When something happens that "shakes" us to the core we tend to stop and realize what is really important. Putting "things" in perspective is where we seek the true desires of our heart, soul and SPIRIT. It changes how we act and react to the external (things not of the heart, soul and SPIRIT) situations; it is where the occurrences of life do not distort who we are nor, change who we were created to be. Colossians 3:2, "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." When we stop and look up, we see the awesomeness of GOD in any situation; we are a new self which is renewed in the image of our CREATOR. Now that's PUTTING THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE!
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Are we so busy trying to help GOD that we lose our relationship with HIM? Do we "set our minds" on what is "obviously GOD'S Blessing" for us, and begin trying to help HIM give it? Is our fullness in GOD left wanting because we pray for HIS Blessings more than HIS Presence? Do we pray that HE is Glorified whether it is healing of a loved one or the actions we are to do in our lives? Do we revert to our and the world's understanding because our SAVIOR'S teachings lack in some areas? It is not "how" we pray, it is "why" we pray! Colossians 2:10, "And you are complete in HIM, the HEAD of all principality and power." Do we know there is a completion, or "filling up" in HIM, so as to leave nothing wanting? Or, IS SOMETHING MISSING?
You meet someone new and sooner or later they ask, "what do you do"? Can I joyfully tell them; "I am called by the LORD to do Income Taxes for people? Can I passionately tell them I do this without force, grudgingly and without murmurings; but that I do it from the heart, with good will, and having a true hearty affection for those GOD has brought for me to serve? Can I say that GOD'S presence in my work, lets it be accomplished better than anyone else can do it, because it is done with personal interest, from the heart, from the soul and for GOD? Can I say I have others good and best interests at heart, and delight in this service? Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the LORD and not for men." You are going to meet someone new today, what are you going to tell them when they ask, "WHAT DO YOU DO"?
A few days ago while talking with some friends, they spontaneously began to talk about JESUS. Their statements, questions and comments came in such a way that they were constantly Praising GOD in their sincere desire to know HIM more. As I listened, I began to realize that GOD has someone everyday to share and receive JESUS with. Without all of the formality, they were living Matthew 12:34, "...from the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks..." At the same time GOD was providing a time to "...be ready always to give an answer for the reason of your hope, and give it with meekness and reverence..." (1 Peter 3:15). At this particular time, GOD was not restricted to building with a steeple or a predetermined Bible study; it was spontaneous and sincere, "it was Church" where GOD was Glorified; THEY WERE KEEPING GOD IN HIS PLACE! EVERYWHERE!
Peck, Peck, this morning as I was praying a Red Bird came to my window. As I watched him move his head side to side I realized he was in as much wonderment of me, as I was of him. The veil of darkness and ignorance covering our hearts was removed, as we both began experiencing the depth of the beauty of DIVINE TRUTH. We saw beyond the "surface" of our eyes into the wondrous and perfect things of GOD. Yes, we were striped so that "darkness" did not distort our vision; there was nothing, no sin, to keep us from discerning the SPIRITUAL THINGS OF GOD! We were beyond our natural abilities to see the unimaginable things of GOD. Psalm 119:18, "Open my eyes, that I may behold the wondrous things...". YES, I REALLY SAW A RED BIRD, LIKE NEVER BEFORE!
Has someone ever "insulted" you or "disassociated" from you because of their own prejudice, anger or hate? Were they so "overwhelmed" with fear that they even tried to destroy or damage your reputation? Amos 7:12, "...Amaziah said to Amos, O seer go flee away..." Here, the word "seer" said it all; it was contemptuous disrespect, telling Amos of his heritage, lack of family prominence (insulting his father) and that Amos was not a member of the "Royal Guild". Amos did not take this as an insult, in fact he considered it a compliment, even a "Badge of Courage"! Amos was not paid to say what he was saying, he had no "hidden agenda"; he was called to speak the TRUTH, and this gave him great pleasure! Even though others ridiculed him, HE HAD NO CLUE
Do we really know our Heart's Desires? Do we think we know what is best for us? When we delight ourselves in the LORD, we Trust HIM in ALL things, then we commit ourselves to HIS ways. When we trust and commit, HE acts; HE brings forth righteousness as the light! The LIGHT brings understanding to our TRUE HEART'S DESIRES; THE LIGHT COMES, WHEN WE DELIGHT OURSELVES IN HIM. Psalm 37:4, "Delight yourselves in the LORD, and HE will give you the desires of your heart."
On top of the world, everything is in its place and you are beginning to see "just how good you are", as everyone speaks well of you. Does your JOY depend upon what others think of you? Do you think you are successfully doing GOD'S work when "everyone is happy" and tell you what a great job you are doing? BEWARE! Luke 6:26, The REDEEMER said, "woe unto you, when all people speak well of you..." The world does not love, nor want to be like, a holy, humble and spiritual person. Oh, their consciences tell them such a life is right and they are even constrained to speak well of a true Christian; yes, they will even put confidence in a devout Christian instead of one of their own. Galatians 1:10, "...do I seek to please men?...yet if I seek to please men, I cannot seek to please GOD..." What gives us the greatest pleasure, provides authority for our actions and shapes our conduct in life? Is it approval of men or GOD? When "everyone" loves us, maybe it is because we are becoming more like them. Have we betrayed our Faith lately? Have you made a commitment for the LORD this week but someone you know has invited you to their party? Has someone complimented you so that you will be motivated to do what they want? Do you really think you "can make everyone happy" and please GOD too? Where does your power and Faith come from; the approval of others or the approval of GOD? When everyone is happy with you, IT MAY NOT NECESSARILY A "GOOD THING".
Do we read the Bible for knowledge, do we seek its wisdom from our "hunger and thirst" for the TRUTH? Matthew 13:13, "This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see...nor do they understand..." We would not expect to travel the Ukraine without being able to understand the language (road signs, directions, food and conversing with people). Perhaps the Bible is difficult to read because we try to read it like any other book. Do we really expect to understand the Supernatural Scriptures without Supernatural help? The "world's faith" follows "evidence"; (which is no Faith at all) while the "Spiritual man's" Faith precedes understanding. The "natural man" must know in order to Believe; while the "Spiritual man" must Believe in order to know. So don't be alarmed or discouraged when the "world" may ask; HOW DID YOU GET THAT, FROM THIS? Those with ears, let them hear; those with eyes let them see.
We are expected to believe that REALITY is the state of things, as they actually exist. REALITY is the opposite of imaginary, abstract or dreams. We become "confined" (inside the proverbial box) in our thought, because "reality" is restricted to that which has physical existence. Maybe REALITY is the existence of something beyond how it appears or could be imagined. Maybe REALITY is the past, present and future of anything whether or not it is observable or comprehensible. Maybe what we see is only an IMAGE or a SHADOW of REALITY. Colossians 2:17, "These are a shadow of the things to come, the REALITY OF CHRIST." The BODY of CHRIST is the sum and substance of these shadows and Reality then, is the representations of DIVINE and SPIRITUAL things! Yes, we are to live in a world BEYOND THE SHADOWS OF OUR MINDS.
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About the Author and writerThe writer for our daily devotionals wishes to remain anonymous in regard to his work, giving instead Glory to the Author. Archives
December 2015
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