Today is 9/9 (September 9) and according to the Bible the number NINE symbolizes DIVINE COMPLETENESS. We may lose, or throw away, many things in life, but we never lose OUR GOD MOMENTS where we experience HIS DIVINE COMPLETENESS. Ecclesiastes 9:9, "Live joyfully..." While our Pride and Vanity may have "tainted" the beautiful times GOD has given us; OUR TREASURED GOD MOMENTS REMAIN UNTARNISHED, AS WE "LIVE JOYFULLY" IN HIS DIVINE COMPLETENESS. THIS COMPLETENESS BRINGS US TO "JOYFUL PRAYER".
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We have many CHOICES from which to choose. We gather facts, seek counsel and compare alternatives in order to make the correct selection. And with all of that cautious effort we still make the wrong decision. Our decisions will be most satisfying and fulfilling if we would ask ONE QUESTION; DOES MY CHOICE BRING ME CLOSER OR FURTHER AWAY FROM GOD? "...do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is your LORD your GOD who goes with you. He will not leave you.." (Deuteronomy 31:6). We do not make "bad" decisions when we ASK OURSELVES THE ONE QUESTION. DOES IT BRING ME CLOSER TO GOD?
All of our decisions will be GODLY ONES TODAY..... "The LORD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may sustain with a word him who is weary..." (Isaiah 50:4) We cannot "encourage" others with words inspired by our own dreams and visions. The weary are only "sustained" by their "revelations" of GOD which comes from the WORD of GOD. We can only speak the WORD of GOD while we are in communion with HIM. When speak HIS WORD to others, we also speak to ourselves, and HE SUSTAINS US BOTH. Isn't that one of the NOBLEST ACTS, to speak a word that comforts the SOUL? We do not speak to the ear, but to THE SPIRIT, and THE WHISPER OF HIS WORD COMFORTS AND SUSTAINS US.
If someone were to ask us, "What is the Bible"? Would we give the "Biblically correct" answers of "IT IS GOD'S WORD" or "ALL SCRIPTURE IS GOD BREATHED"? Although those responses are correct, they in no way give "closure or REVELATION" to our unsatisfied Spirit. Western Christianity holds that man constructs knowledge building upon one TRUTH after another. On the other hand, the BIBLE reveals the Character of GOD and HIS interaction with man; all in HIS DIVINE purpose to REVEAL HIMSELF to us. Deuteronomy 29:29, "The secret things belong to the LORD our GOD, but those things which are REVEALED belong to us..." We do not ACQUIRE knowledge or Truth and we do not DISCOVER knowledge or Truth. The BIBLE tells us that KNOWLEDGE AND TRUTH are already here and we know them only when GOD CHOOSES TO REVEAL THEM THROUGH HIMSELF. THE PERMANENT UNCHANGING REVELATION OF HIS REVEALING HIMSELF TO US.
JUST ASK, HE WILL REVEAL HIMSELF.................... The "absence of guilt" does not mean we "have the HOLY SPIRIT". Matthew13:14, "...you will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive..." A "hardened heart" convinces us we seek TRUTH; but our quest is "twisted" and our Spiritual Journey leads us away from GOD not toward GOD...(Romans 3:11-12). A hardened heart sees sin as something that just doesn't apply, or maybe doesn't even exist, in his life. When we invite the DIVINE PRESENCE of the HOLY SPIRIT, we see (and perceive) sin in our lives; we become contrite, humbled and repenting as the GIFT OF SALVATION is REVEALED. In that PIERCING MOMENT we realize HE did this while we still weren't seeking HIM and still rebelling with an arrogant "hardened heart". It is LOVE that opens our eyes to HIS DIVINE PERFECTION, HIS FORGIVENESS AND HIS PEACE. WITHOUT HIS LOVE, THE ABSENCE OF GUILT IS ONLY A HARDENED HEART.
Have we questioned and doubted our very Salvation because a "professed" Christian Teacher tells us we "are not right" with GOD? JESUS tells us..."false Christs and false prophets" will come and attempt to deceive even GOD'S elect (Matthew 24:23; 2 Peter 3:3; and Jude 17-18). Do they make claims of "lofty Spirituality and Communion with GOD" which makes us question our own relationship with HIM? Do they not teach and live the "deepest meaning" of the aspirations GOD has placed in our hearts? HIS LOVE is our admiration and adoration. From the deepest depths, we reflect the image of HIM, upon whom we gaze. FALSE TEACHERS ATTACK US BECAUSE THEY DO NOT HAVE THAT WHICH WE EARNESTLY AND INTENSELY DESIRE. THEY BECOME ANGRY WHEN WE SEEK GOD'S APPROVAL AND NOT THEIRS.
Does GOD force us to live in our own mistakes and sins? Has Scripture become so "legalistic" in our minds and hearts that we no longer hear the TRUTH of GOD'S WORD? Can we know something to be TRUE beyond the "contradiction" of legalistic knowledge? The PEACE OF GOD is a relationship which sharpens and intensifies our hearts emotionally, Spiritually and Physically? It is a relationship much like a marriage; a relationship INITIATED AND SUSTAINED BY GOD. Philippians 4:7, "And the Peace of GOD, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts..." The PEACE OF GOD IS DIVINE TRANQUILITY, BEYOND "LEGALISTIC" KNOWLEDGE OR REASONING. DOES A RELATIONSHIP EXIST BECAUSE OF LEGALISTIC BELIEFS; OR ARE ITS DEPTHS MORE DIVINE?
Did we wake up this morning looking forward to reading GOD'S WORD and HEARING HIS VOICE? Our Soul is calm, tranquil and composed. We make up Songs of Praise and sing them fearlessly and lovingly. Our devotions are vibrant and all of the powers of our Body, Soul and SPIRIT are Praising HIS LOVE, MERCY AND FAITHFULNESS. Psalm57:8, "Awake my glory! Awake 'O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn! THIS IS OUR PURPOSE
"If we only had more FAITH". Or have we thought, "we have FAITH thousands of miles wide, but only an inch deep"? "FAITH is the SUBSTANCE of things hoped for, the CONVICTION of things not seen..." Hebrews 11:1. FAITH is the total dependence on SOMEONE that can MANIFEST that which we cannot see, but WE KNOW HE IS THERE. FAITH is our AUTHORITY to BELIEVE. "...If you had the FAITH of a mustard seed...you too can move this mountain..." JESUS did not emphasize the QUANTITY OF FAITH, AS MUCH AS THE SUBSTANCE OF FAITH
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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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