"When I fed them, they became satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; when they were proud, they forgot ME" (Hosea 13:6). Are we separated from the rest of creation and GOD, because of our INTELLIGENCE, or is it OUR LACK OF HUMILITY? Is HUMILITY the opposite of PRIDE or is it our dependence on GOD? "But with HUMILITY comes WISDOM" (Proverbs 11:2). Do we let our INTELLIGENCE separate us from GOD because we are NOT VERY WISE?
0 Comments
Do we have this unique awareness that we are VERY SPECIAL? It is not a feeling that we are "BETTER THAN" others, it is the absolute presence of GREAT EXPECTATIONS beyond the pleasures of this world. It is the elevation beyond human frailty of beauty, strength and prosperity. We are consumed with the desire to commune with HIM in our URGENCY OF PRAYER. Psalm 39:7, "And now, LORD where do I go..? HIS FAVOR sets us free from temptations within and the vanity of things here below. GREAT EXPECTATIONS MAKE US VERY SPECIAL.
"This too shall pass". Why do we compare, "that things could be worse" when we are experiencing tough times? Then why do we say, "It won't last forever" when we experience abundance? Is our "discontentment" the lack of Faith or the lack of Trust? Does GOD give us abundance so that we can have a newer car, bigger house or RINGS AND THINGS? Have we learned the secret of being "filled" and "going hungry" (Philippians 4:11-12)? In humble means or prosperity, we remain too live in HUMBLE MEANS, and the excess is used to BLESS OTHERS. THIS IS CONTENTMENT, and THIS TOO, WILL NEVER PASS. "Nobody knows the trouble I've seen, Nobody knows the SORROW". Do those kind of thoughts make us feel sacrificially Holy, or are they selfish and self-serving? Does SORROW bring REPENTANCE, where we cry, wail, moan and gasp for air? Or does SORROW bring REPENTANCE that comes in the quietness of THE SPIRIT transforming the heart and mind where sin is no longer acceptable? Worldly SORROW changes nothing, we are only sorry that we got caught. John 16:20, "Your SORROW shall be turned into JOY". JOY no longer recognizes, nor accepts, "worldly trials and tribulations" as SACRIFICIAL HOLINESS. JOY IS THE CALM DELIGHT that exists in the depths of the deepest valley as though we were standing on the highest mountain. CALM DELIGHT.
Do we believe that we must "FORGIVE OURSELVES" in order to have the "Fullness of CHRIST"? Can we Forgive our selves of our sin? "...not that man can Forgive sins, that belongs only to GOD...(ISAIAH 43:23). Is Forgiveness really confirming all that JESUS taught and our actions are the result of living in HIS LOVE? JESUS set us free of the Bondage of sin, so why can't we "remember no more"? It is because we choose to remember sin because we want to relive those sins, thus we continue to commit those sins over and over. When we live in the presence of GOD, we think, pray and reJOYce IN HIS LOVE. When our hearts constantly think about HIM, we no longer "dwell in our sins" and the sins of others. Only then do we "REMEMBER NO MORE". ISN'T THAT FORGIVENESS?
When we have offended someone, or someone has offended us, is "I'M SORRY ENOUGH'? In order to "convince" others of our sorrow, do we add "adjectives" to express our sorrow, "I'm REALLY Sorry"? Or is there the presence of a "Sixth Sense", a Spiritual Discernment" that reveals "The Fullness of Truth"? John 16:13, "...the SPIRIT of Truth, is come, HE will guide you into all TRUTH..." Our discerning SPIRIT gives supernatural revelation and recognition of GOD'S SPIRIT or evil spirits. When GOD'S SPIRIT reveals GOD'S SPIRIT, the Treasures of TRUTH are known without words. When we Trust GOD to HEAL, those who are injured or offended, then, I'M SORRY IS ENOUGH.
How many times do we read "ANOTHER GOD BOOK" to understand the Bible? We read, "Ten Easy Steps to having Faith"; "Fourteen Steps to Glorifying GOD"; or "How to Become a Christian", then we frantically search for a Devotional to encourage us for the moment. David ENCOURAGED HIMSELF in the LORD (1 Samuel 30:6). How many times do we try to REPENT only to be left in "conflict" and "wanting"? How can we GLORIFY GOD if we are not in AGREEMENT WITH, and OBEDIENT TOO, GOD'S greatness of splendor, HIS dignity and honor? Luke24:45, "Then JESUS opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.." When we REPENT, for things known and unknown, our Heart is CONTRITE and in AGREEMENT with GOD; then HE unleashes THE HOLY SPIRIT within us to give us understanding of the Scriptures! The BIBLE is all we need; AND WE DON'T NEED ANOTHER GOD BOOK.
We make our choices based upon expected "rewards"; or which "alternative" makes us the happiest and gives us the most satisfaction. If that were TRUE WE WOULD ALL BE CHRISTIANS. Do we choose GOD or does HE choose us? John 1:12, "But to all who did receive HIM, HE gave the right to be children of GOD, BORN AGAIN, not of blood nor the will of flesh nor will of man...." First, "the LORD opens hearts to hear the message, so we can respond to the Gospel (Acts 16:14). Then we choose to "Believe" or "Not Believe" in JESUS. Our choice is not based upon "Rewards", it is based upon the Revelation of WHO GOD IS, GOD IS LOVE. Just as we did not "choose" to be born of Flesh; we cannot cause ourselves to be born again. It is OF GOD, and only GOD can do it. WHO CHOOSES WHO? WE CHOOSE EACH OTHER BASED UPON LOVE. LOVE BEING THE "GREATEST REWARD"; WHY AREN'T WE ALL CHRISTIANS?
The desires of the "flesh" are not overcome through absentia, will-power or "sheer" determination. These desires are not overcome in our misguided quest for the "Satisfaction" of our Soul; they are only annihilated as though they "never existed", in OUR QUEST FOR "COMPLETENESS" IN OUR SPIRIT. Isaiah 55:1, "Come, everyone who thirsts, and have water; you with no money, come buy and eat"! GOD does not give us "portions of the HOLY SPIRIT" nor are we "ALMOST SAVED". If we think we have "SOME" of the HOLY SPIRIT; WE HAVE NONE. If we think we are "PARTIALLY SAVED"; WE ARE LOST!
When we don't have to remember to "count our Blessings" and when we don't have to "force ourselves to Forgive", we might just be living in the Revelation of True Thankfulness. Here we undeniably know the Providence of GOD; we know our Prayers are in agreement with GOD'S WILL and every moment becomes what we Pray for. 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "In everything give thanks..." When THINGS are no longer what we give THANKS for, THANKSGIVING BECOMES A CONSTANT PRAYER. THEY ARE PRAYERS THAT GIVE THANKS WITH A GRATEFUL HEART; BECAUSE THE HEART KNOWS WHAT THE MIND CANNOT PERCEIVE.
|
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
Categories |