Pensacola Helene Jefferson's Blog, page 38

HOW GOD SPEAKS TO YOU WITHOUT SAYING ONE WORD!

THE WORD OF GOD“… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God …” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).* “… T he heavens are telling the glory of God; they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship.  ….” (Psalms 19:1 NLT). Some of the visual manifestations of God are the heavens and they SPEAK.  All of creation, in fact, speak about God; his goodness, his wisdom, and his power.King David, the psalmist, says the heavens SPEAK and TELL of God’s glory through the WORKS of creation. The heavens TELL, without a single written or human word, that God is infinitely GREAT, good, and powerful. The heavens SPEAK through the spacious sky, the sparkling stars or vast astronomy, the various planets, the sun, and the moon. “… T he heavens are … a marvelous display of his craftsmanship.  ….” (Psalms 19:1 NLT).The heavenly displays are DECLARING , PREACHING, TELLING that God exists. “… T he heavens are telling the glory of God.  ….” (Psalms 19:1 NLT).Creation is a LANGUAGE that speaks to all nations and tongues. “… T he heavens are telling …[and]… are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship.  ….” (Psalms 19:1 NLT). “… Day unto day [they] uttereth speech, and …  sheweth knowledge…” (Psalms 19:2-3 KJV).The CREATION is a LANGUAGE written by the WORKS of the Holy Spirit and it SPEAKS knowledge, nonstop, without a single human word. “… Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge…” (Psalms 19:2-3 KJV).It can be read and understood without skills in any particular spoken or written language by humans. “…There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard…” (Psalms 19:2-3 KJV).The Creation language is always speaking through its glorious heaven, its magnificent earth, its perpetual fruitfulness, its nourishing vegetation, its common and rare animals, its manifold benefits, and its sustaining operations.“…The sun lives in the heavens where God placed it and moves out across the skies as radiant as a bridegroom going to his wedding, or as joyous as an athlete looking forward to a race!  The sun crosses the heavens from end to end, and nothing can hide from its heat…” (Psalms 19:4-6 NLT).The author of the creation language is God and he SPEAKS through every WORK that can be SEEN by what has been MADE. “…Since the CREATION of the world God’s INVISIBLEQUALITIES … have been “CLEARLY SEEN”, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE…” (Romans 1:20 NIV). “… Then God SAID, “Let there be light”; AND THERE WAS LIGHT …” (Genesis 1:3 NASB).As CREATOR, God is discovered through the revelation knowledge of a LANGUAGE spoken by his creative WORKS.This creative language is ALSO called the WORD OF GOD.  “… BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).The WORD of GOD is PROOF that creation did not happen by chance or a big bang, but was MADE or came into existence by a UNIQUE POWER; God himself!! “… In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth …” (Genesis 1:1, 31 KJV).“… BY FAITH (by trusting in and depending upon God) we understand that THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s command (WORD), that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen…” (Hebrews 11 NLT).      The CREATION is a LANGUAGE spoken by the WORKS of the Holy Spirit. The CREATION language SPEAKS knowledge. However, the WORKS of the Holy Spirit came into existence, FIRST, through the WORD OF GOD, which is the knowledge. “… In the beginning was the Word ,and the Wordwas with God, and the Word was God . He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “… BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).The CREATION is a LANGUAGE spoken by the WORKS of the Holy Spirit and it SPEAKS knowledge.God’s WORKS speak, which means what God does or his actions speak for him. When God’s WORKS speak it REVEALS who he is.Thus, God’s “HOLY” NATURE is also revealed through HIS “GLORIOUS” WORKS. “… God’s … DIVINE NATURE …[is]…“CLEARLY SEEN” … FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE…” (Romans 1:20 NIV).God’s glorious WORKS speak of his glorious NATURE.  “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…The invisible [GOD]…from the creation of the world is …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are MADE …” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “ ... All things came into being (was created) through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being (was created)that has come into being…” (John 1:3 NASB).  “… I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB). “… I am the firstand I am the last …” (Isaiah 44:6 NASB). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," …" (Revelation 1:8 NASB).God’s glorious NATURE is “clearly” revealed throughout creation because it is filled with his glorious WORKS.  “… t he earth is filled with the LORD's GLORY (his presence, his goodness, and his power)… ” (Number 14:21 NLT). “… “I AM WHO I AM … who is … who was and who is to come , the Almighty (the holy presence, the holy nature (goodness), & the holy power) …" (Exodus 3:14-15 & Revelation 1:8 NASB).God’s glorious presence, nature (goodness), and works, in the world, is HOW GOD makes himself KNOWN to mankind. “… t he whole earth is full of his GLORY (holy presence, holy nature (goodness), & holy works)… ” (Isaiah 6:3). “… t he earth is filled with the LORD's GLORY (holy presence, holy nature(goodness, & holy works)… ” (Number 14:21 NLT).God’s holy works say “I exist” or I am real.  His HOLY NATURE (goodness) is realized through the CREATION language. “…Since the CREATION of the world God’s INVISIBLE QUALITIES—… HIS DIVINE NATURE (goodness)—have been “ CLEARLY SEEN ” …” (Romans 1:20 NIV).“… HIS DIVINE NATURE (goodness) —have been “CLEARLY SEEN”, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE…” (Romans 1:20 NIV). “… God who created all things …” (Ephesians 3:3-4, 9 NASB). “… there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things …” (1 Corinthians 8:6 NASB).“.. Worthy art Thou, our Lord and God … for Thou didst create all things …” (Revelation 4:11 NASB).God is love. Love is his divine nature or goodness. Love introduces himself through the language of CREATION.  CREATION says God is POWERFUL, MAJESTIC, GOOD, LOVING, SOVEREIGN, a PROVIDER, A GUIDE, and is DEPENDABLE. . “… t he whole earth is full of his GLORY (holy presence, holy nature, holy works)… ” (Isaiah 6:3). “… t he earth is filled with the LORD's GLORY (holy presence, holy nature; holy works)… ” (Number 14:21 NLT).From the very beginning the CREATION language was the WORD of God speaking through the WORK of the Holy Spirit. “… In the beginning was the Word , and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).The CREATION language or the Word of God is a HOLY, SPIRITUAL, and LIVING message, which reveals God’s presence, his divine nature of goodness, and his eternal power. For example look at his presence, nature, and power in the CREATION language: “….Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters…[In the beginning was the WORD. Therefore,] God said (SPOKE) , “Let there be light (HIS WORD)” and there was light (the Holy Spirit CREATED)….God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” …God madethe vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day. God said , “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” …God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. …God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars . God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness.  …God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.”  …God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind.  … God said , “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. … God made the wild animals according to their kinds , the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds…” (Genesis 1 KJV).“…the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are CLEARLY SEEN…”(Romans 1:20 KJV). “… HE Himself GIVES to all people LIFE and BREATH and all things …” (Acts 17:25 NASB). 
“… In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth …” (Genesis 1:1, 31 KJV).“… BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).The CREATION language continues to SPEAK through the WORKS of the Holy Spirit. AND the Holy Spirit continues to DO whatever the Word of God instructs by bringing THINGS into existence or creation.“… BY THE WORD of the Lord … All things came into being … and apart from [the WORD] nothing came into being that has come into being … ” (Psalms 33:6 NASB & John 1:1-4 NASB). “…. The Word became flesh …” (John 1:14 NASB).“… He (Jesus, the Word) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God …” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son (Jesus, the Word), which is in the bosom (heart, thoughts, etc.) of the Father, he hath declared him…” (John 1:18 KJV). “… He has revealed God to us …” (John 1:18 NLT).
Dr. Pensacola H. JeffersonTHE MOUTHPIECE FOR GOD’S HEARTYADA Counseling MinistryTHE WORD OF GODColton’s Point, Maryland

GOD'S CHOSEN "RACE" OF PEOPLE ARE A "HOLY" NATION!

                                           THE CHOSEN RACE IS A HOLY NATION “…you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION , A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light …” (1 Peter 2:9 NASB).* Back in the day, ONLY the HIGH PRIEST could enter into the HOLY of HOLIES. Jesus became the SUPREME HIGH PRIEST and entered into the REAL Holy of Holies; heaven or God's PRESENCE. “… Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands …. He entered into heaven (the REAL HOLY OF HOLIES) itself to appear now before God on our behalf…” (Hebrews 9:23-24 NASB). A barrier of SIN stood between God and mankind. Thus ONLY once a year could EVEN the HIGH PRIEST access the HOLY of HOLIES. “… only the high priest ever entered the Most Holy Place , and only once a year. … he always offered blood for his own sins and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance …” (Hebrew 9:7 NLT).God’s eyes “…are TOO pure to look on evil…” (Habakukk 1:13 NIV). “…[HIS] eyes are too pure to approve evil…” (Habakukk 1:13 NASB). “…[He] can not look on wickedness with favor…” (Habakukk 1:13 NASB).  Human eyes are too sinful to look upon holiness. “…Moses said, “…show me your glory … [God said,] …When my GLORY passes by, I will …cover you with my hand until I have passed by …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).His HOLiness is so PURE it is like a blinding, transparent light that is too brilliant for the naked human eye. “… It shone with the GLORY ofGod, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal …” (Revelation 21:11 NIV). As a child you were told not to look directly at the sun.  If you do happen to look at the sun with the naked, human eye, the damage to the retina is irreversible. God’s HOLinessis more brilliance than that of the sun. “… And the city had no need of the sun … for the (holiness) … of God did lighten it …” (Revelation 21:23 KJV).Looking directly at the sun damages the eyes, whereas looking at God’s HOLINESS will kill you. “…You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). The barrier exists because HOLINESS can NOT and will NOT “EVER”MIX with SIN, so it SEPARATES instead; just like oil and water. “… Your INIQUITIES (sin) have separatedbetween you and your God (holy), …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “… It’s YOUR SINS that have cut you off from God (who is HOLY)…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).However, Jesus is like an EMULSIFIER which enables the mixture or emulsion of two unlikely substances. “…He that is joined (MIXED) unto the Lord (Jesus) is ONE spirit… [with the HOLY God]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). Therefore, if an emulsifier is added to the oil and water it will miraculously enable them to MIX together. “…He that is joined (MIXED together) unto the Lord (Jesus) is ONE spirit… [with God]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).“…. Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). Jesus miraculously enables the HOLY God and SINFUL mankind to MIX together as ONE. “…What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate…” (Mark 10:9 NASB). “… Let no one split apart what God has joined together…” (Mark 10:9 NLT).  God loved sinful man, but because of his HOLY nature he simply could NOT mix or have a relationship with SINFUL man. “… There ... [is] … … one … who can reconcile God and humanity— the man Christ Jesus …” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).The barrier of SIN is A REALITY. It PREVENTS access to God’s HOLY PRESENCE. “… one … can reconcile God and humanity— the man Christ Jesus …” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…. Apart from Me, you can do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV). “…Jesus saith unto him, I AM THE WAY… no man cometh unto the Father , but by me …” (John 14 6 KJV). “… There is SALVATION IN NO ONE ELSE …” (Acts 4:12a NLT). Even with ALL the rituals and elaborate sacrifices performed in the Old Testament, mankind could NOT perpetually “MIX” with the “HOLY” God! “… For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins … ” (Hebrews 10:1-4 NASB).The significance and IMPORTANCE of being HOLY is about having a relationship with God and being in his HOLY PRESENCE! “… YOUR SINS have hid his face from you … he will not hear… [you] …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “… Because of YOUR SINS , he has turned awayand will not listen anymore…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).When there is a BARRIER it blocks God’s view of you and prevents him from hearing you. God can NOT connect, MIX, or be yoked together with sinners. “… Be ye NOT unequally yoked together with unbelievers for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV).Remember the biblical story of the poor man and the rich man? “…The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom.And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm (barrier) has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us …” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).Without Jesus, the emulsifier, there would ALWAYS remain an impenetrable BARRIER or CHASM between mankind and God. “…There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).Jesus OPENED the way for God and mankind to MIX together in a loving, covenant relationship!  “… . By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place…” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT). “Jesus saith… I am the way , the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6 KJV).Not only does holiness and sin NOT mix, but being in the HOLY PRESENCE of God without having your sins properly atoned for causes DEATH.  “…“you cannot see my face , for no one may see me and live .” …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV)In the Old Testament, when the HIGH PRIEST went into the HOLY of HOLIES a scarlet rope was tied to his feet just in case his sins were not atoned for properly and he died in the presence of God’s Glory. “…Moses said, “… show me your glory . ” …The Lord said …“you cannot see my face , for no one may see me and live .” …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).Without Jesus, the emulsifier, no one would be able to MIX with God or be in his HOLY PRESENCE. “… [There is] … one … who can reconcile God and humanity— the man Christ Jesus …” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “… Apart from Me, you can do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV).“ … [You] … can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth … [you]… ” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…It is God who works in [you]… to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).The DEATH of the HIGH PRIESTS - whose sins were NOT properly atoned for - is a WARNING of the importance of reverence and respect for the HOLY PRESENCE of God. “…The law of the LORD is perfect …by them Your servant is WARNED…” (Psalm 19:7-11 NASB). “…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV). “…and they are written for our admonition (warning)…” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV).The precious atonement sinners have been GRACED with through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross is the ULTIMATE GIFT. “… BY GRACE have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD ; not of works , that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).  Jesus’ sacrificial death was the atoning sacrifice for your sins. “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV). “…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV). . “…God so loved the world, that HE GAVE his only begotten (specially created) Son …” (John 3:16 KJV). “... whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life …” (John 3:16 KJV).  “…. HE FIRST LOVED US … ” (1 John 4:19 ASV).   “… notthat we loved God, but that he loved us and SENT HIS SON to be the propitiation for our sins . ” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…[God] … SPARED NOT his own Son, but DELIVERED him up FOR US ALL…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by “SENDING” Christ to die for us WHILE we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “… the just for the unjust, that he might BRING US to God…” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).  “… There is no GREATER LOVE than to lay down one’s life …” (John 15:13 NLT).“… BY GRACE … [you are] …saved THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD ; not of WORKS , that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “….God …now commandeth all men every where to REPENT…” (Acts 17:30 KJV). “… REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away …” (Acts 3:19 NASB). “… EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH …” (Luke 13:3 KJV). “… BY GRACE … [you are] …saved …not of WORKS, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). Therefore, “…He that is joined unto the Lord is ONE spirit (with the HOLY God)…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). HOW? “… The Lord (emulsifier) is that Spirit …” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…God [sends]… forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [YOUR]… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…Jesus Christ is … [NOW] … in you …” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness…” (1 John 1:9 KJV). “… [God]… [considers]…us ACCEPTED in the beloved (Jesus Christ)…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV). Therefore, “… i f Christ be in you … [then] … the Lord …[is] … in your presence (and “YOU” are in his presence ) …” (Romans 8:10 KJV &Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).  “… [Jesus sets]… me in [god’s] … presence forever …” (Psalms 44:12 NASB). “… YOU (God) MAKE HIM (her) “MOST” BLESSED forever … in YOUR PRESENCE…” (Psalms 21:6 NASB).Therefore, “… you are … A HOLY NATION …” (1 Peter 2:9 NASB). “ … [you] … have this treasure (his holy spirit, indwelling)  in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “… [God’s indwelling Spirit is]…for our profit, that [we] might be partakers (participants) of his holiness...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).  “… t here is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). He is “… majestic in holiness …” (Exodus 15:11 KJV). “…[God is] … very GREAT;[He is] … clothedin SPLENDER

THERE IS "NO" SUPERIOR HUMAN BEING; NO "NOT" ONE. HERE'S WHY!

  WHO IS SUPERIOR?“… I am the first and I am the last,   And there is no … [SOVEREIGN; SUPERIOR] … God besides Me…”(Isaiah 44:6 NASB). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  And, “… There is none holy as the Lord …” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God…" (Revelation 1:8 NASB).*From the perspective of skin color, biological race, or ethnicity GOD, alone, is the SUPERIOR one! “… I am the first and I am the last,   And there is no … [SUPERIOR] … God besides Me…”(Isaiah 44:6 NASB). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “… I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB). “… I am the firstand I am the last …” (Isaiah 44:6 NASB). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," …" (Revelation 1:8 NASB).There is absolutely no one or no group of people who can have any aspect of SUPERIORITY apart from God. “… Apart from [the HOLY Spirit, you] can do nothing….” (John 15:5 KJV).There is absolutely no one or no group of people who can exert any REAL superior influence outside of God. “ …It is God which worketh IN YOU both to will (be influential) and to do (influence) …” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “… the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV).There is absolutely no one or no group of people who can have superior authority (OTHER THAN MAN-MADE) unless God gives it to them. “… there is no authority  “except” from God, and those which exist are established by God …” (Romans 13:1 NASB). “… The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...” (Matthew 9:6 NASB). “… Jesus … spoke to them, saying , “All authority has been given to Mein heaven and on earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB).God is the SUPERIOR one. He is the King of kings. He is the Lord of lords. He is NOT limited by skin tone, biological race, or ethnicity. “…And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS…" (Revelation 19:16 NASB). "…For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe…” (Deuteronomy 10:17 NASB). “…He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords…” (1 Timothy 6:15 NASB). “… Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth...” (Revelation 19:16 NASB). God, alone, is the superior CREATER. He MADE everything in heaven and earth. He sustains and holds everything together, in heaven and earth. He is NOT limited by skin tone, biological race, or ethnicity. “… God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth . He made the things we can see and the things we can't see--such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him…” (Colossians 1:16 NLT). “ ... All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being…” (John 1:3 NASB).  “… God who createdall things …” (Ephesians 3:3-4, 9 NASB). “… there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things …” (1 Corinthians 8:6 NASB).“.. Worthy art Thou, our Lord and God … for Thou didst create all things, and because of Thy will they …were created …” (Revelation 4:11 NASB). “…In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth …” (Genesis 1:1-3 KJV). God is the superior ALL-KNOWING and WISE one. He KNOWS the past, present, and future. He KNOWS everything even before it happens. He is NOT limited by skin tone, biological race, or ethnicity. “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB)."… who is who was and who is to come , the Almighty …" (Revelation 1:8 NASB). “… Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world…” (Acts 15:18 KJV). “…Every beast of the forest is Mine, The cattle on a thousand hills. “ I know every bird of the mountains, And everything that moves in the field is Mine. “If I were hungry I would not tell you, For the world is Mine, and all it contains…” (Psalms 50:10-12 NASB). “…Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” (Romans 11:33 NASB). "… Can you discover the depths of God? Can you discover the limits of the Almighty?” (Job 11:7 NASB). "…Do you hear the secret counsel of God, And limit wisdom to yourself?” (Job 15:8 NASB).  “… For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR?” (Romans 11:34 NASB). “… s o the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God …” (1 Corinthians  2:11 NASB).God has superior UNLIMITED abilities. He can DO all things. He does whatever “HE” pleases. Nothing is too hard or impossible for God. He is NOT limited by skin tone, biological race, or ethnicity. “… Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You…” (Jeremiah 32:17 NASB). “…Jesus said, "With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God…" (Mark 10:27 NASB). “… With God nothing shall be impossible …” (Luke 1:37 KJV). “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “… Is any thing too hard for the LORD ?” (Genesis 18:14 KJV).God is truly SOVEREIGN and SUPERIOR. He, alone, has ULTIMATE superior POWER and has ALL AUTHORITY.  He is NOT limited by skin tone, biological race, or ethnicity. “..The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty (superiority) rules over all…” (Psalms 103:19 NASB). “…For the LORD Most High is to be feared, A great King over all the earth…” (Psalms 47:2 NASB). “… God reigns over the nations , God sits on His holy throne…” (Psalms 47:8 NASB). “…Who islike unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high…” (Psalms 113:5 KJV). “… Our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases…” (Psalms 115:3 NASB). “… In order that the living may know That the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind,And bestows it on whom He wishes And sets over it the lowliest of men..." (Daniel 4:17 NASB).  “… Seven periods of time will pass over you, until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes…” (Daniel 4:25 NASB). “…That they may know that You alone, whose name is the LORD, Are the Most High over all the earth…” (Psalms 83:18 NASB). “… His sovereignty (superiority) rules over all …” (Psalms 103:19 NASB). Being SOVEREIGN means being SUPERIOR over ALL! “… His sovereignty (superiority) rules overall …” (Psalms 103:19 NASB). God is the ULIMATE SOURCE of everything. “ [God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 NLT). He is the superior POWERFUL EXISTENCE. “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB)."… who is  ( who exists ) … who was ( who has existed ) and who is to come ( who exists in the future for “all” eternity ) , the Almighty …" (Revelation 1:8 NASB).He, alone, is the superior POWERFUL HOLY ONE! He is NOT limited by skin tone, race, or ethnicity. “…. GOD IS ALL-POWERFUL … (Job 36:22-33 NLT). “…POWER belongethunto God...” (Psalms 62:11 NIV).   “… I AM HOLY… ” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “… There is none HOLY as the Lord …” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV).God is the SUPERIOR one. Every skin tone is subject to him. “..The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty (superiority) rules over all…” (Psalms 103:19 NASB). Every biological race is subject to him. Every ethnic group is subject to him. “… The Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind ..." (Daniel 4:17 NASB). He is NOT limited by skin tone, biological race, or ethnicity. “… I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end …” (Revelation 21:6 NASB).  "… I amthe Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, " who is and who was and who is to come , the Almighty …" (Revelation 1:8 NASB). “… I, the LORD, am the first, and with the last. I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB). “… I am the firstand I am the last, And there is no God besides Me…” (Isaiah 44:6 NASB). “… Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come…” (Revelation 4:8 KJV).There is no SKIN TONE, BIOLOGICAL RACE of people, or any ONE  ethnic group that can claim sovereignty or superiority like Jehovah God. “… There is none like unto thee… ” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).He ALONE is worthy of ALL praise! “… The Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes…” (Daniel 4:25 NASB).People with certain SKIN TONES or from a particular BIOLOGICAL RACE, or ETHNIC group have FORCED, manipulated, created graven images of themselves, or have violently SET THEMSELVES up as sovereign or superior when they are IN FACT “NOT” sovereign or superior at all. “… there is none like unto thee … ” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).“For such are … deceitful workers, transforming themselves into …the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness …” (2 Corinthians 11:13-14 KJV). “… I did not send or appoint them , and they have no message at all for my people. I, the Lord, have spoken!” (Jeremiah 23:32 NLT). “… They that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ , but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple…” (Romans 16:18 KJV).THE IDEOLOGY OF WHITENESS BEING A SUPERIOR TRAIT IS "ALL" MAN-MADE AND "NOT" ESTABLISHED BY GOD.WHEN IT COMES TO SALVATION "EVERY" SINGLE SOUL, REGARDLESS OF RACE,  IS LOST UNTIL JESUS CHRIST SAVES THEM.THE WHOLE WORLD IS ON THE LEVELING GROUND OF GOD'S MERCY AND GRACE God’s sovereignty and superiority is based on HIS being HOLY. “… I AM HOLY … ” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). He is “… majestic in holiness …” (Exodus 15:11 KJV). “… There is none holy as the Lord …” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “… there is none like unto thee … ” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “… be holy, because I am holy …” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “…. Apart from … [the HOLY SPIRIT] … you can do nothing (be superior) …” (John 15:5 NIV).When it is KNOWN and REALIZED, God’s sovereignty and superiority COMPELS people to give him his due diligence of PRAISE and GLORY. “… Let another praise you , and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips …” (Proverbs 27:2 KJV). “…. Give to everyone what you owe them : … if honor, then honor …” (Roman 13:7 NIV).  Corrupt skin tones, biological races, and ethnic groups – without the sovereign and SUPERIOR one - are usually abusive in their positions of temporary authority. “…. Apart from … [the HOLY SPIRIT] … [they] … can do nothing (be superior) …” (John 15:5 NIV).Most likely, they rule in HATE and only want what’s best for themselves or their group of people. “… Love does NO HARM to his neighbor …” (Romans 13:10 NASB). “…Beloved, let us love one another (including other skin tones, biological races and ethnic groups): for love is of God; and every one that loveth (others and themselves) is born of God, and knoweth God. He that LOVETH NOT(others or themselves) KNOWETH NOTGod; for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…. as I have loved you … love one another ….” (John 13:34 ASV).  Unfortunately, some skin tones, biological races, and ethnic groups have high-jacked, abused, misrepresented, twisted, and contaminated the Christian reputation. Over the years, Christianity, through inappropriate representation by certain skin tones, biological races, and ethnic groups - whose agenda does NOT match that of Jesus Christ - have reduced it to an inferiorstatus among witnesses. Real Christians are like Jesus PERIOD and exemplify superior (HOLY) behavior as they are progressively conformed to his image. “… In this world …[they] … are LIKE JESUS …” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “… [Their goal is to]… be conformed to the IMAGE OF HIS SON…” (Romans 8:29 KJV). God sent Jesus Christ because he loved “THE WORLD,” which includes all people, all skin tones, all biological races, all ethnic groups everywhere.“For God so loved THE WORLD, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life…” (John 3:16).Jesus Christ did NOT die for ONE skin tone, one biological race, or one ethnic group of people. “…Christ …. died for sins ONCE for “ALL”…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). He died for the HUMAN race. He died for all people. God did NOT die to support mankind’s different agendas. He died for God’s agenda: the GREAT SALVATION. “… Christ died for OUR SINS according to the scriptures; And ...he was buried, and …he rose again the third day according to the scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).  “ Herein is love , not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).   “For Christ …. died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).Jesus Christ did NOT die for one biological race, one ethnic group, your political issues, your sexual immoralities, your prejudices, your hatreds, your particular church group, your skin color of people, or your specific worldview. Jesus Christ died for God’s purposes ONLY. “…. THE SON OF MAN CAME “NOT” to be served but to serve others and TO GIVE his life as a ransom for many…" (Matthew 20:28 NIV).Jesus Christ came to do his Father’s will ONLY. “… I seek NOT mine own will …but THE WILL of the Father which hath sent me...” (John 6:38 KJV).  “…For I have come down from heaven “NOT” TO DO MY WILL BUT to do THE WILL of him who sent me…” (John 6:38 NIV). It was OBVIOUS that Jesus Christ was presenting SOMETHING NEW.  Jesus Christ was NOT doing something COMMON, or carnal, or polarized, or selfish as some skin tones, biological races, or ethnic groups have done. "…Behold,I will do SOMETHING NEW …” (Isaiah 43:19-20 NASB)."… I am the LORD, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise to graven images... "Behold,the former things have come to pass, Now I declare NEW THINGS Before they spring forth I proclaimthem to you." (Isaiah 42:9 NASB).  Nicodemus said this about Jesus Christ.“…. NO MAN can do these miracles that thou doest, EXCEPT GOD BE WITH HIM…” (John 3:2 KJV).Certain skin tones, biological races, and ethnic groups have tacked the word Christian on their causes, purposes, agendas, lifestyles, organizations, churches because Christianity represents one of the highest and most SUPERIOR standards of ethics and morality. It’s called HOLINESS.Because of HOLINESS, Christianity represent one of the highest standards of ethics and morality, but it does NOT mean the people CLAIMING to be Christians are actually representing or exemplifying those SUPERIOR holy standards. “… Ye shall know them by their … [HOLY, superior] … fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “… But the fruit of the… [HOLY, superior] … Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).According to historical literature Mahatma Gandhi is quoted as saying: “I like your Christ, but I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” That was Gandhi’s observation of those claiming the Christian identity.Jesus Christ distinctly tells how you will recognize HIS “HOLY,” chosen race of people. “… BY THIS SHALL ALL MEN KNOW that ye are my disciples, “if” YE HAVE LOVE ONE TO ANOTHER…” (John 13:35 KJV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…every one that loveth …. KNOWETH God . He that loveth NOT KNOWETH NOT God; for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).In addition, “…My sheep (my chosen race) HEAR HIS VOICE, and I know them, and they follow Me…” (John 10:27 KJV). “…whoever believes in me (my chosen race) WILL DO THE WORKS I HAVE BEEN DOING, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father...” (John 14:12 NIV). "Anyone who loves me (my chosen race) WILL OBEY MY TEACHING. …” (John 14:23 NIV). "…If you hold to my teaching, YOU ARE REALLY MY DISCIPLES (My chosen race)…” (John 8:31 NIV).Biological races, ethnic groups, personal causes, organizations, purposes, agendas, lifestyles, organizations, churches can all do good deeds, and if they CLAIM to be Christians, Godly love will be a sign. “… all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another …" (John 13:35 NASB). “…Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God . He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is l ove …” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… Ye shall know them by their fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). Therefore, "… bear much fruit , and … PROVE to be … [God’s] … disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “… if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I AM NOTHING. And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, IT PROFITETH ME NOTHING…” (1 Corinthians 13:2-3 ASV).Everyone claiming to be a Christian is also claiming they are following after Jesus Christ, but their claim it is NOT always true. “…If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person IS A LIAR and is not living in the truth…” (1 John 2:4 NLT).  “… If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (unChristlike identity), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV). “…Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I (God) profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity…” (Matthew 7:22-23 KJV).When Christians were first called Christians, back in Antioch it was because they were recognized by unbelievers as true “followers” of “THE WAY” or “Jesus Christ.” “…When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the BELIEVERS were first called Christians…” (Acts 11:26 NLT).“…The BELIEVERS were first called Christians…” Who are the true believers? “… Ye shall know them by their fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and SO PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). Who can be a believer?  “… AS MANY as received him, to them GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD, even to them that believe on his name…” (John 1:12 KJV). “… WHOSOEVER shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved ...” (Romans 10:13 KJV). “… REPENT YE, AND BELIEVE the gospel …” (Mark 1:15 KJV).Are some believers - because of skin tone, biological race, or ethnic group - MORE special than others? NO!!!!!!!!!!!!! “… YE ARE “ALL” CHILDREN OF GOD BY FAITH “IN” CHRIST JESUS . …There is NEITHER Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for YE ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST JESUS…” (Galatians 3:26-28 KJV).GOD SHOWS NO FAVORTISM AND IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSON WHEN IT COMES TO “THE GREAT SALVATION.” “…Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God SHOWS NO FAVORITISM.  In every nation HE ACCEPTS those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “…Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no RESPECTER OF PERSONS: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)…” (Acts 10:34-36 KJV).Your skin tone, your biological race, or your ethnic group gets NO special treatment! The GREAT SALVATION brings every human being on earth to the leveling ground of truth. There is “NO” SUPERIOR skin tone, biological race, or ethnic group! “… ALL HAVE SINNED (including your biological race and ethnic group) and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23). ALL“… [have become]…..unclean and [their] righteousnesses are as FILTHY RAGS….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  “… There is none righteous , no, not one:” (Romans 3:10 KJV).“ …There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not… ” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). “….Jesus said unto him ….there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV).At the leveling ground of God’s truth every human being (skin tone, biological race, and ethnic group), who wants to identify as Christian are claiming they are SAVED. If they are SAVED they have answered the following questions and accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior:1.) ARE YOU A SINNER? “… For all have sinned , and come short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23 KJV).  “…As it is written, There is NONE RIGHTEOUS, NO, NOT ONE: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is NONE THAT DOETH GOOD, NO, NOT ONE...” (Romans 3:10-12 KJV). 2.) WHAT IS THE PAYMENT FOR SINS AGAINST GOD? “… the wages of sin is death …” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “… YE SHALL DIE IN YOUR SINS: for IF YE BELIEVE NOT THAT I AM HE, YE SHALL DIE IN YOUR SINS…” (John 8:24 KJV).3.) IF YOU RECOGNIZE YOU ARE A SINNER AND ARE SORRY FOR YOUR SINS; CAN YOU CHANGE? “… REPENT YE, AND BELIEVE the gospel …” (Mark 1:15 KJV). “… REPENT ye therefore, and BE CONVERTED, that your sins may be blotted out …” (Acts 3:19 KJV). “…REPENTANCE TOWARD GOD, and FAITH TOWARD our Lord Jesus Christ . …” (Acts 20:21 KJV). 4.) CAN YOU BE RESCUED FROM YOUR SINS? “…God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever BELIEVETH IN HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “ Believeon the Lord Jesus Christ , and thou shalt be saved, and thy house…” (ACTS 16:31 KJV). "…Therefore REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB). 5.) DO YOU BELIEVE CHRIST DIED FOR YOUR SINS, WAS BURIED, AND ROSE AGAIN? “… Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And ...he was buried, and …he rose again the third day according to the scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).  “…God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ DIED FOR US…” (Romans 5:8 KJV). “… believe in thine heart that GOD HATH RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, thou shalt be SAVED…” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV).6.) WHY IS BELIEVING IN JESUS’ DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION IMPORTANT? The shedding of blood was commanded by God as an atoning sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. “… without shedding of blood is no remission ” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV). “…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV). “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV).  HIS DEATH PAID GOD FOR YOUR “DEBT OF SIN.”7.) WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONFESS JESUS WITH YOUR MOUTH AND BELIEVE ON HIM IN YOUR HEART? “…Confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and … BELIEVE IN THINE HEART that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be SAVED…” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). “…For WITH THE HEART MAN BELIEVETH unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made UNTO SALVATION…” (Romans 10:10 KJV).  “…For WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED…” (Romans 10:13 KJV). “… REPENT ye therefore, and BE CONVERTED, that your sins may be blotted out …” (Acts 3:19 KJV).8.) WHEN DOES SALVATION BEGIN? THE VERY MOMENT YOU “… REPENT …AND BELIEVE the gospel …” (Mark 1:15 KJV). Once you repent and believe you are SAVED from the consequences of sin and its effects.9.) CAN YOU FIND SALVATION ANYWHERE ELSE? “… SALVATION is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved…” (Acts 4:12 NIV). “…Jesus saith unto him, I AM THE WAY, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me…” (John 14 6 KJV). “… BY GRACE have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD ; not of works , that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).  “… There is SALVATION IN NO ONE ELSE …” (Acts 4:12a NLT).IF YOU ANSWERED YES TO QUESTION 7 ABOVE AND DID WHAT IT SAID; YOU ARE SAVED. “…For WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED…” (Romans 10:13 KJV). “… REPENT …AND BELIEVE the gospel …” (Mark 1:15 KJV).“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Romans 5:1 KJV). “…Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1 KJV).10.) DO YOU NEED TO BE BAPTIZED? “…Peter said to them, "REPENT, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). “…Confessing their sins, THEY WERE BAPTIZED by him in the Jordan River… (Matthew 3:6 NIV). “…He that believeth and IS BAPTIZED shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned…” (Mark 16:16 KJV).If you have truly repented, believed, and accepted him as you Lord and Savior; you are SAVED. That’s all there is to it. “…For WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED…” (Romans 10:13 KJV). “… REPENT …AND BELIEVE the gospel …” (Mark 1:15 KJV).If you are a new convert, you need to find a church home that teaches the bible basics. Start studying the Holy Bible for yourself. Pray to God to help you live a new repentant lifestyle. “…You must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen…” (2 Peter 3:18 NLT).If you are a longtime believer, but have never truly repented you need to pray and trust God to work IN and THROUGH you. “…If My people which are called by My name SHALL HUMBLE THEMSELVES …AND TURN FROMtheir wicked ways…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). “…The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and WE ARE NOT SAVED...” (Jeremiah 8:20 KJV). God through Jesus Christ SAVES you and every skin tone, biological race, and ethnic group must come the same WAY. “Jesus saith… I am the way , the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6 KJV). You did not join a religion, or an organization, or biological race, or an ethnic group; you joined yourself to JESUS CHRIST. “ But he that is joined (attached) unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT …” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).Once JOINED with Jesus Christ, you become a part of the CHOSEN race and a HOLY nation.  “… you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light …” (1 Peter 2:9 NASB).Your skin tone, biological race, or ethnic won’t matter as much as your new TRANSFORMED identity with the CHOSEN “RACE” and “HOLY” nation. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature : old things are passed away ; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).If your lifestyle was contrary to God’s holy, superior standards before you were saved; it will be contrary to his holy, superior standard after you are saved. "…Therefore REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…” (Acts 3:19 NASB). “….God …now commandeth all men every where to REPENT…” (Acts 17:30 KJV). “… EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH …” (Luke 13:3 KJV). GOD WILL “NOT” CHANGE HIS HOLY, “SUPERIOR” STANDARDS FOR ANYONE. “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “… I am the Lord, I change NOT… ” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).It is dishonorable to the HOLY, SUPERIOR GOD to hide behind the word “CHRISTIAN” when it is ONLY lip service!! “…This people honoureth me with their lips,but their heart is far from me…” (Mark 7:6 KJV).  “…For thy heart is not right in the sight of God…” (Acts 8:21 KJV). Too many hypocrites are giving lip service and saying: “I AM A CHRISTIAN “THIS”” OR “I AM A CHRISTIAN “THAT.”” “…Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites , as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7:6 KJV).  “…[Their hearts are] … not right in the sight of God…” (Acts 8:21 KJV).It is disrespectful abomination to take God’s HOLY, SUPERIOR WORD and twist it to support your sinful lifestyle. “… WOE unto them THAT CALL EVIL GOOD, AND GOOD EVIL; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (ISAIAH 5:20 KJV). “… He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, …they both are ABOMINATION to the LORD …” (PROVERBS 17:15 KJV).When you are claiming you are a Christian; you will reflect similar characteristics as Jesus Christ. “… In this world we are like Jesus …” (1 John 4:17 NIV). Jesus had NO personal agenda and focused strictly on giving God glory through his lifestyle. “ Jesus saith unto him , Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath SEEN ME HATH SEEN the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” (John 14:9 KJV). “ The Son is the RADIANCE of God’s glory and the EXACT representation of his being…”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “… In this world we are like Jesus …” (1 John 4:17 NIV). Jesus said this about himself: “…And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, THIS DAY is this scripture fulfilled in your ears…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).Jesus did NOT promote any racial or ethnic groups, hate groups, political groups, sexually immoral groups, cultural group agendas, or any other groups. He promoted the GOSPEL of LOVE! “…The Spirit of the Lord is upon me , because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord …” (John 4:16-21 KJV).“… God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and POWER, and …he went around doing good and healing all ….because God was with him…” (Acts 10:38 NIV).Jesus promoted his relationship with God. "I and my Father are one." (John 10:30 KJV). It is similar to saying “I am a Christian” and you and Jesus are one. “… He that is joined unto the Lord is ONE spirit ” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “… In this world we are like Jesus …” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “…He that hath SEEN ME HATH SEEN the Father … ” (John 14:9 KJV).Jesus PROMOTED God’s agenda and reflected his HOLY, SUPERIOR characteristics too. God ANOINTED him with his HOLY, SUPERIOR POWER! “… God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).“…If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person IS A LIAR and is not living in the truth…” (1 John 2:4 NLT).  “… If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (unChristlike identity), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).Claiming Christian based on fleshly characteristics such as: skin tone, biological race, or ethnic group is presenting a FALSE image to people. “…Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 KJV). “…Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality,  or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NLT).It is ONLY those “IN” Jesus Christ that the HOLY, SUPERIOR one will WORK through in order to present and reveal God to the world.“ …It is God which worketh in [them]… both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). Holy, superior behavior comes when God “…grant[s]… [true believers]… according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his … [holy, superior] … Spirit in the inner man …” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). When God grants, the true believer inner strength - through his indwelling holy Spirit – holy superior behavior can be empowered. “…. Apart from [Jesus], [they]… can do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV). “…Now may the God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip (empower) [true believers]… with everything good for doing his will, and may he work IN [true believers]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…according to the POWER that worketh IN [true believers]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “… HE WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN [true believers]… “WILL” “PERFORM” IT “UNTIL” the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV). Holy, superior behavior proves who God’s disciples really are by the fruit they bear.  “… Ye shall know them by their fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…But the fruit of the.. [HOLY, SUPERIOR] … Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, GOODNESS, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "… My Father is glorified (NOT skin tone, biological race, or ethnic group) by this, that you bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). True believers do NOT aim to glorify or promote the “deeds of the flesh.” “ … the deeds of the flesh are evident , which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these …” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB). "… That which is born of the flesh is flesh ; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:6 KJV). True believers aim to live their lives to give glory to God ONLY and to promote God’s agenda; not THEIR OWN! “…So whether you eat or drink or WHATEVER you do, do it all for the glory of God…” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV). “… And WHATEVER you do, whether IN WORD OR DEED, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him…” (Colossians 3:17 NIV). A prayer and declaration: I DECLARE AND DECREE THAT TRUE BELIEVERS return to HOLY, SUPERIOR behavior IN THE NAME OF JESUS. MAY EVERY FAKE, PHONEY, OR IMPOSER USING, ABUSING, DISHONORING, DISREPECTING, DEFAMING the Christian faith BE REVEALED AND REMOVED….IN JESUS NAME. AMEN. “…For “in him” we (true believers) live and move and have [their]… being.…”(ACTS 17:28 NIV).  They aim to “… Walk in the … [HOLY, SUPERIOR] … Spirit, and … [NOT]…the lust of the flesh (skin tone, race, ethnicity) …” (Galatians 5:16 KJV).God’s CHOSEN racePROMOTES AND HONORS GOD, THE FATHER AND JESUS CHRIST, THE SON; “NOT” SELF; NOT SKIN TONE; NOT BIOLOGICAL RACE; AND NOT ETHNIC GROUP!“… WHATEVER [God’s CHOSEN race]… do[es] … [they]…do it all for the GLORY OF GOD…” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV).The opposite of “holy” and “superior” is “evil” and “inferior.” Are you one of chosen race indwelled by the holy, superior  spirit?Godspeed,Dr. Pensacola

WHO ARE THE "PRIVILEGED" IN GOD'S SIGHT, ARE THEY "ONE" COLOR OR A MIXED MULTIUDE?

                                                      CHOSEN, NOT  BECAUSE OF SKIN COLOR or BIOLOGICAL RACE “… you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light …” (1 Peter 2:9 NASB).“… If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land…” (1  CHRONICLES 7:14 NASB).  *COLOR as it relates to RACE strictly refers to the PIGMENT of someone’s skin TONE. “What COLOR is she?” “What COLOR is he?” RACE usually refers to groups of people who SHARE or HAVE biological features or physical characteristics such as skin tone, hair, bone structure, DNA, or eye color.Ethnicity refers to groups of people who SHARE or HAVE a common culture, traditions, ancestry, or language. Different RACES have various shades of skin color from pale white to dark brown. Different ethnicities give less credence to skin color, as much as country identification, or traits, cultural ties, and ancestral associations. You can be a mixed race, and belong or identify with only ONE ethnicity.Race and ethnicity are more often than not used interchangeably, but both aid in understanding the different ways people identify themselves racially and ethnically.The biblical Israelites were Semitic-speaking people in Ancient Near East also known as Hebrews or Jews They were members of one of the twelve biblical tribes who were direct descendants of Jacob.The modern-day Jews, Hebrews, and Samaritans can trace their ancestry back to the biblical Israelites. However, skin color, pigmentation, biological race, or ethnicity does not play as big a part in their connection with Yahweh as the FACT that he simply CHOSE them.  “… t he Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special peopl e...” (Deuteronomy 7:6).Yahweh changed Jacob’s name to Israel. “… What is your name ?” And he said, “Jacob.” He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel ….” (Genesis 32:28-29 NASB).Once Yahweh changed their name they were often called “the Sons of Israel” or “the Children of Israel.” “…Moses spoke to the children of Israel…” (Deuteronomy 1:3 NASB). “… He said to the sons of Israel ...” (Joshua 4:21 NASB).Of all the people on earth, Yahweh decided to show MERCY and special treatment to the people of Israel. “… i t is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it …” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT).  .  “… t he Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people ...” (Deuteronomy 7:6).The Israelites became a mixture of races and ethnicities; natives and foreigners; bought together through their shared worship of Yahweh and NOT the kinship of skin color, pigmentation, or biological race. “… the sons of Israel …. A mixed multitude also went up with them…” (Exodus 12:37-38 NASB).“…If there are foreigners living among you who want to celebrate the Lord’s Passover, let all their males be circumcised. Only then may they celebrate the Passover with you like any native-born Israelite…” (Exodus 12:48 NASB). “ … You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any way…” (Exodus 22:21 NLT). “…You must not oppress foreigners…” (Exodus 23:9 NLT). “…Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God…” (Leviticus 19:34 NLT). “…Give the people of Israel these instructions, which apply both to native Israelites and to the foreigners living in Israel…” (Leviticus 20:2 NLT).  “… The land (whole EARTH) belongs to … [God and He said]... You... [Israelites] … are only foreigners … [too] … and tenant farmers working for me…” (Leviticus 25:23 NLT).The defining and distinguishing feature of the Israelites were that they were CHOSEN by Yahweh to be his people. “… t he Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth..” (Deuteronomy 7:6). Further, “…Native-born Israelites and foreigners are equal before the Lord and are subject to the same decrees…” (Numbers 15:15 NLT). “… The Lord protects the foreigners among us...” (Psalm 146:9 NASB). “… I will also bless the foreigners who commit themselves to the Lord, who serve him and love his name, who worship him and do not desecrate the Sabbath day of rest, and who hold fast to my covenant…” (Isaiah 56:6 NASB).God ALWAYS does the CHOOSING and it is NOT based on skin color, pigmentation, biological RACE, or ETHNICITY. "… You did not choose me but I chose you , and appointed you  ...” (John 15:16 ASV).  “…Abide in Me, and I in you. … I am the vine, you are the branches … apart from Me you can do nothing …” (John 15:4-6 NASBYahweh - not skin color, pigmentation, biological race, or ethnicity - SETS them APART from other surrounding groups of people. “… God hath chosen thee to be a special people (SET APART) unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth” (Deuteronomy 7:6).The Israelites DID “NOTHING” and had NOTHING special about them “EXCEPT”Yahweh CHOOSE to LOVE them. “… Jehovah did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all peoples…” (Deuteronomy 7:7 ASV). The Israelites or “NO” other group of people have ANY racial or ethnic qualities to boast about in regard to being Yahweh’s CHOSEN people. “….All… boasting is evil….” (James 4:16 NASB).  “… You boast in your arrogance…..” (James 4:16 ASV).  “… They pour forth words; they speak arrogantly … [and the wicked] vaunt themselves (boast)…” (Psalm 94:4 ASV). “….Let another praise you and not your own mouth; a stranger and not your own lips…” (Proverbs 27:1-2 ASV). “…By the GRACE of God … [they are what they are] … (CHOSEN)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).“… those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth,and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT).  “…. a part from Me, you can do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV).Thus, spiritually, the CHOSEN Israelites were God’s ideal. “… HE Himself GIVES to all people LIFE and BREATH and all things …” (Acts 17:25 NASB).  “…I God, who GIVES LIFE to all things …” (1 Timothy 6:13 NASB). “… All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothingcame into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).God’s decision for WHO would be HIS PEOPLE was not LIMITED to the Israeli biological race, skin color, pigmentation, or ethnicity as much as it was the common and shared WORSHIP of Yahweh. “…Thus says the Lord God, “No foreigneruncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, of all the foreigners who are among the sons of Israel, shall enter My sanctuary…” (Exodus 44:9 NASB).  “… That the Sovereign Lord says: No foreigners, including those who live among the people of Israel, will enter my sanctuary if they have not been circumcised and have not surrendered themselves to the Lord …” (Exodus 44:9 NLT).“…  [Everyone] … who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of … [provisions] … because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS …” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  Unfortunately, mankind LIMITS himself and God to outward appearances such as race, pigmentation, and ethnicity as determining factors for being one of God’s PEOPLE. “... man looks at the outward appearance …” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).God LOOKS at the HEART. “...God sees NOT as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God zooms in on the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “… For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts… wickedness… pride...  All these evil things come from within, and defile a person…” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).  A heart STUCK on skin color, pigmentation, biological race, or ethnicity can be “…deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). In the natural or flesh, the Israelites begin with Jacob. Jacob was the grandson of Abraham. “… “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel ….” (Genesis 32:28-29 NASB).God made a covenant with Abraham, not based on skin color, pigmentation, biological race, or ethnicity, but Yahweh’s CHOICE ONLY! “… I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as God Almighty …” (Exodus 6:3 NASB). “…  “I AM WHO I AM” … ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). To Abraham he made these covenant vows: “… I will BLESS thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a BLESSING : And I will BLESS them that BLESS thee … in thee shall all families of the earth be BLESSED… ”(Genesis 12:2-3 KJV).Thus, it is NOT skin COLOR, pigmentation, biological RACE or ETHNICITY that matters to YAHWEH, but it is HIS “CHOICE” “… you are A CHOSEN RACE …” (1 Peter 2:9 NASB).Your skin COLOR, pigmentation, or biological RACE isn’t why you’re CHOSEN. Your ETHNIC affiliation isn’t why you’re CHOSEN; it’s God’s LOVE. “… Jehovah …. set his love upon you, …” (Deuteronomy 7:7 ASV). When God CHOOSES you; you are included in his RACE of people; God’s RACE of people “IS” a CHOSEN race. “… you are A CHOSEN RACE …” (1 Peter 2:9 NASB).God’s RACE is not based on the outward appearance such as skin color, pigmentation, biological race, or ethnicity, but HOLINESS. “… you are A CHOSEN RACE … A HOLY NATION…” (1 Peter 2:9 NASB).God’s word affirms that you were CHOSEN by God to be one of his HOLY people….just like Israel in the Old Testament.  “But you are a chosen people , a royal priesthood, a holy nation , God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light…” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV).God said about Israel, “… For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth…” (Deuteronomy 7:6).The bottom line is that…….God chooses YOU and you receive him. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God , even to them that believe on his name:”( John 1:12).There is only one way to be chosen and that’s if God chooses you. "… I chose you , and appointed you  ...” (John 15:16 ASV).  And the only criterion for His choosing you is based on his love for you and NO other reason. “… Jehovah did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all peoples…” (Deuteronomy 7:7 ASV).No group of people is CHOSEN by God for their skin color or biological race. No group of people is CHOSEN by God for their ethnicity. No group of people is CHOSEN by God for their earthly wealth. No group of people is CHOSEN by God for their physical beauty. There is “NO”special criteria other than the GRACE of God. “…By the GRACE of God I am what I am (CHOSEN)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “……There is NEITHER Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female … ye are ALL “one” in Christ …. ” (Galatians 3:26-28 KJV).You have nothing to do with being chosen by God. "… You did not choose me but I chose you … ” (John 15:16 ASV).  God, ALONE, is the Chooser.  AND “…God SHOWS NO FAVORITISM …” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “…God is no RESPECTER OF PERSONS…” (Acts 10:34-36 KJV). “… YE ARE “ALL” CHILDREN OF GOD BY FAITH “IN” CHRIST JESUS …” (Galatians 3:26-28 KJV).The COLOR or PIGMENTATION of a person’s skin PROFITS “nothing!” The ETHNICITY of a person PROFITS “nothing” either. “… the flesh  ( skin color, pigmentation, ethnicity, etc. ) profits nothing …” (John 6:63 NASB). “… It is the SPIRIT who “GIVES” LIFE …” (John 6:63 NASB). “… AS MANY as received him , to them GAVE HE POWER (INDWELLING SPIRIT) TO BECOME THE “SONS” OF GOD (children of God) … [AGAIN]… …” (John 1:12 KJV). When groups of people pair their skin color, pigmentation, biological race, or ethnicity with deity it creates idolatry. “… They … exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man…” (Romans 1:22-23 NASB).Idolatry is when people worship something CREATED (such as skin color, pigmentation, biological race, or ethnicity, people, things, etc.) and forsake God. “…They instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people…” (Romans 1:22-23 NLT).In regard to skin color or pigmentation an idol would be the worship of a particular race or ethnicity of people. “… You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness (pictures, murals, hewn stone, carved wood, etc.) of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth…” (Exodus 20:4 NASB).This race or ethnicity of people replaces God by putting their OWN image in pictures, paintings, sculptures, murals, ceramics, statues, etc. in place of God’s image. “… You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness …” (Exodus 20:4 NASB).From the beginning of biblical history God’s covenant with Israel was based on their exclusive worship of HIM and NOT fleshly skin color, or pigmentation, biological race, ethnicity, or pagan images.“… You shall have no other gods before Me …” (Exodus 20:3 & Deuteronomy 5:7 NASB).The Israelites were not even to speak of or give any credence whatsoever to the existence of false images of God. “… You shall not make for yourself an idol …” (Exodus 20:4 NASB). “… make NO mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth…” (Exodus 23:13 KJV).Giving credence to the existence of false images – such skin tone, pigmentation, race, ethnicity, etc. – is to give the illusion of one kind of false deity over another. “…instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people…” (Romans 1:22-23 NLT).Skin color, pigmentation, biological race, ethnicity have “NO” power and “NO” deity in and of themselves. “… Their idols are silver and gold, The work of man’s hands. They have mouths, but they cannot speak; They have eyes, but they cannot see; They have ears, but they cannot hear; They have noses, but they cannot smell…” (Psalms 115:4-6 NASB). “… Their gods are like helpless scarecrows in a cucumber field! They cannot speak, and they need to be carried because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of such gods, for they can neither harm younor do you any good…” (Jeremiah 10:5 NLT).The book of HOSEA uses adultery to explain Israel’s abandonment of God for false gods. They chased after these FALSE gods like an unfaithful wife chases after men other than her husband. “….For the land hath committed great whoredom, DEPARTING from the Lord …” (Hosea 1:2 KJV).Israel has a history of idol worship where graven images, made by human hands, replaced the one true GOD. “… You shall have no other gods before me. …” (Exodus 20:3-5 KJV). “…Then the wood-carver measures a block of wood and draws a pattern on it. He works with chisel and planeand carves it into a human figure. He gives it human beauty and puts it in a little shrine…” (Isaiah 44:13 NLT).These false images or idols had NO power except in the MINDS of the people. “… Do not fear them, For they can do no harm, Nor can they do any good …”(Jeremiah 10:5 NASB). “… Let NOT thine heart ENVY sinners…” (Proverbs 23:17 KJV).When IDOLS – such as skin tone, pigmentation, race, ethnicity - is worshipped it led Israel into destruction, and God’s wrath was poured out on them. “…You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below…” (Exodus 20:3-5 KJV). Pairing false images with deity and worshipping statues, icons, pictures, murals, hewed stones, etc. has ALWAYS been a forbidden practice by God. “…. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God…” (Exodus 20:3-5 KJV). False images and idols are many and varied, but our focus, for this blog, is on the false images and idols of skin color, pigmentation, biological race, or ethnicity.Groups of people have created the FALSE image or idol of SKIN COLOR or PIGMENTATION in the minds of men and women leading them astray. “…They ABANDONED the Lord to serve Baal (FALSE IMAGES)…” (Judges 2:13 NLT). “…Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually ABANDONED ME and followed other gods ( FALSE IMAGES)…” (1 Samuel 8:8 NLT). “…For my people have ABANDONED ME and offered sacrifices to pagan gods (FALSE IMAGES)…” (2 Kings 22:17 NLT). “… They ABANDONEDthe Lord … they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).Those who bow, in their hearts and minds, to these false images of deity based on SKIN COLOR or PIGMENTATION are giving credence or existence to racial and ethnic idols. “…As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:..” (Romans 3:10 KJV). “… For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not… ” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). “… There is NONE GOOD but one, that is, God…”(Mark 10:18 KJV).Those who have set themselves up as FALSE gods based on their SKIN COLOR or PIGMENTATION are exhibiting fleshly pride, self-centeredness, greed, gluttony, a god complex, rebellion, and inferiority“… They …serve ….their OWN belly … ” (Romans 16:18 KJV). “… [their] … heart is not right in the sight of God …” (Acts 8:21 KJV). “...God sees not as man sees …the LORD looks at THE HEART …” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).  God SEES the “… hidden man of the heart …” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). The heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  “… From WITHIN, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts (promotion of skin color, pigmentation, biological race, ethnicity, etc.), sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness.All these vile things come from WITHIN; they are what defile you…” (Mark 7:20-23 NLT).Skin COLOR, PIGMENTATION, biological RACE, ETHNCITY that are used as objects of worship in certain countries or nations in place of God are regarded as IDOLS, especially when they use themselves as symbols of deity in pictures, murals, graven images, hewed stone, carved wood, statues, books, and social media outlets.In the beginning, “…..God created man in his own image …..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…. Let us make man in our image , after our likeness…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV). “… God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 NIV).Skin COLOR, pigmentation, biological race, and ethnicity is ALL FLESH and “NOT” Spirit. . “… the flesh ( skin color, pigmentation, ethnicity, etc. ) profitsnothing …” (John 6:63 NASB). What can MAKE mankind BACK to God’s original, created “image” and “likeness?”“…. LET US MAKE man … after our likeness…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his OWN image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body),and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “… Jesus Christ makeththee whole …” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “…If any man be in Christ , he is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… I will put a new spirit in you . …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).Therefore, “…May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole , make you holy and whole , put you together— spirit , soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG).Skin color, pigmentation, race, or ethnicity WON”T save you as Apostle Paul acknowledges: “... I know that in me (that is, in my flesh (skin tone, pigmentation, race, ethnicity, etc.,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me” (Romans 7:18-20 KJV).Your ENTIRE identity - not your skin tone, pigmentation, race, or ethnicity - changes during salvation. You become “….a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).God says, “… you are A CHOSEN RACE …” (1 Peter 2:9 NASB). The entrance into the CHOSEN race with God comes through faith . “…Ye are saved through faith…” (Ephesian 2:8-9 KJV). Unless you go into the relationship with God through faith you won’t become a member of the CHOSEN race.God’s purpose for having a CHOSEN race of people is not to glorify their skin color, pigmentation, race, ethnicity, or to glorify a particular group of people, but to manifest the presence of God on the earth and reveal his holy nature and power to the world. God’s intent for his CHOSEN people was to be HOLY, DISTINCT, and to DIRECT others towards Yahweh.“… salvation comes through the Jews (or HIS PEOPLE)…” (John 4:22 NLT).In addition, the promised redeemer, Messiah, and Savior, Jesus Christ would be revealed  through his CHOSEN people.“… you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light …” (1 Peter 2:9 NASB).Jehovah God’s skin COLOR is SPIRIT. “… GOD IS SPIRIT …” (John 4:24 KJV). His RACE and ethnicity is HOLY. “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  And, “… There is none holy as the Lord …” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV).“… be holy , because I am holy …” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “… The fruit of the …[HOLY] … Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).THE TRUTH WILL SET  YOU FREE. GOD'S PEOPLE ARE PRIVILEGED IN HIS SIGHT. HE PERSONALLY CHOSE EACH ONE AND THEY HAVE ALL, THOSE WITH THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT, BECOME THE CHOSEN NATION! NO OTHER GROUP OF PEOPLE CAN DEFINE GOD'S PEOPLE. THEY ARE A HOLY PEOPLE; A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD. NO MATTER WHAT ANY OTHER MAN SAYS, BY GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S PEOPLE ARE WHO GOD AND GOD ALONE, SAYS THEY ARE!Dr. Pensacola H. JeffersonYADA Counseling MinistryMOUTHPIECE FOR HIS HEARTPhoenix, Arizona 

INSIDE HIS PERSONAL PANDEMIC; DANIEL PRAYED AND GAVE THANKS

INSIDE THE STORMS: DANIEL PRAYED AND GAVE THANKS “… It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss.  Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”  So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever! The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. 8 Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” So King Darius put the decree in writing. Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. THREE TIMES A DAY HE GOT DOWN ON HIS KNEES AND PRAYED, GIVING THANKS TO HIS GOD, JUST AS HE HAD DONE BEFORE. Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help...” (Acts 6:1-11 NIV).
*Daniel had a top position in King Darius’ kingdom. He was chief of presidents. “...It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage...” (Daniel 6:1-2 KJV).Not only did Daniel have the top position, but he was preferred over all others, because of his excellent character and spirit. “...Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm...” (Daniel 6:3 KJV).Because of his righteous character and spirit, the other presidents and princes decided to conspire against him. “...Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom ; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV).God gives HIS PEOPLE “his” excellent Holy Spirit. “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…It is God (the Holy Spirit) who works in you to will (to want to do righteous) and to act (to actually become righteous) in order to fulfill his good purpose...” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…Now may the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good (an indwelling and excellent spirit) for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ...” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).God’s excellent Holy Spirit DWELLS within HIS PEOPLE. “… God has given [you] HIS ...[excellent indwelling Holy]... Spirit as PROOF that … he [dwells]…in [YOU]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT). “… The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you …” (Romans 8:9 KJV). (Hebrews 1:9 NASB). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT (Jesus, the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV). “ … We have this treasure (the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit) “ in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).   “…[People will]… know (WITNESS) that everything [YOU have]… (the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit) IS A GIFT “FROM” [God] …” (John 17:6-9 NLT). “…You will receive the gift of the (excellent indwelling) Holy Spirit ….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).“... Daniel was preferred above the presidents and prince...because an excellent spirit was in him...” (Daniel 6:3 KJV).“... the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom ...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV).The bible TELLS all of God’s PEOPLE to LET their excellent Spirit SHINE brightly through their conduct. “… Let your light so shine before men , that they may see your good works (empowered by the Holy Spirit) and glorify your Father which is in heaven… ” (Matthew 5:16 KJV).Daniel’s conduct, in his government position, reflected the EXCELLENT Spirit God had given to him. It made Daniel PREFERABLE above ALL others, because he wasn’t corrupt or negligent in his duties, but was found trustworthy! “... Daniel was preferred above the presidents and prince...because an excellent spirit was in him...” (Daniel 6:3 KJV).The others SAW Daniel’s GOOD works through his conduct. “… Let your light so shine before men , that they may see your good works …” (Matthew 5:16 KJV). Daniel was faithful in his duties to the King and his was faithful in his covenant relationship with God. “...[And[... they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV).Daniel’s faithfulness was a virtue and a fruit of God’s Holy Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in [HIS PEOPLE]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV) “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “… The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness ... [faithfulness]...Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [excellent] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT).
“… He (she) who ABIDES in Me and I in him (her), he (she) bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "… [if you] ...bear much fruit , [you] ... PROVE to be My disciples ” (John 15:8 NIV)."…[When]...“YOU” bear much fruit, [you]... PROVE to be [God’s] ...disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “...They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent...” (Daniel 6:4 NIV). Daniel wasn’t perfect, but he had an EXCELLENT Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in [HIS PEOPLE]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV) “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “… The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness ... [faithfulness]...Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [excellent] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT).“...They could find no corruption in him...” (Daniel 6:4 NIV). The other presidents and princes looked and searched until they could find another way to discredit Daniel.The other presidents and princes were looking and searching for a particular way to discredit Daniel that would be plausible and strongly supported in pretext that would get rid of their rival.“... the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom ...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV).Why did the other presidents and princes want to do Daniel this way? Their HEARTS were NOT right, which made them jealous and envious. “… the deeds of the flesh are evident , which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying , drunkenness, carousing, and things like these …” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB). “ … from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts (thoughts that command behavior)…these … come from within, and defile a person (make their behavior unclean)... ” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). The heart, however, “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  "…Offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man, out of his good treasure, brings forth good things, and the evil man, out of his evil treasure, brings forth evil things." (Matthew 12:34-35).The other presidents and princes literally plotted together to find a way to “FIND FAULT” in Daniel’s duties as a government official. They could find NONE in his conduct, which is a POWERFUL testimony of WHO he choose to be as God’s child. So they went after Daniel, by creating a conflict between his faith and his government duties.Even though there was no fault found or detected in Daniel’s conduct or in his duties as chief, they attempted to created one of their OWN. “... Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree...” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV).It is NATURAL for the sinful flesh to HATE or be HOSTILE toward God and his people, who carry his Holy Spirit. “… The sinful nature is always hostile to God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).Daniel served his government faithfully, but he was first and foremost devoted to serving the LIVING God amidst a gaggle of Babylonian deities, gods, and idols. Daniel did NOT excite this HATRED from the other presidents or princes. Their behavior is a GLOWING witness of how the SINFUL NATURE is EVIDENT in the lives of those who DO NOT have the excellent, indwelling Holy Spirit within them. “… the deeds of the flesh are evident , ... enmities, strife, jealousy ....envying ... and things like these …” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB).They were jealous and envious of his HOLY life EVIDENT through his righteous conduct. “... All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions ...” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV).This NEW LAW would put Daniel in conflict with his duties as chief and his devotion to God, the Holy Spirit. This put Daniel INSIDE a STORM of LIFE. This STORM disturbed his atmosphere and disrupted his normal routines.If Daniel choose, his devotion to God over the NEW LAW, he would FACE the LION’S DEN. “... whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions ...” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV).The other government officials had went to GREAT lengths to discredit Daniel. They did it out of jealousy and envy which is evident of a nature heavily influenced by a carnal mind. They manipulated and deceived the king into signing a NEW LAW, in which he was unaware, would impact Daniel, his preferred chief.In the 21stcentury many people assemble together to plot against righteousness and righteous conduct, just like in Daniel’s days. “... All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree ... king Darius signed the writing and the decree ...” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV).“… What shall it profit a man (woman), if he (she) shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ?” (Mark 8:36 KJV)..“…thou hast gone a whoring after the heathen, and …art polluted with their idols…” (Ezekiel 23:30). The other government officials were influential people and managed to cleverly impress the king to sign the NEW LAW into effect. “... All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute ... [and]... king Darius signed the writing and the decree ...” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV).ALL the GOVERNMENT RULERS plotted against ONE righteous MAN.“... All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute . ..” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV).ALL the GOVERNMENT RULERS were able to consult and establish this NEW LAW, except DANIEL. If ONE sinner can destroyed MUCH GOOD, what can a GROUP of sinners do? They can RUIN religious freedom for ONE righteous man. “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB). “... whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions ...” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV).“… The sinful nature wants to do evil …” (Galatians 5 NLT).“… The sinful nature wants to do ... the opposite of what the Spirit wants  …” (Galatians 5 NLT).“ … from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts (thoughts that command unclean behavior and)…these … come from within, and defile a person (make a person unclean)... ” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). "...out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man, out of his good treasure, brings forth good things, and the evil man, out of his evil treasure, brings forth evil things." (Matthew 12:34-35).King Darius’ government officials carried weight and influence with him, and because he wanted the honor as a “god” they promised him, he SIGNED the NEW LAW into effect. “... whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king , he shall be cast into the den of lions ...” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV).It is unconscious-able that NONE of the other government officials found Daniel’s righteous conduct applaud-able. “… The sinful nature wants to do evil …” (Galatians 5 NLT).“… The sinful nature wants to do ... the opposite of what the Spirit wants  …” (Galatians 5 NLT).Without Daniel’s devotion and connection with God, the Holy Spirit, he would not have been a man of an excellent spirit.“...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin...[because of the sinful nature] ... I want to do what is good, but I don’t...” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “… you are not free to carry out your good intentions . … …” (Galatians 5 NLT).  “ …There is not a just man upon earth , that doeth good, and sinneth not… ” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). “...there is “NONE” good but one, that is, God... ” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV).  “… [ALL (every human being) have become]…..unclean and [their so-called] righteousnesses (efforts to do good is) as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  “... APART FROM [the Holy Spirit]... [mankind]... can do nothing [good]  …” (John 15:1-11 NASB).“… [they]... are not free to carry out...[their]... good intentions . … ” (Galatians 5 NLT).  “…by the GRACE of God (and his excellent indwelling Holy Spirit) I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).It was Daniel’s devotion and connection with God, the Holy Spirit, that made him an PREFERRABLE Chief of Presidents.  “... Daniel was preferred above the presidents and prince...because an excellent spirit was in him...” (Daniel 6:3 KJV).Daniel worked in a world and environment where it would have been EASIER to blend in with the MAJORITY, than to stand, ALONE, for righteousness. “… Let your light so shine before men , that they may see your good works … ” (Matthew 5:16 KJV).Every child of God FACES the STORMS of LIFE where choices have to be made between what is RIGHTEOUS and what is UNRIGHTEOUS. God’s people don’t merely demonstrate ethical behavior, but they empowered to display righteous behavior through the indwelling Holy Spirit.Standing in righteousness, like Daniel, was not simply about what HE DID, but who he had become BECAUSE of God’s Holy Spirit.  “…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “...For in him we live, and move, and have our being (identity) ... we are also his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in [HIS PEOPLE]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV) “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “… The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness ... [faithfulness]...Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [excellent] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT)."… [if you] ...bear much fruit , [you] ... PROVE to be My disciples ” (John 15:8 NIV).“...They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent...” (Daniel 6:4 NIV). Daniel wasn’t perfect, but he had an EXCELLENT Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in [HIS PEOPLE]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV) “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “… The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness ... [faithfulness]...Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [excellent] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT).When God’s people are truly dedicated and devoted to him they know, personally, how the covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, has transformed their lives.Thus, righteous behavior is also a result of who and what you keep company with.  “... He that walketh with wise men shall be wise : but a companion of fools shall be destroyed...” (Proverbs 13:20 KJV).  “... Do not be misled: “ Bad company corrupts good character ...” (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV). “…he that is joined unto the Lord (Jesus) is ONE spirit… [with God again]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…. old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “... and man (woman) ...[becomes]... a living soul (AGAIN) …”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV)..  “... He that walketh with wise men shall be wise ...” (Proverbs 13:20 KJV). Daniel’s conduct demonstrated what his dedicated and devoted, covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, DID for his life. “… abide in me, and I in you …” (John 15:4 KJV).    “…if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “.. in him we live, and move, and have our being (identity) ... we are also his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 KJV). “…It is God who works in you … ” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep … work[s] in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] you with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… [God] grant[s]… [his people]… to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man …” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “... The same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his . The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us …”(1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).“…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).  “… Apart from [the excellent Holy Spirit]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV).“... Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day . Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him ...Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.  Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions ...” (Daniel 6:10-16 KJV).

PETER WENT INSIDE A PERSONAL PANDEMIC AND CAME THROUGH TO VICTORY!

INSIDE THE STORMS: IS THE PATH TOWARD VICTORY
“THE NIGHT BEFORE HEROD WAS TO BRING HIM TO “TRIAL”, PETER WAS SLEEPINGBETWEEN TWO SOLDIERS..[IN A DUNGEON OR ANCIENT PRISON], BOUND WITH TWO CHAINS, AND SENTRIES STOOD GUARD AT THE ENTRANCE...” (ACTS 12:6 NIV).“...Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists . Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him.  Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself , and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said , “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutchesand from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).
 *Peter is INSIDE the STORM and in the coming morning he would go to trial, which typically would end in his death by the sword. He was aware that other fellow disciples had already been arrested, persecuted, and put to death for belonging to the church. “...It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword ... he proceeded to seize Peter also ... Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison ...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV).Peter was INSIDE a STORM. Though Peter was redeemed and had a strong faith in Christ it would not have been surprising if he was TERRIFIED about what he was about to FACE at his trial the following morning. We see this TERROR in King Jehoshaphat. “…After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat.Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.). Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).  When going through the STORMS of LIFE, God will find a WAY to strengthen and encourage, his people, by empowering them to continue to trust in and depend upon his sovereign love and care for them. “… Great is his love toward us ...” (Psalms 117:2 KJV). “… “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you …” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “… I am with you always , to the very end …"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). “…Behold, I am with … [you ] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest… I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “... He careth for you .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… God is LOVE …” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “… I change NOT … ” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “… Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and BEGGED the Lord for guidance .” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“...God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam ...“Be still, and know that I am God ... The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress ...” (Psalms 46 NLT). God will FIGHT for his people and TAKE CARE of the things that concern them. “… He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). . “…If God isfor us, who is against us? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “... No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper... ” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer …” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).The STORMS OF LIFE that concern God’s people are ALL under God’s sovereign control and they are promised “overwhelming victory.” “... d espite all these things , overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows .  But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT). “... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “... we must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “... overwhelming victory is ours through Christ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).Peter trusted in and depended upon God, the Holy Spirit, and CHOSE to entrust the STORM to HIM. Thus, “...THE NIGHT BEFORE HEROD WAS TO BRING HIM TO “TRIAL”, PETER WAS SLEEPING... (ACTS 12:6 NIV).Peter’s VICTORY from THE STORM is a WITNESS of the FAVOR of God upon the lives of HIS PEOPLE. It also REVEALS God’s LOVE and desire to show his GLORY (presence, goodness, and power) to them! “… the Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). “...Be still, and know that I am God ... the God of Israel is our fortress (defense, stronghold, place of protection, etc.).” (Psalms 46 NLT). “… BLESSINGS are on the head of the righteous …” (Proverbs 10:6 NASB).  “… You surround [your people] ... WITH FAVOR as with a shield …” (Psalms 5:12 NASB). “... overwhelming victory is ours  (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).“... PETER WAS SLEEPING... (ACTS 12:6 NIV). While Peter SLEPT God took care of his concerns. “… I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances . I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV).“... No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper... ” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [me]…” (John 14:31 NASB). Thus, “... PETER WAS SLEEPING... (ACTS 12:6 NIV). “… The LORD “will” BLESS his people with peace …” (Psalm 29:11 KJV).“... my peace I give unto you...” (John 14:27 NIV).“... my peace... not as the world giveth, give I unto you. ...[Therefore,]... let not your heart be troubled , neither let it be afraid ...” (John 14:27 NIV).“… [God] … will keep in perfect peace all who trust in … [him] … all whose thoughts are fixed on … [him!] ” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT). “... PETER WAS SLEEPING... (ACTS 12:6 NIV).“… We are HIS PEOPLE ...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV). WHO? “… Those who BELONG TO Christ Jesus …” (Galatians 5 NLT).Therefore,  “... overwhelming victory ...[was peter’s]... through Christ, who loved ... [him]...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).“...God is ...a very present help in trouble... ” (Psalms 46:1 KJV). “… He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). Thus, “... PETER WAS SLEEPING... (ACTS 12:6 NIV).“...Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists ....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). Suddenly, right in the MIDST of Peter’s STORM, God sent a ministering angel. Peter was in a DARK place, a dungeon, which commonly did not have ANY type of LIGHT. The LIGHT, itself, represented the GLORY of God or his presence, goodness, and POWER. “… Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer , Your GOD , Your rock , in whom [you can] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation , YOUR stronghold .…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). God’s showed himself as Peter’s REFUGE and STRENGTH. “...God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1 KJV). “...O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, ...my strength, in whom I will trust ... so shall I be saved from mine enemies (my adversities inside the storms)…” (Psalms 18:1-3 KJV). “...He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust ...” (Psalm 91 KJV).“...Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler...” (Psalm 91 KJV).“...Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord , which is my refuge , even the most High, thy habitation...” (Psalm 91 KJV).“...There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet...” (Psalm 91 KJV).“...Because he (Peter) hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him : I will set him on high , because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him : I will be with him in trouble ; I will deliver him ... ” (Psalm 91 KJV).“… [GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, WAS peter’s]... rock and ...[peter’s]... fortress, ...[peter’s]... deliverer ...[Peter’s]....GOD... in whom [he could] … take refuge.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “... PETER WAS SLEEPING... (ACTS 12:6 NIV).The MINISTERING angel appeared as a willing vessel for God’s glory by allowing God’s POWER to work “IN” and “THROUGH” HIM in order to WORK a great DELIVERANCE.“ …God … works in you TO WILL (to “want” to do his works) and TO ACT (to “actually” do the works) in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…Now may … God  … work [within you] .... what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV).“… The [indwelling] … HOLY SPIRIT …does the work (of deliverance) IN and THROUGH [his people or his willing vessels] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “...The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (to deliver) THROUGH each of us  (through each willing vessel) … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).The ministering angel WOKE Peter up that he may see the GLORY of God (his presence, his goodness, and his power) with his OWN eyes. Jesus said: “… I am the light of the world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV). "…I (Jesus came) as Light into the world...” (John 12:46 NASB).  "…Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works , and glorify your Father who is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:16 NASB). “...[peter]... saw His glory...” (John 1:14 NASB).  “… This...[made]... it clear that ...[the]... great power ...[to deliver]...is from God , not from [man] …” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).Peter WOKE up, out of his sleep, and followed the instructions of God’s ministering angel. In the MIDST of his obedience, Peter’s CHAINS fell or dropped off his hands.“...Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me”...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).The ministering angel told Peter to get dressed. Peter needed to be properly CLOTHED for his deliverance. Peter ENTRUSTED himself to God, the Holy Spirit, whom he recognized through the ministering angel. “…Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you believe (trust in, depend upon & cooperate with God, the Holy Spirit), you will SEE THE GLORY (PRESENCE, GOODNESS, & POWER) OF GOD ?…”(John 10:40 NASB).Peter trusted in, depended upon, and cooperated with God, the Holy Spirit, through the ministering angel, whom he knew was SENT to take CARE of him and DELIVER him SAFELY from the DARK PLACE of the dungeon or prison. “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding …”(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).“...Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).INSIDE Peter’s STORM was a DARK dungeon or prison where he had been CHAINED to two soldiers and GUARDED by several SQUADS of soldiers. When the ministering angel appeared, gave him instructions, and told him to follow him, Peter didn’t know whether it was REAL or a DREAM. “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).God’s MIRACULOUS deliverance was so AMAZING and SURREAL, Peter questioned reality by reducing his experience to a mere vision, dream, or trance. “… NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or THINK, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “… a ll GLORY to God , who is able, through his mighty power … to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think …” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT).“... They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself , and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).The ministering angel LED Peter through the squads of guards and the iron gates. NOT one guard said anything, they didn’t do anything, and they didn’t stop them. It is not known whether they were sleep, or blinded, or what when Peter walked passed them untouched and unhindered. “…The steps of a good man (woman) are ordered (directed) by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “ … In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “… he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “… I will instructthee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go…” (Psalms 32:8 KJV). “… I will guide thee with mine eye…” (Psalms 32:8 KJV). “… Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel …”(Psalms 73:74 KJV). “… Teach me the way in which I should walk …” (Psalms 143:8 NASB). “… come and follow me …” (Matthew 19:21 KJV). “… Jesus saith unto him, I am the way …” (John 15:5- 6 KJV).Peter was LED “through” the iron gates, which divinely OPENED for him on their own accord. Peter was suddenly FREE to walk down the street and through the city of Jerusalem. When he was out of danger and a SAFE distance from the DARK dungeon, the ministering angel departed. “This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles ” (Psalms 34:6 KJV). God alone “…. delivered [you] ... out of all [your] ... trouble…” (Psalms 54:7 KJV). “…. a ll things work together for good to them that love God …” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV)“... Then Peter came to himself and said , “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).Peter had been DELIVERED from INSIDE his STORM and HE came to REALIZE his FREEDOM was REAL! “… t he battle is not yours, but God’s. …you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord ’s victory !” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).Peter KNEW with certainty that the GLORY of God had been witnessed and had come through the ministering angel. Peter had experienced, first hand, the presence, goodness, and power of God through the ministering angel. “… The LORD has done great things for us …” (Psalms 126:3 NIV). “… Rejoice and be glad, For the LORD has done great things …” (Joel 2:21 NASB).It was truly MARVELLOUS in Peter’s eyes what God had DONE for him, personally. God, the Holy Spirit, himself, through the ministering angel, had DELIVERED Peter out of Herod’s clutches. “… No weapon that is formed against [YOU]… shall prosper …” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED…" (ROMANS 10:11 NASB). “…TRUST in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB).“... The Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil...” (1 John 3:8 NLT). Therefore, “... No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper …” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “... overwhelming victory is ours in christ ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).The Jews, who were in Jerusalem, at the time celebrating the Passover, expected to see Peter persecuted and put to death by the sword. The Jews and King Herod would be disappointed.“... Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and [continue to]…do good, so shalt thou dwell in the lands, and verily thou shall be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy ways unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth they righteousness as the light, and thy judgement as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him, FRET NOT thyself because of him [or her]…who prospereth in his[or her]… way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; FRET NOT thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be CUT OFF ; but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth , and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace …" (Psalm 37:1-11 KJV). “...Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists . Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him.  Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself , and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said , “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutchesand from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).“... overwhelming victory is ours in christ ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

A PERSONAL PANDEMIC: LOCKED DOWN IN A DUNGEION WITH PETER

        INSIDE THE STORMS: herod’s dungeon
“THE NIGHT BEFORE HEROD WAS TO BRING HIM TO “TRIAL”, PETER WAS SLEEPINGBETWEEN TWO SOLDIERS, BOUND WITH TWO CHAINS, AND SENTRIES STOOD GUARD AT THE ENTRANCE...” (ACTS 12:6 niV).                                                                              *Peter was locked down inside a DARK dungeon. He was going to be beheaded the following morning in front of a bunch of enemies. And, of all things, he went to SLEEP. What was Peter’s SECRET of PEACE and CONTENTMENT as he sleeps between two soldiers “WAITING” for his trial? Did he know what Paul SAID? “… [Had Peter]... learned to be content whatever the circumstances . [Did Peter know]… what it ,,,[was]... to be in need, and …what it ...[was]...to have plenty... [Had Peter]… learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV). All of God’s people are encouraged by Apostle Paul to“…BE PEACEFUL and CONTENT. “...God has said “ Never will I leave you ; never will I forsake you …” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “... BE STRONG and of good courage, FEAR NOT, “NOR” BE AFRAID of them (problems, issues, evil people, trials, tribulations, concerns, divorces, or any of life’s sudden stresses, etc.): for the Lord thy God, he it is that DOETH GO with thee; he SHALL NOT FAIL thee; “NOR” FORSAKE thee...” (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV).No matter what God’s people FACE, they can FACE it with Christ who PROMISES to strengthen them. “ …[They]… can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]… .” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). The indwelling Holy Spirit EMPOWERS them“… to be strengthened ( empowered ) with might by his Spirit in the inner man …” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). THEY “ …can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth ( empowers ) [THEM] … .” (Philippians 4:13 KJV. “…. Apart from [jesus], [they]… can do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV). “…[It is]...the God of PEACE … that great Shepherd of the sheep...[who will]... equip ( empower ) [his people]… with everything good for doing his will , and may he work IN [his people]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ , to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… according to the POWER that worketh IN [god’s people] …” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “… HE WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN [his people]… “WILL” “PERFORM” IT “UNTIL” the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV).WHY WILL GOD DO THESE THINGS FOR “HIS” PEOPLE?“…[God] … careth for [them]… (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).  “… I … will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow…”  (Jeremiah 31:13 NASB).   “…You, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me …” (Psalms 86:17 NASB). “… This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me …” (Psalms 119:50 NASB). “…O may Your lovingkindness comfort me , According to Your word to Your servant …” (Psalms 119:76 NASB). “.. The Lord has comforted His people  And will have compassion on His afflicted…” (Isaiah 49:13 NASB). “…For the Lord has comforted His people …” (Isaiah 52:9 NASB). “… Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death …” (Genesis 24:67 NASB).  “…All his (Jacob) sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him …” (Genesis 37:35 NASB). “…So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them…” (Genesis 50:21 NASB). “…I have found favor in your sight, my lord, for you have comforted me and indeed have spoken kindly to your maidservant…” (Ruth 2:13 NASB). “… David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and went in to her and lay with her…” (1 Samuel 12:24 NASB). “…Ephraim mourned many days, and his relatives came to comfort him …” (1 Chronicles 7:22 NASB). “…Then all his brothers and all his (Job) sisters …they consoled him and comforted him ...”  (Job 42:11 NASB).  “…Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted …” (Matthew 5:4 NASB). “… They took away the boy alive (healed), and were greatly comforted …” (Acts 20:12 NASB).Going through situations and circumstances can ROCK and SHAKE the strongest of God’s people. When they’ve done ALL they do to STAND, sometime STANDING can become challenging. “…I will instruct [them] and teach [them] in the way which [they] shalt go: I will guide [them] with mine eye…” (Psalms 32:8 KJV). “… The Lord helps them , …” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “…Blessed are those who wait for his help…” (Isaiah 30:18 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you …” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helpsme …” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “… You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT). “… He guided them   …with a pillar of cloud, and … with a pillar of fire.  …” (Exodus 13:20-22 NLT).However, the story of Peter, sleeping, PEACEFULLY and CONTENTLY, between two soldiers was written for ENCOURAGEMENT so that God’s people, TODAY, might continue to HOPE in his promises through the STORMS of life! “…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope ” (Romans 15:4 KJV). “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition , upon whom the ends of the world are come...” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV). God’s people can have HOPE, as they continue to trust in and depend upon the ALMIGHTY God, to cause ALL THINGS to work together for their personal GOOD. “...ALL THINGS work together for good …” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).God’s people are empowered by indwelling PEACE and CONTENTMENT while they WAIT upon the LORD, during the trials and tribulations in life, that often come to disturb them with physical fear, fatigue, anxiousness, and overwhelming concern about what their future will become. “…The plans [God has]…for you… [are]… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future... ” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT- peace of mindand heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace . …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…The fruit of the [invisible indwelling Holy]… Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).  “... The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “… Ye shall know them by their fruit …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).God-given PEACE is a BESTOWED GIFT “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “… The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing…” (Romans 15:13 NASB). “…the God of peace…” (1 THESSALONIANS 5:23 NASB). “… What do you have that God hasn’t given you?. ..”(1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). “…The Kingdom of God is …a matter of … living a life of goodness and peace and joyin the Holy Spirit …” (Romans 14:17 NLT).“..I have told you all this so that you may have PEACE IN ME. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have OVERCOME the world…” (John 16:33 NLT).INSIDE Peter’s STORM he slept double-chained between two of Herod’s soldiers in a prison which was a dungeon. There was several other quads of guards stationed outside of the dungeon, at the iron gate, which was securely fastened to hinder any attempt to escape. “ No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This isthe heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…What then shall we say to these things? If God isfor us, who is against us? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “… Who...[or what]... will separate us from the love of Christ ? Will tribulation , or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword ? …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “ ... [NO] … [NOTHING] …will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB).“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). “… He will keep you strong to the end …” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV). The following morning, Peter would face trial, which would result in his death. Yet Peter slept peacefully in the trusting hands of God, the Holy Spirit, depending upon his love and promises while his fellow sisters and brothers prayed through the night for him. “...the church was earnestly praying to God for him...” (Acts 12:5 NIV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT - peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace . …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).God gave Peter PEACE and desired for him to rest, sleep and NOT to worry. “…. God is leading you away from danger …to a place free from distress. He is setting your table with the best food. But you are obsessed with whether the godless will be judged. Don’t worry , judgment and justice will be upheld …”  (Job 36:16-21 NLT). “...he giveth his beloved sleep...” (Psalms 127:2 KJV). “… The LORD (the indwelling Spirit) “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you] …” (John 14:31 NASB). “… God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).  “… God will generously PROVIDE all you need (INCLUDING “HIS” PEACE during the STORMS of life) …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).One of the reasons Christ died upon the cross was to SECURE our PEACE. “…He [was] wounded for our transgressions,[he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed (freed from WORRY, FEAR, SHAME, etc.)…” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV). “... Peace I leave with you...” (John 14:27 NIV). .“... my peace I give unto you...” (John 14:27 NIV).“... my peace... not as the world giveth, give I unto you. ...[Therefore,]... let not your heart be troubled , neither let it be afraid ...” (John 14:27 NIV).Getting back to imprisoned Peter, we see him in a dungeon, restrained and chained between two soldiers, behind securely fastened iron gates, waiting for his morning trial, which would, under normal circumstances, end in his death. Peter was guilty for being holy, living righteous, and belonging to the church (body of Christ). “...It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV). INSIDE the STORMS of life, INSIDE the frightening situations we face, INSIDE the wearisome PROCESS of tribulations, INSIDE the dungeon, INSIDE the prison, what can CALM the troubled, human heart? GOD’s indwelling PEACE. “... Peace I leave with you...” (John 14:27 NIV). .“... my peaceI give unto you...” (John 14:27 NIV). “... my peace... not as the world giveth, give I unto you. ...[Therefore,]... let not your heart be troubled , neither let it be afraid ...” (John 14:27 NIV).“…He that is joined (fused) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT … ” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “… Christ [the Word of God, is]… in you …”(Colossians 1:27 KJV). “… THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you … they ARE spirit…” (John 6:63 KJV). “… The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you …” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “… The fruit of the SPIRIT is love ... peace …” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “… The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace , patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… .” (Galatians 5 NLT). “… [God’s] … Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of PEACE]…” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 NLT). “…It is God who works ... [peace]... IN YOU …” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…May …God … work in … [you, his peace, which] … is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… The Holy Spirit produces this kind ... peace … ” (Galatians 5 NLT).INSIDE the STORMS of life, INSIDE the frightening situations we face, INSIDE the wearisome PROCESS of tribulations, INSIDE the dungeon, INSIDE the prison, GOD’s indwelling PEACE is ABLE to CALM the troubled, human heart that has been fiercely disturbed with the terrors of processing through difficult trials and tribulations. “... my peace ... give I unto you … [ Christ [the Word of God, is]… in you ]   ... [Therefore,]... let not your heart be troubled , neither let it be afraid ...” (John 14:27 NIV & Colossians 1:27 KJV).INSIDE the STORMS of life, INSIDE the frightening situations we face, INSIDE the wearisome PROCESS of tribulations, INSIDE the dungeon, INSIDE the prison; GOD’s HELPS when, his people, find themselves in the LION DENS, FIERY FURNACES, JOB TRADEGIES, and PETER DUNGEONS of life. “… He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helpsus in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “… You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).  “.. Therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that [you]… may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need …”(Hebrews 4:16 KJV). He will “… strengthened [you]… with might by his Spirit in the inner man …” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “… [He will strengthen you]…according to the POWER that worketh IN [YOU]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “… God  … work[s] … in … [you] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… the Father... [that DWELLS within YOU]… he doeth the works …”(John 14:10 KJV).“... my peace ... give I unto you … [ Christ [the Word of God, is]… in you ]   ... [Therefore,]... let not your heart be troubled , neither let it be afraid ...” (John 14:27 NIV & Colossians 1:27 KJV).INSIDE the STORMS of life, INSIDE the frightening situations we face, INSIDE the wearisome PROCESS of tribulations, INSIDE the lion’s den, INSIDE the fiery furnace, INSIDE Job’s tragedies, INSIDE the dungeon, INSIDE the prison - GOD ASSURES his people, through his WORD, through other Christian Warriors, and through the PRAYERS of the SAINTS - he is the GREAT DELIVERER!The WORD says: “...ALL THINGS work (PROCESS) together for good (overwhelming victory) to them (the redeemed; God’s people) that love God, to them who are the called(purposely chosen by God, the Holy Spirit) ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).God will SEND Christian Warriors that will encourage and build you up:  “... Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing ...” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV).God empowers the CHURCH to pray for you: “...the church was earnestly praying to God for him. (Peter)...” (Acts 12:5 NIV).God sent his WORD to speak to HIS people:  “… These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world …” (John 16:33 KJV). “... Peace I leave with you...” (John 14:27 NIV)..“... my peaceI give unto you...” (John 14:27 NIV). “... my peace... not as the world giveth, give I unto you. ...[Therefore,]... let not your heart be troubled , neither let it be afraid ...” (John 14:27 NIV).The WORD, CHRISTIAN WARRIORS, and the PRAYING church strengthens, the WEARY, and assures them God, the HOLY SPIRIT, is the GREAT DELIVERER, who will FIGHT for them! “… Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer , Your GOD ...in whom [you can] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation , YOUR stronghold .…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “… He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). . “…If God isfor us, who is against us? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “... No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper... ” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV).“...God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High.God dwells in that city (God dwells in his people); it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth.He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God:  I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress ...” (Psalms 46 NLT). “….Then you will know that I am the Lord your God …’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).INSIDE the STORMS of life, INSIDE the frightening situations we face, INSIDE the wearisome PROCESS of tribulations, INSIDE the lion’s den, INSIDE the fiery furnace, INSIDE Job’s tragedies, INSIDE the dungeon, INSIDE the prison – though you may FEEL anxious, though you may not know where you are going or what will happen; TRUST and DEPEND upon God to continue to DIRECT your steps.“…Trust in (DEPEND UPON) the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto (DON’T DEPEND UPON) thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…The steps of a good man (woman) are ordered (DIRECTED) by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer …” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).“… BY THE WORD of the Lord   [YOU are delivered from ALL trials and tribulations with OVERWHELMING victory] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows . But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT). “... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “... we must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “... d espite all these things , overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).“...It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread.After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison ...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV).“THE NIGHT BEFORE HEROD WAS TO BRING HIM TO “TRIAL”, PETER WAS SLEEPING BETWEEN TWO SOLDIERS, BOUND WITH TWO CHAINS, AND SENTRIES STOOD GUARD AT THE ENTRANCE. (ACTS 12:6 niV).Peter, through the Word, through other Christian Warriors, and through the Praying Church, entrusted himself to God. Only God could help him OVERCOME every PROBLEM he faced. “... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows . But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT). Peter was INSIDE or in the MIDST of a TROUBLESOME TRIAL where he had been arrested, put into prison or the dungeon, was double-chained between two of Herod’s soldiers, was securely fastened behind iron gates, he had quads of guards watching over him, and he was facing a pending trial that threatened to lead to his death by the sword, “... We must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV).“... d espite all these things , overwhelming victory is ours  (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).Peter’s VICTORY represents the FAVOR of God upon the lives of HIS PEOPLE, which REVEALS God’s love and desire to show his GLORY (presence, goodness, and power) to them! “… the Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). “...Be still, and know that I am God ... the God of Israel is our fortress (defense, stronghold, place of protection, etc.).” (Psalms 46 NLT). “… BLESSINGS are on the head of the righteous …” (Proverbs 10:6 NASB).  “… You surround [your people] ... WITH FAVOR as with a shield …” (Psalms 5:12 NASB). “... overwhelming victory is ours  (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).   “…I’ve also done it … so you will know that I am the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “… your deliverer …” (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV). Peter was able to SEE, with his OWN eyes, the GLORY (God’s presence, goodness, and power) of God and his FAVOR upon his life, because of the GREAT THINGS he did for him. “...The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists . Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him.  Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself , and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said , “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutchesand from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).Peter witnessed and experienced, first hand, the LOVE and FAVOR of God. God REVEALED his GLORY to Peter through his presence in the angel (could be a Christian Warrior), his goodness in directing his steps (through his Word), and his power to deliver him out of Herod’s clutches (overwhelming victory)!  “... Then Peter came to himself and said , “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel (this could be a Christian Warrior) and rescued me from Herod’s clutches ( overwhelming victory ) and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). “…I HAVE DONE IT , declares the Lord… ’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). “… the Father (the indwelling Holy Spirit) that dwelleth in me (Jesus, the WORD), he doeth the works (the Holy Spirit doeth the works of bringing overwhelming victory to his people that trust and depend upon HIM) …” (John 14:10 KJV).“… a t God’s [miracle-performing WORD) … what we now SEE (everything witnessed and experienced) did not come from anything that can be SEEN (it came from the WORK of the Holy Spirit)… ” (Hebrews 11:3 NLT). “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God ( the miracle-performing POWER of God ) …” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).“... When this had dawned on him ... [Peter realized] ...  “he (God, the Holy Spirit)...hath done marvellous things… ” (Acts 12:7 NIV & Psalms 98:1 KJV). “… Many , O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV). “... the chains fell off Peter’s wrists ... They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself , and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said , “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has ... rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).REMEMBER: “...The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers , bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance ....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).INSIDE the difficult trials and tribulations, we face, in life such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, the loss of a lucrative job, unexpected diagnoses, fear of going to prison for a crime you didn’t commit, the loss of material possessions,  unjust treatment, false accusations, and other sudden life changes; follow Peter’s LEAD. “... Peter was sleeping ....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).Like Peter, many of God’s people, are FACING things that cause the heart to be flooded with troubling stresses such as dread, anxiousness, discouragement, weariness, questions of faith, fear of the unknown, having no control of the situation or the outcome, etc., BUT TRUST and DEPEND upon God ANYWAY. “... d espite all these things , overwhelming victory is ours  (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). “... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV).  WHY should you SLEEP during these troubling TIMES? “... Peter was sleeping ....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). “...If God isfor ...[peter]... who...[or what could be]... against ...[peter]? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “… Who...[or what would]... separate ...[peter]... from the love of Christ ? …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “.... Will tribulation , or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword...[separate you or peter from god’s love] ? …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “ ... [NO] … [NOTHING] …will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB).“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV).  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “...ALL THINGS work (PROCESS) together for good to them (the redeemed; God’s people) that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).“... Peter was sleeping ....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

TRUSTING GOD INSIDE THE PANDEMIC STORM

TRUSTING GOD “INSIDE” THE STORM?“…But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo; and when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … we were scarcely able to get the ship’s boat under control …they used supporting cables in undergirding the ship …they let down the sea anchor  …The next day as we were being violently storm-tossed, they began to jettison the cargo; and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands.Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). *In this scripture, an Euraquilo wind was a seamen’s term for an eastern or northeastern wind common in the winter season on the island of Malta. It was this violent, tempestuous, and hurricane wind that caused the shipwreck in Acts chapter 27. “…But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). The Euraquilo wind has been known to cause horrific waves, lasts for days, and cause much death and property destruction. When the Euraquilo wind BLOWS, usually resistance is useless. “… when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it … (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). In this story, the seamen CHOSE to sail, which led them into a STORM with so much WIND FORCE they had to surrender the ship to its POWER. “… when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). Some STORMS are unexpected, but sometimes you are warned the storm is approaching, but CHOOSE to face the risk anyway, in hope, you will come through them in  your OWN strength. “…the infamous nor’easter, struck. They lost all controlof the ship. It was a cork (a powerless object) in the storm…” (Acts 27:15 MSG).People often prefer to be the controllers of their own STORMS in LIFE. Nonetheless, a Euraquilo wind is the enemy of all human control or autonomy. “… the ship  … was a cork in the storm …” (Acts 27:15 MSG). Every human effort, the seamen made, to keep THEIR SHIP undisturbed by the STORM or to keep things as NORMAL as possible failed. “…they used supporting cables in undergirding the ship …they let down the sea anchor  …The next day as we were being violently storm-tossed, they began to jettison the cargo; and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands..…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). The seamen struggled and struggled to AVOID the STORM’S disruption or damage to their SHIP, but it did NOT work. “…Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).They COULDN’T control the WIND. We can’t control death, evil people or their attitudes, injustice, the stock market crash, some sicknesses, haters of your faith, divorces, etc.INSIDE “certain” STORMS of LIFE it is unusually impossible to remain dependent upon human effort or strength. “But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).Unfortunately, inside A STORM some people think of themselves as self-sufficient, but eventually even they realize they can’t sustain control. “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency isof God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV). King Nebuchadnezzar thought his sufficiency was his OWN human effort and strength. “…King Nebuchadnezzar. … was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NLT).King Nebuchadnezzar did what he believed was right in his OWN eyes. “…. The way of a fool isright in his own eyes …” (Proverbs 12:15 KJV). “… There is a way which seemeth right unto a man , but the end thereof are the ways of death...”(Proverbs  14:20 KJV).  “… There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death….” (Proverbs 16:25 KJV).King Nebuchadnezzar CHOOSE his OWN way and did not heed God’s warning that a STORM was coming. “ Those who trust in themselves are fools , but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe…” (Proverbs 28:26 NIV). King Nebuchadnezzar trusted in his OWN self-sufficiency. “… he said , “Is not this the great Babylon “ I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty ?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “But the people replied, “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires… ” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).King Nebuchadnezzar kept doing whatever he wanted to do and did not HEED the warnings of the coming STORM. “…But my people would not listen to me. They KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). God is in control of HIS world and people are being self-sufficient “WITHIN” his world.  “All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.He (God) does as he pleases (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT). Thus, people think because they have self-sufficiency within the scope of their SMALL little world, they also have self-sufficiency within the WIDE scope of God’s much LARGER world. “…He (God) does as he pleases  (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth … (Daniel 4 NLT). The events, situations, circumstances, or the STORMS of LIFE that happen are ALL under God’s sovereign control. “… No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). Job did not have control over what happened to him. If he did have control, he would have stopped it. “One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).Job could NOT control “ANY” of the events that happened. Job relinquished and respected the sovereign control, he came to recognize, to God. He also did it with the right attitude. He said “… though he (God) slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). Job also said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord…” Job 1:20-22 NASB). When the loss of self-sufficiency leaves you helpless and vulnerable; you will either give way to discouragement and anger or you will surrender control to God. “… when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). “… al l hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned .…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). “… Jehoshaphat … BEGGED the Lord for guidance .” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).  A loss of self-sufficiency will allow people to see, realize, and discover the LIMITS of their human effort and strength . “…. Apart from [Jesus], [they]… can do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV).The less strength a person has over the STORMS of LIFE; the less self-sufficiency they realize they truly have too. “… They lost all control of the ship …” (Acts 27:15 MSG).A loss of self-sufficiency is ALWAYS a struggle for some people, but, in the midst of the STORMS of LIFE, if God’s people call on HIM he will help them. “... Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE… and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV).The STORMS of LIFE may last for moments, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or years. “…King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times (years) will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.” Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled…” (Daniel 4 NLT). To experience the loss of self-sufficiency can often become unbearable, humbling, hopeless, full of anger, and frightening. “…Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).In the story of Lazarus in John 11 it seems God did not intervene in a timely manner. … Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died… ” (John 11:20-22 KJV). In the loss of self-sufficiency it may seem “too late” or impossible for God to fix what seems completely hopeless and out of control. “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: IS THERE ANY THING TOO HARD FOR ME?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “… NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or THINK, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).It is normal, for a self-sufficient person, to feel angry and “OUT” of control INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE. “… all hope … was gradually abandoned .…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).A loss of self-sufficiency is a sign of human limitations and can cause discouragement. Paul said: “…I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. …I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told…” (Acts 27:22-25 NASB).  “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land …” (Acts 27:44 NASB).God is sovereign over STORMS of LIFE. Therefore, “…Trust in the Lordwith all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…”(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). The STORMS of LIFE can’t be controlled with human self-sufficiency or with limited human strength. Only God can control our STORMS and process us victoriously through them. “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).Wherever you have been robbed of human self-sufficiency or strength; it is a good time to acknowledge your helplessness and submit the outcome to God. The bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). No matter how BIG the storm God can still, “…do far more abundantly beyond all that [you]… ask or think, according to the power that works within [you]…” (Ephesians 3:20 NASB). “… Only believe ” (Mark 5:36 KJV). The loss of self-sufficiency and strength is very frightening for some, but comfort, rest, and a sense of safety can be gained by trusting that God can DO the impossible. “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).God’s incredible POWER to FIX our storms is often incomprehensible. “… But as it is written: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for those who love Him…” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV). “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land …” (Acts 27:44 NASB).In the story of Lazarus Jesus showed up in God’s sovereign timing!!! At God’s appointed time, “… [all could see]...the glory God (his presence, his goodness, and his power), [and]…that the Son of God (the Word) …[was also]…glorified thereby…” (John 11:4 KJV). “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land …” (Acts 27:44 NASB).The enemy of God’s sovereignty is man’s refusal to let go of human self-sufficiency and relying upon the limitation of human strength. “…not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).  Jesus came to do God’s will. “… I seek NOT mine own will …” and submitted to His will. “…but THE WILL of the Father which hath sent me...” (John 6:38 KJV).  “…For I have come down from heaven NOT TO DO MY WILL BUT to do THE WILL of him who sent me…” (John 6:38 NIV). When God or his Word is not sovereign INSIDE your STORMS, your outcome will be a lot different than Job’s, Daniel’s. the Hebrew boys, Peter’s, or the seamen. “….And so it happened that they (the seamen) all were brought safely to land [because God’s Word said they would] …” (Acts 27:44 NASB). However, “…whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap….” (Galatians 6:7 KJV). “….For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption…” (Galatians 6:8 KJV). “…But my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward ”” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). God is ALWAYS in control, but he is not controlling. “… No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).  However, “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). Even in a loss of self-sufficiency you can “STILL” willfully chose to follow your OWN way, which will always be in conflict with God’s willingness to HELP you. “… my people would not listen to me . They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward ”” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). The seamen listened to the word given through Apostle Paul the second time. “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land …” (Acts 27:44 NASB).God rightfullyhas sovereignty over his world and everybody that dwells it in. “… The earth is the Lord 's, and the fulness thereof ; the world, and they that dwell therein …” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “… He (God) does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth … (Daniel 4 NLT).God’s has CONTROL, but he is NOT controlling, YOU have the “human will” to choose your OWN way. “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “… my people would not listen to me . They kept doing whatever they wanted...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). If you have been through or are going through a STORM simply surrender the outcome to God’s will. “…"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “…If the Lord will , [I] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).To be self-sufficient is to depend upon the limitations of your own control or human strength. To surrender to God is to depend upon the unlimited control of God’s sovereignty such as his love, his care, and his empowering strength. “…the things which are impossible with men ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: IS THERE ANY THING TOO HARD FOR ME?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “… NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or THINK, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “… when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). “…the infamous nor’easter, struck. They lost all controlof the ship. It was a cork in the storm…” (Acts 27:15 MSG).Once a STORM is set in motion; it cannot be retracted. The atmosphere is disturbed and normal is disrupted.  An Euraquilo wind is the enemy of self-sufficiency. “… the ship  … was a cork in the storm …” (Acts 27:15 MSG). The SHIP could no longer be supported or sustained by human self-sufficiency or strength, but it became weakened, submissive, and subservient to the STORM.If a Euraquilo wind is blowing through your life and you have given way to it, by becoming frightened, weak, anxious, powerless, nervous, overly concerned with the outcome, helpless, or discouraged; then: BOLDLY CALL ON GOD. “... Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE … and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). Has your self-sufficiency weakened and human strength weakened during your STORM of LIFE? Are you WILLING to SURRENDER the outcome of the STORM to God’s sovereign love, care, and empowering strength?“… Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news ...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“...God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam ...“Be still, and know that I am God ... The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress ...” (Psalms 46 NLT). God will FIGHT for his people and TAKE CARE of the things that concern them. “… He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). . “…If God isfor us, who is against us? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “... No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper... ” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land (to their destiny) …” (Acts 27:44 NASB).Godspeed,Dr. Pensacola

GOD'S PEOPLE: INSIDE THE PANDEMIC STORM

THE STORMS OF LIFE  “... So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den ... A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed...” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV). “… [King] …Nebuchadnezzar full of fury ...commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace …” (DANIEL 3). “... a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them...“The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants ...“The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. ...“Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).“...It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword... he proceeded to seize Peter also ... Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison ...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV).*
         A STORM is a violent disturbance of the atmosphere that is usually accompanied by strong winds, rain, dust devils, whirlwinds, blizzards, thunder, hail, ice, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes, etc.          STORMS can last for a few moments, days, or weeks. However long a STORM lasts, when it comes, it disturbs the ENVIRONMENT and DISRUPTS normal conditions.ALL STORMS have the potential to harm lives, destroy property, and change the environment. STORMS are a regular part of life and can change the course  of one’s life for the worst or they can lead them to miraculous victories.Some STORMS, however, can and will damage or destroy something in the environment. The things that are damaged or destroyed can be MAJOR and effect normal life spiritually, physically, emotionally, financially, and mentally. Some STORMS can cause a DIASPORA for some and change the course of their lives forever. Nonetheless, a real STORM will change the ATMOSPHERE!The STORMS OF LIFE, through the experiences people face un-expectantly, come to disrupt their atmosphere and disturb normal conditions through death, divorce, unexpected sicknesses, stock market crashes, lost jobs, injustice, sudden tragedies, fiery furnaces, lion dens, prison, etc. “…But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo ... we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … ” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). “... So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den ... A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed...” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV). “… [King] …Nebuchadnezzar full of fury ...commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace …” (DANIEL 3). “... a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them...“The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants ...“The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. ...“Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).“...It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword ... he proceeded to seize Peter also ... Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison ...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV).INSIDE the above STORMS, Job faced tragedies, Daniel faced the lion’s den, the Hebrew Boys faced the fiery furnace, and Peter faced a trial which would end in his death by the sword. Their LIVES were seriously disturbed by a variety of situations and nothing was NORMAL anymore. “…But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo ... we gave way to itand let ourselves be driven along … ” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). “...they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den ......” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV). “… [King] …Nebuchadnezzar ...commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego , and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace …” (DANIEL 3). “... a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them...“The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants ...“The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. ...“Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).“...... he proceeded to seize Peter also ... [and]... Peter was kept in prison ...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV).Job, Peter, the Hebrew Boys, and Daniel were restricted by their STORMS and could NOT deliver themselves. Each of them FACED and were INSIDE STORMS with different circumstances, but each one had NO DELIVERER except God, the Holy Spirit.“... Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the Lord in the front of the new courtyard and said: “Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’ “But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them.  See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you...” (2 Chronicles 20:5-12 NIV).“...God is ...a very present help in trouble... ” (Psalms 46:1 KJV). “… He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me …” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).  “… You are my helper …” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).“…[God is]… Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer , Your GOD , Your rock , in whom [you can] … take refuge…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).In other words, “...No weapon that is formed against ...[God’s people]... shall prosper…This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). STORMS happen, but they won’t prosper over God’s people! “…. All things work together for good to them that love God , to them who are the called according to his purpose…” (Hebrews 13:5 & ROMANS 8:28 KJV). “… ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good …” (Genesis 50:20 KJV). God, through Jesus, defeated the ENEMY, so his people could be VICTORIOUS in the STORMS of LIFE. “...Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “...The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “... overwhelming victory is ours in christ ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). The ENEMY may bring FORTH STORMS to disturb your atmosphere and disrupt normal conditions, in this FALLEN world, but his people, are promised victory over the works of devil.“... But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil...” (1 John 3:8 NLT). Therefore, “... No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper …” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “... overwhelming victory is ours in christ ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).INSIDE THE STORMS of LIFE, it is not unusual for people, even the strongest warriors, to feel helpless, scared, terrified, nervous, overly concerned with the outcome, naked, exposed, or weak. However, “…God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?” (Hebrews 13:5 MSG).“…After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat.Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.). Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).  It is NOT necessarily a lack of faith to experience “feelings” of FEAR when going through the STORMS of LIFE. “… Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news... ” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). When going through the STORMS of LIFE, God will find a WAY to strengthen his people and empower them to submit to God’s sovereign love and care. “… Great is his love toward us ...” (Psalms 117:2 KJV). “… “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you …” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “… I am with you always , to the very end …"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). “…Behold, I am with … [you ] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest… I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “... He careth for you .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… God is LOVE …” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “… I change NOT … ” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “… Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and BEGGED the Lord for guidance .” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“...God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam ...“Be still, and know that I am God ... The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress ...” (Psalms 46 NLT). God will FIGHT for his people and TAKE CARE of the things that concern them. “… He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). . “…If God isfor us, who is against us? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “... No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper... ” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer …” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).The events, situations, circumstances, or STORMS OF LIFE that concern God’s people are ALL under God’s sovereign control. “… No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows .  But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT). “... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “... we must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “... d espite all these things , overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).“...THE NIGHT BEFORE HEROD WAS TO BRING HIM TO “TRIAL”, PETER WAS SLEEPING BETWEEN TWO SOLDIERS, BOUND WITH TWO CHAINS, AND SENTRIES STOOD GUARD AT THE ENTRANCE. (ACTS 12:6 NIV).Peter’s VICTORY from THE STORM represents the FAVOR of God upon the lives of HIS PEOPLE, which also REVEALS God’s love and desire to show his GLORY (presence, goodness, and power) to them! “… the Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). “...Be still, and know that I am God ... the God of Israel is our fortress (defense, stronghold, place of protection, etc.).” (Psalms 46 NLT). “… BLESSINGS are on the head of the righteous …” (Proverbs 10:6 NASB).  “… You surround [your people] ... WITH FAVOR as with a shield …” (Psalms 5:12 NASB). “... overwhelming victory is ours  (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).   “…I’ve also done it … so you will know that I am the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “… your deliverer …” (Psalms 18:3 NASB). Peter was able to SEE, with his OWN eyes, the GLORY (God’s presence, goodness, and power) of God and his FAVOR upon his life, because of the GREAT THINGS he did for him.“...The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists . Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him.  Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself , and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said , “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutchesand from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).Peter witnessed and experienced, first hand, the LOVE and FAVOR of God. God REVEALED his GLORY to Peter through his presence in the angel (this could be a true Christian Warrior), his goodness in directing his steps (through his Word), and his power to deliver him out of Herod’s clutches (overwhelming victory)!  “... Then Peter came to himself and said , “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel (this could be a Christian Warrior) and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). “…I HAVE DONE IT , declares the Lord… ’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). “… the Father (the indwelling Holy Spirit) that dwelleth in me (Jesus, the WORD), he doeth the works (the Holy Spirit doeth the works) …” (John 14:10 KJV).“… a t God’s [miracle-performingWORD) … what we now SEE (everything witnessed and experienced) did not come from anything that can be SEEN (it came from the WORK of the Holy Spirit)… ” (Hebrews 11:3 NLT). “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God ( the miracle-performing POWER of God ) …” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).“... When this had dawned on him ... [Peter realized] ...  “he (God, the Holy Spirit)...hath done marvellous things… ” (Acts 12:7 NIV & Psalms 98:1 KJV). “… Many , O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV).“... the chains fell off Peter’s wrists ... They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself , and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said , “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has ... rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).REMEMBER: “...The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers , bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance ....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).INSIDE THE STORMS, the difficult trials and tribulations, we face in life such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, the loss of a lucrative job, unexpected diagnoses, fear of going to prison for a crime you didn’t commit, the loss of material possessions,  unjust treatment, false accusations, and other sudden life changes; follow Peter’s LEAD. “... Peter was sleeping ....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).Like Peter, many of God’s people, are FACING things that cause the heart to be flooded with troubling stresses such as dread, anxiousness, discouragement, weariness, questions of faith, fear of the unknown, having no control of the situation or the outcome, etc., BUT TRUST and DEPEND upon God ANYWAY. “... d espite all these things , overwhelming victory is ours  (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). “... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). WHY should you SLEEP during these troubling TIMES? “... Peter was sleeping ....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). “...If God is for ...[peter]... who...[or what could be]... against ...[peter]? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “… Who...[or what would]... separate ...[peter]... from the love of Christ ? …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “.... Will tribulation , or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword...[separate you or peter from god’s love] ? …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “ ... [NO] … [NOTHING] …will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB).“...For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV).  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “...ALL THINGS work (PROCESS) together for good to them (the redeemed) that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).IN THE STORM, “... Peter was sleeping ....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).  DR. PENSACOLA H. JEFFERSONPASTORAL COUNSELORYADA COUNSELING MINISTRYINSIDE THE STORMS: THE LION’S DEN, THE FIERY FURNACE, JOB’S TRAGEDIES, AND HEROD’S DUNGEON

MANY RESOURCES, BUT ONLY "ONE" SOURCE

TRANSFORMING YOUR RESOURCES“….Don't put your confidence in … people [or things]… there is no help for you there….” (Psalms 146: 3 NLT).*I'd thought I was finished writing the series of transforming books, but the Holy Spirit moved me to write another one. God inspired me when I was at a birthday celebration with some church friends. I was sitting at a table with three other ladies. One lady was of a particularly joyful and humorous nature, reminding me of myself. A brother, just coming into party, asked me was she my sister. I jokingly said, “Yes, she’s my sister-in-the-Lord…” I wondered why he asked, because I didn’t think we looked alike physically, but we did favor spiritually, so something asked me: what was the likeness? Of course my spiritual mind went berserk. I thought about it for the rest of the evening, dreamt about, woke up thinking about it, and now I am writing another dag-burn book. LOL.I will explain a little about my previous TRANSFORMING books. My book TRANSFORMING LOVE was about the reality of God’s love; my book TRANSFORMING INTIMACY was about the PROOF of God’s love; my book, TRANSFORMING SUFFERING is about the PROOF of your love for God and this book TRANSFORMING YOUR RESOURCES is about PROOF of your relationship with God through Christ. TRANSFORMING LOVE, the reality of God’s love is this: “ For God so loved the world, that HE GAVE HIS ONLY begotten Son , that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).TRANSFORMING INTIMACY, the proof of God’s love is this: “ Herein is love , not that we loved God, but that he loved us and SENT HIS SON to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV).TRANSFORMING SUFFERING, the proof of your love: “…that ye BELIEVE ON HIMwhom he hath sent.” (John 6:29KJV).  “keep his commandments.” “ If you love me, you will keep (have faith in) my commandments ” (John 14:15).  Once I was telling my young teenage son to do something and he looked at me and said, “Mom, I’m not scared of you. I’m only doing it because I love you.” I didn’t realized how profound that was until years later. What other reason did I want him to obey me?TRANSFORMING YOUR SOURCE, the proof of your relationship with God through Christ is this: “…My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples…” (John 15:8 NIV).When you are in a relationship with someone you’re truly in love with, people can see it. They’ll say things like: “What’s gotten into you?” “You look so happy these days.” “Are you seeing someone special?” You, on the other hand, are feeling truly happy, in love, and on top of the world. You’ve stop seeing other people, you talk about “them” excessively, you’re spending all your free time with “them, you’re making plans for the present and future, you’ve met each other’s families, you’ve shopped for the wedding ring, you’ve decided on the honeymoon, and where you will eventually live. What or who is the source of all this? It’s that special someone who is causing you to experience all this wonderfulness. In the meantime, you are also hearing: “Good things don’t last forever” “You better get your head out of the clouds and come back to earth” “Keep on living…you’ll see” “You are living in a fantasy” “Enjoy while it lasts”The doom and gloom prophecies eventually come true and your source of happiness, over time, reduces drastically, or becomes unreliable, or is consistently wishy-washy.You discover, some people are truly decent and really mean well, but at the end of the day they are finite human beings. They are not your “source” of wholeness or happiness; only a “resource” and a temporary one at that. That reality can be disappointing. What do you do when the “source” dries up? How can you feel like you did in the beginning of the relationship on a regular basis?First, do not rely on mankind to be your ongoing source for absolutely nothing!! “….Don't put your confidence in … people; there is no help for you there….” (Psalms 146: 3 NLT). “…. Don't put your trust in mere human beings ….” (Isaiah 2:22 NLT). “… "Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength….” (JEREMIAH 17:5 NLT).Second, only God can supply every single need, all the time, consistently, without fail, and he will NEVER change. “…My God will supply ALL [my need]… according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…what is the riches of the glory…; …CHRIST IN YOU…” (Colossians 1:25-28 KJV). “… I am the Lord, I change NOT… ” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). Last, but not least, when God loves you and you “know” it and you love him back; everybody will see it.“…the invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world …[is]..clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made ……”(Romans 1:20 KJV).  AGAIN, “…. CLEARLY SEEN , being understood BY THE THINGS THAT ARE MADE…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).God MADE you BRAND NEW. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a NEW CREATURE: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS ARE BECOME (MADE) NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). The fact that he made you brand new ought to be “… clearly seen …” by others.It is “...clearly seen…” by the fruit you bear. The fruit you bear is the PROOF that you are truly in a relationship with God through Christ. Bearing spiritual fruit is the PROOF you are in an authentic relationship with him through Christ. “…My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples…” (John 15:8 NIV).TRANSFORMING YOUR RESOURCES will transform your identity through the indwelling Holy Spirit, which will, in turn, empower  you to produce "spiritual" fruit that can be clearly witnessed. “… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).Those whose fruit is produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit will be “…clearly seen…” Those who are “clearly seen,” will, without a doubt, be transformed into New Creations who will be known“… by their fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).Dr. Pensacola H. JeffersonYADA Counseling MinistryTRANSFORMING YOUR RESOURCESColton’s Point, Maryland