatever the complaint, Paul was still told to not quit and keep on speaking that which the Lord gave him to do!

I love this scripture passage below!

Ezekiel 2:6-8

6 "And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house. 7 You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious. 8 But you, son of man, hear what I say to you. Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you."   NKJV

And this one!

Ezekiel 3:4-15

4 And He said to me: "Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with My words to them. 5 For you are not sent to a people of unfamiliar speech and of hard language, but to the house of Israel, 6 not to many people of unfamiliar speech and of hard language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely, had I sent you to them, they would have listened to you. 7 But the house of Israel will not listen to you, because they will not listen to Me; for all the house of Israel are impudent and hard-hearted. 8 Behold, I have made your face strong against their faces, and your forehead strong against their foreheads. 9 Like adamant stone, harder than flint, I have made your forehead; do not be afraid of them, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house." 10 Moreover He said to me: "Son of man, receive into your heart all My words that I speak to you, and hear with your ears. 11 And go, get to the captives, to the children of your people, and speak to them and tell them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD,' whether they hear, or whether they refuse." 

12 Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a great thunderous voice: "Blessed is the glory of the LORD from His place!" 13 I also heard the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels beside them, and a great thunderous noise. 14 So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me. 15 Then I came to the captives at Tel Abib, who dwelt by the River Chebar; and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days. 

NKJV

Wherever God sends us to give the message, He always has a plan. I remember the first time He gave this to me, while ministering within the jail. God will make our faces strong, so whoever stands toe to toe against you, you can and will stand to see His Word go forth. I like that adamant stone.......harder than flint...........He has made Ezekiel's forehead and will do that for us when we must give the Word of life to a rebellious people. Now, not all people are rebellious, but some can certainly be hard of hearing that Word. Like I have written before, I saw many come to the Lord in the Jail and many of those who came, would come to the Chapel with a song on their lips and love in their hearts for God! It was grand to see what the Lord was doing in that place! I think fondly of those times and how some of those ladies loved God and surely expressed it in going to a service. I rarely see that with a regular service at church.

Do you know what happens when you strike a flint rock..........? It will produce some sparks to light a fire!

Receive into your heart all MY WORDS THAT I SPEAK TO YOU, speak to them, and tell them,............"whether they hear or whether they refuse..........blessed is the glory of the LORD from His place!"

Ezekiel heard the noise of the wings of the living creatures. He heard activity going on.  Activity was begun........and those ministering spirits are there to minister to us ...........and go as we command from the Word of God........and do we send them out?

If we are commanding that which be in heaven will be here on earth for us, then will we not see the glory of the Lord from His place? Will we witness like he did in Ezekiel 1:10, the very faces of the man, the lion, the ox and of the eagle?

Ezekiel 1:10-14

10 Their faces looked like this: Each of the four had the face of a man, and on the right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox; each also had the face of an eagle. 11 Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out upward; each had two wings, one touching the wing of another creature on either side, and two wings covering its body. 12 Each one went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they went. 13 The appearance of the living creatures was like burning coals of fire or like torches. Fire moved back and forth among the creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it. 14 The creatures sped back and forth like flashes of lightning.

NIV

This would be the leadership, the counsel of the Lord as we see in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

In  the Gospel of Matthew, we see the lineage of that which led to Jesus. In the book of Matthew we find the visit of "Wise Men"....Matthew 2:1-15, we find the exit of Joseph and Mary with baby Jesus in Matthew 2:19-22, and we find their return to Nazareth in Matthew 2:23.
Protection for the coming King was seen. (although each gospel gives an account of the role Jesus would play in king of Israel and rule the earth) only Matthew puts an emphasis of His role, the KING.

Matthew was of "the king, the lion of Judah". Matthew 16:16.............16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."     NIV

THE End of Matthew, we see the King appointing his disciples to go. All authority had been given the King...........then commanded those to go and make disciples of all nations. He is with us!
Matt 28:16-20
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.   NKJV

  .............as king.....Jeremiah 23:5-6....5 "The days are coming," declares the LORD,
"when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch,
a King who will reign wisely
and do what is just and right in the land.    NIV

Revelation 5:5............. 5 But one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.
NKJV

The Gospel of Mark was about "the ox, the servanthood". He was the sacrificial "lamb" and the long-suffering servant.  Mark 10:45.........45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."               NKJV

Mark 1:7-8.............7 And he preached, saying, "There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. 8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."     NKJV

THE close of Mark shows Jesus ascending to heaven. Now seated at the right hand of God.
Mark 16:19-20
19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.           NKJV

as servant Zechariah 3:8........8'Hear, O Joshua, the high priest,
You and your companions who sit before you,
For they are a wondrous sign;

For behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the BRANCH.       NKJV

In the Gospel of Luke, we see the humanity of Jesus. He carried to the cross, the sins of the world and REDEEM MANKIND.

Luke was about "the man, Son of Man".Luke 19:10....... 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." NKJV


IN the Close of Luke we find.......in Luke 24:36-53....the Jesus in His humanity point out the scars in His hands and feet. He ate before them and spoke of that which had to be fulfilled in Him. Thus it was necessary for Him to die and rise from the dead the third day. He spoke of them of "being His witnesses" (verse 48) He departed into heaven and THEY WORSHIPED HIM and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. They were written as those who were in the temple praising and blessing God. (verse 53)


as man Zechariah 6:12......12 Then speak to him, saying, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, saying:

"Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH!
From His place He shall branch out,
And He shall build the temple of the LORD;  NKJV

The Gospel of John was about "the eagle, the Son of God". Jesus was the "Angel of the Lord." 

John 7:42
42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?"   NKJV

Micah 5:2

2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, 

though you are small among the clans of Judah, 

out of you will come for me 

one who will be ruler over Israel, 

whose origins are from of old, 

from ancient times."  NIV

John 12:15

5 "Fear not, daughter of Zion;

Behold, your King is coming,

Sitting on a donkey's colt."  NKJV

Zechariah 9:9

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!

Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!

Behold, your King is coming to you;

He is just and having salvation,

Lowly and riding on a donkey,

A colt, the foal of a donkey.   NKJV

John 19:36-37

 36 For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, "Not one of His bones shall be broken."  37 And again another Scripture says, "They shall look on Him whom they pierced."    NKJV

Psalm 34:20

20 He guards all his bones;

Not one of them is broken.   NKJV

Zechariah 12:10

10 "And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they have pierced; they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.    NKJV

John 20:31.............31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.            NKJV


IN the Close of the Gospel of John, we find the relationship.........restoring Simon Peter............we find relationship in Jesus preparing them something to eat...........(John 21:15). Jesus spoke "Follow Me"!  Jesus, God in the flesh, had many miracles. And John noted that many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one...........he supposed that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written about Him. Amen. (verse 24-25)



Hosea 6:2.........2 After two days He will revive us;
On the third day He will raise us up,..That we may live in His sight. ...NKJV

Isaiah 40:31.......They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.    NKJV

Oh yes, we see Jesus as the Messiah,.....we had seen through His crucifixion a resurrection. In Matthew, he came as the suffering, but He is returning as the conquering..........the KING of Kings and LORD of Lords. In Mark He was the suffering servant who gave His life for ours. As in Luke, we see HIM who came to seek and to save the lost. And in JOHN we see the incarnate, the Son of God.........who was and is and is to come,.............the Light of the world.

We died to gain His life, the good news, to everyone who believes in Him to be saved. And He came to bring us the Comforter, the Holy Spirit..........to operate just as the early church operated. Trusting Him causes us to soar as eagles, to rise higher and higher and to gain the same perspective God has for our lives. It is in what we eat, that which God gives us will give to us strength to soar on high, to not be weary, but be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Amen!

Now is not the time to be afraid, to not speak, but this is the very hour, to "not quit" and to continue to speak the things the Lord gives us in our hearts. He will guide us through unhindered to see that His Word will prevail! Speak where the Lord guides you to and through, and see the miraculous power of God in your life!

IF THAT PROTECTED KING IS LORD OF OUR HEARTS, WE HAVE THE LION......THE BOLDNESS TO GO FORWARD. WITH THE OX OF SERVANT-HOOD, WE LOOK TO SACRIFICING OUR LIVES DAILY TO SERVING THE LORD WITH GLADNESS. IN LUKE, THE HUMANITY OF JESUS......WE SEEK TO GAIN A CHARACTER THAT IS WORTHY........THAT IS THE FAITHFUL, THE ONE WHO PERSEVERES, WHO IS IN PEACE, SEEKING ANOTHER'S WELL-BEING, READY TO GIVE A WORD OF THE FAITH THAT IS IN US...........

If we are the followers of what is good, even if we suffer for righteousness' sake, we are the blessed. (1 Peter 3:13-14)
We are not to be afraid of their threats or be troubled (verse 14) and sanctify the Lord God in our hearts, ready to give a defense to everyone who asks us the reason of hope that is in us. May we know those who try to defame us, or revile us of our good conduct in Christ will be the ashamed. In the will of God, it is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (verses 16-17)NKJV

Then we ultimately soar..as the Eagle.....we soar into the.....higher and higher in the thoughts and plans God has for us. Jeremiah 29:11-14.

Jeremiah 29:11-14
 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.     NKJV

That is relationship and it is us being gathered out of captivity, from sin, and to the place the Lord has for us. It is the place of future and of hope. It is in the place of peace that we once again, rejoice, we smile and we dance giving glory to God for us in the land of the living.

Father, thank You for the message You have for us to deliver those who come across our path today and every day. Today we desire to receive into our hearts all that You speak to us through Your holy Word. It is that Word of truth that declares Your goodness to others. Blessed is the glory of the LORD from His place!
In Jesus' name, we pray to be those who will not "quit:" but will speak all that You desire for us to speak to others. We know that the beginning of this is that place of quiet to hear You speak. May we be diligent to follow You, seeking You in Your Word that sets captives free. We pray to be those who will seek more on knowing Your Kingship Jesus, knowing the sacrifice You gave for us, that we would know Your character as the man who did what His Father told HIM to do and then soar like we find in John, Because in John we find a closer relationship with the Lord of glory. In John we find the spiritual life. God is spirit and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.(John 4:24) The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts as nothing.(John 6:63) Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the spirit gives birth to spirit.(John 3:6) Father, we know for the one whom You have sent speaks the Words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. (John 3:34)
We embrace Your Word and those You send our way today. We deliver to others with a joy in our hearts. ( For ) A Truthful witness saves lives. (Prov.14:25) Blessed is the glory of the Lord from His place. Amen and Amen.

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV 

WHAT WE VALUE: WILL IT BRING US TO GLORY OR DEATH?

Acts 7:51-60.........51 "You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him- 53 you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it."

54 When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."

57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.   NIV

From the last two blogs, we covered in "THE FALLEN" and  "PICKING AND CHOOSING" we discovered those like Saul who kick against what the Lord was wanting established. Saul was breathing out cruelties to those saints of faith who had put their trust in the Lord. And of course in Picking and Choosing, we find those who would rather lie about why they would not attend a service, or attend a Bible study. As we saw in the teaching, what does that make us look like when we would rather lie than tell the truth?

In this scripture we continue to see those outraged by God's anointed. If we are the church, yes those body of believer's in Jesus, then why is there all this judgment going on about who gives the message and if it is the right message. Seems to me, the Word works and is given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit to those in need of that specific word of God for that moment in time!

Stephen saw the effect of his speech in that group of people. He saw those enraged and ready to stone him. He saw those call him names and said he had spoke blasphemy. 

Where is that "stone"?

In giving the message of God, presents us with the choice to receive it. Should not matter if the messenger is red, yellow, black or white.............and what is white anyway..........? I know no really white folks. I remember my mom mentioning some blood-bloods once and they were probably the white folks, but I know I have some Spanish background and some Cherokee............so I am what...............?????

Now back to Stephen..........a man being persecuted, and about to be stoned for his speaking truth to them who would deny the Holy Spirit. Stephen even mentions their fathers resisting the Holy Spirit in the prophets God had sent to them.

If we are saved, and have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, we can certainly pray in our heavenly language and allow God to pray through us much like he did in those days. We can operate in those same measures that they operated in at the time.

Do we want to be found fighting against God?

Acts 5:33-39................33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."      NIV

If God is directing you to have a Bible study, then have one and invite people to come. Do not pay attention to numbers of those who attend, but do pay attention as the Holy Spirit leads you through God's word.

Stephen was not deterred from speaking.  He spoke truth and continued to lift the name of Jesus. In what transpired in those moments of Stephen's speaking, men were angered seriously because of truth and they did not want to hear it. YOU know those who are called to preach and teach will continue to preach and teach. They will continually lift the name of Jesus and it does not matter the course of those around the "said speaker" of God...........the messenger sent to deliver the "specific message".

Stephen even tells them that he can see Jesus..............He was now at the right hand of God....and in the next breath, he proclaims that he can see Jesus is standing at the right hand of God!

Is it that Jesus now saw His favorite son being stoned, and was ready to receive him to glory?

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.  

Stephen even had time to pray...........! How many of us tell God that we do not have time to pray? What excuse could we use for not praying? 

And how did Stephen do that short prayer while being hit by stones and words of hateful men? He had a prayer life. He had to have sought God and spent time in prayer to have the Holy Spirit on the scene in this situation and for the wisdom Stephen spoke to those men. In those last moments he was praying that the Lord would not hold that sin against them! Wow!

It is like having a baby. It takes nine months. You have to eat the right food, exercise and have regular check-ups with the Doctor. In prayer, we check ourselves into the Word of God, eat precisely what we need and have the Great Physician to come check on us to see how we are doing. Right? 

If a ministry or even a job is like having a baby and caring for the said baby..........is it possible that we could be trying to get everything in before..........like say.....leaving for the day, or for a week off or even for a vacation? Will our absence affect others? What about ministry to others through a specific ministry? Every step.........in a job or ministry always involves others and our time away takes some planning!

For any decision, the leader in business , the church, home, in the mission field, whether Bible studies, ministering in jail, ministering in hospitals, feeding the homeless, for leadership meetings in the church, in big Business, taking care of and leading children (teaching them by example), or caring for an elderly parent, requires each of us to seek God's counsel on these important matters. It will take some prayer time, much like Stephen had to have done in his short life, to maintain the thought process for God to bless the men "who were stoning him."

Whatever we have before us cannot be accomplished without God's help! We cannot expect to accomplish in that "spirit of excellence" in God without consulting God first.

 I think of 2 Kings 5 where Elisha told Naaman to go dip in the Jordan River and he would be healed of leprosy. In all that pride and such of Naaman, still he obeyed and went to dip 7 times in the river Jordan. Naaman wanted to pay Elijah something. (verse 16)

With Naaman being healed in the dirty water of the Jordan, still Naaman wanted to repay the prophet! But the prophet had refused it. But we see something different in Gehazi. But let's read on about Stephen.  We will get to Gehazi!

Acts 6:1-11................6:1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 

7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

8 Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)-Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, 10 but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, "We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God."   NIV

Stephen full of God's grace and power.......did wonders and miraculous signs and then ............men began to argue with Stephen................but they could not stand up against wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.
(read all of Acts 6 when you have time) We can learn a lot by Stephen's example.

 So what do we value? If like Stephen, we will speak with wisdom of God, and be prayer warriors to conduct the affairs of life we must do and do it with ease.

We must evaluate that which is before us............as to study in the Word with others, attending those church services and in going to those "special events".  We must take an evaluation of the thing before us,  its importance & the estimation of its importance to us!

What is the worth of this thing before me? Will I put a worth on the things of God or do I count them as nothing when it is about me and doing my own thing?  Allowing God to ENTER our lives on every decision , we are saying I value YOU God, I value You for the decisions in ministry, in this job, in this department, in this illness, in this problem at work, in this decision for this move to another state, in this hike to the high country! God, we  ask YOU to show us which way to walk in this job, in this ministry of Bible study, in this Prayer meeting, in the department where changes are on the horizon!  If the 11th hour is here, IS God and His wisdom in THE BEGINNING OF THIS DAY?

Well Stephen certainly came to the 11th hour. He lifted Jesus to others and was stoned to death. He left his body in peace knowing that Jesus was ready to receive him to glory.

"Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

Wow! What an ending...........and yet people still study this passage and they receive the effects of truth and the importance of being one with God!

Will we.....yes,.....will we stand one with God .........or will our character show us to be otherwise...........like the liar...........who likes to lie about why they cannot attend some function...........one that we should probably put value on.


2 Kings 5:26-27.....................26 But Elisha said to him, "Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money, or to accept clothes, olive groves, vineyards, flocks, herds, or menservants and maidservants? 27 Naaman's leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever." Then Gehazi went from Elisha's presence and he was leprous, as white as snow. NIV


The prophet naturally said that he would not accept a thing...........even though Naaman urged him, still Elisha refused the gift.

After Naaman had traveled some distance, Gehazi said to himself, "My master was too easy on Naaman. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him (Naaman) and get something from him. YIKES!
Gehazi hurried after Naaman, and Naaman saw Gehazi running toward him. He asked Gehazi if everything was all right? Gehazi answered that everything was all right.
BUT HERE GEHAZI LIES..........NOT GOOD! In verse 22 of Chapter 5......"MY master sent me to say, 'two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing."

 "By all means, take two talents," said Naaman. He urged Gehazi to accept them, and then tied up the two talents of silver in two bags, with two sets of clothing. He gave them to two of his servants, and they carried them ahead of Gehazi. When Gehazi came to the hill, he took the things from the servants and put them away in the house. He sent the men away and they left. Then he went in and stood before his master Elisha.

"Where have you been, Gehazi?" Elisha asked. 

"Your servant didn't go anywhere," Gehazi answered. 

What Naaman had, now came on Gehazi..........that leprosy was to cling to him and to his descendants forever. Gehazi left Elisha's presence. Just by lying, Gehazi changed the course for his entire descendants.  Again, what value do we place on telling the truth? In Stephen's case, it cost him his life and in the life of Gehazi, well, he chose to lie, and the rest is history..........he and his descendents suffered because of lies!!
In this we finish the series of three........being those teachings about lying and despising those called to minister either at the pulpit or in other areas as in jails or shelter or youth groups! In  THE BLOGS : THE FALLEN, PICKING AND CHOOSING, AND WHAT WE VALUE: WILL IT BRING US TO GLORY OR DEATH? have shown us the importance of not lying to others and how to be effective in ministering life as in Stephen's case.

Father, Your word states in Psalm 24.......asking this question "who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who may stand in His holy place?" " He who has clean hands and a pure heart...........who has not lifted up his soul to an idol nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation. (3-5) Father ,we seek that which is of value to us. We do not desire the worthless thing, the idol which may speak but brings no life to our existence. Help us Holy Spirit to hear and obey. We know it is a choice..........but give us those needed warnings like YOU do, so that we do not miss one direction from You.

We desire our character to be that which is not a liar, but truthful. We desire not to be caustic, not to be the obnoxious and the grumpy. We desire to not be like Gehazi and seek out goods rather than seeking God.

Our desire is to be holy as You are holy..........and that we have understanding of that Word in our lives. We want to be the devoted, the determined and the persistent in seeking, finding and receiving Your truth into our hearts where real change takes place.

To YOU be all the glory for all that happens in our lives as we take these needed steps toward having the character that is the faithful! It is in Jesus' name we pray. Amen and Amen.

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV 

PICKING AND CHOOSING

ARE we picky about what we want to participate in and are we choosing only those things that stroke our fur? Well, Shelley, I have no fur............really?
"Well, the pastor will not be there, so I am not going either!" "Well, they really are not saying or teaching anything I want to hear, so I am not going to go this Bible Study!" "Well, I think I can do better than they can, so I will not attend this one thing." "Well, I want time away from "them", even though I know I should attend, but..............!!!"
EXCUSES AND MORE EXCUSES..........and it all has to do with the "me, myself, and I"..........and that always stinks, does it not?
I was finding time to go over the regular duty of clearing old emails out...........and I always try to read over them before deleting them forever. But one remained that I thought interesting. It was written awhile ago and it mentions a person's intention of not attending this function at church because of issues with something.........yet, the next thing in their writing, they changed it and made it "their thing" the very next night. Well that issue had to do with the body, a sickness coming on, but in less than 24 hours they were all better and let their "buds" know to be out for their "thing" on the following evening.
What is wrong with being honest? Why can't someone just say, " I did not want to attend because.........." and fill in why they do not want to attend!
Are we dealing with pride, or with a reluctance to be truthful about anything? "Well, I do not want to hurt their feelings." "Well, I.............!" "Well, I.....".

DISCERNMENT!
Discernment comes by spending time in the Word of God. Believer's gain understanding and truth through that Word. In that, we find judging the right course to stay with God, and not follow man!


I always think of this scripture...................

Ezekiel 33:30-33................30 "As for you, son of man, your countrymen are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, 'Come and hear the message that has come from the LORD.' 31 My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. 32 Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.

33 "When all this comes true-and it surely will-then they will know that a prophet has been among them."   NIV


Ever been around someone who tells you that ....."this word was certainly given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit".....but yet....you see them........leave and................go about finding that which brings them only gain?
Now, come on.............be honest with yourself!
In some of the early churches I attended in my youth, no one had a Bible study. I had not heard of one till the 90's. Seriously! I kid you not!
And then, my thought process was one that I could study at home and usually did for I love to read and search things out from scripture. But I found that when I attended, I could have this light of revelation come on some verse we were looking at together. And in spending time with others over the Word of God, I found that study time was a time that culminated into what would be this beautiful tapestry being built together that would glorify God!
So many times, I would volunteer to have a study in our home. Then it became a prayer meeting time. But the study continued, and I was always ready to invite people to come!
In those cases, I would find the two or three gather from maybe the original five............well, the other two had other things to do!
I remember this one time of having a study in April 2007. It was to be a teaching on Deborah, the Prophetess. Snow began to fall, and two came. We still had a party over the Word of God. We had great fellowship and enjoyed some great finger sandwiches. Yes, those two left some two or three hours later in a snowstorm, but God got them home safe and sound!
Yes, there are those who desire to hear the Word............to seek God and then there are those who find one excuse after another of why they should not attend.
Then you will hear of those that will say they will come to a study but later you find them choosing something else because of ...........EXCUSE..........! 
To me, it seems more appropriate to say they are too busy and do not have time for the Word!

The Word teaches us that one day in the courts (house) of the Lord is better than a thousand anywhere else!


Psalm 84:10-12.........10 Better is one day in your courts 
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God 
than dwell in the tents of the wicked. 
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold 
from those whose walk is blameless. 

12 O LORD Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you.   NIV

In that one day God can save us years of work and more work. He can show us ways to get that new job, how to gain favor at work (and not through the flesh thing), He can show us how to know that He seeks our good and will bring to us honor and favor that we never dreamed we could have in our lifetimes. In His presence, we find answers to things that may have plagued us for years. In that time of receiving a teaching on a passage from the Word of God, we can move quickly through something without even pausing for a breath of air! God can show us where to go for the best prices in town when shopping for our children's back to school items. He can show us the best place to purchase a home and which neighborhood to live or He can show us the best place to rent and live far out in the country and enjoy the beauty of what He has created. He is God and He is great and His thoughts for us are wonderful!
But many times, people choose "to skip" it today because we are really "busy". Today I cannot get to church or that study because............."EXCUSE". WHAT MAKES IT SAD, IS THAT GOD, HIMSELF, COULD BE WANTING TO GIVE YOU A GOD-IDEA FOR A NEW INVENTION SO YOU MAKE ALL THE MONEY YOU NEED AND STILL FULFILL HIS PLAN FOR YOU IN MINISTRY!!!! HE COULD BE SHOWING YOU HOW TO STILL MAKE A LIVING BUT WORK LESS HOURS A DAY! HE COULD BE TRYING TO GET INTO THAT HEAD AND HEART OF OURS, THAT HIS PLAN IS A PLACE OF EASE, WITHOUT STRESS AND WE COULD SEE GREAT BENEFITS FROM FOLLOWING WHAT HE DESIRES FOR OUR GOOD.

Characteristics of discerning people are this:
Proverbs 1:5-6.....
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance-- 
6 for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.    NIV

People become the wise to listen and add to their learning.........gaining discernment in being guided into the affairs of life...........making decisions that must be made!

Proverbs 15:14-15..............14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.       NIV

Discerning heart is the one seeking knowledge about God, His truth, and His way of doing. Again, He can certainly save us time and energy when we seek His plan. AND all our days are to have the look of the continual feast with a happy heart. We are to have a feast always on the word of God and having the happy heart knowing He is with us today!

Proverbs 17:24..........24 A discerning man keeps wisdom in view,
but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.    NIV

A Discerning man will keep wisdom in view. THAT look is one that is steadfast, and not wandering. One who is wandering is "unsettled" and is restless! People sometimes think that by connecting with some family member is keeping the communication lines open, but in reality, the part being played out is the one thinking that by reaching for "that family member" is trying to bring to the present something the two had together in the past.....(the said family member may not even keep in contact now, not by phone, email or otherwise)............AND THAT DOES NOT WORK OUT FOR THE GOOD FOR ANYONE! Some people are resistant to change. They like things the way they are and desire for no change to take place. But if you are fifty and are still acting like a 5 year old, wow, something needs to change.
IF both hearts are on the same page, let's say like serving the Lord, having gladness in their heart, they certainly can and will connect. But if one tries in their own effort to reach one who is far from God, and wandering, the saved one may now be connecting with the wandering one and his wandering eyes and not with the "family member" but only what they remember from the past.

Again, if we say, this person (man or woman) is trying to connect with "family member" who is far from God and who lives a lifestyle that is on the pretty wild and crazy....side of life.........the saved one may continue to try reaching and many times it is like trying to drive forward but looking back in your rear view mirror all the time.  That person without wisdom of God is fluttering around from place to place all the while restless ...........ALWAYS WANDERING.........SEARCHING.......LOOKING BUT NOT IN THE RIGHT PLACE. They cannot keep their mind on the "one important" thing in life. That is God!
It is good for butterflies to flutter from place to place, from flower to flower, but when a man or woman wanders it's because of a restless attitude.
You have seen them. They are the anxious, the agitated, and ill-at-ease around you. That driving forward while continually looking back, will "wreck" you.

Our son-in-law did this teaching with the "compass" a few weeks ago for the entire group attending the church service. It was awesome for the youth to see how the direction from the compass would steer them! They read the directions of the compass to get from point A to point B and so on.  I thought of that today, and how many people really need that compass of God's word to steer us in the right direction. He wants to help us avoid overworking something.  When the person is not fixed on the "one thing" but rambling about, only viewing that they need like the paycheck, a need to please mommy dearest, and keep family together, we can certainly come up short in the wise department.

God desires us to aim at that which He has placed before us. He desires us to keep that focus and not look back at "the past". And that applies to our job, our ministry, if you have one, and applies to raising our children. If you were raised without God while growing up, the best thing for your children is to bring them to God and have them hear about Him, day in and day out, week in and week out! But if we are raised in the church, and take on that holier than thou attitude, that stinks to high heaven. We may certainly quote the Word of God and still tell lies, AND what does that make us? 

I remember this lady..........some years ago, she desired to do something and had great ideas, and they would probably work well at that time. She said wanted to clone some certain people who she had known from her past, but the best thing for us today is to embrace those around us now.

Who has God placed around us that we should embrace? Too many times, people really liked their past better than their present. But if one keeps looking back to the past how can they be effective in this day which the Lord has given them?

Too many times, we are trying to make yesterday work for today and that will not work and is not a good thing to do. You can look at some ministries TODAY, many are trying to make today work out of yesterday's or last years ideas!

Next time you attend a church service, a Bible study or even a Prayer Meeting, consider this. From Ezekiel 33......ask yourself..." Am I interested in God and all that He has for me?" " Am I shallow in my thinking less toward.....Sister......"so and so"........in her teaching or her leading in this area that I desire?" Lord, " Am I just being superficial about Sister...."so and so"?

"Is my enthusiasm lacking life to it?"  "Am I loving more earthly things and avoiding those heavenly ones that I should be cherishing?"

"Am I judging pastor........."so and so".......or Sister........"so and so" because of their manner of teaching or delivering a message from God? 
" Am I Lord, seeking my favorite past times and those indulgences that come when I do my "own thing?"
"Is my interest a distraction that needs to stop right now?"

"Or do I just want my say that has no wisdom of God, but certainly carries things from the world?"

Proverbs 17:7.....7 Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool,
Much less lying lips to a prince.   NKJV


A common truth: if you have a despicable man and he appears to speak as the educated man,  the elected official, a scholar, or say even an administrator of a hospital and no one pays attention to him because of his character, how much more so will the same thing apply to say the "believer"....who knows the word of God, and still tells lies so blatantly . Will someone heed the hateful (the despicable) man when he tries to appear......as the reputable, the kind and the worthy?
In the verse below, we find the child is known by his actions.............by looking at his conduct!


Proverbs 20:11.............11 Even a child is known by his actions,
by whether his conduct is pure and right.   NIV

Is the child behaving as he ought to behave? Is he being disciplined by the Lord?  Because whatever he speaks comes straight from the heart.  How he acts at home, he will act in public! Not sure why some seem so surprised when their child throws a hissy fit at the grocery store or the mall, for they evidently have been brought up that way. (But right now we are looking at why we choose to avoid church and some pastors or teachers. )


Psalm 101:1-8......I will sing of your love and justice;to you, O LORD, I will sing praise. 2 I will be careful to lead a blameless life--when will you come to me?
I will walk in my house with blameless heart. 3 I will set before my eyes no vile thing.
The deeds of faithless men I hate;they will not cling to me. 4 Men of perverse heart shall be far from me;I will have nothing to do with evil.
5 Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret,him will I put to silence;whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart,him will I not endure.
6 My eyes will be on the faithful in the land,that they may dwell with me;he whose walk is blameless will minister to me. 
7 No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house;no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.
8 Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land;I will cut off every evildoer from the city of the LORD.   NIV

From the above scripture passage, the blameless life is one that has a blameless heart, that has no vile, and they have their eyes on the faithful in the land. Who is the faithful in the land? Who surrounds them? Are they the faithful? Are they in church, and leading? They are those that are the faithful and who are to minister to you and me!

The action of not presenting truth is telling lies, but does not lie fully on that "lie" itself, but on the character of the man or woman and with the harmony of each as that character plays out in their speech.

AM I speaking and doing...........do I have action to what I write? 

In closing: God loves the faithful, and He is ever-present in today. Are we ready to face the day with His Word and to heed those teachers and pastor or pastors He has provided for us to hear?

From what we have seen in scripture, that perfect way, that walk is sincere. It is not being masked either before God or with our fellow believers. If we truly have the Word of God and live by it, then it should rule........and will be........ bringing all the glory to God.............and in that we see the "perfect heart".

Behaving ourselves wisely, is walking without any pretense toward anyone. We are to be those who are as wise as serpents. If you correct a child, you have him look into your eyes while you speak. If you do not do that, he will not hear, but just be active in what he was doing before the discipline started as pertaining to his behavior. I know some ladies who live up north, who attended the same church as we did for many years, and if they desired not to hear.........they would simply lift their hand up to you and say "speak to the hand". Yikes!

From the previous blog, THE FALLEN, we looked at Saul and how Jesus came to change his attitude toward those who lead in the church. In the following is an excerpt from that blog:

If we run from church to church and trying to destroy those called by the Lord for the purpose of bringing the Kingdom of God to others, we too become like a "Saul". Are we complaining of the teaching or preaching from the pulpit? Are we trying to bring shame on one who is called by God to deliver the message of salvation to the world?

If you or I treat others with lies, then what does that speak about us?  Our duty to our neighbor is to be truthful. And in that duty, people will see our character .......and how will they see us?

Father, we pray in Jesus' name, and seek what are we disposed to , what do we have a tendency toward that will bring us to defeat. What do we conceal or keep under pretense in dealing with pastors or teachers You have sent our way?
Father, our desire is to be truthful all the days of our lives. We are examples to our children and their children. We desire to bring edification and life to those we minister life to on a daily basis. Help us to not be the liar, the grumbler, or even the complainer. Help us and remind us daily to use those words we have been disciplined by from YOUR Word of truth.
Your Word says a man who desires a long life must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit (Psalm 34:12-13). Show us where we may be missing the mark on that word.
 May Your Spirit of Love reign in the words we speak so that we do not  have a miscommunication or wound one another. Help us to show each other respect, speak words that encourage, share our feelings openly; and come to mutual agreements without strife. Help us to be honest!
Show us what we may be indulging in that is bad for us and show us the right place to be in hearing and doing Your Word. And Father, let your face shine on us Your servants, and thank You for Your unfailing love. Let us not be put to shame, for we have cried out to You today. Let lying lips be silenced who may speak arrogantly against the righteous. (Psalm 31:16-18). Amen and Amen.

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV 

THE FALLEN

Acts 26 :1-18...........26:1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for yourself." So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: 2 I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, 3 especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently. 4 My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. 5 They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. 7 To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope's sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead? 9 Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities. 

12 "While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' 15 "So I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'    NKJV

In the above we see Paul telling his story to King Agrippa. He tells the testimony he, Paul had against those who followed Jesus of Nazareth. As Paul put it, "INDEED I THOUGHT, I must do many things CONTRARY to the name of Jesus of Nazareth."

He goes on to admit what he did in Jerusalem. He even had saints put into prison and with authority had some put to death. He was so engrossed with believing his way was the right way and all others were wrong and should die, if need be!

Wow! Now that is a bad place to be and have any of us been in that place? That place looks like I am right and you are wrong...........in a belief system that is and was contrary to things of Jesus of Nazareth.

Contrariness......going in opposite direction of being favorable, an order of evil against another that presents conflict, is one of disobedience and contempt

And Paul had written letters from chief priests to fulfill his commission against saints, those followers of Jesus.  As Paul continues, he tells of that eventful day and hour, that at midday, a light from heaven, brighter than the sun and shining all around...........it was shining all around those who were with Paul and they all fell to the ground.

No doubt that something was going on and it happened at midday. Paul heard a voice speaking in the Hebrew language. Is it not interesting that God can speak to us in the language we speak and can understand as individuals?

In Acts 9:4, we read there that Paul fell to the ground, but here we note, that as Paul gives the testimony that all that were with him had fallen to the ground. Paul was in a hurry. He and those he led were on their way to pick up more of those "following" Jesus. That sudden light frightened the animals which they rode. But only Paul heard the word spoken to him. He was the only one we read about that considered the change that was before him.

As Saul, the follower of his ways and the law......to be strict in every sense, was he not the one being led away from his brutal ways of the faithful of God. In reality he, Paul, was now seeing the blindness he had toward Jesus and those who followed the Lord. Those considered His saints, would at last be free from Saul the persecutor, who was persecuting Jesus Himself. Again, not a good place to be and especially not to have ought against your neighbor!

Looks like Saul was touched, not only in his hearing, but in his seeing as well. The Lord came knocking on his heart, and Saul heard. Saul was being made aware that the old was gone and new was here. Will we receive it?

And the Lord spoke his name twice, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"

The Lord was directing something to Saul. He was speaking to him in a warning, ......you Saul are on the edge of dangerous place with Me. He was getting his attention by saying loud "Saul, Saul". Think about the times you have called one of your children to stop doing something. Of course, if you were raised in the South or had parents from the South, you always called the child by their first and middle name.............loudly, making a point to stop now!

This man who studied under Gamaliel, who was in memorization of the law some probable eight hours a day, was now being confronted by the Lord Himself. The zealous Pharisee of his day was being touched by God Himself. (Philippians 3:5) One breathing out cruelties against the disciples of the Lord would prove to be Saul's undoing.

But what Saul had done zealously for the persecution of those who followed Jesus in the Way, proved to be an advantage when he began to serve the Lord.

Saul had been given a message and in it he would.......see that the Lord came to convert him to following Him. It was to beckon Saul to stop kicking, to stop refusing that which the Lord was directing others to......and that was to life and peace. It was having One Lord, who is Lord over All.

Our hearts must be touched by God! In that touching, in that transforming power, He molds us to that image that is becoming and one that speaks of Him always.

Does our heart reveal God and His power that released us from sin and the mundane things to become that which reveals the Lord Who is more than Enough?

Is He that treasure or does something else have our hearts? Our lives should certainly shine in the Light of Jesus and all that we have as a family of God!

Well, Shelley, the Lord has not said my name twice? If He has spoken your name, then is it possible that it is to stop you from moving forward in your plans? Or maybe He has called your name as He desires you to get moving in that which He has placed in you to do for His glory.

I have heard God say my name several times, in an audible voice. That voice was one wanting time with me, it was the voice that desired my attention, and it was a voice of love!
I remember this one time at church, and I was helping others prepare for a service on Sunday morning. I was taking mints out of the closet in the sanctuary and I heard Him speak my name. I responded, "Yes Sir!"

What do I do in those moments? Will I disregard what He is wanting to tell me or will I get caught up in that He mentioned my name?

Others fell with Saul that day! The Word teaches us that, but only Paul was the directed to move to a place and keep going toward the life God intended for Paul. Yes, a name change was coming to Saul and as Paul, he would have a powerful ministry that glorified God every step of the way!

And God desires that for us! Many soldiers fell that day they came in the Garden of Gethesmane to arrest Jesus. Judas gave that kiss of betrayal and Jesus told them "I Am".

They did not hear anything else. They took Jesus bound to the authorities and then to the Cross. Were any of their lives changed, I do not KNOW! BUT ONE THING IS EVIDENT, THAT WHEN WE HEED AND OBEY, WE LIVE TO SEE THE BEST GOD HAS FOR US TO DO IN HIS NAME!

John 18:3-11...................3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, "Whom are you seeking?" 5 They answered Him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am ......He." And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. 6 Then--when He said to them, "I am......... He,"--they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Then He asked them again, "Whom are you seeking?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." 8 Jesus answered, "I have told you that I am .........He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way," 9 that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, "Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none." 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. 11 Then Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?" NKJV

(the italicized words not in the original translation) He....and they

John 8:12..............12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."  NKJV

The great "I AM" brought light to Saul who would become Paul. He, Jesus brought to us light, so that anyone who would follow Him would have the light of life! Following Jesus brings us to the "new"........it is that life that is "awakened" to the spiritual and to that eternal life guaranteed to every believer who speak His name as Lord!

John 8:48-58.........48 Then the Jews answered and said to Him, "Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?" 49 Jesus answered, "I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. 50 And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges. 51 Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death." 52 Then the Jews said to Him, "Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, 'If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.' 53 "Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Whom do You make Yourself out to be?" 54 Jesus answered, "If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. 55 Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, 'I do not know Him,' I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad." 57 Then the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?" 58 Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." 59 Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. NKJV

Abraham was the created.........and Jesus the Creator.......before Abraham I AM! 

Hebrews 13:8........

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

NKJV

John 20:30-31.................

30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.    NKJV

As in the case of Jesus being surrounded by His disciples, many signs were done. Truly Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that (in) believing you and I may have life in His name. We saw the same for Paul. Surrounded by many, but went from the fall to the ground, to blindness, to waiting in prayer to hear from a saint of God (remember Ananias the disciple) who came to witness to him?  He came to bear witness that Saul was to be a chosen vessel of Jesus Christ of Nazareth and to go and bear His name before the Gentiles.

Acts 9:10-19........................10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." 11 So the Lord said to him, "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight." 13 Then Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name." 15 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake." 17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. 19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.    NKJV

Truly, God has a plan. Many had fallen, not only those in the regiment that came for Jesus, but also those who "rode" with Saul. But it those who will hear with their ears and see with their eyes, and have their hearts touched by God that CHANGE WILL COME.

If we run from church to church and trying to destroy those called by the Lord for the purpose of bringing the Kingdom of God to others, we too become like a "Saul". Are we complaining of the teaching or preaching from the pulpit? Are we trying to bring shame on one who is called by God to deliver the message of salvation to the world?

Philippians 2:9-11.............9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  NKJV

Yes, the same apostle Paul wrote this.....God highly exalted him and gave Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus, EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Jesus is God. There are NO OTHER GODS BEFORE HIM. HE IS THE ONE AND ONLY. 

1 Corinthians 8:4...............4 Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. NKJV

1 Timothy 2:5-7.............5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle--I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying--a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.        NKJV

Many will fall, but those who come to Jesus will stand on His truth. Rejecting truth will always bring us to a place that "must be addressed with correction". The continual correction on this point may lead us to a place of destruction. We should truly want to hear Him and make the changes to keep our course straight in His plan.  Will we submit and obey? Or will we be like that "old dragon" satan who at the end coming soon will have to......... heed,  and kneel before our Great God?

There was a friend of our daughter's who had this license plate on his vehicle. It was this.............."U will bow". He no longer lives in this area, but moved away some years ago. He had that license plate for as long as he was in this state of which we live.

I think of that often. Because everyday, we either choose now to bow, or wait till it is too late and will bow.......but at the end when Jesus returns here will we spend eternity in a hell repeating the most horrific things or be on bent knee worshiping the Lord?   God has appointed us once to death.........Hebrews 9:27.....and in asmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ (28) also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without sin, to those who eagerly await Him. Even the adversary, the devil, will bow when Jesus returns and we should know what that will look like, right?

God has called those to fulfill His plan for these last days............He has the teachers, the pastors, and the prophets in place to minister! Will we be like Saul and breathe out cruelties against those called to minister the Word, or will we truly seek to worship God and find out what He expects us to do when we find ourselves criticizing His anointed man or woman of God?

Father, in Jesus' name, we are but for a moment, You are the God before time. You are the eternal God, the everlasting Father, we are but vapor. It is our true desire to worship you in song and word. It is our whole-hearted desire to sing of Your love forever.............that we would bow before and bless YOU! Today, our trust is in You...........and with all our heart, we lean not to our own understanding, but in all our ways to life and living with husband, children, and those we work with and do ministry with, we ask YOU to direct our paths concerning each we may have listed from the above. We no not desire our wisdom, but the wisdom that is from above, that which is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:17)

May we be the discerning where wisdom is found on our lips. (Prov. 10:13) May we be the prudent who with Your wisdom give thought to our ways today concerning that which we must make decisions concerning those things pertaining to our home, children, job, or ministry. We desire to make our decisions based on prayer in Your Word, with sound wisdom, and trusting You God . We understand there is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. (Prov. 21:30) Help us to make the needed adjustments, please!

We have seen this in Your Word concerning Saul who would become Paul and serve YOUR purposes for the Kingdom of God! Our desire Lord, may we be those who speak with wisdom and have faithful instruction on our tongues.

Our desire is to bless You on bent knee and declare Your goodness to others. May we bless You this day and bring honor to Your Holy NAME. AMEN.

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV