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We can only think and speak about what we have inside: we cannot think and speak about what we don't have. For example, if our hearts are weighted down with anxious burdens and struggles, that is what we think and talk about. We cannot think and speak about the PEACE OF GOD, JOY AND RIGHTEOUSNESS (Romans 14:17) if our hearts are not THANKFUL and GRATEFUL. WE CAN ONLY THINK AND SPEAK ABOUT THAT WHICH WE HAVE and we can't BLAME OTHERS for what we DON'T HAVE.
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Do we realize that no matter how many sermons we hear, we will have no hope unless the FIRE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT burns in the PASTOR'S HEART? And, no matter how many times we read the Bible, we will have no understanding unless the FIRE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT burns in our hearts (Matthew3:11). We will never be able to give others ENCOURAGEMENT and PEACE, unless the FIRE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT is within us (Acts 2:1). THE FIRE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, IS GOD'S HEART WITHIN OUR SOUL. AND, THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL SPEAK GOD'S WILL FOR OUR LIVES (Acts 2:4).
In the DEEPEST OF OUR HEARTS we think of these things. These TREASURES define our heart and who we are (Luke12:34). They are not TREASURES that can be destroyed or taken from us (Matthew 6:19). THIS TREASURE brings much JOY; so much JOY AND PEACE that we want nothing else (Matthew 13:44). THIS TREASURE reveals LOVE of the LORD and UNDERSTANDING of WHO HE is (Proverbs 2:4-5). These TREASURES call us by name, and we know it is GOD (Isaiah 45:3).
What is one of the most humbling Scriptures that exposes our laziness and selfishness? "Where is your brother" (Genesis 4:9)? Have we become a "LAND OF SUITS" and "NOT CALLOUSES"? Are we really committed to the greater good? Do we want "good" for everyone but do not want to "PAY THE PRICE" for Good? Have our "SUITS" made us too comfortable and complicit to ASK OURSELVES; WHERE'S OUR BROTHER? Is there a family that has suffered traumatic events but with the passing of time we are no longer there for them? WHERE'S MY BROTHER?
What if the SPIRIT OF THE LORD came upon us (Luke 4:18) where we were inspired to talk about JESUS with someone? Would they feel the genuine attentiveness, the inspiration and JOY of being in their presence? Would they know they are so special that there is no other place we would rather be and no other subject more important? Would this Love let them know they are held in great esteem and great importance? Would we both feel a SPECIAL OPENNESS to accept the FREE GIFT OF FAITH? WOULD THE GOSPEL BE MORE THAN JUST WORDS?
Do we "excuse" our actions. or do we even realized how "NON-COMMITTED" we are? Oh, we pray for those who are hungry and homeless, but do we share our homes and our food? Do we "keep" clothes in the closet, boxes and attic, saying when we lose a little weight we will wear them again? Are we really COMPASSIONATE (in harmony with the Heart, Soul and Needs) of others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)? While we go to sleep "giving thanks" for all we have; someone is cold tonight; someone's feet are blistered and bare; AND A MOTHER CRIES BECAUSE SHE CAN'T FIND FOOD FOR HER BABY. WHEN WE GIVE "THANKS" WITHOUT COMPASSION OR COMMITMENT; WE GIVE NO THANKS AT ALL.
GOD'S message is so "clear and direct, so simple and eloquent" that no ecclesiastical interpretation has the right to obscure or weaken their power (Ecclesiastes 3:14). Does our "FREEDOM", "OUR LIFE" heighten the realities of the SCRIPTURES, or does it DISTANCE OURSELVES from them? Do we justify our SELF-INDULGENCE as FREEDOM to "enhance or change" the meaning of SCRIPTURE? "Love the LORD with all your heart, Soul and mind; Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-40). If we LIVE A LIFE OF LOVE, do we "fulfill the Scriptures without being "LEGALISTS"? Does a LIFE OF LOVE fulfill the SCRIPTURES beyond interpretation?
Do we feel obliged to answer when we are asked a question? How much did that cost? Why did you do that? What are you going to do about it? Do their questions and our responses originate because of fear or intimidation? When Pilate asked JESUS, "Are YOU the King of Jews"? JESUS answered, "...do you ask of your own accord, or because of what others told you.." (John 18:33-37)? Let's put it like this; "Are you asking for GODLY REASONS, or do you want to clear your own conscience, OR ARE YOU JUST NOSY? Do we answer from "guilty conscience", force or fear; or from the SPIRIT OF DISCERNMENT where our answers GLORIFY GOD? "DO YOU ASK FOR A GODLY REASON"?
LORD, I do not know what to pray (Romans 8:26), for my words cannot express THE SPIRIT of my HEART. My words cannot express the greatness of what my mind cannot perceive; I can only remain silent in YOUR PRESENCE. YOU, WHO searches the Heart and knows the MIND OF THE SPIRIT (Romans 8:27) hear "wordless prayers".
FORGIVE me LORD for not standing still and gazing into the depths of Heaven. FORGIVE me LORD for not cherishing the people you have put into my life to know YOUR LOVE. The DEPTHS OF YOUR FORGIVENESS, I cannot even attempt to imagine. Far be it from me to even pretend to understand what JESUS did on the CROSS. I wish I could "START ALL OVER AGAIN" with no wasted moments that robbed me of YOUR REVELATIONS. I seek to see YOUR face (Revelation 22:4). And then again, YOU were in the skies, the people YOU sent, and in YOUR FORGIVENESS. FORGIVE ME LORD.
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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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