Can't Argue That

Mark 5:19 - ..."Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.”

"Every word (of the Bible) inspired" was a note in my Bible. Some might believe the Bible is not the inspired Word of God. They might look at it as a book of books written by men and miss the inspired part. The truth is, God worked through those men, gave them inspiration...His inspiration...that we might know.

Before those books were written, however, these men all had to have an encounter with God. 

Another note said "can't argue my testimony." I have a testimony. I remember it like it was yesterday. I know many people who have testimonies. Our church is full of them. And we should not be ashamed of that testimony. Some might not want to share how they were alcoholics, into drugs, prostitution or pornography, had anger issues, or liars or thieves. It might be too embarrassing. But that's what makes a testimony. It shows the power of God in our lives! Everyone will have a testimony, even if it's not so blatantly bad. And everyone has need of a Savior. Everyone.

The thing is, we, in our church, as well as others, all had an encounter with God. This takes us onto the subject of blind faith. There is no such thing as blind faith. Our faith comes from, and hangs on, the Word of God, those inspired words that He chose certain men to write...that we might know. A Book we have that we might know Him, His ways, commands, His character. I know I've written about this before.

Then there's Psalm 131. It's all of three verses. There are some things we read in God's Word which we just don't understand. And that's okay. We just believe it because it is in God's Word...because it is His truth. His thoughts are higher than ours. The Psalm reads:

LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, nor with things too profound for me. Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forever. 

We are to come to Christ as little children who just trust freely. He has nothing but good planned for us. As adults we think too much. As children, though, we just hear and believe, trust.

So one day Christ made Himself known to me and there was no way I could back away, no place to hide. I didn't even want to. He gained access to my heart, mind and soul. It became my testimony. I can't argue that! Even though at the time I didn't quite understand what was happening, I know that what happened, what I felt, was real.  In time I realized I was beginning to become a new creature. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2Corinthians 5:17) ...we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. (Acts 4:20)

So God's Word is inspired. His Word becomes life to us after we have humbled ourselves before Him and allowed Him access to our hearts and minds. That change in me got me to understanding His Word. It's His Word that was probably "annoyingly" preached or heard that began the change. His Word does not return void. It is an amazing thing, His words. What's that old song? It just popped into my head: 

I heard an old, old story,

How a Savior came from glory,

How He gave His life on Calvary

To save a wretch like me...

That old story is in His Book! The history of His-story. Inspired by God Himself. And those who know this story want to share. Like suggested in the opening scripture, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you." 

He is real. His Word is real. He is life, as is His Word. His desire is for us to have a testimony of how He saved us...that He may get all the glory, since we can do nothing on our own to achieve this salvation but to receive what He has to offer. Then we share our testimony...and Him...through His Word. As we are to do. I confess this God who caused a change in me and gave me my own testimony. Something I can't argue. 

Matthew 10:32-33 - “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.”

Can't Argue That

Mark‬ ‭5:19‬ ‭- ..."Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.”

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We touched on a lot of things in Sunday school this past week. I jotted a note here and there on a slip of paper. Of course by the time I got to looking at them a lot of the meaning of those notes had slipped my mind! But God...

One thing for sure did not slip my mind. I'm not sure how we got on this subject but, as one note said, "every word (of the Bible) inspired." Some might believe the Bible is not the inspired Word of God. They might look at it as a book of books written by men and miss the inspired part. The truth is, God worked through those men, gave them inspiration...His inspiration...that we might know.

Before those books were written, however, these men all had to have an encounter with God. (And now I see where some of the other thoughts fall into place! Praise God!) 

Another note said "can't argue my testimony." I have a testimony. I remember it like it was yesterday. I know many people who have testimonies. Our church is full of them. And it was brought up we should not be ashamed of that testimony. Some might not want to share how they were alcoholics, into drugs, prostitution or pornography, had anger issues, or liars or thieves. It's embarrassing. But that's what makes a testimony. It shows the power of God in our lives! Everyone will have a testimony, even if it's not so blatantly bad. And everyone has need of a Savior. Everyone.

The thing is, we, in our Sunday school and church, as well as others, all had an encounter with God. This took us onto the subject of blind faith. It was concluded Sunday there is no such thing as blind faith. Our faith comes from, and hangs on, the Word of God, those inspired words that He chose certain men to write...that we might know. A Book we have that we might know Him, His ways, commands, His character. I wrote about this recently, I'm sure. 

Along with blind faith someone brought up Psalm 131. It's all of three verses. (And oh, more notes make sense!) There are some things we read in God's Word which we just don't understand. And that's okay. We just believe it because it is in God's Word. His thoughts are higher than ours. The Psalm reads:

LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, nor with things too profound for me. Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forever. ‭

We are to come to Christ as little children who just trust freely. He has nothing but good planned for us. As adults we think too much. As children, though, we just hear and believe, trust.

So one day Christ made Himself known to me and there was no way I could back away, no place to hide. I didn't even want to. He gained access to my heart, mind and soul. It became my testimony. I can't argue that! Even though at the time I didn't quite understand what was happening, I know that what happened, what I felt, was real.  In time I realized I was beginning to become a new creature. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2Corinthians‬ ‭5:17) ...we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. (‭‭Acts‬ ‭4:20)

So God's Word is inspired. His Word becomes life to us after we have humbled ourselves before Him and allowed Him access to our hearts and minds. That change in me got me to understanding His Word. It's His Word that was probably annoyingly preached or heard that began the change. His Word does not return void. It is an amazing thing, His words. What's that old song? It just popped into my head: 

I heard an old, old story,
How a Savior came from glory,
How He gave His life on Calvary
To save a wretch like me...

That old story is in His Book! The history of His-story. Inspired by God Himself. And those who know this story want to share. Like suggested in the opening scripture, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you." 

He is real. His Word is real. He is life, as is His Word. His desire is for us to have a testimony of how He saved us...that He may get all the glory, since we can do nothing on our own to achieve this salvation but to receive what He has to offer. Then we share our testimony...and Him...through His Word. As we are to do. I confess this God who caused a change in me and gave me my own testimony. Something I can't argue. 

Matthew‬ ‭10:32-33‬ ‭- “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.”

Temporary or Eternal?

1John‬ ‭1:1-4‬ ‭- That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

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I've been hanging out in 1John. There is a wealth of wisdom here, as in any book of the Bible.

Jesus' disciples had the privilege of seeing and knowing Him, even doubting, like Thomas. They spoke of what they saw and knew. By word of the mouths that saw Jesus, this was passed on down through the ages. And all was recorded in the written Word. 

Today we are to believe and have faith in only what we have heard or read about...what we do not see. It's called faith...in Jesus Christ. This faith is an incredible gift that God gives to those who want it. Faith is eternal. It is trusting God for everything. Faith in what we see is fleeting. It won't last. 

Oh, the disciples saw, touched, heard and then declared the 
scripture above:

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—that which we have seen anheard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

But because of their dedication and testimony here is what we can declare:

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. (Hebrews 11:1-3)

I put my faith and trust in He who cannot be seen but can be known through the testimony of His Word. It's why I read it. It's a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, comfort and admonition. Without Him, without His testimony and admonition, we are trying to do life on our own, in our own strength and wisdom. Are we smarter than our God? 

In this world today we need as ever before that faith in what was written for our understanding, that we may have peace, the peace that only our Savior can bring. The peace He wants all to have through relationship with Him, which means faith in the unseen...yet which is revealed in and through His Word. It is my joy. 

I've heard more people comment that they would not want to be living today without this relationship with Jesus. To live apart from the one who provides the strength needed for any circumstance is unfathomable to me. Without Him there is no hope. And it is impossible to please God without that faith. Something to think about.

2Corinthians‬ ‭4:16-18‬ ‭- Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

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Our Ebenezer

1Samuel 7:12 - Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”

There is an old, old hymn called Come, Thou Font of Every Blessing. Not sure if many churches sing it anymore. I have grown in appreciation for the worshipful words of some of the older hymns. Some of today's music is fine if it lifts up the name of Jesus and doesn't focus solely on self. He has done it all, He has paid the price. Which, as I wrote those words, reminded me of yet another old hymn, Jesus Paid it All!

I was listening to the Come, Thou Font hymn as I was driving home from out of town. I put it on repeat and listened to it several times. It is still, four days later, on repeat! The word Ebenezer is used and I knew I had heard the explanation to it. I looked it up to refresh my memory.

Quote from an article by the Apologetics Press: The word Ebenezer comes from the Hebrew words ’Eben hà-ezer (eh’-ben haw-e’-zer), which simply mean “stone of help” ... When Robinson wrote his lyrics, he followed the word Ebenezer with the phrase, “Here by Thy great help I’ve come.” An Ebenezer, then, is simply a monumental stone set up to signify the great help that God granted the one raising the stone. 

If we have had an encounter with Jesus, we have an Ebenezer. It can refer to the issue of our salvation. He has helped us in some way through His power. We have turned to the Lord after as many years as it has been for us of turning our backs on Him. It’s raising our stone of help up in gratitude for what Jesus has done for us; for forgiving and removing our sin from us. For some that might be overcoming alcohol or drugs. For others it might be prostitution, lust, fornication. Yet for others it could be anger, self-pity, pride. If there has been a change, an overcoming of our sin, if we have sought the Lord for His forgiveness and walk away from it, we can raise our Ebenezer, begin building that monument to God. Each act of overcoming another sin is another stone added. We will never be done building! 

I can't help but think about the fact that Jesus is considered the Chief Cornerstone, a sure foundation. 

Last week we had our floors buffed and coated. We "hired" some young men from an organization called Teen Challenge to remove all the furniture. When it came time for them to replace the furniture, a wonderful thing happened. I only asked the man who organized and brought these guys if there were great testimonies in these young men? He said, Yes, ma'am, and proceeded to have each of them give their own personal testimony, something I did not expect. Teen Challenge is a faith-based organization, I might add. They overcome their addictions through the power of God in their lives, Bible study, discipline and prayer. It was wonderful to hear as they shared.

Do not be deceived. We all have sin in our lives to overcome. We are born with a sin nature. Can't be helped. Doesn't matter who our parents are or what they have accomplished in life...or even how accomplished we seem to be. Eventually we will step into exercising our own sin. Not one person can escape this sin without Jesus. He came to die for that very reason. He was the only…only…sin-free Person. Because of that He became the perfect sacrifice for all who call on His name. It is by His help, by the price that He paid that we can be made whole and righteous.

Besides the verse about the Ebenezer, I couldn't help but have the lyrics Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above. That's what we must do, give our whole heart to the Lord. We will receive the wisdom of God when we do. Wisdom teaches right and wrong. Yes, take my heart, Lord, and seal it for Yourself.

Proverbs 23:12,26 - Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge. My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways. 

How Can I Not?

Mark‬ ‭16:15 - And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."

How can I not do this!? This was a question brought up in our Revelation study by one woman after reading carefully what will occur in the future, maybe closer than we know.

In our study this week we were shown some of the things this world will--will--go through in the last days. While we may not understand all the imagery of Revelation 8 and 9, it again points us to Who, not what, is in control and Who we can trust. Read for yourself! 

We have to believe that even though we live on earth in an earthly body with earthly desires, there are two unseen spiritual atmospheres. Some of us can feel the presence of them. There is a joy about one but a heaviness and sorrow about the other. 

With that, listen to a few of the things that will happen in those last days. Remember that if it is in the Bible it will happen. God does not lie but He also wants us to be fully aware, warned and prepared for those days. These are judgments that will take place. This may seem like a lot of scripture but nothing says it better. 

...hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up. (Revelation‬ ‭8:7‬)

...something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed. (‭‭Revelation‬ ‭8:8-9‬)

...a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. ...A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter. (Revelation‬ ‭8:10-11‬)

...a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night. (Revelation‬ ‭8:12‬)

That's just the environment. Imagine a third of all crops, water, fish and animals destroyed and less sun to grow what remained. That would be a problem. This will be done that man will look to God and believe. He will be controlling all this. But there is more.

Next the judgments upon man. A bottomless pit was opened and locusts swarmed out. They were not to harm (the remaining) vegetation but were given authority to torment anyone who was not of God. In this prophecy, however, there are still many who, like Pharaoh in Exodus, hardened their hearts and refused to repent and still would not bow to God. And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them. (‭‭Revelation‬ ‭9:5-6)‬ ‭Five months of wishing death. 

Next 1/3 of man was allowed to be killed by a huge, powerful army. And yet, even after that some would not bow to the Lord. By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed—by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts. (Revelation‬ ‭9:18,20-21‬)

This bowing to God is not just the idea that we believe there is a God and taking the idea He will return lightly or believing it won't happen in our lifetime. Bowing means submitting to Him, asking forgiveness of our sins and following and obeying Him. It is something we must do. James 2:19 says: You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! If the demons know and they tremble over God, shouldn't we? With reverent fear. 

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The Lord is merciful. These things must come to pass as signs. We haven't  seen anything like this yet but it will happen. He tries to get our attention personally even today with financial hardship, illness, murder, theft, terrorism. Weren't we shocked at 9/11? Aren't we concerned about the rise in terrorism, human trafficking, unnecessary violence? Still some don't get it. He will step it up as the days go on. Jesus would prefer that none perish, yet He knows that will not be the case. These are the stark warnings for us that we might come to Him and believe, trust, have faith in and obey Him. Even if He waits 25 years, knowing Him is His desire. Underlying all this destruction is His love. It might not seem like it, but it's there. He keeps warning and warning. He loves us so much.

How can I not do as the opening scripture tells us? Do I expect everyone to listen/read? No. Do I want people to harden their hearts all the more? Of course not. How can I not share what the truth of God's Word says? 

How many times do we, even believers, have to hear what God commands us and reject it? We are all guilty of putting other things before Him, as came out in our Revelation study yesterday. God's warnings are for our good. He is delaying His return, for awhile, that more would submit and receive Him. But...He could come any time. Or anyone could be struck by a car or sudden illness. We must know Him before disaster arrives. Then we can look to Him to get us through. No one or thing can compare. 

How can I not continue to share His love and warnings? How can I not say it like it is? How can I not? His words might be hard to believe, unless you know Him. We cannot be content in this world with all its trappings. Do the things of this world really satisfy or do you always desire more? People throw their money into lotteries hoping to win the big one. How about throwing your heart at the throne of God for the greatest reward of all...eternal life. The greatest gift we can receive is Jesus Christ. All that money will not satisfy in the long run. It will not prevent our death or the death of others. It will not bring our salvation either.

In class we all agreed that what we share with others isn't always going to be received joyfully or thankfully. Most will reject the words of God. That is the greatest burden we all carry. But Jesus says to give our burdens to Him. We do what is required and let Him sort it out.

C.S. Lewis said: If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. I know that many will say they are satisfied in this world. Jesus tells us not to seek the treasures of the world that perish but seek the things of God. It goes against the human mind. We are told that we are to have faith in those things we cannot see. Wow. Jesus' followers had the opportunity to see Him and believed (and even then there were those who wanted no part of Him). Through His disciples and others after them, the testimony of Jesus Christ has continued...among those who have not seen Him. Only He will remain in the end after the earth is gone.

Matthew‬ ‭10:32-33‬ ‭- Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

Salvation is of the Lord

Isaiah 52:10 - The LORD has made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. 

Our salvation is of God. We cannot bring about our own salvation. We cannot expect a heavenly kingdom without first knowing Who created it, created us and eventually saved us. Nothing can be done without a relationship with God. That's what it was supposed to be all about 6,000 years ago with Adam and Eve. They walked with God in the garden. They were in relationship with Him. And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. (‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭8)  They had this relationship for a time. 

Our pastor, Terry Fischer, talked about testimonies yesterday. Jesus had a testimony and He gives each of us one if we have come to Christ for salvation. He Said a testimony is evidence of a changed life, changed minds...all brought about through the power of God, nothing we could have done ourselves. It all has to be about who God is and what He does! We can have the mind of Christ.

But the deceiver, the enemy of our souls, the accuser of the brethren, satan, angered at being cast out of heaven because of his belief that he could be like or greater than God, made certain that God would receive less and less of those creatures He created. Pride. It's the major reason for not receiving Him. Because we think we can do it on our own...

Oh, but God in His infinite wisdom and mercy, saw to it another Way was made for this great salvation. He knew we could not do it. It had to come through Him. 

Salvation: The act of saving someone from sin or evil; deliverance from the power and effects of sin. - Merriam Webster. Deliverance, salvation (by God), welfare, prosperity, victory - Strong's Bible Concordance. 

What was needed was a great sacrifice. While animals did the job of being sacrifices in the Old Testament, they did not cover sin completely and repeated sacrifices were needed to be made, much like the idea that if we are basically good people, do good things, striving ourselves at being good, God will be pleased and allow us into heaven. But it was not/is not enough. Why did God need to bring Jesus into the picture if we could do it ourselves? Why did He need to suffer rejection, scourging? Why did He need to die? The enemy of our souls is still deceiving us into thinking we do not need Jesus. 

I would not have believed any of this 15 years ago. I was deceived. But God...showed me something one day. He had been leading up to this day but I was resisting. He pierced the hard heart within me and softened it enough for me to receive Him. Did I understand what had happened? Not immediately. I just knew I wanted Him. Oh how He can pierce the hardest of hearts. But it's the people with those hard hearts who ultimately make the decision. He pierces but we can still reject. Look at how many rejected Jesus in His day and how few followed. 

Some day He will return for those who have called on His name for this so great a salvation. It will be precious few because the way is narrow and few walk on it. If you have your doubts, seek Him for the answers. Ask Him to reveal Himself in such a way you understand it. You have probably been contacted many times but have either rejected the invitation or misunderstood it. Seek Him for eternal life. 

Some day He will return. When He does all the world will see it. The world will know to whom or what their allegiance was. We sang a song in church yesterday, Your Great Name. 

On the day that He returns, all will praise Him. For it is written: “As I live, says the LORD, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”  (‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭11) and ...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭10-11‬) 

Salvation does belong to our Lord. We must receive it for eternal life. Without it we have eternal death. Both these topics are in the Word of God. It might be called the Testimony of Jesus Christ because it explains from Genesis to Revelation the sovereignty of our God, His great plan for salvation and the plans He has for those who choose to receive and the consequences of not. God's Word is powerful unto salvation for all people. 

Romans 1:16 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

Testify and Glorify

John 20:26-29 - And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you." Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HAVE NOT SEEN AND YET HAVE BELIEVED.”

Thomas was the doubting disciple. He had been with Jesus for three years, watched Him perform miracles of all kinds, listened to His wise words, rebukes, watched this humble Man who had such authority. Yet Thomas had a hard time believing his Lord had returned. He needed proof.

Sometimes we all need to see to believe. And that's okay. Jesus didn't reprimand Thomas.

While I've seen the Lord at work in the past, especially the day I received Christ as my Lord and Savior, I saw the Lord at work this past week in some pretty incredible ways. My sister in law and I traveled together to pack up our mother in law's winter home in Puerto Rico. We knew we were in for a full week. We couldn't have imagined all we would encounter!

The Lord was with us every step of the way, probably even when we didn't realize it. He provided what and who we needed, what others needed. We saw grateful hearts, made new friends, wept tears of both amazement and joy, provided strength and wisdom. And while He was working with us and in us and in the hearts of others, I knew He was still working all around the world (even within our family and the business). He has so much to offer all people; more than we can imagine. These are the words of my pastor, Terry Fischer: "If you chase God, He will let you catch Him!" He is well worth seeking. Who wouldn't want the truest of His blessings? Who wouldn't want His presence as we seek?

This is my shortened testimony. It all happened to the glory of God. We could not glory in our own accomplishments. He made us capable of this task, through Him. He worked in and through us...probably more through my sister in law than me, but I saw and also experienced. I became a stronger person because of it, not only spiritually but physically since the things I had to do, over and above my normal routine, did not bring on any adverse affects as evidenced by an extremely clean bill of health from my chiropractor when I came home! 

I would love to go into detail, but this is enough to say. It took days to condense my thoughts, which I'm not always good at! If you want more info, I'd be glad to talk...or supply more. Just let me know.

I will end with this: What an amazing, awesome God He is. Bigger and greater than we can imagine. Praise His name! It's times like this we can grasp hold of and know He is alive and real. While we did not see Him in the flesh nor touch His scarred hands, we knew His presence. The words we spoke to ourselves frequently and to others throughout the week as we saw things unfold before our tear filled eyes were: this is no coincidence. And others agreed. I will praise His name now, again!

1Peter 1:8-9 - [Jesus Christ]...whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 

Because of One Man's Faith

Matthew 8:8,10-11 - The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed." When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven."

Jesus healed this man's servant. He did not see him nor touch him. But He saw only the faith this centurion had in Him. What a testimony this man now had and I'm sure he shared the account with anyone who would listen. And this Jesus and His Gospel was heard, shared and drew more into this same faith.

If people would hear our testimony of God having redeemed, healed, delivered and provided in our lives, how many more would seek Jesus? Because of this one man's faith there have been about two thousand years' worth of people who have come to this same faith, of whom I am one. 

Anyone who turns to Christ with this same faith will be able to sit down with some very prominent men and women in the Bible someday in the kingdom of heaven. Oh, that people would wonder in our faith and would want to hear our testimony, believe in it and believe the truth of God's Word. 

Roman's 10:16-18 - But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “LORD, who has believed our report?” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: “Their sound has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” 

How Were Your Eyes Opened?

John 9:8-13

Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, "Is this he who sat and begged?" Some said, "This is he." Others said, "He is like him." He said, "I am he." 

Therefore they said to him, "How were your eyes opened?" He answered and said, " A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, 'Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.' So I went and washed, and received my sight."

Then they said, "Where is He" he said, "I do not know." They brought him who formerly was blind to the Pharisees.


Previously in John 9 Jesus restored the sight to a man who had been born blind.

Here those who knew this man questioned the whole event. Is this he who was blind? Yes. Or someone like him. The man himself exclaimed it was he. Two thoughts go through my head: It's like Jesus claiming Who He was and people in various places of belief or disbelief. And like when one is born again, is changed and others find it hard to believe...or wonder why they had to change. Is this he/she who used to _____ (fill in the blank)?

The big question is, How were your eyes opened? Or how will they be if they have not been? In this case it was an unconventional means, spit and dirt! My testimony will be different from someone else's. We are "captured" when and where we will "see" and understand we have been touched by God. He is amazing.

The next step this once blind man was to do was go and wash. Reminds me of baptism. We are called to step out in faith and when we do, He becomes real to us. Without physically seeing Him today, we see spiritually. We know with our whole being we have been touched by God. Our eyes were opened and we see...and we share what we know.

1John 1:2-4 - ...the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us--that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

He Bears Witness

John 8:12-18

Then Jesus spoke to them again saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." The Pharisees therefore said to Him, "You bear witness of Yourself; Your witness is not true." Jesus answered and said to them, "Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I come from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going. You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me. It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true. I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me."


So far in the Book of John He has called Himself the living water, bread of life and now the light of life. This is the Christ. He is Life. He alone offers life in a way no other can. His life does not bring continual hunger or thirst. His life is satisfying, fulfilling all needs. The light He shines in the dark places allows us to see what is true. And when we understand truth, we have life.

Again the Pharisees struggled with His words because, despite understanding all their religious laws, they could not see, or did not want to see, that He was who had been written about, prophesied about in their books of the law. There was a connection missing. How could He claim to be God's Son? The audacity! I've had a couple look strangely at me because of my witness! Who do I think I am?

When we come to Christ we become children of God. We are co-heirs in God's inheritance. Jesus and His Father bear witness of this even if others don't understand or are offended by our beliefs.
He/They judge not by the flesh... And as children of God through Christ Jesus, we share in His suffering, persecution. Jesus told us this would happen.

What Jesus gives us is the most special thing we can receive. The living water, bread of life and light of life. They desire all to know and receive this. But we are not to be surprised by what others think or fear them because we are in the protective arms of the Almighty.

Matthew 20:21-22 - “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved." 

At the Foot of the Mountain

Deuteronomy 4:11-12 - "Then you came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, and the mountain burned with fire to the midst of heaven, with darkness, cloud, and thick darkness. And the LORD spoke to you out of the midst of the fire. You heard the sound of the words, but saw no form; you only heard a voice."

I'm stuck in Deuteronomy, but it's good. Moses is reminding the people of Israel what the LORD has done for them. Account after account speaks of freedom, disobedience, forgiveness, freedom and more disobedience and forgiveness. Our God is always there. He waits for us to acknowledge Him that we might have freedom and forgiveness. Yet there sometimes still is disobedience. Through all these experiences we develop who we are in Christ. But there has to be a beginning, where we have seen the Lord and experienced His forgiveness and our freedom.

We are all to share the account of our conversion. It is our testimony, like Jesus testified throughout His life about who He was, where He came from, what power He had.

As I read the scriptures above my mind went directly to my conversion. There was a mountain looming in my life. It seemed immense and I was at my wits' end as to what I could do.

About the same time my sister in law asked me to meet her and the family at church the next day. I hesitated big time until she said something that instantaneously brought tears to my eyes. I didn't realize it at the time but they were the words of God...coming out of the fire of my dilemma.

I relented and went to church the next morning not realizing I would meet Jesus face to face, receive Him, and the rest would be history...or my testimony. I heard Him call me as I sat in that service. I could do nothing but respond to that call. It was a matter of life (spiritual) or death (natural). Oh, I wasn't considering ending my life, but my life did change in a very special way that day.

Since then I have sought the Word. I have continued to hear the Lord speak through His Word and in my spirit. Mysteries revealed, love shown, encouragement received, sin and conviction revealed. All for good.

Have I been 100% dedicated to the Lord? Sadly, no. Have I given up on Him? Gladly, no. If I stray a bit, it doesn't take long for Him to rein me in. I know where my help cometh from. I know who my Source is. I know what lies ahead. I know where my main focus and devotion are to be. I know where unconditional love comes from. I also know I am nothing without Jesus. Without Him there is lack of peace.

We follow an unseen yet powerful God. He proves this through His invasion of our consciences, His ability to show us in our spirits, not our minds, those things that hold us within His grasp. He bestows upon us that peace...that truly does pass all understanding. We must heed these things. In relationship with God we will have that ability.

One might be at the foot of a mountain. It might be illness, depression, a bad relationship, drugs, alcohol, etc., anything that causes distress. All one sees is a very high, intimidating mountain. But Jesus Christ can be our Way. He will lead you in the proper direction, help you up the mountain where all seems good again. Oh, be certain that not all days will be at the top. There are valleys we must go through. They are there to strengthen us. But remember, He is also there in the valley with us (Psalm 23) to be our Comfort.

When we submit to the lordship of Jesus Christ, He shows us what His covenant with us is, we hear His voice and are convicted of wrongdoing. He reminds us where we have been and where we are headed providing we stay focused on Him. Like Israel having been led out of Egypt, we have been led out of this world by Christ's call. We know the changes if we took the call to heart. He reveals it to us.

Deuteronomy 4:35 - "To you it was shown, that you might know that the LORD Himself is God; there is none other besides Him."

Spirit of Prophecy

Revelation 19:5-7,10 - Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!” And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he [the Angel of the Lord] said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

The spirit of prophecy. Those words popped out. It fits right in with what's been on my heart all week. The Word of God. Jesus, the Word, who speaks to us through His Word, through His Spirit, to testify of Himself and reveal Himself to us from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21. It's all about Him. He is what we who know Him testify of. And His Word testifies of Him and it IS the spirit of prophecy...of things to come, of He who is to come.

The rejoicing above was in response to the fall of Babylon. Today's reference to Babylon is considered the world view, an anti-God view. Those who do not seek God and His ways are part of that world. It's those who accept the ways of a "changing" society and align with it because it seems right and because the majority of people have. ...“Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! (Revelation 18:2) The world has fallen... The rejoicing was for the defeat of evil and the beginning of what peace was meant to be.

And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities (Revelation 18:4-5).

We are called to come out from among the world. If we are true worshippers of Jesus Christ, we will want to come out. We will see what we are and have been, what we are called to be and who we are in Christ. We have no longer submitted ourselves to the lies like the world but to the truth. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (Romans 1:24-25) It's spelled out right before our eyes. It is prophesied. We are shown. We are victorious if we have come out of the world...and we will overcome the Day of the Lord which is yet to come.

I rejoice as those share these beliefs. That Day of the Lord will be a glorious day, to be sure. Glorious in that God's power and glory will be revealed. It will not be a pretty sight, however, when ...the day of the Lord of hosts shall come upon everything proud and lofty, upon everything lifted up—and it shall be brought low—(Isaiah 2:12). But those who know the Lord can be glad because they will not be a part of this lowering. It will be time, at last, when God will raise up His people.

All of creation, all of life, all we are here for can simply be brought very narrowly down to one truth, Jesus. Whether you rejoice at His name or cringe, it's all about Him. Life is in His hands. Death comes from one much lesser than Him. You either choose life or death. If one chooses to not believe and understand the things Jesus teaches, death occurs...no matter what one's church has to say about the afterlife.

Not all are headed for heaven, sadly. Not even those who think they are basically good people. It's not about us or our good deeds but about Christ alone. We are only accepted and victors when we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. And that is the glorious thing. We cannot understand all the intricacies of God's wisdom, His ways, how He sets about to bring people to Him...but if you even suspect He is calling, respond. It is so worth it. It is life rather than death. And you will be among those who will rejoice with the great multitude.

All of creation, all of life, all we are here for is simply to become the testimony of Jesus. All the Word has to say about Him...the most important Book, the most important words...are the spirit of prophecy. The Book was written that we may know Him, not just of Him, but literally know Him. We can hear Him speak in those words. We can know His desires for us. We can know His promises. It's all about Jesus. When we choose to know Christ we will be filled with the Holy Spirit who will guide us in all truth.

One day there will be a great throng of people rejoicing. I doubt, however, that the great throng will be as great as the throng who will be mourning after they realize their choice was wrong. I am glad I will be among the throng rejoicing. As children of God we become a holy people, a royal priesthood, whom God raises up. Won't you join me?

1Corinthians 6:14 - And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. 

The Word is Life

Deuteronomy 29:29 - The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.

In prayer the other morning I was overcome with the words that came to me. 

These words were that His words as written in the Bible are life giving. I’ve known this a long time and probably wrote it before; sometimes He just wants to bring a recollection. His words can speak to any one of us if we take the time to read them. They are like bread and water. They sustain. Jesus is the Bread of life. He is the Fountain of living water. Eat and drink of these words written just for us that we might know Who Jesus really is and can be in our lives.

Taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). His Word should cause us to be hungry for more. We can believe all we want that this earthly life has all we could need, if things are going good for us. But what happens when there's a hiccup in our life that sets us reeling? How's this earthly life doing for us then?

With Jesus by our side we have full assurance that whatever life on this earth doles out, we are safe in His arms. Picture the drawing, if you will, of Jesus carrying the sheep. That sheep could be you or me. We wander aimlessly on this earth and He searches for us until He finds us. He will take us into His arms because we know He is the Good Shepherd.

That sheep was me and countless others who were in a place of restlessness, unhappiness or addiction. We recognized...and that is the key word...that we were lost and in need of saving. When we saw our Shepherd approaching we allowed Him to gently...and it was gently...pick us up and carry us in His arms to safety.

The Bible points to Jesus in every book. You will find Him in Psalm 23 as the Good Shepherd. You will see Him in the sacrifices and feasts, like mentioned the other day.

Every book speaks about the soon coming King. It's all about blood. Sacrifices were made in the Old Testament for forgiveness of sin...day by day. Those sins were new every day and needed to be atoned for. Jesus came to be that same sacrifice, but upon His death He took away that constant need to sacrifice. His death was once for all. Nothing else we can do but receive Jesus as our own personal Lord and Savior will allow us access to heaven. No works, no sacrifices. Just as the sins had to be atoned for every day, Jesus' mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:31-32)...when we have received Him.

He's the Passover lamb, the High Priest, the Cloud and the Fire, Kinsman Redeemer, our Shepherd, the suffering Servant and weeping Prophet, Son of God and Son of Man, the Messiah, the Miracle Worker, the One who sets us free, a Friend, our Great Physician, our Savior and most important, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Search the Scriptures. Seek the Lord your God. He is everything anyone could need. Let His voice be heard in His Book. The Book is life, the Book is wisdom. The Book is encouragement and admonition. The Book is filled with promises...both good and bad, depending on whether you choose to listen or choose your own way in life.

His Word judges a person's thoughts and intentions. It shows us the right way to walk. It admonishes and praises based on what we do.

Lord, I thank You for Your Word that brings life. I thank You that Your promises are yes and amen. I thank You that You are the great and loving God as well as the judge of all humanity. I thank You that nothing is impossible with You, that You are holy, that You truly care about the people of this earth who have not bowed before You and received You as their Savior. You search to and fro for those who are fully committed to You. And You bless them who are...with blessings that go far beyond our earthly needs.

Your Word is life. It is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path. Without that light, the Light of the world, we only live in darkness to the things You have for us. Praise You Lord for this awesome Word, for Your testimony in 66 chapters. Soul saving, life giving. That's who You are...the Word that became flesh so You could live and teach us about Yourself, so that You could die for our sins...so that we in turn could have life. Praise You! Bless Your holy name. Help us, O God, to hide Your word within our hearts that we might not sin against You.

1Peter 1:24-25 -  All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the LORD endures forever.