Grace and Peace

The best grace and peace can be ours! It would be wise to grab hold of them now. Know the truth and be set free. 

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the KNOWLEDGE of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all THINGS THAT PERTAIN TO life and godliness, THROUGH the knowledge of Him who CALLED us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us EXCEEDINGLY GREAT A ND PREVIOUS PROMISES, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

(‭‭2Peter‬ ‭1:2-4‬)

1Timothy 1:13-15 - ... I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

We all start in darkness, blindness, ignorance, unbelief and denial. But God...

Oh, that unbelief. We can know who Jesus is and still not have belief. Even churches vary in their beliefs. Some teach unsound doctrine, twist scripture or teach outright falsities. It's why we need to know Jesus and the truth of His Word, not a man's.

So here we have the Apostle Paul. He admits to have been (one of) the worst of the worst. He has shared a lot in the Epistles of the New Testament of his conversion, the truth that was revealed to him, the change that took place and his eventual dedication to God and sharing of the Gospel wherever he was sent.

We think we know it all. We think we know what we need to know for right now, today, for whatever suits us. There is a world beyond ourselves and our wants. Sure, we need money, food, a house and transportation. God allows us certain niceties too.

However, it’s not about the here and now but about eternity. It's about all of us sinners that Jesus came to die for. The Bible says, For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. (1John 2:16)  We have things in this world to get us by, but our eternal life is what is most important. Ask anyone who has gotten dreadful health news or gone bankrupt or everything lost in a fire. Sometimes we have to lose something in order to know what’s most important. Jesus said this: For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? (Mark 8:36)  Nothing more important than your soul. The Word says to lose is to gain.

The Bible also shows us that if we choose to trust in Christ, all we need (not want) will be given to us, those things necessary for life. Through our knowledge of Him and gaining His wisdom we realize the important things. We’ll be satisfied with basics. I don’t care about the size of my house but I do so enjoy seeing what’s outside the windows. To watch God's creation grow, flourish, fade and die knowing it will start all over again! Wow. God doing what He does.

So, where am I heading with these thoughts?? I was a sinner saved by the grace and mercy of our God. I had nothing to contribute to this but accepting His offer. The truth of Christ became part of my life. I see what’s most important. I love that I can talk directly to God and know He hears and even answers requests. I love that there are people in my life who share this wisdom, who can spend time talking about the things of God, who just understand. There’s a unity and it’s center cord is Christ. Had it not been for Him I’d still be in darkness, blindness, ignorance, unbelief and denial. We can all have those conversion moments, maybe not all like Paul’s, but it can happen. We are all ignorant of the real truth until we really yearn for it.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus...(1Timothy 2:3-5)

1John 5:20 - And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

The Word, The Truth, The Life

Jeremiah‬ ‭33:2-3,6-8‬ ‭- Thus says the LORD who made it [the word], the LORD who formed it to establish it (the LORD is His name): "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." ... Behold, I will bring it [Jerusalem] health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth. And I will cause the captives of Judah and the captives of Israel to return, and will rebuild those places as at the first. I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned and by which they have transgressed against Me."

It always amazes me to read how the nation of the Israel of the Old Testament and we as individuals are similar when it comes to God's redemption and salvation. God has always used His Word as an example by which we can learn.

Israel and the Jews are God's chosen people. However, just like every people group in this world, all have turned their backs on God. Romans 3:23 states: ...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... And when I think on that scripture, Proverbs 16:2-3 comes to mind: All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirits. Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established.

I think about all God has ever wanted from His creation, the people. He has always wanted nothing but each person to stop turning their backs on Him and acknowledging Him as God, the Creator. But we all have failed miserably. It's why He sent His Son Jesus. All we need do is call on His name (from a very true heart) and be saved. And then learn of Him through His Word, follow Him, like His disciples, share the Gospel.

But what does the Word say again? All have sinned and fallen short...we all think we know in our own minds what is right, apart from God. Apart from God our works are filthy rags, but through knowledge and devotion to Him, He will establish our ways. It's not what many want to hear.

So, the opening verses are telling us just what God wanted to do with Old Testament Israel (and still does). God eventually allowed the Gentiles into His sovereign picture. He allowed them to be grafted in to become children of God also...mainly as a means to make the Hebrews jealous, that they might turn back to Him. After all, Jesus died for all mankind.

And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.‭‭ ...who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ...who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time... (1John‬ ‭2:2‬ , 1Timothy‬ ‭2:4,6‬)

I think about all the denominations in this world, most in existence by mere man. Each has their own idea how church should be, how God desires us to worship Him. And I think again of our works as filthy rags and His not wanting sacrifices but our obedience to Him, heeding His words over the works thing. (1Samuel 15:22) And I think about how some believe only certain people will go to heaven. He died for all…who would receive Him.

If we hear Him, heed His words, obey what we hear (through reading the Word), He will bring the healing as mentioned above. With healing will come peace and truth. He restores lives. We seek God to know the truth. We seek Jesus because He is the way, truth and life and provides the way to this forgiveness. This forgiveness of sins  is the part about all having sinned and falling short of God's glory. If we submit to Him He will cleanse us, make us whole in His sight, and we will become His children.

I heard someone say that because He created all of us we are automatically His children. It doesn't work this way. We must be saved, which God has been trying to show us through the Old Testament and Israel and the New Testament through Jesus. It's true we are all God's creation (Colossians 1:16) and God loves all people (John 3:16) but, according to Jesus, we must be born again (John 3:7). That's where the restoration takes place.

Jesus is called our Redemption, our Healer, our Peace, the Truth, the only Way, and the Life. This cannot be denied. Without Jesus/God, we are lost. He makes Himself known to us. We seek Him for the answers...the truth...not what the world--man--declares. His declarations are for all to view in His Word. He says, "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3)

We do not know until we seek and find. When He sees a heart willing to seek and wanting to know, He will show great things which we just don't know until we have received Him and His Spirit, through being born again! It's a wonderful thing to know and understand. It's not agonizing! It so sets everything in this world into a proper perspective. We can understand why the world is as it is, has been...and will be. We can understand that only Jesus gives us this understanding. He brings us peace. Who doesn't want this peace?

1John‬ ‭1:8-10‬ ‭- If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

Every Good Gift

James 1:17 - Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

I thank God for the life He has given me and especially for the opportunity to go deeper in life with Him because of Him. Life is not just about all the things we deem so important in the physical. That stuff is not important in the grand scheme of things. (Remember, you can't take it with you, or ...we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. - 1Timothy‬ ‭6:7)‬ ‭What's important is knowing Him. All the luxuries, the material things, the food, the drink, the cars...none of this matters in the light of eternity. 

When one has Jesus he has it all. How can I express this any more clearly? Jesus, what He brings to a person, and the life He offers us is the greatest thing. When we meet Him and begin to really know Him He shows us things that are greater than we could ever imagine. He offers, through His Word and through His Spirit...which He gives us when we receive Him...open doors to wisdom and understanding and knowledge we could never have believed existed. We are so narrow in our thinking without Christ. Really, we are. 

King Solomon asked God for one thing and that was wisdom. Because he did God gave it freely and so much more. He wrote all the Proverbs, the book of wisdom. He shared this wisdom with the rest of us. Later in life, though, he let the love of at least 1,000 unbelieving women cause him to stray. This is what happens when we look to the things of this world to satisfy over the things of God. Of course, before we know God we don't know any better...

Before Christ it's all about ourselves. No thought to the Lord. Imagine what it might be like to view everything through the eyes of God! A friend and I get together about once a month. Everything we see in the news we see through the eyes of God. We can't help it. We know just enough about Him and His Word to know that He is putting the pieces together in this puzzle of life. 

God is orchestrating people and events to bring about His will. There's no way we can even guess all the whys and hows. If we know Jesus and understand this we can trust Him for the future and ours. Without Him one can't do this. 

For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; (Proverbs‬ ‭2:6‬)

How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. (‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:16‬)

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ‭‭(James‬ ‭1:5‬)

In the world we want to achieve but most likely do not find total satisfaction. We must achieve more...and more...and more. We're always striving for the next big thing. We search for the next big "whatever" that is most important to us. What is that thing to you? 

I have a nice phone and a good camera. My thing is photos. I take them daily. It's like I always want to capture the next moment. What for? I admit, they don't satisfy. I've bemoaned the fact that they just exist on the computer with no place to go. And when I die, they will get pitched. I know this. And I'm okay with this. 

One thing I never want to let go of is more understanding of God's Word. Being in His Word brings contentment. It miraculously does something...it settles my spirit. I will feel I've been listening to Him speak. He imparts something new or just reminds me of His promises, admonishes me. We can never get enough of His Word. It can always bring fresh understanding even after having read something many times. How can that be?? Because He is. His wisdom is endless and new and fresh. 

I'm thankful for any wisdom, knowledge and understanding God will give. Do I fully understand all the things of God? Of course not. He gives as we have need of it. But we have to start somewhere and that place is surrendering to God. It's letting go of all our ideas of what life is about and what is important to us and seeking those things He has for us. Seeking Him is what truly is important. What He has to offer is so much greater. It's life giving and it lasts, unless we decide we no longer want it.

Will you join me in receiving wisdom for the first time or further wisdom from the Lord God Almighty. He has so much more, lasting and satisfying things to give. One is assurance of eternal life in Christ. Next time something on the news angers, frustrates, saddens or frightens you, think about wanting to see it through the eyes of God. Your perspective will change. I guarantee it. 

James 3:17 - But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

‭‭

A Hope and A Future

Colossians 1:4-6 - ...since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth...

Paul had been thanking God for these brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae previous to this. He knew what they had received. 

If one have receives Christ as Lord and Savior one has received the hope that is spoken of. And someone has also thanked God for what that person has received. They have heard and comprehended the very truth Paul is speaking of. Perhaps these persons are even sharing that truth...being fruitful and growing His kingdom through it all. 

Paul goes on to say he and other believers continued to pray: For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. (Colossians‬ ‭1:9-12)

We need a daily filling of His knowledge for that spiritual wisdom and understanding that we may abide in and live in accordance with His will. It must be God's wisdom we receive. No one else can provide that wisdom and excellent hope. That comes from His Word. 

Finally Paul gives thanks for the strength only God gives to endure the life of joyful obedience and patience in Christ. He has given us this great inheritance, one that far exceeds what we have in this natural world. Here come the confirming words again from Ecclesiastes: All is vanity, a grasping for the wind. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter [of life]: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. (Ecclesiastes12:13)

He truly is an amazing God. Nothing is impossible with Him. What we absolutely can not imagine, He already knows. What trials we have might just be drawing us closer to Him because He knows the thoughts He has for us...for peace, not evil, for a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) Paul reminded the Colossians that:

Colossians 1:13-14 - He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

Revelation

Revelation 1:1 - The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants--things which must shortly take place.

Want to be clued in to things which must shortly take place before Jesus Himself returns? 

The truth of God's Word is revealed to those who seek it. 

For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. (‭Galatians‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬)

In order to fully understand we must come into relationship with Christ, as His Book reveals throughout its pages. 

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬)
God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (‭I Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭9)

God gave His Son the revelation of the last days. He shares this information with those who seek it. 

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬)

This relationship comes from a new spiritual birth, being born again. 

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭3,5‬)

From there the Spirit of the living God draws us into knowing Him more. 

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me. (‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭44-45‬)

When we turn to Him He makes it possible, through His Spirit, to know the things of God.

These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (‭1Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭13)

...do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬)

When we know the Lord, are born again, in relationship with Him, begin to know the things of God, i.e., understand His Word, we are given the mind of Christ.

But God has revealed them [hidden wisdom] to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. (1Corinthians 2:10,16)

Praise God for His love for all people. He never stops seeking those who seek for Him. He never turns away someone ready to repent and know His truth. He desires that none should perish. Without Him we are nothing...nothing...nothing.

Without His knowledge a lot of confusion and fear will arise. We will see things we've never seen before. We already see some things that we can relate to that are beyond our belief would happen in our lifetime. And it will escalate. Who is ready? 

The revelation of Jesus Christ, Who He is, what He has done, what He still does and what He will do when He returns, is ours just in believing in Him, knowing Him in your heart, not your mind, trusting Him and giving your life to and for Him.

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus... Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (2Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬, Acts 4:12)

Inheritance

Ephesians 1:17-21 - ...that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at his right hand in heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

What a wealth of promise in these verses. That we may know Him, the Father of glory. That our wisdom is enlarged...in the most meaningful and important things. That His power transforms. Death to life in no more than believing (committing one's self to trust in, be persuaded of, placing confidence in) on Him and then continuing in this fashion. To know the God of this universe, the name above all names...can you even imagine that He wants us to have and know these things?

There are many people who have heard the Word spoken and understand the meaning of salvation. They know how it is attained. They may have even, strictly out of obligation or intimidation, went through the motions of receiving Christ. And yet they do not understand. The eyes of their understanding are still veiled.

Ephesians speak of the riches of knowing Him. The inheritance we have in Christ, the power He bestows upon us when we receive Him. Some may think these are just words. Jesus died and was raised from the dead. It was an example for us...what happened in the natural for Him was that spiritually we might also be raised from the dead at the end of our life when we receive Christ.

God and His Son are higher than any other power. We hear of people who believe in a higher power. And that higher power  can be different depending on who you talk to. There is only One who is higher and more/most powerful. All others do not come close. All other things we idolize cannot compare.

Most people receive an inheritance after someone in the family dies. Money and material goods are passed down. There might be some enthusiasm about this...looking forward to receiving these gifts. God offers an even greater inheritance. I wonder where the idea of an inheritance began?! It is not a physical, hold in your hands, live in, sit on or spend/invest type inheritance. The inheritance God has is eternal. A home, a chair of great worth can still fall apart; money might diminish or be lost; there is no absolute assurance of growth. But there is an absolute assurance in God and His inheritance.

It boils down to this: without God, by the saving grace that is through Jesus Christ alone, we have no hope. We have no glorious future. Sadly some will not realize this until it is too late.

I pray, Lord, that You would open the eyes of understanding that this inheritance of greater value would become real to the lives of those who have not yet received it, to those who have heard but have not understood.

Acts 26:18 - ...to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.

Wisdom Not Riches

Proverbs 8:8-9 - All the words of my mouth are righteousness; nothing crooked or perverse is in them. They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.

All throughout the proverbs wisdom and understanding is looked upon as the best thing to have. As I mentioned before, Solomon asked for it over riches...he got riches as well because his original request pleased God. But, we should not confuse grasping for wisdom for the sake of obtaining riches, except for the kind of blessings God imparts. And His blessings or riches, while sometimes in the natural, are also spiritual...better than those things we can lay our hands on.

Last post mentioned the excellence of wisdom. God's wisdom brings only good. Only. And as this proverb (and others) continues, the words of wisdom are true and plain and right only to him who understands.

This is where Jesus comes in! When we receive Him, as we are instructed to (Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...Acts 2:38), we become filled with His Holy Spirit. With His Holy Spirit we will find it easier to understand the truth of His Word.

To receive Christ is the greatest gift. He has all we need, the greatest treasure. The way, truth and life. We cannot have true life (or truth) without Christ. Many pursue other things first believing these are the things that bring life. In the end, and we've all heard this before, we leave this earth with nothing, not even our accomplishments. But in Christ we have all that is good, all that we need, spiritually.

We are to desire His wisdom and understanding over silver or gold. Wisdom is better than rubies. Better than treasures. Do you see? Nothing else compares to God's wisdom, which comes through Christ, because He became our wisdom (1Corinthians 1:30). In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3). When we receive Christ we become in Him and in Him we receive this wisdom.

Don't know how this fits in here but a thought popped into my head...I am always reminded that no matter where I live, no matter what house, what community, what city, it makes no difference because if I have Christ and I am in Him, He will be there. In Him is peace and contentment. Amen. Whatever He chooses to place me...there He is to provide my every need. Praise the Lord. 

Receive Christ, receive wisdom and understanding. Be open to understanding. Be open to receiving Christ.

Proverbs 8:14 - Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.

It Could Cost Your Life

For at the window of my house I looked through my lattice, and saw among the simple, I perceived among the youths, a young man devoid of understanding, passing along the street near her [harlot's] corner; and he took the path to her house...and there a woman met him, with the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart...So she caught him and kissed him; with an impudent face she said to him:...I came out to meet you, diligently to seek your face, and I have found you...Come, let us take our fill of love until morning... with her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with her flattering lips she seduced him. Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, he did not know it would cost his life. (Proverbs 7:6-8,10,13,15,18,21-23)

There really is not much I can add to this. Wisdom and understanding given by God is what we need. We should desire it. There is a great deception in the world that is like the harlot, drawing people into believing lies. Many walk through life like this young man devoid of understanding. Without God's wisdom people can fall into the trap of enticements of good things to bring false hope and peace in today's world.

Without knowledge one can be deceived and caught in the snare. The trap and the snare bring death if one is not able, or willing, to escape.

This was about a young man. We are told we are to come to Christ as little children. Parents are told to raise up their children in how they should go. It all starts at an early age, this wisdom. Doesn't always work that way in the world, and sometimes parents raise up children with the wrong wisdom, but we can still come spiritually as children into the truth, wisdom and knowledge of Christ. And what does He promise? Life in Him. The life it will cost is worth losing...a life of deception.

Anyone can put off the old thought patterns for new if they desire. The young man above died to deception and lies. Christ redeems lost lives and offers wisdom and understanding that brings life. Not knowing, following or listening to Christ's words will bring death.

This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:17-19, 21-24)

True Wisdom is the Fear of the Lord

Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. 

There's only one place for true wisdom and knowledge. Our God is Creator; He wrote the Bible which in its entirety offers us true wisdom and knowledge. He asks us to seek, take in and treasure His Word for both of these.

The Proverbs are chock full of statements regarding wisdom and understanding. I scanned them wanting to post a few but a few became too many. I began in the first chapter but knew it would be impossible to pick just a handful. That just goes to show that there is a purpose for all God has to tell us.

I think this proverb, and I'm sure others, sum up the intent of wisdom and knowledge:

My son, if you receive my words, 

And treasure my commands within you, 

So that you incline your ear to wisdom, 

And apply your heart to understanding; 

Yes, if you cry out for discernment, 

And lift up your voice for understanding, 

If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; 

Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, 

And find the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:1-5)

In fact, all of Proverbs 2 sums up God's desires and intents for our understanding. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; (Proverbs 2:6)

This wisdom acts as a shield; it guards and preserves those who heed it. When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, (Proverbs 2:10) then we are preserved and kept from evil in any form.

This doesn't mean we won't be faced with trouble or death but we will have a hope that God will be there in and through it. With God's wisdom and knowledge we can know we are forever preserved. This Word, these proverbs, tell us we need God (Jesus). If we seek Jesus...and He is the Word,  having all the answers...we have that hope of eternal life, even when evil overtakes and destroys physically.
[But] do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28) In other words, without the Lord we can be destroyed and cast into hell.

This whole life of ours should be based on God, what He has done for us, gives us, offers us. He created us that we might see and seek Him. Some will see and know Him early in life, others later; some, sadly, on their death bed...and even there some can refuse His offer of eternal life. Not everyone goes to heaven despite the very popular notion.

We must seek wisdom and knowledge for eternal life in God/Christ Jesus. Not just head knowledge either, but heart, living out the words of wisdom, not that we'll always do right. ...let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you. (Proverbs 3:1-2) Long life, eternal life, peace through Christ.

With true wisdom we set the foundation of our lives. With God's wisdom only that foundation is sure. Lord, open the eyes of understanding! 

I think this proverb is what got me started: In the end...The blessing of the LORD makes one rich...and He adds no sorrow with it. (Proverbs 10:22) Only God's blessings upon us make us rich. And they are not always what we desire. Spiritual blessings are attainable with His wisdom and knowledge. It's all about Him, always and forever.

Maybe I'll share more on these proverbs. They are quite valuable.

Proverbs 3:13-14 - Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. 

Against the Grain

Romans 12:2 - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

I know this subject has been discussed elsewhere. How can it not? Jesus was controversial in His day and when one chooses to follow Him he/she also becomes controversial. He goes against the grain of world thinking. And it can appear to be judgmental. It is not my desire to be judgmental but only to speak that which is against the grain, the truth of God's Word. When we understand His Word we have His knowledge and wisdom.

I have a very, very old t-shirt that references the scripture above. It shows a stream of fish swimming one direction with just one going the opposite way. It says in small print: Go against the flow. One among many, a narrow road, not many who follow it...going against the flow.

I was going in one direction (ahem) with this and veered off in another! My original thoughts were how God asks us to do the opposite of what the world thinks is right. Where did that all begin? Answer: in the Garden. Here's a hard word: the majority of people don't follow God or don't follow Him faithfully or believe that just believing in who He is is probably enough. They basically know right from wrong and do not consider themselves bad people. There's much more depth to all this.

We are told not to conform to this world..this world's view of what is acceptable. Conform is defined by Strong's Concordance as conform one's self (i.e. one's mind and character) to another's pattern, (fashion one's self according to). The word self is the main word. The world is self oriented. What pleases self is what determines who the world is.

When I say I don't like violent movies or foul language in movies, off color jokes or certain demeaning, debasing tv programs...or go as far as being against abortion, homosexuality, immorality...I am going against the world flow. To me, and to others who follow Christ, it is offensive. Why? Because I've had an encounter with Jesus.

So I pretty much go against the grain for many I know. I'm known to be different. There's a price for being different. It's one I wrestle with constantly. I want to be accepted in certain circles but, although I'm not utterly cast out, I'm not as popular and often am on the sidelines, included occasionally, called rarely.

I don't need to talk only about God, trust me. But I do enjoy conversations with my Christian friends, especially when we get into depth which usually ends up talking about the Lord. Why? Because He's our center. That, by the way, is considered worship: Give to the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness or in holy array. Psalm 29: 2...Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; meditate on and talk of all His wondrous works and devoutly praise them! 1Chronicles 16: 9. You can't tell me that if anyone were highly praised by others they wouldn't like it! God loves it when we talk about Him.

Going against the grain, rubbing people the wrong way, going against the flow. Taking God seriously,  enjoying His company and rejoicing in His Words of life, hope, peace, joy...things that He can generously provide over the man on the street...or the men in control of earthly governments...are delightful. They truly are.

This is not some arrogant thought, although even that could be considered controversial. The things of God are foolishness to those who do not understand, scripture says. The Word of God is all truth. Going against that truth is going against God Himself. That's why it is important to be in relationship with Jesus. This relationship is available to anyone. So if it's open to anyone, by God's invitation to ALL, how can it be considered arrogant? That sounds more like love.

People, however, struggle with being told He and His the truths in His Word are better than what the world has to offer,  being told His way is narrow, it's not about a denomination but relationship, about Him being the only way to heaven and eternal life, about only one road leading to Him, about the difference between heaven and hell, about pride and arrogant thinking that we do not need Him because we can do on our own quite well, thank you. It's about Him. "I Am" is His claim. From beginning to end. It's always about Him.

So it's against the grain. It's dying to our fleshly life and desires that we might have life. It's putting to death our earthly nature and putting on the things of Christ. Earthly nature versus spiritual. Bad versus good. Letting go of what again is against the grain, idols: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greed (Colossians 3:5). Yes, idols.

God has always gone against the grain. He is the narrow Way, the absolute Truth and the perfect Life. It goes against the flow to worship Him because of His claim that "I Am" and there's nothing that can change that. It truly is His way or the highway. Right or wrong. White or black. It's a choice...with consequences for those who opt not to choose.

I know I go against the grain writing this. Jesus had hard words that people rejected and anyone can reject mine. There were many in His day who heeded those hard words and today they are truly in a better place. I go against the grain to speak His truths.

As I was letting this blog "rest" before posting, I received an email from a friend that fit into all this. She was referring to an overview of a DVD called The Great Church by Jim Staley. "The enemy knows that in order to destroy God's people, all that he needs to do is to destroy the founding "Constitution" of God…His Law. If he could convince the people that His Law, ordinances and commandments that He intended for Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness were no longer relevant for today, that the people would fall into bondage by creating their own laws. The enemy has crafted and executed his plan perfectly as he has convinced mankind that the Law of God is no longer relevant for today. He has even convinced us that it was God's idea to get rid of it!" 

The enemy has deceived people into thinking self and world are better than God. It is he who causes people to believe see the things of God as against the grain.

Ephesians 5:15-17 - See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord  is.

Purpose in Your Heart

Daniel 1:8,17 - But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

Purposed in his heart. Defile. Delicacies. Knowledge, skill, wisdom, understanding. There are many people shown in God's Word who are wise because of their devotion to God and good choices.There are also many occurrences where ignorance or personal desires and poor choices did not cause goodness in people's lives...and often death.

There are choices we make in life and all choices have consequences. If we, like Daniel and his three friends, purpose in our heart to do what is right, good will come of it. They purposed not to defile themselves and they were shown to have been given good things because of it. In this particular instance, they opted to shun the richness and opulence of the king's lifestyle. In return God gave them wisdom and understanding. Having God's wisdom in our lives is what brings goodness; understanding what He would want us to do.

The king asked for an interpretation of a dream. He called the magicians, astrologers and sorcerers to interpret it; if they could not, they would die. They asked what the dream was so they could go about translating but he told them they had to make known the dream and the interpretation. (Obviously it was assumed because of their "occupations" they would be able to do so.) They couldn't. However, Daniel, having sought the things of God over the things of man was given the wisdom and understanding to both know the dream and its interpretation and he offered to do so.

As an aside, of magicians, astrologers and sorcerers God says: Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God (Leviticus 19:31). They do not have the right answers. They deceive. Our enemy deceives. They are not of God. We are to call on the LORD, seek Him, not man.

We are faced each day with choices. We can look at two things put before us and choose that which could be considered an earthly desire over that which is the better thing. Things of the world can deceive us into believing they are what we need. The things of God, which may not appear on the surface to be what we need, truly are in the end is the wisest choice. We can choose to live a life without God or have that relationship with the God who created all things. One is the better choice.

Nebuchadnezzar was the king above...of Babylon. Babylon is a biblical term for the world. Do we choose to go along with the flow of the world and its desires, things that will not last and have no meaning after we die, or do we do like Daniel and choose the things of God that will bring wisdom and knowledge and good, success?

Daniel chose the things of God. He took no credit to the ability to interpret the king's dream, but only praised God for the wisdom, knowledge and power that He gave:  “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. (Daniel 2:20 )" He gave credit where credit is always due.

I wish I could go into the dream! You can read it in Daniel 2:24-45. It basically ends with the fact that in the last days there will be a final kingdom that will overthrow all the others. It is the Kingdom of God which will defeat all the kingdoms of earth/man. He is always in control, His ways are true and just, and as we follow and seek Him, we have made the right choice. Our futures will be secure.

If we purpose in our hearts to be stayed on the things of God over the things of the world, all knowledge and wisdom, the mysteries of God, will be given to us. How exciting is that? What is it that man has to offer that is greater than He who created each of us, knows the very number of hairs on our heads, who provides, protects, heals and even disciplines because He loves us. Can man provide eternal life? Can man provide internal peace? Some think they are wise but that is man's wisdom alone, which is considered foolishness. The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts. (Psalms 10:4)

Daniel is a good example. He sought God over man. We see over and over in scripture how the followers of God were successful. Even those who strayed for a time and failed but returned to God were successful. This success is not measured in what we achieve, how high on the ladder we climb, who we know or even become. God sees not as man sees ...for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (1Samuel 16:7b)

What do we want in life? To know that God is by our side? To know that He who is able to change the times and seasons and who says that if He will take care of a small sparrow, how much more will He take care of us? What man can we trust to do these things? Nothing on earth is nearly great enough...no amount of fame or fortune can provide the one thing God can. Eternal security and lifetime provision, protection and spiritual healing.

I choose that which Jesus has to offer over that which man can provide. You can too.

Daniel 2:21-22 - And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.

Ramblings

John 8:58 - Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." 

I can't help it! I can't explain it either. It's just something that wells up inside. It's a feeling. It's a knowing. It's there and it's real. It's an understanding that others don't grasp...and that frustrates me. I'm not judging or criticizing. Not at all. I only wish more people would comprehend it because it's enormous! 

More of Laurie's ramblings.....

Okay, so what this all about? It's about how a person can look outside at nature or into the eyes of children and not see God's hand in the creation of them. Every little things that is has been created...not evolved. Everything was designed with a purpose from Someone who has an handle on all things. It's hard to imagine the intricacies of all life just evolving...out of what? Even if things did evolve--I am not saying they did--if there was a big bang, Who brought them about? There had to have been a Source. The truth is, before time began, He was.

Oh, you know where I'm going here. This feeling I have is like a heart that will burst because of the knowledge that there is a Creator and that He is why I'm here today, why I am able to see what I see and know what I know, which is really not very much considering there's a lot of God's wisdom out there! I'm amazed that our Creator, God, our Father, allows us to get to this place of knowing. He has allowed my heart to well up. I'm astounded by the magnitude of what I see. There are times when the busyness of life unfortunately takes away from it for a brief time but other times it hits me like nothing I can explain and I'm in absolute awe...of an awesome God. It's like making up for lost time.

I remember as a child going deep into thought as I lay on the grass (or snow) in the front yard and stare at the stars trying to imagine the endlessness of them, knowing I only saw a handful compared to an infinite number. My thoughts always turned to God. My heart would well up. How was it He was not created but just always was? Then I met God face to face. I knew how real He was. And it was good. Being allowed a second chance and having my eyes opened. Incredible. And the knowledge keeps on coming.

There is one simple fact: He says I AM. It's a comfort to know there is a Divine Master and that He, God, is there for anyone. He is there for anyone who wishes to know Him more intimately, to get to a place where thoughts are focused on His creation, not the world's idea of how creation began. Did you know it's harder to just accept this truth than to believe what scientists say? It's that "aha" moment that happens when you just know, in the depths of your spirit, through the power of Christ.

Two recent things come to mind. I saw the ultrasound pictures of our niece's 10 week old boy. Amazing. His little head is fully shaped and beautiful. He even has little lips that seemed to be pursed! He is not evolving. He has been created by God. He is God's perfect design, one of a kind. And then I heard on the news the finding of what scientists believe to be Neanderthal teeth! They're supposedly hundreds of thousands of years old. Oh, but wait. The Bible states life began with Adam and Eve...fully human life...no evolving...6,000 years ago. The Bible can prove this. Same goes for all creatures He created...fully functional as they were created...no evolving. How can that be? Must be a mistake. I read somewhere that the Bible is where God explains His work. Science is how man tries to explain God’s work. Imagine that, man trying to explain God in their own words. 

What do we choose to believe? One belief draws us closer to God where the other separates us from Him, believing that man holds all the answers to life. So sad.

I think back on the Truth Project we did in church. Truth as the Bible sees it. The real truth. Science and scientists questioned. God's truth prevailing. There will be a day when all people will see what Truth really is. But Truth can be found today; no need to wait. The Truth is Jesus Christ. Knowing Him provides us with the wisdom we need to understand and to have these moments of awesome feeling...better than feeling, knowing. He provides the right wisdom. He is the Truth that sets us free from the world thinking. God is not the author of confusion (1Corinthians 14:33). He who holds the stars in the skies, knows when the sun needs to set and moon to rise, who fashions the glorious seasons, knows us, created us, created rules to live by that we would not need to worry, but would trust in Him alone. All we need. 

 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. (John 1:1, Colossians 1:17)

Armor of God

Ephesians 6:11, 14-17 - ...put on the full armor that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God...

For several days Glenn Beck talked about and exposed the man George Soros, a supposed financier and philanthropist, which by all accounts could appear to be fine, but there's an ulterior motive. His fingers are in many pies and he's up to no good. He's an atheist yet believes he is a god. In his own arrogant words in his book The Alchemy of Finance he said: To put it bluntly, I fancied myself as some kind of god or an economic reformer... He was also quoted as saying he "had a lot of fun subverting governments and disrupting regimes." His next challenge, it appears, is to undermine our country. 

Beck tells us to "arm ourselves" with information and check the validity of his statements regarding anything he brings up on his program. Know the truth. The truth will set you free. We must understand what is happening because if we don't we won't be armed with...information...a plan...knowledge.

The Bible basically tells us the same thing. 

Beck tells us to arm ourselves. The Bible tells us as Christians, followers of Christ, children of God, heirs to the throne and disciples that we too are to arm ourselves...with the full armor of God. Why? So we will be protected against what happens in this world. What we see happening are signs...birth pains to what God has shown will come. We need to be armed for battle, spiritually and literally. We arm ourselves through knowing the truth. Battlefields can be mental as well as physical, so having and holding on to the Word of God first is always a good place to start. Knowing the truth. There's a lot more going on spiritually than we can even imagine.

It's not so difficult to arm yourself with the Word if you put your mind to it; if you truly desire the truth. It starts with knowing Jesus. In Jesus' own words: If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32) But first you need to know Jesus. Don't take my word for it either. Check out this link:

Know the Truth

What is this armor God has written about? What is it made of? Be assured all its components are strong and positive. 

Waist girded in truth...first and foremost--truth. Why the waist...this was done by the Romans. Tying up the lower part of their garment created more mobility and gave added protection around the pelvic area. It prevented one from stumbling or falling. Spiritually this is guarding ourselves from anything (lies, deception, temptation) that would cause us to stumble or fall. 

Put on the breastplate of righteousness. This righteousness only comes from being in Christ. The Spirit of God gives it to us. If we are in Christ we have His Spirit dwelling in us. It is our righteousness, only through Christ, that allows us to carry on. The breastplate covers the upper body from neck to thighs...it protects the vital organs...especially the heart and spirit. We cannot survive attack if we are not covered in the Word of God.

Have your feet shod with the gospel of peace. Feet need protection too. Imagine being in a battle with bare feet. We are called to be ready to be the feet of God as we go about our lives. Think of Jesus as he walked mile after mile. We are to be ready to explain what the hope is of our salvation. Peace comes from our relationship with Christ and the truth of His Word. We need to know these things. We need to be able express ourselves. If our feet aren't properly fitted they will hurt...so will our witness.

Carry the shield of faith to extinguish the fiery darts of the enemy. It is by faith in God that we will know He will be our Protector against evil. With this faith we are strong in the midst of any battle. Our battle is not against flesh and blood. It appears that way to the world but as Christians we know it is our enemy the devil who wants to squash us through any means he can. This faith shield is a must.

Put on the helmet of salvation. Since our battles often occur in the mind, it is important to keep it protected...again with God's Word. The greatest Word is Jesus, who offers us His gift of salvation. When we know and accept this truth and keep it at the forefront of our minds, we are well protected. Salvation through Jesus Christ is the ultimate protection.

Wield the sword of the Spirit...the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. The Word is our weapon against evil. To know His Word and be able to select scriptures for any occasion can divide a conversation but it also brings truth and life out of lies and darkness. It can thwart the smallest whisper of a lie the enemy may try to convince you of, whether personal or global. It is important we understand.

Be armed. Arm yourself. If you know the truth of God's Word you will not be surprised when you see things happening in this world. It's why God wants us to trust in Him. It's why He is there for us. Seek Him, His Word, His wisdom and knowledge and you will not be unprepared. This should not to be taken lightly. We need His protection, as individuals, a country, a world, like never before.

Ephesians 6:13 - Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Treasures

Isaiah 45:3 - I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

I've mentioned before that we do not choose God, but He chooses us. He summons us! What an honor. He chooses us that He might open our eyes to the corrupt things of the world. I think about this past week and midterm elections. It is completely befuddling to know some "just don't get it." What some of us see as completely off the wall, upside down, whatever you want to call it, others see as how it should be. They are missing something. I was missing some things years ago.

We are missing these things because we do not have the knowledge of God and His wisdom and truth. He calls us all to allow Him to reveal Himself and these things to us. It's our choice. When we are called, if we respond, He will reveal some of the mysterious treasures. It's then that our eyes are opened. My eyes have been opened. Sure, some of the truths are hard, some of the things we have always done need to be reconsidered. 

The fact is, He does summon us. I'm certain He keeps summoning, hoping one day we will respond. He wants us to be rich in the spiritual things, not poor in the things of the world. One brings life, one brings death. Choose life and the great treasures or death and lose everything. Do we say we know the Lord but follow our own paths? Or do we know the Lord and seek Him and listen and learn from Him? It's a personal choice. 

We are all in darkness until we truly receive Jesus. He invites us to partake of these treasures. We will be allowed to know that He IS our God. We will see things, know things, experience things we could never have imagined. He invites all to know Him.

We are given a taste of God's wisdom and knowledge. We see things through His eyes. We experience a different, more satisfying, more content, more peaceful life. Isaiah 64:4 - Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. 

Matthew 6 tells us we are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and a myriad of things will be given to us: no need to worry about our lives; we will be sustained through the power of God; He knows what we are in need of; He knows we need food and clothing. If we put first our trust in Jesus, these will come to us. How can He do that? He's God. While Israel was wandering for 40 years in the desert, their clothing and sandals did not wear out. How? Their food and water was always supplied to them. How? Through God's power. Why? To keep on building their faith in Him, to show them He was God. 

Imagine the possible future for us: do we want to trust in our own wisdom and riches or believe that God will sustain us? It takes a lot of faith and perhaps we will be put in this position of believing He IS our God. He will show His faithfulness. We will be strengthened in ways we cannot imagine.

We just need to tap into that faith. Jesus will supply all we need just by our trust in Him. He is the light of the world. Be in the light as He is in the light. There are treasures we cannot see until we know Christ. Mysteries will be revealed. There's a whole new glorious world out there when we allow ourselves to be brought into His light. 

1Timothy 6:17 - Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.