The Next Generation

The Next Generation                                     12-18-15

Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) ⁶  Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.


It was like watching the newsreel at the movie theater. For those of you unfamiliar with the newsreel, ask mama,daddy, or better grandma and grandpa to explain just what it is. Anyway, story after story with pictures rolled across my screen this week. Three, however stood alone and sparked this message.

I watched this week as a "prophet" spoke before a crowd of hundreds, maybe thousands of all ages and declared that speaking or saying the words "Merry Christmas" was on a par, no was WORSE than fornication and murder. No commentary here just reporting what I saw.

A little later in the week, I read of a political science professor at a prominent evangelical Christian college donning a religious headdress and proclaim that we all worship the same God. Again, no commentary, just the facts. Well,..... maybe a small commentary here......not my commentary, but the opinion of another......

 John 14:6 (ESV) ⁶  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

Hmmmm......

At any rate, these various and sundry reports played on this newsreel were against a backdrop of a star pointing to a manger with a babe in it.A babe appointed to save you and I from our sin.Why all the rage against this innocent child????  Just for the record, this "babe" is no longer in the manger, nor is He on the cross..nope, He is the soon returning King coming to take His brothers and sisters home. I digress.

Pondering the assorted chaos this week, I had  pause. I remembered my third story of the week and the point of my message. I remembered a church somewhere in northeast Georgia. I've never been there and know of it only through my wife Shelley, and my angel ,Chloe.

It seems that this church took Chloe and her brothers C.J. and Tyler under their wing. For some time now, the church has provided transportation for the kids to and from church whenever they wanted to go. They have ministered to those kids in many different ways. Sunday School, Church, outings and whatnot. Week after week, month after month, picking them up, taking them home, this and that.They have been "training them up" if you get my drift.

Whenever I would talk to Chloe on the phone, I would ask her how she liked her church. She would say that she really liked it and all that; you know how kids are.But, here's the payoff. Not too long ago I was talking to Shelley and she told me of a phone conversation she had had. Chloe had a question .Chloe had asked this. She didn't know whether she had to "ask Jesus to come into her heart every night or not." It seems that she had forgotten to ask Him into her heart the previous night and was wondering about it. She then informed Shelley that she had asked Jesus to come into her heart at church the previous Sunday or Wednesday, don't know which; and wanted to make sure that He was still in her heart since she hadn't asked Him the night before.

Then she told Shelley that she wanted to be baptized. Bap-i-tized as Chloe puts it. 
When I heard that story for the first time, I was almost brought to tears, as Chloe is very dear to my heart. Once again for effect.

 Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) ⁶  Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Brothers and sisters, make no mistake about it, our nation is being invaded. Our country is under assault. WE ,as Christians are under assault. Our children and grandchildren are in the spiritual cross hairs of the enemy. Do not be deceived by the RHETORIC. It's akin to waves rolling in on the seashore. One after another, six or seven, then a BIG ONE comes, knocks you down and the pattern starts all over again. You feelin' me here? But. BUT.

Make no mistake, BE ASSURED, this invasion is doomed to failure. That babe in the manger was, is, and will be a conqueror. That much is certain.Our job is to prevent as many casualties as we can, however we can,don't you think? And herein lieth the lesson. Because of the unseen and unheralded efforts of some folk in a church somewhere in Georgia, a small child, a member of the next generation, was transformed from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. SHE GOT SAVED!!

I have thought about this much over the last few years. In my opinion, MY OPINION, we owe it to the next generation to do all we can to stem the tide aimed at their destruction. Someone did it for us when we were coming up, and we owe it to the Chloe's of the world. That's my personal take on it. At any rate, this verse came to mind while writing this blog.

Hebrews 6:10 (ESV) ¹⁰  For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.

Maybe you are a parent of small or not so small children, working yourself to death trying to provide for those babies under your care. Maybe you are a grandparent or great grandparent praying continually after those children and grandchildren for their welfare.Maybe you are a church worker faithfully teaching that children's class or working in that nursery,OUT OF THE SIGHT  AND MIND OF ANY AND EVERYONE. Rest easy, you are not out of the sight of GOD ALMIGHTY. He has not and will not "overlook" you.

Let us all endeavor, in whatever capacity big or small, to "train up" that generation that follows us. Amen? AMEN!

And here's for whomever is reading.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Psalm 18:1-3 (ESV) ¹

 I love you, O LORD, my strength.
²  The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
³  I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.


God Bless





    








  

Hitting The Rewind Button                                12-11-15

Romans 8:13 (ESV) ¹³  For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

A little background is needed here in order to trace my steps to my hopefully logical conclusion. (Hopefully being the key word here!) smile.

I read an article this week in a magazine that I don't normally read or even like. But, the title about markers on the road to offense caught my eye. As I read on, a phrase used by the author really hit home. It hit me "where I live," if you know what I mean. The condensed version goes like this. Among all that leads us into offense, one of the markers or warning signs is hitting the rewind button. No, not on the radio or television, but in your mind. How's that Ronnie? Just this. Someone says or does something to hurt your feelings. Someone says or does something that insults you. Or maybe what is said or done isn't even the truth. You hearin' me here. Yeah, I feel ya.

Anyway, when these unpleasant circumstances happen, if you are like your's truly, you tend to hit the rewind button in your head and replay the incident over and over. IF, you are like ME, you rehearse it and rehearse it until you have every word, nuance, facial expression, tone of voice, body language or anything else that helps you build the case for injustice DOWN TO A TEE. (Amen or Oh me!lol)

Against all reason and good sense, you continue to hit the rewind button until you have built a wall of resentment in your heart. If not very careful this can lead you or me into a hardened heart and offense; then, according to the Scriptures, that offense can defile not only us but those around us. 

Hebrews 12:15 (ESV) ¹⁵  See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;

That being said, here is where I will share what I believe God spoke to my heart this week. About a fortnight past, I had once again fallen into this snare of the devil. Playing over and over again perceived injustices. Sure enough I had rehearsed enough to be able to store a goodly amount of resentment in my heart. So, when I saw this article I had to admit to God that I was indeed guilty as charged. At this point this thought entered my mind and heart.

"Ronnie, do you want victory over this?" As I considered that radical  (at least to me, smile)) alternative, the Holy Ghost expounded on that idea.

I spend a lot of time praying about "victory." Victory in my circumstances. Victory in my finances. Victory in the lives of my children, family and friends.You know what I am talking about don't you? Nothing wrong with that at all. God wants us to take our requests to Him above all. However, the Holy Spirit gently impressed me about  the time I spend in God's Word and before Him in prayer seeking "victory" over the sin in my life.Those things that are displeasing to Him and those things that grieve His Spirit. In other words, "where I live."

While trying to digest all this, He moved me a little further down the road. A victory by it's very meaning implies a battle or a contest with an opponent. In order to have a victor, you must also have one who is defeated. Now, in the natural world, depending upon their nature, these battles can be friendly,as witnessed by the Tennessee Vols defeat of the Georgia Bulldogs this year(couldn't resist) or they can be belligerent.

But, in the spiritual realm they are NEVER friendly. Our common enemy seeks to do nothing short of destroying us and all we hold dear. When you have the time, read the 6th through 8th chapters of Romans. It's hard reading. It describes us(our old selves) as being "crucified" with Christ. It spends time describing the battle we face in trying to do the right thing. Then it talks about the "how to" in achieving victory. It doesn't put a pretty face on it. It's a down and dirty, in the gutter, no holds barred fight. Look again.

Romans 8:13 (ESV) ¹³  For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Brothers and sisters, in order to have victory in this realm, we must yield ("by the Spirit") ourselves to God's power in our lives and "put to death those deeds of the body." 

"Ronnie, I can't do that. I don't have the strength." I know you don't. Neither do I. But, if we keep fighting. If we press on in spite of our failures. If we continue to yield to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives; if we PRACTICE letting God have control, THEN those victories that prove so elusive will begin to come. Eventually, if we keep at it and keep at it, God will change those attitudes and practices that displease Him and do harm to us. It ain't pretty, it may hurt, and we may get scuffed up a little; but God says it will work if we will trust Him and fight those fights in His power. In the end it will yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness.Amen.

Psalm 119:71 (ESV) ⁷¹  It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.


God Bless
    

When All Else Fails He Alone

When All Else Fails He Alone                           12-04-15

Psalm 62:1-2 (ESV) ¹

 For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
²  He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

It was chilling. I just this moment turned on my television looking for a reason that the price of gold had jumped this A.M. There, in front of me, was the ever present "Breaking News" headline caption. Sure enough, my and almost everyone else's fears were realized. It now seems that the shooting in California was indeed a terrorist attack. As I watched the camera pan inside the home of these terrorists, for some reason chill bumps ran up and down my arms. I looked at the military type hardware and all the other paraphernalia; nodding my head and speaking to myself that "yes indeed, they are here."

My attention was then directed to a verse,(see above) I came across this week past. I opened my Bible and reread that entire Psalm. In the wake of the revelation on the television, a sense of reverence flooded into my soul. It wasn't one of those jumping up and down "Praise The Lord" kind of moments. It was a sense that I was in the presence of the God of all creation.Nothing I could say or do was sufficient. I just needed to sit there in silence and RESPECT the fact that He and HE ALONE IS GOD.

HE AND HE ALONE IS MY ROCK AND MY SALVATION

The moment and the sense of awe passed, and I knew I had my message. Folks, take some time SOON and read the 62nd Psalm.

For some weeks, months actually God has been speaking to your's truly about two subjects. In no particular order of importance they are 1) Becoming a giver and 2) Developing a personal, intimate relationship with God Almighty outside of all the busyness of life. Just me and God one on one. Dining room table. Living room couch. Park. Just God and me. Now I understand that in truth, this is not a new spiritual revelation is it? That has been the plan since the beginning hasn't it? If only I would HEED that call. Know what I mean?

Read the Psalm today. It covers the whole gamut of what we are dealing with as Christians,no indeed as HUMAN BEINGS in today's world.In vs. 3 and 4 it speaks of  attacks upon men to "batter" them. Look no further than San Bernardino. People blessing with their mouth but inwardly cursing. Hello media moguls.

In vs. 9 and 10. it casts light on all of low and high estate.The absolute delusion that riches and power somehow will provide security in he dark days to come. Hmmmmm. Sound like the 1%'s and then all the rest of us?

Want to know who is the REAL power broker in this fallen world of ours? Read vs.11.

Brothers and sisters read the very first line of that Psalm.

"For God ALONE(caps mine) my soul waits in silence;"

Hear me. Like it or not, they are here. The enemy is at the gate.

Like it or not we are in a war on many fronts. We are being assaulted by an enemy from without AND an enemy from within.We must contend with an enemy hell bent on our physical destruction; and an enemy from hell, bent on our spiritual destruction. Ya feelin' me here?

There is NO other refuge. There is NO other hiding place.Outside of the dwelling place of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and His ONE AND ONLY SON,The Lord Jesus Christ, ALL ELSE WILL FAIL!!

Let us all endeavor to seek Him. Let us all hunger and thirst for His presence. For He and He alone is our hope and our salvation.

Psalm 62:5-7 (ESV) ⁵  For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.
⁶  He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
⁷  On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.


God Bless

     

Consider The Source

Consider The Source                                 11-27-15

Luke 17:15-16 (ESV) ¹⁵  Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice;
¹⁶  and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving yesterday! I am presently paying the price for failing  yesterday to not gormandize .(There's one for you Pastor Doug) At any rate, in the midst of recovering from my self induced food and sugar coma yesterday, while reading, I came across this phrase.

Consider the source.

We often use that phrase in a negative connotation don't we? We will read about something that someone said or did. Or more often than not, that phrase will come up while we are TALKING about what someone else said or did."Well, just consider the source....." You know don't you? (smile)

The above verse though, sheds a positive light on that phrase doesn't it? This Samaritan figured it out didn't he? Take a look.

Consider- To think carefully about. To contemplate or reflect upon. To turn over in one's mind. 

You know I don't mind all the "commercialization" of Christmas. As a point in fact, I rather enjoy it. All the hustle and bustle, the decorations, it's a great time of year. Watching this year's version of the Walmart Black Friday, I was tempted  in my heart to say "I would never do that"..... until I remembered a Black Friday many years ago. As a parent of two young boys, I ran(not walked) but RAN to the BIG WHEEL display,punching and kicking to be FIRST in line to get that must have Big Wheel!!

But, this Samaritan had it right didn't he? Just what are you saying Ronnie? Just this. He considered the source did he not? Look again at the passage. Ten lepers were healed by Jesus. Now, I am betting that these men were jubilant and could not wait to share their healing with their family and friends.....and understandably so. BUT, one, for some reason ,began to consider. As he went, he began to contemplate...he began to turn it over in his mind.....and he figured it out. It was a revelation. 

"...when he saw that he was healed, turned back...."

You know something, as a parent and father, my heart would almost burst when my children would take time out from the "big wheels" and come up to me, give me a hug and say a simple "thanks Dad." At those times, I would have moved heaven and earth for them if I could have. Now, if God built us that way, I bet that He enjoys us considering Him in that way too, don't you think? Sure He does!

Listen, brothers and sisters, want to commune with God? Want to get close to Him? This Samaritan teaches us all a lesson. In the midst of all the gormandizing, all the giving and getting of gifts, take some ALONE time and consider. 
Get away and turn it over in your mind. Understand that the Lord Jesus is the SOURCE of ALL that is GOOD in your life. Indeed, He is your(and my) provider, your(and my) healer, our Savior and Lord.

During the jubilance and excitement, when we understand that we have been healed and provided for, let's take some time and TURN BACK and give the God of all Glory, thanks.   

Psalm 95:2-3 (ESV) ²  Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
³  For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

God Bless



   

In Your Land                                           11-20-15


Deuteronomy 15:11 (ESV) ¹¹  For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’


I have a couple of perspectives on this passage of Scripture this week. It seems as if the Lord won't let me leave this concept or principle of becoming a giver. It has been with me the last few weeks, and at least for now won't go away.Let me share with you what's on my heart.

First on the bigger stage. I saw a Facebook post this week regarding the subject that is on everyone's lips recently. That being the Syrian(?) immigrants. You, I am sure know the details, so I won't thrash about said details here. This Facebook post was simple in it's message. Take care of your own FIRST. It went on to say that upon arrival the immigrants would be entitled to free, modern housing, free food and to some extent, access to certain government benefits. Then, as I recall it, in big bold letters, "WHILE SOME 33,000 HOMELESS VETERANS WILL SLEEP ON THE STREET TONIGHT." As I read that verse today, this post, of this week past, scrolled across my mind. Without getting any deeper politically,zero in on the last three words in that verse. IN YOUR LAND. Not only veterans, but 1 in 5 (I believe that number is correct) children in the state of Tennessee will go to bed hungry tonight. 

I will leave the decision to you(I have settled it in my mind) on where and to whom our resources and COMPASSION as a nation should be directed.

The Lord also spoke on a personal level to your's truly on this passage today.
I read an interesting take on the Shemitah this week, I will share it here. It seems as though the '''release"(Hebrew for shemitah) had a different core meaning than the one of judgment that has been spoken of so much recently. Now to be sure, the shemitah cycles have been characterized by judgment; but, it seems that the judgment was in response to the Israelites disobedience to God's commands, not God's original intent.

The "core" idea behind the shemitah was an opportunity to be givers and indeed to learn to trust God for their material needs. They were not allowed to plant crops in the sabbatical year, forcing them to trust God to provide their very food.They were to forgive debts,to extend mercy and grace ,and to "give back" to those in need.It was a release or better a relief from the toil,labor and worry of planting and harvesting. A time of trusting God for their well being. A time to learn trust and sharing. This was God's plan for the children of Israel in their dealings with each other. Those that were "in the land."

We have a small prayer group that meets on Tuesday nights. Shields, Shelley and me. I am always reminded during that prayer time to pray for those that are in "my realm, or in "my world."" Those that are in direct contact with me. They are in "my land." Isn't that what God is talking about here? Look at the verse again.

Deuteronomy 15:11 (ESV) ¹¹  For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’


What can we glean here? First there will always be a need in the land. There will always be someone that needs help.Secondly, this is not a suggestion to help those in need. "Therefore I command you....." Third it is unlike the command to tithe. How so Ronnie?

Israel was commanded to support the Levitical priesthood and the temple. In today's world they were commanded to materially support the church and it's ministers.It was a stated portion of their income. You know the story. But then, in addition to that support, God commanded the children to ".....open wide your hand....in the land."

When dealing with their brothers and neighbors in need God spoke in descriptive terms didn't He? Words like "empty handed and grudgingly" were used in negative connotations. On the positive side "open wide, liberally." You gettin' my drift here?

Brothers and sisters, God does not want your money. He does not need the money. Yours or mine. 

 Psalm 50:10-12 (ESV) ¹⁰  For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
¹¹  I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.
¹²  “If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine.

What He wants is to bless us. The Bible is chock full of exhortations and examples of the blessings that befell folk who chose to trust God and become givers. God on occasion even challenges us to test Him concerning our being givers. One of the few, if not the only circumstance that He allows us to test Him. 

Malachi 3:10 (ESV) ¹⁰  Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.

Don't worry about whether it is a tithe or grace giving, that isn't what He is trying to get across. What's important is that we BECOME GIVERS. If we do that, He will guide us on how much, don't you think? In these perilous times ahead we can stack the gold and silver from floor to ceiling. It just takes one "incident" and it can all be gone. On the other hand if we trust God with our resources, He will do the stacking  as He sees fit and it will be enough. Amen?

 2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV) ⁸  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Psalm 50:14-15 (ESV) ¹⁴  Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High,
¹⁵  and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”


God Bless

 


  









 

My God Is Able

My God Is Able                                          11-13-15

Malachi 3:11 (ESV) ¹¹  I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts.
God is not limited in the way or ways that He chooses to bless His children.

Memaw,(my mother) who is socializing in the corridors of heaven today, never tired of recounting how God moved the Social Security Administration on her behalf years ago. His blessing resulted in a significant financial blessing for her.
She was always quick to point out to the listener that God honored and helped her due to her honoring God with her tithe. I certainly will not argue the point. Fast forward to this week.

Let me share an episode out of my life this week. Oddly enough, the "deal" was finalized just yesterday, which as you shall see, struck me as timely with all that is going on at the college campuses this week. Let's see...how to begin..? At the beginning I suppose.

A couple of months ago I received a letter from a debt collector. Hopefully, you don't know what I am talking about, but, if you do, then this is for you. This letter informed me that they were trying to collect on a government debt that I owed. Now, let me state this right now. They were RIGHT!! It was a LEGITIMATE obligation that I has entered into many years(some 20-25 years) past. However, I had literally forgotten about this debt as it had been over 12 years since I had last heard from them..... 12 YEARS!

It irritated me and I ignored it. However, on the third or fourth notice I responded to it.(still irritated) They informed me that they were going to collect this debt and threatened legal action. Now, for a reason I will tell you in a moment I was steaming.As I conjured up all the various scenarios on the horizon, none of them were good. I was trying to figure out how much I would have to pay, this and that you know how it goes. I tried to come up with ways to free myself from this dilemma. You know how it goes. On and on. You know how it goes.

So, after MUCH wrangling in my spirit, I came upon a novel idea. What was that Ronnie? I decided to take it to the Lord God. I decided to PRAY about it. I still remember the ride up the road on my route talking to the Lord, just as I am talking to you right now. Here's what I told Him.

The reason I was so distraught(a "nice" word for what I really felt) was what I had seen going on in this country for years now.I didn't pull any punches with Him. I told Him that indeed mine was a LEGITIMATE DEBT. But, I also told Him that I had seen multi billion dollar corporations being bailed out by my tax dollars on their LEGITIMATE DEBT. I spoke to Him of seeing countless incidents of folks asking for and receiving forgiveness for their LEGITIMATE DEBT.  

And then,after pouring out my heart to Him I made a simple request. I asked God to move on the powers that be to forgive my indebtedness. Right or wrong, that is what I asked God to do. Hold on there's a little more. I then said that since it was a legitimate debt that if He saw fit to have me repay it so be it. If that was to be the case, all I asked was that the terms be something that I could reasonably afford and live with. I placed it in His hands and let the chips fall where they may. Now, here is where it gets good.

Soon after that night, I spoke with the debt collector and inquired as to how we could reach agreement. I listened as he told me the information I needed to provide etc., etc. I determined not to negotiate, nor would I cast myself in a bad economic plight. I was not going to put my hand, not even my little finger to the process. I would comply with whatever the collector wanted and that was that. Well, after a couple more phone calls where I supplied all the needed information, the day of reckoning finally came. I was truly expecting a demand for a few hundred dollars a month to satisfy my LEGITIMATE DEBT.

"Mr. Jenkins, after reviewing all the pertinent information, we have decided that $29.00 dollars a month is what we require, is that acceptable to you sir?"......................................!!!!!!!!!!"Uh,.....how much was that again?"

"Sir it was $29.00 is that all right with you sir?" EUREKA!!! PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY GOD!!! I said as I was turning cartwheels in my living room floor. "Yes sir, that will be fine" 

God had moved mightily for my benefit. BUT, As Lee Corso on College Gameday says,"Not so fast my friend" ............God wasn't through.  Huh? What's that you say Ronnie? GOD WASN'T THROUGH.

As I talked with the representative, a very polite and courteous man, he informed me that after a final review was done, the paperwork for me to sign would be sent by e-mail within a few days. Here's where it gets really good. The same day I received the email I had a phone call from the debt collector. He informed me that after a FINAL review, it had been determined that a further reduction in my monthly payment was warranted. He then notified me that my monthly payment had been lowered to ..............wait for it......................$5.00 a month. Excuse me!!!???!!! How much? $5.00. As I sat there,flabbergasted, I literally said to myself "what is the point?" It will cost more to collect than the monthly payment. Oh well, THANK YOU JESUS!!

Brothers and sisters, I know this is lengthy, but bear with me. My point is this. I do not portray God as being some sort of heavenly ATM machine doling out money whenever we get into a tight. No,no. BUT, I will say this.

HE HONORS THOSE WHO HONOR HIM. I SAY THAT UNASHAMEDLY AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY.

God didn't send me a check in the mail. He didn't allow me to win the lottery. He did not release me from my LEGITIMATE DEBT. No,no. He came to my aid when I didn't deserve it. He shed His grace in my life. All the parties are satisfied. No protest. No commotion. No demands. JUST GOD BEING GOD. I didn't deserve it but He did it anyway. You can't outgive God. All I can do is bow my head and say thank you.

 Psalm 23:5-6 (ESV) ⁵  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
⁶  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.


God Bless


    



   

On What I Think

On What I Think                                          11-6-15

Galatians 1:12 (ESV) ¹²  For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

I read an article this week past questioning the benefit(or lack of it) of asking people what they think about decisions or paths that we have chosen or in the process of choosing. In a nutshell the article said that unless we are willing to open up many doors of opinion and counsel, our question might be better left unasked. It was a good article, I read it and moved on.

However, that question popped up once again this week, except this time it was asked of me. A friend wanted my OPINION on a statement a televangelist had made on the T.V. that evening. I gave my OPINION on the subject, and, seeing it wasn't really anything of weight or importance, we both moved on. But, for some reason I pondered on that word opinion and even counsel. Allow me some room here please.

I was raised,spiritually speaking, under a ministry, actually a time that placed great emphasis on a teaching known as "spiritual authority." Watchman Nee's book of the same title was a must read by all of us in this camp. No great detail is needed here, but the concept was one of rank. Superior, subordinate, much like the structure in the military. You had a guy at the top who heard from God about the direction one or all should go and that was filtered down to the "soldiers" who sat on the pew for the execution of the plan. That is an incomplete and simplistic description, but it will suffice for our discussion. Now, to be sure ,I personally did not then and do not now reject that concept. As a matter of fact, I believe that the righteous kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ will be set up on those lines.

Unfortunately, we do not presently have as our commander the Lord Jesus do we?And therein lies the problem. With that foundation, I want to look at this from the "soldier's" point of view. The pew sitter. Why? Because, that's what I am. A layman. A pew sitter.

Here's what many times happens. We, as pew sitters, rely on the messenger rather than God Himself. As well intentioned and sincere as the messenger may be, they are still just the messenger.God uses them to draw or direct our attention to Him. He never intended that the messenger be the "final voice of authority" in our lives.
            
God wants, indeed commands that if we want success, we bow to Him and His counsel. That success is found in communion with Him. That success cannot be found in a charismatic personality. It cannot be found in a teaching commentary or a scholar's interpretation. It can only be found one on one in His presence. He, for some reason, will not let me move on from this basic truth. In these perilous times the direction and comfort for my soul is found only in alone time with Him.

You see Paul spent three days fasting after his encounter with the Lord Jesus. He knew who had spoken to him on that road,"I am Jesus" the Lord had spoken to him.However God required Paul to wait in Damascus to be told what to do. During that time He sought no one's counsel. He didn't submit it to authority for approval or opinion. He fasted and waited. But then, when God's answer came, Paul hit the ground running.

Acts 9:20 (ESV) ²⁰  And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”
Brothers and sisters, human counsel, no matter how sincere is still just that..human counsel.No, we do not isolate ourselves on some spiritual island, rejecting anything that anyone has to say. Not at all. But, at the end of the day, ultimately, we must rely on what God has spoken to us in the quietness of our prayer closets. Nothing else will do, no matter what I or anyone else thinks. The voices that surround us these days will only grow more numerous and louder.The confusion is only going to become more pronounced.We must not allow ourselves into thinking that any man has the final, ultimate answer to life's questions. 

 Psalm 85:8 (ESV) ⁸  Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.



God Bless