Our REPUTATION is what others THINK of us; our SPIRIT AND SOUL is what GOD and the Angels KNOWS of us. 1 Samuel 16:7, "...For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the HEART". Our HEART is our innermost moral and Spiritual Being. Let us live today so that others KNOW what GOD KNOWS of us.
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Have you ever asked someone, or had someone ask you; "Would you help me"? Was the response, "What do you need"? Or, was the response, "Sure, how may I help"? Two different responses, two different messages conveyed. The first, "What do you need", is guarded and limited. The second response, "SURE", IS OPEN AND LIMITLESS. "Give to every man that asks of you..." (Luke 6:30). Giving or Receiving the "SURE" RESPONSE, indicates a willingness for LIBERAL BENEVOLENCE, and CONFIDENCE knowing whatever our abilities and resources are, they will be enough. We have all given and received both responses; IN WHICH ONE DID WE FEEL THE PRESENCE OF GOD?
"Comfort, comfort ...speak tenderly...and the Glory of GOD shall be revealed..."(Isaiah 40:1-5). Is our low of all lows the result of our own UNBELIEF? Isn't GOD'S GLORY revealed to everyone and not just a "few" selected people? And, isn't GOD'S Promise to have HIS Presence with us always the foundation of all of HIS Promises, where if each Promise is TRUE then ALL of HIS Promises are TRUE? And, if EVEN ONE of HIS Promises is FALSE then ALL OF HIS PROMISES ARE FALSE. This is where we realize our identity, where our integrity and dignity comes from our IDENTITY IN CHRIST. Are we living in the DESERT WHERE WE KNOW THE PROMISES OF GOD ARE TURE; or are we LIVING IN THE DESERT ON A HORSE WITH NO NAME?
Satan went before GOD and the Angels for permission to "TEST" Job (Job1:6-22). Do we think that GOD'S plan was to set Job up for failure and give satan the pleasure of saying, "I told YOU so"? Absolutely NOT, GOD knew EXACTLY what Job was capable of, even in the midst of his pain. Are we facing something, or many somethings, that is beyond our limits, even pushed beyond our endurance and understanding? IS GOD TEACHING US THE DEPTH AND WIDTH OF OUR FAITH THAT HE KNOWS WE HAVE?
Joseph was looking for his brothers in the hills, when "a certain man in the field appeared... "(Genesis 37:15). Have we encountered "individuals" in our life who appeared during "dire situations" or even "seemingly routine" duties whose words, actions and silent thoughts penetrated our Hearts? Their Presence changed everything; what we would do, how we thought and the course we were to follow. WHERE DID THEY COME FROM? WHO DO WE THINK SENT THEM?
When we ask the HOLY SPIRIT to read GOD'S WORD with us, SOMETHING SPECIAL HAPPENS. The "veil" is removed from our eyes, the cold no longer numbs, and our surroundings become our Sanctuary. The Simplicity of TRUSTING GOD gives new vitality, restored freshness and Revelational Purity far beyond our imagination and understanding. We are no longer known by "worldly" definitions. When we TRUST GOD our "Understanding" goes beyond being able to be provoked, irritated, annoyed, or angry. The understanding of HIM giving us "THE SPIRIT of Love and Power and NOT FEAR" is no longer just words; it is the way we begin living our lives. Acts 3:19-21, "...that times of refreshing comes from the Presence of the LORD...". Reading the Scriptures are no longer "Bible Study", they are a REFRESHING CONVERSATION WITH GOD.
If we could only SEE JESUS, then we could BELIEVE; after all, "SEEING IS BELIEVING". Did Pharaoh believe after seeing GOD'S miracles through Moses? Or did Jezebel believe after seeing GOD'S Miracles through Elijah? "...Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the Glory of GOD..." (John 11:40)? FAITH is the assurance and conviction that GOD'S CHARACTER and PROMISES are TRUE; and BELIEF is the ACTING ON THIS FAITH. Scripture tells us, BELIEVING comes before SEEING. In our "selfish doubtfulness" do we seek PROOF AND NOT TRUTH? If we ask TO SEE IN ORDER TO BELIEVE, aren't we insulting and doubting the WORD OF GOD? Aren't we the farthest from GOD, WHEN WE HAVE TO "SEE TO BELIEVE"?
What does it mean to have a psychological dissociation in a previously "functional" individual? Is it because we are "OVERWHELMED" with the wisdom and ways of the World; or have we become so absolutely "UNDERWHELMED" with this "same Wisdom". Have we come to a place where our "Clarity" of the TRUTH removes our confusion and gives us PEACE? Because of this, we lose the respect and love of those around us (Luke 14:26-27). To the WORLD we are experiencing a "Modern Mental Health Crisis" (or commonly called "Nervous Breakdown"); but we know now we see everything in its TRUE CLARITY, IN ITS BARE ESSENCE, "...we have Purity of Conscience from dead works..." (Hebrews 9:14) "...as we gaze into Heaven and see the Glory of GOD...(Act 7:55)". IS IT A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN or BEING FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT? The definitions are similar, MAYBE THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE.
Muslims, Buddhists, Atheists, Racial Antagonists and even other Denominations offend our Christian Mission to the POINT OF RIGHTEOUS ANGER. We want to put on the HOLY ARMOR and go to Battle with the evil forces. What if our hearts turned from selfish anger to heartfelt grief for their pride, hardness and rebellion against JESUS? Would our eyes be like fountains from full-flowing streams (Jeremiah 9:1) as we possess an urgent burden for their Salvation? Would the river of tears turn from gentle weeping to violent floods of tears as we see the REBELLION IN THEM, IS ALSO IN US? REBELLION AND DISHONOR IS UNBELIEF, NO MATTER WHAT WE CALL OURSELVES.
Is our Church composed of Christians? Does our Church contain ALL OF THE FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS? Do other Churches also have FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS? So, is our Church is made up of MANY LOCAL CHURCHES, but in no way is it A ONE UNIVERSAL CHURCH? Have we become "self-made religions..." (Colossians 2:23). GOD defines Religion in James 1:27, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before GOD...is this: visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world..." Do Churches today, attempt to appeal to other Churches congregations through contradicting and disagreeing practices and Beliefs, instead of SATISFYING A SEEKING SOUL? I WONDER WHICH CHURCH, IF ANY, GOD WOULD CHOOSE TO BELONG?
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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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