Pensacola Helene Jefferson's Blog, page 7

PUT GOD FIRST. HE LOVES HIS PEOPLE AND WILL ADD TO THEM WHAT THEY NEED

PUT GOD FIRST, HE LOVES YOU AND WILL ADD TO YOU "ALL" THE THINGS YOU NEED!

 “…LOVE…THE PERFECT BOND OF UNITY….” (Colossians 3:14).

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Through the intimate attachment to God, his children can trust in and depend upon the indwelling Holy Spirit to empower them to live free.

“…God ...the … HOLY SPIRIT .. is the SOURCE of ...[indwelling power]…it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of ...[HIS children]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “...The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (to unite with his children) THROUGH (the indwelling Holy Spirit within) each of us (His Children) … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…the Father that dwelleth in [his children] … he doeth the works...[of uniting them with the bond of HIS love]…” (John 14:10 KJV).

The intimate attachment to anything ELSE, other than God, will keep God’s children limited to trusting in and depending upon the objects or finite humans, which CANNOT and will not empower them to live free from anything.“…Because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death (spiritual death) …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son....” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

Whatever you become intimately attached to can end up CONTROLLING you!

Experiencing the intimate attachment with God is a CHOICE. You CHOOSE, each and every day, whom you want to SERVE or FOLLOW; the dictatorship of old, intimate attachments, or the indwelling Holy Spirit.

An infant reacts or responds to their caregiver’s loving care. God’s children choose to response to HIS loving care, through faith and obedience.  “…So I say, let the Holy Spirit (IF you have the indwelling Holy Spirit) guide your lives ...the [ indwelling Holy] Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature (body) desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “... Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him...” (Ephesians 4:8 NLT).“... continue ... in my love...” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

Things, outside of God, can make you feel calm and contented like a caregiver does, or a romantic partner, but it never lasts.

As an infant, you need the caregiver to survive. Over time, people come to believe they need things, other than God, to survive, particularly emotionally.

Their intimate attachment to these things, other than God, can become all consuming and deeply prevailing to the point they gain mastery over person. A person's thoughts and actions become DRIVEN by these things, other than God and they become enslaved to them. “...Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey…?” (Romans 6:16 NIV).

Without healthy human attachments, at any age,the hardwired, God-given attachment abilities will still demand and seek an attachment.

The sad thing about a person's attachment to things, other than God, is that it becomes an entrenching lifestyle. Becoming intimately bonded with things, other than God, for years and years takes control of one's mind, emotions, body, and behavior.

The interference of Satan in the attachment process is solely for the purpose of killing, stealing and destroying all opportunities for truly loving healthy attachments with God, other people, and with one’s “own” self. Individuals need to attach to something even if it ONLY offers the illusion of an intimate loving attachment.

Further, illicit sex, food, drugs, even exercise can release oxytocin, which makes a person “feel good” and can creates an illusion of an intimate loving attachment. People says: "I love sex." "I love food." "I love drugs."  Whenever humans attach to something or someone, without love, it is a “false” attachment. Real intimacy will be elusive at best.

Especially, since sex, food, drugs, etc. is ONLY physical and with the release of oxytocin one can believe it’s emotional too, since it made them, momentarily, "FEEL good."

There are many people who are only physically, not emotionally, close to another person and experience deep loneliness.

Closeness is a nearness to another person, being “One Spirit” is an undivided wholeness, experienced with God through Christ (1 Corinthians 5:17).

People accept many different levels of intimacy, some close and some distance, but if that is all they’ve ever known they have nothing better to compare it with. Dysfunctional attachment is better than no attachment at all, even if it’s lonely sometimes.

God offers an intimacy many of us have never known and aren’t even aware it exists. If God is not your standard for examining what a loving, caring attachments should be, then you may need to reevaluate who or what you in an intimate relationship with.

Intimate attachments or relationships can make you a better person or they can destroy you.

Whatever manner you’ve learned to attach – whether to a particular thing or type of person – it is what you have come to believe is love, care, and/or intimacy.

In addition, what you have come to believe is love, care, and/or intimacy has, most likely, become essential to your survival.

God is more intimate with you than you are with yourself.  God uses this intimate attachment to love you in the deepest, most caring manner, along with a continual, not-stop intention on supplying your need.

Some children of God are still running, chasing, and looking for that “One” intimate attachment that can satisfy them and have not found it yet.

God is what you are looking for, so when you do find an intimate attachment you will truly know how to bond with him or her.

No matter how old you are or how long it’s been since you’ve had a real human, intimate attachment, or if you never had one at all; God wants, desires, and has made it possible to become intimate with him through “his” indwelling Holy Spirit.

God wants you to experience and try out your restored, God-given attachment abilities upon him. Like an infant, draws a response from their caregivers, God, the Holy Spirit, and Caregiver encourages, his children, to ask him anything. “...If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

“…This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will (his love, his choices, his desires, his heartfelt words,etc.), he heareth us (his children)…” (1 John 5:14 KJV).

 “…He (God, the Holy Spirit) has granted to [his children]… His precious and magnificent promises…” (2 Peter 1:4 NASB). “…As many as are the promises of God, in Him (in Jesus, the Word of God) they are yes …also … Amen (so be it) …” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NASB). “…Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made … failed; all came to pass…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB). God, the Caregiver, of his children is “…watching over [his[… word to perform it (for them)…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB).

“…So shall [God, the Holy Spirit’s,]… word be that goeth forth out of [his]… mouth: it shall not return unto [God, the Holy Spirit,]… void, but it shall accomplish that which [God, the Holy Spirit,]… please[s], and it shall prosper in the thing whereto [God, the Holy Spirit]… sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).

“…The Father (God, the Holy Spirit,) that dwelleth in [YOU, through Jesus] he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “...[To his CHILDREN, God, the Holy Spirit, says to] ...ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

God is always in close proximity to you, you will feel eternally safe and protected since he is always your refuge. God, your caregiver, will “…Never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).  “…You surround … [your children] … WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).

 “…Behold, I (God, the Holy Spirit) am with … [you] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I (God, the Holy Spirit) will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

“… [God, the Holy Spirit] … is Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

You are forever cared for through his everlasting love, and God is “always” with you. “...He (God, the Holy Spirit, your caregiver) careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…[God, the Holy Spirit, your caregiver, has] ...loved [you]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT). “… [Nothing]…will be able to separate us (his children) from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “…I (god, the holy spirit) am with you always, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).

Humanity’s greatest need is God’s love, which restores them to wholeness through Jesus Christ. “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (RESTORES YOU AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

It is usually easier to elicit physical love than emotional love from others. It is also easy to mistake the experience of physical attachment for an emotional attachment too; since oxytocin is released in the brain, in both experiences, producing the “FEEL good” effect of calm, peace, or well-being.

Without the emotional attachment of love, the “FEEL good” moment is reduced to a physical attachment only. The emotional attachment (love), often, during the physical experience, most likely, is missing altogether.

Only Godly love, sent to the heart through Jesus, the indwelling Holy Spirit, provides the appropriate attachment that is essential for an intimate relationship where a lasting WHOLENESS and well-being is experienced. “....God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole …” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

 In order to experience, this WHOLENESS and well-being, a CHILD of GOD trusts in and depends upon the truth that they are “new creations” in Christ Jesus. “…If any man (woman) be in Christ, he(she) 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). “…Jesus Christ makeththee whole [again]…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

Old intimate attachments, made through the sinful nature, have passed away and are no longer in control. “.. .[god’s children] ... are not controlled by ...[their]... sinful nature. (unless they choose to be) ... [they]... are controlled by the Spirit if [they choose to be AND] have the Spirit of God living in [them] …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “... Knowing this, that our old man(woman) is crucified with him, that the body of sin (and its old intimate attachments) might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin...” (Romans 6:6 KJV). “... I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith (trust and dependency upon)... of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me...” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).

God has restored your original God-given attachment abilities like NEW. “... old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

Therefore, like a new born baby, we are brand new, born again. "…That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV). “...all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

The child of God has intimately attached to God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus and he will forever be their caregiver“… [God, the Holy Spirit, sent the] …one… who can [REUNITE] God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (WHO comes to DWELL WITHIN)…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).“...we were reconciled (intimately attached) to God by the death of his Son (if you choose to believe in him)...” (Romans 5:10 KJV).

“...Believeon the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” (ACTS 16:31 KJV).  “…I believethat Jesus Christ is the Son of God…” (ACTS 8:37 KJV). “...confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and … believe in thine heartthat God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV).

“…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…God has given [you] his Spirit as PROOF that [you]… live (are alive) in him and he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT).  “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, is your Caregiver forever. He will lovingly care for you and meet your every need, generously. “...He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).“…The LORD “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB).

“…I (God, the Holy Spirit) will supply all [the] NEED [of his children]…” (John 12:32 KJV). ). “...He careth for [his children].” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…God (the Holy Spirit) is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).  “…God (the Holy Spirit) will generously PROVIDE all [his children’s] need …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

Jesus’ death upon the cross was proof that he wants to heal every emotional pain you have ever experienced in your entire life. “…Just as there were many who were appalled at him - his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness—“ (Isaiah 52:14 NIV). “…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…” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV).

“…Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God…” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

Jesus’ directs you back to God, who cares about your heart more than anything else. “… [Jesus is the way that will] direct your hearts TO the love of God…” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB & Romans 12:3). “…May the Lord (Jesus) lead your hearts INTO a full understanding (awareness, knowing) and EXPRESSION of the love of God …” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NLT). “...the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART…” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “…Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men…” (Acts 1:24 KJV). The heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  

The heart has been damaged more than anything else, not just with sin, but with pain, heartache, curses of low self-esteem, lack of intimate love, disappointments, mistakes, rejections, abuses, betrayals, misunderstandings, lack of attachment relationships, and many other experiences.

Thankfully, God will “…restoreth [your] soul…” (Psalms 23:3 KJV). God is a “…restorer of thy life…” (Ruth 4:15 KJV).

God, therefore, restores your God-given attachment abilities so you can enjoy and receive his everlasting love. “...For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of the wounds, saith the Lord…” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).

Here are some truths about your Caregiver, God, the Holy Spirit. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “...He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…I will do whatever you ask in my name (Jesus, the Word)…” (John 14:13 NIV). "… [Depend upon me and] …what [you] say will happen [and]…will be done for [you]….” (MARK 11:23 NIV). “…Your rock and Yourfortress, 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).

There is nothing you do or nothing you have done that will stop God from loving you, in this way, each and every day. “…What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who isagainst us?...Who will separate us from the love of [Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...[NO] …But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. …[Nothing]…will be able to separate us from the love of God,which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB).

God’s “…grace is sufficient for you…” His powerful love works with you and helps you through your weaknesses and mistakes. “...My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT). 

. “…God…works in you TO WILL (to “want” to be intimate with Him) and TO ACT (to “actually” experience that intimacy) in orderto fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…God … equip[s] ...you with everything good for doing his will …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me (his redeemed children, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

In fact, his “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV).

No matter where your struggle with the intimate attachments from the old nature has increased in your life. No matter where those struggles have caused you to fall, or stumble, in the last few seconds,  minutes, over the past few hours, days, weeks, months, or years, GET UP!  God’s loving grace is sufficient to cover you and empower you to overcome the struggle STILL, because HIS “…mercy triumphs over judgement...” (Romans 5:20, James 2:13 NASB). “…where sin increased (continues to be a struggle over time), grace abounded all the more…” (Romans 5:20 NASB).

God doesn’t just want you to know “about” his love as a collection of facts, but he wants you to “know” his love as an authentic, intimate attachment experience. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “...He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer, Your GOD.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

“…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).  “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT).

“…When I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV). “…[God’s] strength is made perfect (is in full force) in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “…I can do ALL THINGS throughChrist which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

“… [God] … is Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer, Your GOD... YOURstronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…He willkeep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).

God’s love is the perfect “bond” of unity, which is the truest and holiest (without sin) experience of intimacy. “…[God’s] love …is the perfect BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB). “...But he (she) that is joined (attached) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

“….[Nothing]…shall be able to separate [you]… from the love of God (the intimate bond of UNITY) which is “in” Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:38-39 KJV).  “….the…faithful love of the Lord, never ends...” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT). 

When the “good news” of the gospel is heard, people come to God, because his incredible love draws them. “...No one can come to Me unless the Father (who “is love and) who sent Me draws him...”(John 6:44). “....for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

Like a magnet, our original attachment abilities are powerfully restored as NEW CREATIONS. God’s children are, again, intimately attached to God, the Holy Spirit, through Christ.  “…There ... [is] … …one … who can reconcile (intimately attach) God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “… [The person who]… is joined (attached) unto ...[Christ Jesus]... is ONE spirit… [with God, the Holy Spirit, again]...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). They are INTIMATELY ATTACHED to God, the Holy Spirit.

God so loved every single person, upon earth, that he sent his magnetic love through his only Son, Jesus. “…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 KJV).

“... 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). “…Christ (provided PROOF of God LOVE and CARE when he) ... suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us [back] to God (to love) …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “....for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

When Jesus (the Word) is lifted up from the earth he causes all men(women) everywhere, that hear and believe, to be powerfully and magnetically drawn (directed) to God’s love. “… [Jesus, the living Word, is the way that will] direct your hearts TO the love of God…” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB & Romans 12:3).“…May the Lord (Jesus) lead your hearts INTO a full understanding (awareness, knowing) and EXPRESSION of the love of God …” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NLT).

Jesus, the Son of God, had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).  “...if I (Jesus, the Word) am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself...” (John 12:32 KJV). “…  It is (the word is) the power of God at work (miraculously), saving  (drawing, directing, etc.) everyone who believes (who trusts in and depends upon the Word)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT).

“...No one can come to Me (Jesus, the Word) unless the Father (who “is love and) who sent Me (Jesus, the Word) draws him...” (John 6:44). “....for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

 “…There ... [is] … …one … who can reconcile (intimately attach) God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (the Word)…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “… [The person who]… is joined (attached) unto ...[Christ Jesus]... is ONE spirit… [with God, the Holy Spirit, again]...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

“…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). “...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house…” (ACTS 16:31 KJV). 

Salvation is a critical and miraculous moment, for the new convert, for it is the moment where their soul is intimately attached to God, the Holy Spirit, again, through Jesus Christ. “ …[Salvation comes] by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior…” (Titus 3:4-6 NIV). “…God has sent forththe Spirit of His Son “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).  “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

Jesus is the door, the path, and the way that opens up the opportunity to experience intimacy with God, the Holy Spirit, again.  “…I am THE DOOR…” (John 10:9 KJV). “…I am the way …” (John 14:6 KJV). “…God …opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles…” (Acts 14:27 KJV). “…behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it…: (Revelation 3:8 KJV). “…I have opened a door for youthat no one can close…” (Revelation 3:8 NLT).

“...Dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus.  By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving waythrough the curtain into the Most Holy Place...” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT).

Here is an example of what happens: “...One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord OPENED her heart to respond to Paul's message...” (Act 16:14 NIV).

“…The sower (Paul) SOWETH THE WORD (the message) …The seed (Jesus) is the WORD OF GOD ….. THE WORD …was sown in THEIR (Lydia’s) HEARTS…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).

 “... The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ...” (Galatians 3:16 NIV). “… [Jesus Christ’s name]... is called The Word of God (the SEED)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “...The seed is the word of God...” (Luke 8:11 KJV).

Lydia was listening and worshipping when God “opened” her heart to respond to the “good news” of the gospel through Paul’s preached message. “...The Lord OPENED her (lydia’s) heart to respond to Paul's message...” (Act 16:14 NIV).

“…The sower (Paul) SOWETH THE WORD (the message) …” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).

“……The seed (Jesus) is the WORD OF GOD (the message)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “… [Jesus Christ’s name]... is called The Word of God (the SEED)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “...The seed is the word of God...” (Luke 8:11 KJV).

“… THE WORD (Jesus) …was sown in THEIR (Lydia’s) HEARTS (like a seed)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).

Jesus says:  “…I am THE DOOR…” (John 10:9 KJV). “…I am the way …” (John 14:6 KJV). “...Jesus opened a new and life-giving way (for Lydia)... into the Most Holy Place...” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT).

Paul’s message lifted up Jesus, the atoning sacrifice, for Lydia’s sin. “...if I (Jesus, the Word) am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself...” (John 12:32 KJV). “…  It is (the word is) the power of God at work (miraculously), saving  (drawing, directing, etc.) everyone who believes (who trusts in and depends upon the Word)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT).

Paul’s message let Lydia KNOW God loved her and “HIS” love was the reason he SENT Jesus. “…THIS is LOVE… [God]… sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 4:10 NIV). Powerful truth!

If you noticed, Lydia’s heart had to be opened, unlocked, released, or unfastened, by God, the father & Holy Spirit, BEFORE, she could RESPOND to the message Paul preached. “...No one can come to Me (Jesus, the Word) unless the Father (who “is love and) who sent Me (Jesus, the Word) draws him(her)...” (John 6:44).

Earlier, I wrote that a baby is born with God-given attachment abilities that enable them to draw a response from their caregivers and react to their caregiver’s stimuli. 

The infant needs to “draw a response” from their caregivers in order to get their needs met, be cared for, and to experience loving intimacy with them.

And they also need to “react to stimuli” from their caregivers in order to communicate their needs have been met, they are cared for, and that they are experiencing the loving intimacy between them and their caregiver(s).

Lydia was able to “react to stimuli” since she was a worshipper, but her ability to attach and experience true intimacy with God, the Holy Spirit, had to be healed. Thus God, miraculously, opened her heart through Jesus, the way to an intimate, covenant relationship to HIM.  “...The Lord OPENED her (lydia’s) heart to respond to Paul's message...” (Act 16:14 NIV). Jesus says: 

“…I am THE DOOR…” (John 10:9 KJV). “…I am the way …” (John 14:6 KJV). “...Jesus opened a new and life-giving way (for Lydia)... into the Most Holy Place...” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT).

Apart from Jesus, Lydia would have never been able to experience an intimate relationship with God, the Holy Spirit.  “….Apart from [Jesus], you can do nothing (You can’t experience an intimate relationship with God)...” (John 15:5 NIV).  “…BY GRACE (undeserved favor) have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH(trusting in and depending upon God); and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS (jesus is) THE GIFT OF GOD; …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “… [God, the Holy Spirit sent the] …one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, didn’t send his Son for the sun, moon, stars, earth, universe, or galaxies....he sent him FOR YOU, ME, and Lydia! “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son...” (John 3:16 KJV). “…[God, the Holy Spirit]... delivered him  (his son) up for us all….” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…the just for the unjust, that he might bring us [back] to [himself (back to love)] …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

“…He did this, not because we DESERVED it, but because that was (LOVING) his plan from before the beginning of time…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT).

 “… [His Son]… gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father…” (Galatians 1:4 KJV).

AND“...to show us his GRACE  (LOVE and undeserved FAVOR) through Christ Jesus...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 & 2 Timothy 1:9).

Pauls’ message helped Lydia SEE God’s love for her. “...This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son…” (1 John 4:10).

God saved Lydia through Jesus and opened up an opportunity for her to experience a true and authentic intimacy with HIM. “...Jesus opened a new and life-giving way (for Lydia)... into the Most Holy Place...” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT).

God wanted Lydia BACK.  “…the just for the unjust, that he might bring us [back] to [himself] …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

Paul’s message DIRECTED Lydia BACK to God’s love so he could restore her soul, through Jesus and open the door to an intimate covenant relationship with HIM. “… [May God’s righteous people] direct your hearts TO the love of God…” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB & Romans 12:3). “…May the Lord (the Word) lead ...[their]... hearts INTO a full understanding (awareness, knowing) and EXPRESSION of the love of God …” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NLT).

WHY did God want Lydia back? “…. [So she would, personally and intimately,] know that [HE is]... the Lord (who personally and intimately, loves her)...” (READ Exodus 7:14-25). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “...He careth for you (and Lydia)...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).  “… [He has] done [the miracle of sending his son] … so you (and Lydia) will know that [He is] the Lord [your god, who loves you(her)]…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT).

God wanted Lydia to be WHOLE. “…Jesus Christ makeththee (Lydia) whole [again]…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “…If any man (woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  “…God ...makes everything holy and whole, make you (and Lydia) holy and whole, put you together [again]—spirit, soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG).

God SAVED Lydia and opened the door, for her, to experience intimacy with HIM. Lydia was restored to HEALTH and HEALED of her wounds. “...For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of the wounds, saith the Lord…” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).

God returned Lydia’s SOUL and our souls back to WHOLENESS. “…He restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “…The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the SOUL…” (Psalm 19 NASB).

Restore it (soul) to what wholeness? Bring it back to what wholeness? Return it to what wholeness? The restoring of the soul is the REUNITING of the soul and the SPIRIT. “…God ...makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together [again]—spirit, soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG).

Restoration makes you into a NEW CREATION similar to the original created glory of mankind back in the Garden of Eden, God said, “….LET US MAKE man in our image, after our likeness…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..GOD CREATED MAN in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV).

This is what the bible says about God: “…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and THESE THREE ARE ONE.…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV). “….THE LORD IS OUR GOD, THE LORD IS ONE…” (DEUTERONOMY 6:4 KJV). “…THERE IS NO GOD, BUT ONE…” (1 CORINTHIANS 8:4 KJV).

Therefore, God said, “….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).

The scriptures say, “…I pray …your whole SPIRIT and SOUL and BODY be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 THESSALONIANS 5:23 KJV).

“…the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunderof soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow (body)…” (HEBREWS 4:12 KJV). “…the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and THESE THREE ARE ONE.…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV). “…..GOD CREATED MAN in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV).

Restoration is simply a part of the salvation process where you are restored to God’s Holy Spirit. You become spiritually ALIVE again. “…the body without the spirit (apart from the indwelling Holy Spirit) is dead!!!…” (James 2:26 KJV). God “….made [you]… ALIVE …” (Ephesians 2:5 NIV). Like the prodigal son, “… [YOU were]…. DEAD and [you have been made]… ALIVE AGAIN; [you were]… lost and [have been]… found…” (Luke 15:24 NIV).

Lydia was a NEW CREATION, immediately, but it would take time, for her mind, to transform, so God also prepared the process of sanctification. “...God has chosen you from the beginning for SALVATION through SANCTIFICATIONby the Spirit and faith (trust and dependency) in the truth…” (2 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB). “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind ….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

God helps with the process of sanctification by empowering the righteous through the indwelling Holy Spirit, by faith, and the washing power of his Word. “...Every branch (every Lydia)... that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye (the righteous) are clean (sanctified) through the word which I have spoken unto you....” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “...the will of God (his heart’s desire.), [is]…your SANCTIFICATION …” (1 Thessalonians 4:3 NASB). “…God (the Holy Spirit) ... Himself SANCTIFY you entirely…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB). “...You [Lydia, the righteous, etc.]... were washed (cleansed from sin), you were sanctified (made holy), you were justified (made right with God again) [through Jesus, the Word and the indwelling Holy] Spirit of our God...” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NIV).

Every way in which past intimate attachments have hurt you, restricted you, wounded you, or caused you to struggle, God will heal every one of them to the last drip drop and will restore you to emotional health.

In fact, IT IS ALREADY DONE! God has already healed you through Jesus and wants you, his children, to give HIM every hurtful experience. God has already absorbed it, for you, through his son, Jesus. Jesus took upon himself EVERYTHING, you’re facing, as if it happened to him, so YOU can walk in FREEDOM. Jesus said, “….Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, YE HAVE DONE IT TO ME.” (Matthew 25:40 KJV).

When you do that by faith (trust in and depend upon the truth), then the painful intimate experiences, from the past, becomes his and no longer yours. “...For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places...” (Ephesians 6:12 NLT).

“...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper…This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV).

He will right every wrong done to you. That’s why the bible says, “...Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (repay)," saith the Lord...” (Romans 12:19 ASV).

“…all things work together for good to them that love God…”(ROMANS 8:28 KJV.

God is protective of ALL his children, even you, letting no one “…do them wrong...” and says “….touch not mine anointed (his holy children who are set apart for his service) and do…[them] no harm.” (Psalm 105:14-15 KJV).

Another example of God taking your hurtful experiences and absorbing them for you is Paul on the road to Damascus. If you have ever read the biblical story you know Paul was killing and persecuting God’s disciples and Jesus took it personally, as if Paul was doing it to him.

“And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou ME? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man...” (Acts 9:1-7 KJV).

God is your ETERNAL Caregiver. Jesus opened the WAY to have an intimate attachment to God, the Holy Spirit. Because of that intimate attachment, God’s children are ALL New Creations in Christ Jesus. They are FREE to live a VICTORIOUS life, overwhelmingly, in all things!

 

GOD IS GOOD, FOR ONE REASON: HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER!

GOD IS GOD. FOR ONE REASON:

HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER!!

““…The Lord is ...of great mercy…” (Number 14:18 KJV). “…The LordGod, [IS] merciful …” (Exodus 34:6 KJV).

“…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

“…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).  

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God, the Holy Spirit is a MERCIFUL God, which means HE withholds FAIR and JUST punishment from mankind for their many transgressions against HIM. “…The Lord God, [IS] merciful …” (Exodus 34:6 KJV).

“…Who isa God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

There are several verses in the bible that express and demonstrate God’s MERCY toward mankind.

Those who trust in and depend upon God’s MERCY will not and do not RECEIVE the PUNISHMENT they deserve, are worthy of and have earned.

King DAVID asked God for MERCY.  “...Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me...Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit...Deliver me from bloodguiltiness...” (Psalms 51 KJV).

King David KNEW God, the Holy Spirit, would have MERCY on him and asked boldly. “...Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me...Deliver me from bloodguiltiness...” (Psalms 51 KJV).

“…Who isa God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

God’s unconditional love not only extends GRACE, but MERCY to his OFFENDERS, but he also forgives, heals, and cleanses them form ALL unrighteousness. “...because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

Life can lead mankind to become wretched, guilty, and depraved sinners SEPARATED from God, the Holy Spirit, with NO possible way BACK to HIM.

PRAISE be to God, the Holy Spirit, and his MERCY that COMES to help. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).

God’s GRACE gives mankind what they DON’T deserve and God’s MERCY keeps them from RECEIVING what they DO deserve.

SALVATION is an expression of unconditional LOVE as well as both GRACE and MERCY. . “…God so loved the world that HE GAVE his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). God “…spared not his own Son, but delivered him up (GRACE) for us all….?”(Romans 8:32 KJV).  “...[Jesus]... said, It is finished…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “… I lay down my life... [FOR YOU] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).  Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (MERCY)...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “...

Herein is [unconditional] ...  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). “…There is no greater love …” (John 15:13 NLT).

MERCY withholds FAIR and EQUITABLE punishment from mankind. “…[because God’s] ...Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

In the story of the Ungrateful Servant, God’s mercy withheld the punishment of selling off his wife, children, and property. God is“... RICH IN MERCY…”(Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). (Isaiah 63:9 NASB). “...[Thankfully]... it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it...” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT).

Read the parable again and see God’s GRACE and MERCY expressed and demonstrated. “…The Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.

“But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.

But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.

“His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full. “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened.

Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.

“That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart…” (Matthew 18:23-35 NLT).

Though the “ungrateful servant” had received MERCY, he was NOT generous in GIVING mercy to other. “…DO NOT repay evil with evil or insult with insult…” (1 Peter 3:9 NIV).

 “..his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. “BUT when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.  “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full…” (Matthew 18:23-35 NLT).

God’s word informs his people how to respond to opportunities to show MERCY to others.  “...Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance (justice, not revenge) belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (repay)," saith the Lord…” (Romans 12:19 ASV).

Some of God’s own people DO NOT practice MERCY. “…Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness …they have no understanding, no fidelity, NO LOVE, NO MERCY. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.…” (Romans 1:32 NASB).

What does the bible say about the UNMERCIFUL? “...‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ …” (Matthew 18:23-35 NLT).

The MERCILESS are people who intentionally aim to punish or get revenge on another person, because they did something to them and they want to get them back. “…DO NOT repay evil with evil or insult with insult…” (1 Peter 3:9 NIV). “Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (repay)," saith the Lord…” (Romans 12:19 ASV). “…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

God is immutably MERCIFUL to even the worst offenders, the worst sinners, and the worst rebels. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, itis not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, It is not easily angered, It keeps no record of wrongs. Lovedoes not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, Love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

“…He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust…” (Matthew 5:45 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, KNOWS the evil and unjust are guilty of offending and sinning against him in MANY ways. YET, “…[God, the Holy Spirit’s]...mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB). “…[God]…WILL HEAL their apostasy, [and]…love them freely…” (Hosea 14:4 KJV).  “...Fortunate for the undeserving, “...HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, SAYS: “..Come boldly unto the throne of GRACE ...[and]...obtain mercy…”(Hebrews 4:16 KJV). God is“... RICH IN MERCY…”(Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV).

“...Herein is [merciful]…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). “...For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God[‘s merciful Love] ...”(EPHESIANS 2:8-9 KJV).

God redeemed mankind BACK into a right relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. . “…Christ …. died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, SO THAT HE MIGHT BRING US [BACK]…TO GOD…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

Everybody or “…ALL have sinned (including you and everyone else you KNOW has) ...fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23).

MERCILESS people FAIL to realize the very punishment they seek to inflict on someone else is DUE them.

MERCILESS people, who have been SAVED by GRACE, have forgotten that they, themselves, have sinned against the HOLY God who SHOWED them MERCY. King David said to God, “…Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just…” (Psalms 51:4 NLT).

“…against thee, thee only, have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight, that thou mightiest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest…” (Psalms 51:4 KJV).

It is GOOD to know, without a doubt, that God “IS” “... rich in mercy… [because of]... his great love…even when [you] were dead in sins, had quickened [you] together with Christ (by grace are ye saved)…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son...the just for the unjust...that whosoever believeth in him should not perish (be punished)…” (John 3:16 KJV & 1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

NOT “ONE” human being, without Jesus, can meet God’s standards of righteousness or holiness, That’s why God CAME to mankind with HIS free GIFT of Salvation in Jesus Christ, which are expressions and demonstrations of GRACE and MERCY. “...For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God[‘s merciful Love] ...”(EPHESIANS 2:8-9 KJV).

NO human being upon earth deserves salvation, or earns it, nor are they worthy of it. “...he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy....” (Titus 3:5 NIV). “…[In HIS] ... love and in His mercyHe redeemed [mankind]…” (Isaiah 63:9 NASB).  “…Christ died for [mankind’s] sins according to the scriptures;  And …he was buried, and … rose again the third day according to the scriptures...” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).

God, being “... RICH IN MERCY… [because of]... his great love…had quickened [mankind] together with Christ(by grace and mercy are ye saved)…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV).

“…O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God…” (Micah 6:8 NLT).

“…He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV). “...because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…”(Micah 7:18 KJV

God’s mercy is generously offered to sinners and his people. He has told and shown, his people, in particular, what is good through his OWN expression and demonstration of GRACE and MERCY toward them. “…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…”(Micah 7:18 KJV).

“…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “…it is God who works in [his people]... to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

Being MERCILESS toward others is NOT becoming of a child of God and does NOT offer HIM glory. “…Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that sets us free. For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time...” (JAMES 2:12-13 MSG). “…Mercy triumphsover judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

It doesn’t matter what someone has done to you, or how long they’ve done it, or how horrible it was, or how deserving they may be of punishment; it is NOT for God’s people to avenge or get revenge for themselves.  “…DO NOT repay evil with evil or insult with insult…” (1 Peter 3:9 NIV). “...Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (repay)," saith the Lord…” (Romans 12:19 ASV).

God “...delights in MERCY" whether than punishment (Micah 7:18). “..O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is GOOD; for his mercy endureth for ever...” (1 Chronicles 16:34 KJV).

“...It came …to pass, as … [they] praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever…” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14 KJV). “…The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy…” (Psalms 103:8 KJV).

“…For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him…” (Psalms 103:11 KJV). “…But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlastingupon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children…” (Psalms 103:17 KJV).

God’s MERCY is full of compassion and empathy toward his people. “...For [God’s people]... do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with [their]... weaknesses, but [they]... have one who has been tempted in every way, just as [they]... are--yet he (Jesus) did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit’s, expression and demonstration of MERCY reveals HIS HOLY unconditional love toward mankind. “...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).

God, the Holy Spirit through Jesus, put on human flesh just to BECOME our understanding, MERCIFUL and faithful SAVIOR!  “...Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people…” (Hebrew 2:17 NLT).

“...We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “…[God]...delighteth in mercy…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

“…A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  …” (John 13:34-35 KJV). “...By this shall all menknow that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another…” (John 13:34-35 KJV).   

And it “…prove(s) [to you]…what [is in your own]…heart, whether [you]…wouldest keep his commandments, or no...” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV). “….the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7 ASV). “...[God] knoweth the way that I take; when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold…” (Job 23:10 KJV).

“…In this world we are like Jesus (forgiving and full of merciful love)…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “…it is God who works in you to willand to act (keep NO record of wrongs) in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “… [YOU]… can do all things THROUGH CHRIST which strengtheneth… [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

“…In this world [god’s people]... are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “...Be … imitators of [Jesus]…”(Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ (merciful)…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).God who “…delighteth in mercy…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

God’s requires his people to be merciful. “…O people, the Lordhas told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God…” (Micah 6:8 NLT).  “…He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lordrequire of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV).  

To show MERCY is costly. It will cost you your PRIDE, but it will also humble you through obedience. “...Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he (she) must deny himself (herself), and take up his (her) cross and follow Me...” (Matthew 16:24 NASB). “...humble yourselves under the mighty power of God...” (1 Peter 5:6).

WHATEVER and EVERYTHING you give up or gave up to follow in obedience to God – God, the Holy Spirit, will give it back to you multiplied. “…‘We’ve given up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). And Jesus said, “…I assure you that everyonewho has given up...[ANYTHING or WHATEVER]... for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times...[ANYTHINGs and WHATEVERs]...– along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

You don’t have to like God’s merciful attribute that is governed by his unconditional love for mankind or understand it, but you do have to respect that MERCY is his delightful will. “… delighteth in mercy…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “...Are [Job and his friends]… saying, then, that God was unfair? Of course [he’s]…not! For God said to Moses, “I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.” So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it...” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT).

It gives God, the Holy Spirit, pleasure or great delight to show MERCY, to human beings, no matter how undeserving. “…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

Showing and demonstrating GRACE and MERCY to the underserving may be one of the hardest characteristics of Jesus to imitate. “…In this world [god’s people]... are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “...Be … imitators of [Jesus]…”(Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV).

God’s people CANNOT do it (show true mercy) without, the empowerment, of the indwelling Christ. “….apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).“...is there anything too hard for [God, the Holy Spirit]?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “...I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me...” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

“…For it is God who works in [his people]… to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…this is what [God, the Holy Spirit]... requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God…” (Micah 6:8 NLT).  

AGAIN, God “… delighteth in mercy…” (Micah 7:18 KJV); simply because God is“... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). “…The Lord is ...of great mercy…” (Number 14:18 KJV). “…The Lord God, [IS] merciful …” (Exodus 34:6 KJV).

So God’s unconditional, merciful “love …always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, [God’s]…love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

God is MERCY. God, the Holy Spirit of MERCIFUL LOVE continually offers his SALVATION and gifts FREELY to EVERYONE who chooses to receive them, even the WORST, unrepentant sinners. ”…  ye [are]…saved through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).  “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…God has given us different GIFTS for doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT). “…every man hath his proper GIFTof God...” (2 Corinthians 7:7 KJV). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT(S)…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV). “…his divine power hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

MERCY is a hard thing to elicit from most human beings after some offenses, but NEVER from God. God’s MERCYis immutable and is always GOVERNED by his HOLY unconditional, LOVE.  “… [God, the Holy Spirit]...delighteth in mercy…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

When human mercy is nowhere to be found God’s MERCY is there for you FOREVER!! “..O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old…” (PSALM 25:6 KJV).

God is the SOURCE of immutable MERCY. “...[God’s] …Holy Spirit [of MERCIFUL LOVE] …is the SOURCE [of  it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. THEY ARE NEW EVERY MORNING….” (LAMENTATIONS 3:22-23).

“…O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is GOOD; for his mercy endureth for ever” (1 Chronicles…” 16:34 KJV). God said he nor his MERCY will “…[ever] ... leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).  

HOW ARE YOU A WITNESS FOR THE LORD?

A WITNESS FOR THE LORD

“..I am (the WORD is) in the Father, and the Father(God, the HOLY SPIRIT is) in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

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You are an EARTHEN VESSEL or physical body and you have the INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT within you. The bible says the INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT is liken unto a TREASURE. “ …[you]…have this treasure in [your]…earthen vessel (body)...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

 God, the HOLY SPIRIT “DOES” - whatever God, the WORD SPEAKS – without FAIL; “EVERY” single time!! “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…these three  (god’s thoughts, word, actions) agree in (within) one (one god)…” (1 John 5:8 KJV).  

It is through AGREEMENT that God’s confirming WORD come TOGETHER with His ACTIONS to POWERFULLY CREATE “ALL THINGS!” “…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 BIBLE ASSURES US THAT “… [God’s] WORD (spoken or unspoken) … SHALL ACCOMPLISH (through the confirming ACTIONS of the Holy Spirit) that which [GOD] please[s], and it SHALL PROSPER (through the confirming ACTIONS of the Holy Spirit) in the thing whereto [God] sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). God says, I “…am WATCHING over my word (spoken or unspoken) to PERFORM it (through the confirming ACTIONS of the Holy Spirit)…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB).

IN Ezekiel 37 it is EASY to SEE how GOD’S confirming WORD, when SPOKEN, through the mouthpiece of an earthen vessel, ACTIVATES the POWERFUL WORK or ACTIONS of the HOLY SPIRIT. “…Prophesy (BE the MOUTHPIECE), [Ezekiel SPEAKS God’s WORD]… and say to [THE DRY BONES]. This is what the Sovereign Lord says…”  (Ezekiel 37 NIV). REPEAT what God SAID.

It doesn’t matter the MOUTHPIECE that is USED to SPEAK God’s confirming WORD. The power inherent in God’s WORD is ACTIVATED whenever IT is SPOKEN.

Further, Whoever - by faith or by depending upon god - SPEAKS the confirming Word of God ACTIVATES the POWERFUL works or actions of the HOLY SPIRIT.

This is the confirming WORD of God that Ezekiel, the mouthpiece, was inspired to SPEAK.  “…‘My people …I will PUT my SPIRIT in you and you will LIVE …Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord...’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

“…As [Ezekiel, the mouthpiece]… was prophesying (SPEAKING GOD’S  confirming WORD), there was a noise (The Holy Spirit started DOING the WORK), a rattling sound, and THE BONES CAME TOGETHER, BONE TO BONE. [Ezekiel, the mouthpiece]… LOOKED, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them … [then]… BREATH ENTERED THEM; they came to LIFE and STOOD UP on their feet—a vast army… I HAVE DONE IT, declares the Lord (the word of god)…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

“…I HAVE DONE IT, declares the Lord (the word of god)…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). “…the Father (God, the Holy Spirit) that dwelleth in me (the WORD), he doeth the works (the Holy Spirit doeth the works or displays God’s power) …” (John 14:10 KJV).

The FATHER’s WORD “is” POWER. “…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father (GOD), the Word (JESUS), and the Holy Ghost (POWER): and THESE THREE ARE ONE.…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV).

The POWER of GOD’s WORD … is “CLEARLY SEEN in EZEKIEL chapter 37.”  “…Since the creation of the world God’s …[POWER]… have been CLEARLY SEEN, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE…” (Romans 1:20 NIV). “… [THE BONES] …came to LIFE…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). “ … BREATH ENTERED THEM; they … STOOD UP on their feet—a vast army... I HAVE DONE IT, declares the Lord (the word of god)…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

 AGAIN, “…  THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s command (his WORD) … what we now SEE (ALL THINGS) did not come from anything that can be SEEN (the confirmingWORK of the Holy Spirit)…” (Hebrews 11:3 NLT). “…BY THE WORD of the Lord (his spoken word) the heavens were made (by the confirming WORK of the Holy Spirit), And by the breath of His mouth all their host…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

Earthen vessels, who SPEAK God’s WORD over their situations and circumstances in life depend upon the HOLY SPIRIT to “DO” the confirming WORKS that will change or transform those situations or circumstances, ACCORDING to the WORD OF GOD. “…God anointed (set apart) Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power (God, the Holy Spirit and God, the WORD),and …he went around doing good and healing all ….because God (the father, the word, & the holy spirit) was with him…” (Acts 10:38 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me (in JESUS, the WORD), he doeth the works (the holy spirit does the confirming works) …” (John 14:10 KJV).

THE “WORD of God” spoken through the mouthpiece of earthen vessels, activate THE confirming WORKS of the HOLY SPIRIT! “… [The] Good Newsabout Christ (THE WORD of GOD)… “It is” the power of God at work, saving (PERFORMING his confirming WORKS UPON) everyone who believes (WHO DEPENDS UPON HIS WORD)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT).

God anoints (sets apart) earthen vessels “through” the indwelling Holy Spirit and with POWER too. The Holy Spirit and POWER are ONE and the SAME. “…Stephen, a man full of God’s  grace and POWER (the indwelling Holy Spirit), performed great wonders and signs among the people…” (Acts 6:8 NIV).  “…God did extraordinary MIRACLES (by the indwelling Holy Spirit) through Paul…” (Acts 19:11 NIV). “…I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and MIRACLES (by the WORK of the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (2 Corinthians 12:12 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me (or in his people), he doeth (the Holy Spirit doeth) the [confirming] works [“in” and “through” them]…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…Now God GIVES US many kinds of special abilities, but it is the same HOLY SPIRIT who is the SOURCE of them all.…it is the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT (that indwells within God’s people) DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of [them] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).

God’s Holy Spirit, which ALWAYS responds to God’s WORD, dwells within his people.“…Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me (the word of god). You always hear me (the word of god), but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me (YOUR WORD)...” (John 11:41-42 NLT). “…That great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work “IN US” what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ (THE WORD with inherent POWER that activates THE CONFIRMING WORKS of the HOLY SPIRIT)…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…It is God which worketh IN YOU (THROUGH his indwelling POWER) both to will and to do of his good pleasure…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [YOU], he doeth the works (the holy spirit doeth the CONFIRMING works)…” (John 14:10 KJV).

The WORD of GOD is SPIRIT. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…God is not human “…God is Spirit …Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV & John 4:24 KJV). “…Not one of all the LORD's good promises … failed; every one was fulfilled” (Joshua 21:45 NIV). “…My counsel (MY WORD)… SHALL stand, and I will do all my pleasure…” (Isaiah 46:10 KJV).

The MOST challenging part of being a MOUTHPIECE for speaking God’s WORD is being certain of what the Word of God is and is that WORD actually God’s Word.

IS THE BIBLE THE “WORD OF GOD?” JESUS is 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). The WORD of God is SPIRIT. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT …” (John 6:63 KJV).

Thus, Jesus (THE WORD) is also SPIRIT. “…The Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).

 God is Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).

Jesus (the word) is SPIRIT. “…The Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).

God is Spirit and Jesus, the Word is Spirit. “… I and my Father are ONE…” (John 10:30 KJV).

The human words, translations, or versions are “not” the SPIRIT. The Word of God is “NOT” human. . “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…”(John 6:63 KJV). “…God is not human “…God is Spirit …Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV & John 4:24 KJV).

Like a HUMAN VESSEL is a MOUTHPIECE, so is the BIBLE also for the WORD OF GOD (like a mouthpiece); whatever translation, version, or language.  A mouthpiece SPEAKS at the command of the WORD of God. “…I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me (sent the WORD), he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak…” (John 12:49 KJV).

The accuracy or power of God’s Word is NOT based on or limited by human translations, versions, mouthpieces, or languages. Accuracy and power is based on the WORD OF GOD’S inherent SPIRIT. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…”(John 6:63 KJV).

The reason the human translations, versions, and languages are questioned because most people rely upon humanity or human facts to give validity to God’s WORD. However, “…THE WORDS THAT I (Jesus, the WORD of GOD) SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV).

Human facts are limited to human intellect. Human facts are based on human wisdom gleamed from the natural world. Nonetheless, “…God is not human “…God is Spirit …Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV & John 4:24 KJV).

There are a host of FACTS regarding God’s WORD such as the hundreds of future prophecies the bible predicted and were fulfilled. No other religious book has ever detailed these kinds of prophetic facts.

Also it’s verifiable record of different events give credibility to the past like any other historical document. Archaeological findings have provided biblical history with evidence that proves its various recorded accounts.

Further, there are a host of FACTS that verify the unity of the 66 books of the bible, written by different mouthpieces, on different continents, who spoke different languages, from different cultures, and over a period of 1500 years. The FACT of its MIRACULOUS UNITY gives validity to its UNIQUE TRUTHS.

In addition, the FACT of its POWER to SAVE and TRANSFORM lives gives even more validity to its AUTHORITY over any other book ever written. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV).

 GOD used HUMAN VESSELS, throughout biblical history, as MOUTHPIECES to SPEAK his WORD and RECORD his WORD. “…All scripture (The WORD of God) is given by inspiration of God…” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV). “…The prophecy (WORD OF GOD) came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God SPAKE as they were… MOVED BY THE HOLY [SPIRIT]…” (2 Peter 1:21 KJV).

The WORD of GOD is PROOF that God actively works “IN” and “THROUGH” human MOUTHPIECES to speak and display his POWER. “...There are many ways in which God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work in and through all of us who are his… … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “……the [HOLY] SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…It is God which worketh IN YOU both to will and to do of his good pleasure…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “…That great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work “IN US” what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father … doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

God PICKS and CHOOSES mouthpieces who are WILLING to SPEAK his WORD as he INSPIRES them to DO so. “…I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak…” (John 12:49 KJV). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…”(John 6:63 KJV).

Human vessels, who were mouthpieces for the New Testament, were also used by God to SPEAK and RECORD his WORD.

SOME of those MOUTHPIECES SAW the WORD in ACTION first-hand and they SPENT time with Jesus, the WORD of God, personally. “…Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were EYEWITNESSES and servants of the Word…” (Luke 1:1-2 NLT). “….Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were EYEWITNESSES, and ministers of the Word…” (Luke 1:1-2 KJV).  “…For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were EYEWITNESSES of his majesty….” (2 Peter 1:16 NLT). “…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).

MOUTHPIECES were human vessels who SPOKE God’s WORD as they were INSPIRED or MOVED by the POWER of the Holy Spirit. “…For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God SPAKE as they were MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST…” (2 Peter 1:21 KJV).

These MOUTHPIECES did not speak from the origin of their own human minds or hearts, but were INSPIRED or MOVED by the Holy Spirit. “..Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, WHICH THE HOLY GHOST BY THE MOUTH OF DAVID SPAKE before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus…” (Acts 1:16 KJV).  “…But those things, WHICH GOD BEFORE HAD SHEWED BY THE MOUTH OF ALL HIS PROPHETS, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled…” (Acts 3:18 KJV).

They “…SPAKE as they were MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST…” (2 Peter 1:21 KJV). “Moved” implies they were EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit as a ship is MOVED along by the wind. “…We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God SPAKE as they were moved by the Holy Ghost…” (2 Peter 1:19-21 KJV).

Holy men, who were MOUTHPIECES, spoke as they were moved by God, the Holy Spirit. They WERE  his  willing human vessels. “…Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled WHICH WAS SPOKEN OF THE LORD “BY” THE PROPHET, saying…” (Matthew 1:22 KJV). “…And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled WHICH WAS SPOKEN OF THE LORD “BY” THE PROPHET, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son…” (Matthew 2:15 KJV).

“..Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, WHICH THE HOLY GHOST BY THE MOUTH OF DAVID SPAKEbefore concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus…” (Acts 1:16 KJV).  “…But those things, WHICH GOD BEFORE HAD SHEWED BY THE MOUTH OF ALL HIS PROPHETS,that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled…” (Acts 3:18 KJV).

“…And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied,and did not cease.…” (Numbers 11:25 KJV). “And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man…” (1 Samuel 10:6 KJV).  “….And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesiedamong them…” (1 Samuel 10:10 KJV). “…And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied….” (1 Samuel 19:20 KJV). “…And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah…” (1 Samuel 19:23 KJV).“…Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak…” (Jeremiah 1:6-8 KJV).

These prophets and mouthpieces spoke God’s WORD strictly under the POWER of the Holy Spirit. God has the power to SPEAK through human vessels and SUSTAIN the SPIRIT of his HOLY Words!! “…In him (Jesus, the Word) ALL THINGS  (including the SPIRIT and POWER of his WORD)…hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV). “… [God is]…sustaining ALL THINGS … by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “….Apart from Me (Jesus, God’s WORD), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

The SPIRITUAL WORDS can NOT be reduced to simply a book of pages, or a particular language, or a specific translation, nor are they a reflection of the HUMAN mouthpieces that delivers them, yet MIRACULOUSLY they SUSTAIN their inherent SPIRIT, POWER, and AUTHORITY.

The sustained, HOLY, inspired WORD of God has endured, in spite of flawed and corrupt humanity, for centuries. The WORD of God is the power of God unto salvation.

The hard copy of the bible, itself, can be destroyed, buried, burned, and hidden, but the inherent POWER, SPIRIT, and AUTHORITY of its spoken message cannot be stopped, reduced, or contained.

From the 1st century until this present day the POWERFUL message of God is still saving and transforming lives. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV).

 “…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).

There are many versions and translations of the bible. People question its authenticity, reliability, and wonder if it can be trusted. I say “Yes it can.”

Even though much of the original texts are lost, they were copied by dedicated people of God to the highest possible degree of accuracy for human vessels. Nonetheless, God’s Word is SPIRIT and the inherent POWER and AUTHORITY of its message is indestructible!  

Further, “the Almighty God” is SO powerful - that in spite of flawed humanity and the destructive enemies of the WORD - GOD, ALONE, can continue to sustain the gospel message; transmitting it throughout the generations. “…The Son is ….sustaining all things by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “…Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words SHALL NOT pass away…” (Matthew 24:35 KJV).

People are still being saved, experiencing miracles, and being transformed. The bible, itself, has been attacked, burned, denied, discredited, buried, hidden, debated, destroyed, and crucified more than any other book in recorded history, yet it is still the most published book to this day. “…my words SHALL NOT pass away…” (Matthew 24:35 KJV).

JEHOVAH-NISSI; GOD BANNER OVER, HIS PEOPLE, IS LOVE

 JEHOVAH-NISSI

                                                          THE BANNER OVER GOD'S PEOPLE IS LOVE

                                       

“... they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den ...” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV). “… the most mighty men ...[bound]... Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and ...cast them into the burning fiery furnace…” (DANIEL 3). “...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 ...they are dead...” (Job 1:13-20 NIV). “...he proceeded to seize Peter also ...[and]... Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV). “...they smote him with their hands… they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. y…” (John 19:1-16 KJV). “...And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD...” (Job 1:12 KJV),

 

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There is no GREATER struggle, for a child of God, than to maintain that God is a God of JUSTICE, than when they FEEL or have real-life experiences as VICTIMS of evils, unfairnesses, or injustices.

A VICTIM is someone who SUFFERS from or is HARMED by events or actions that are violent, destructive, injurious, heart-breaking, and life changing.

These events and actions are OUT of the person’s control, have disrupted normal life, and have turned the victim’s life UPSIDE down.

These events or actions also have caused GREAT hurt and have changed the course of the victim’s life.  These events or actions that hurt and change the course of people’s life can also IMPACT normal life, in a MAJOR way, spiritually, physically, emotionally, financially, and mentally.

Hurtful and life-changing events and actions can cause a DIASPORA for some victims, which drastically changed the direction and location of their lives forever.

God’s children go through these experiences too where, they face terrible deaths of family and friends, unfair treatments, divorce, unexpected sicknesses or disease, evil people, stock market crashes, lost jobs, injustices, hunger, sudden tragedies, fiery furnaces, lion dens, prison, etc.

ARE GOD’S CHILDREN “simply” VICTIMS LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE? “…But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo ... we (including Apostle Paul) gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … ” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).

“... they brought Daniel (God’s prophet) and threw him into the lions’ den ...” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV).

“… the most mighty men ...[bound]... Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego [God’s servants], and ...cast them into the burning fiery furnace…” (DANIEL 3).

“...the Sabeans attacked and made off with them (job’s stuff)...“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 (job’s) were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house ...they are dead...” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).

... they stript Joseph [who was called of God]... out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it … Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph (AS A SLAVE) to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt... [Later]...Potiphar’s wife ... began to look at him lustfully. “Come and sleep with me,” she demanded. But Joseph refused ...Potiphar was furious when he heard his wife’s story [which was “not” true]... about how Joseph had treated her. So he took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king’s prisoners were held, and there he remained (A PRISONER)...” (Genesis 39 NIV).

“...he proceeded to seize Peter (one of God’s righteous servants) also ...[and]... Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV).

“...Then Pilate therefore took Jesus [God’s only begotten SON], and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands… they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them...Away with him, away with him, crucify him...And they took Jesus, and led him away…” (John 19:1-16 KJV).

Every one of these LIVES were seriously disturbed by a variety of events and actions and nothing was NORMAL anymore. It is INSIDE these moments and experiences that God’s children WONDER or QUESTION God as a God of JUSTICE and LOVE. HOW or WHY does God, the Holy Spirit, ALLOW his “own” children to EXPERIENCE these HORRIBLE things?

“…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). Apostle Paul, the centurion, the staff, and the prisoners literally experienced the hurricane.

The ship was caught up in the storm, driven by the wind, and NO BODY could control, secure, or stabilize the boat. The victims, including Apostle Paul, on the boat, experienced days of darkness where they DID NOT see, with their natural eyes, the sun or stars for days and went without food. It must have been scary and frightening. They thought they were DOOMED.

One of the reasons God may have allowed the men to go through this is to demonstrate the importance of listening to and keeping God’s commandments. “...Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice [from God, the Holy Spirit]...not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss...” (Acts 27:21 NIV).

“...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).“…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).

Daniel was devoted to God and EVIL PEOPLE were jealous of him and plotted EVIL, UNFAIRNESS, and INJUSTICE against him.“...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).

“...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).

“... [Daniel]... went into his house  ...he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime....” (Daniel 6:10-16 KJV). “...they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den ...” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV).

One of the reasons God may have allowed Daniel to go through this was to demonstrate that even though his children FACE unfairness and injustices, his FAVOR will shield them. “...In the world ye shall have tribulation...” (John 16:33 KJV). “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows..." (John 16:44 NLT). “…You  (God, the Holy Spirit) surround [your children] WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).

“…God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…Behold, I am with… [you] and will keep… [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you]…." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “…No weapon that is formed against [YOU]… shall prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV).

 “…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 God of Daniel ... is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom ...which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions....” (Daniel 6:16:20 KJV). God “…. delivered [DANIEL] ... out of all [his] ... trouble…” (Psalms 54:7 KJV).

Then, “… the most mighty men ...[bound]... Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and ...cast them into the burning fiery furnace…” (DANIEL 3). The Hebrew Boys had STOOD upon God’s WORD and yet God allowed them to literally be THROWN into the fiery furnace. How SCARY was that?

God’s Word GOVERNED the Hebrew Boys behavior. “...Thou shalt have no other gods before me...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV). “...Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV).

The HEBREW BOYS were threatened. “...if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?...” (Daniel 3:13-19 KJV).

“...Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up...” (Daniel 3:13-19 KJV).

One of the reasons God may have allowed the Hebrew Boys to go through this was to demonstrate that even though his children FACE unfairness and injustices, they are to choose to KEEP his commandments. The Hebrew Boys kept his commandment and continued to trust and depend upon him no matter what happened to them. However, God, the Holy Spirit, was WITH THEM, kept them SAFE, and DELIVERED them.“... DID NOT WE CAST THREE MEN BOUND INTO THE MIDST OF THE FIRE? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, LO, I SEE FOUR MEN LOOSE, WALKING IN THE MIDST OF THE FIRE, AND THEY HAVE NO HURT; AND THE FORM OF THE FOURTH IS LIKE THE SON OF GOD ... Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego ... upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him ...there is no other God that can deliver after this sort…”(DANIEL 3).

“… THE LORD … is Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer...” (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…I the LORD amthy Saviour...” (Isaiah 60:16 KJV).

Next there was JOB. “...the Sabeans attacked and made off with them (job’s stuff)...“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 ...they are dead...” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).

One of the reasons God may have allowed JOB to go through this was to demonstrate that NO MATTER how spiritually mature his children THINK they are, they STILL need to continue to GROW and DEVELOP spiritually. “..Then Job replied...“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you (he grew more respectful of God’s sovereignty)...” (Job 42:1, 6 NLT).“...now I have seen you with my own eyes (he grew in revelation knowledge)....” (Job 42:1,6 NLT). “...I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance (he grew in humility)...” (Job 42:1,6 NLT).“… grow in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ… Amen...” (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV).

It is clear, in the book of Job, that Satan cannot do anything to God’s children, without permission from God, the Holy Spirit. “..And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord” (Job 1:12 KJV). “..And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life...” (Job 2:9 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, PROTECTED Job’s LIFE and did NOT let Satan “…do [his life]... wrong...” God has said: “….touch not mine anointed (his righteous children who are set apart for his service) and do…[them] no harm...” (Psalm 105:14-15 KJV).

Yet, “...The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD...” (Job 1:12 NIV). “...All right, you may test him,” the LORD said to Satan. “Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him ...” So Satan left the LORD’s presence....” (Job 1:12 NLT). “...Then the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not reach out and put your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the LORD...” (Job 1:12 NASB).  “...And Jehovah said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thy hand. So Satan went  forth from the presence of Jehovah...” (Job 1:12 ASV).

The bible says: “…a man's (woman’s) life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he (she) possesseth…” (Luke 12:15 KJV).When Job’s earthly wealth, prosperity, family, physical well-being, and possessions were gone, the devil thought Job would SURELY stop SERVING God, the Holy Spirit.

“...And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life...” (Job 2:9 KJV). Life is often interchanged, in the study of the scriptures, for SOUL. “…What shall it profit a man (woman), if he (she) shall gain the whole world, and lose his (her) own soul (LIFE)?...” (Mark 8:36 KJV).

Satan tried to PROVE that Job, like so many of God’s children, today, ONLY serve HIM for the BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS and GIFTS. “...Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” (Job 1:7-12 NIV). 

Job OPENLY expressed his opinion about his personal “trials and tribulations”. “…Shall we (God’s children) accept good from God, and not trouble?...” (Job 2:10 NIV). No MATTER what is LOST or GAINED, God’s children continue to LOVE and TRUST him. “…[They are to]...love the Lord [their] ...God with all [their] ...heart and with all [their]... soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…” (Luke 10:27 KJV).

 “…a man's (woman’s) life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he (she) possesseth…” (Luke 12:15 KJV). “…Anyone who wants to be [God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus’]... follower must love [him] far morethan he (she) does his (her) own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters—yes, more than his (her) own life—otherwise he (she) cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26 NLT). “.. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever...” (1 John 2:16-17 NLT).

“... I desire you more than anything on earth...” (Psalm 73:23-26 NLT). “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [my]… Lord...” (Philippians 3:8 NLT). “...I ...belong to you; you hold my right hand.You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever...” (Psalm 73:23-26 NLT).  “...Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.  My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV).  “... I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you...” (Psalm 16:2 NLT).

For a SHORT time, especially compared to ETERNITY, God’s people may experience “trials, tribulations, and testing,” but can REMAIN peaceful, calm, and dependent upon God, the Holy Spirit. “…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).

“… I can do (be CONTENT in the midst of) all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “… The Lord is my shepherd; I SHALL not want. … …”(Psalms 23 KJV). “…All things [are NOT good, but they]... work together for GOOD to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV). “….all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come…” (Job 14:14 KJV).

“…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [his children’s need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “[God] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (2 Corinthians 12 NLT).

“...Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?...” (Matthew 16:25-26 MSG). “...For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?...”(Matthew 16:25-26 NIV).

Satan told God, the Holy Spirit:  “…strike everything [Job]... has, and he will surely curse you to your face?…” (Job 1:7-12 NIV).

Job knew “...  Every good thing...[he had came]... from [God, the Holy Spirit]...” (Psalm 16:2 NLT). Job 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).

Job also said, “...though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). “…Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God…” (Job 1:20-22 NASB).

“...The steps of a good man (woman) are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his (her) way” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “..though he slay me (or it feels like HE’S killing me), yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). Satan “…intended to harm [Job,], but God intended it for ...[Job’s]...good...” Genesis 50:20 NIV).

“…The plans [God has]…for [his children are]… plans to prosper [them] and not to harm [them]...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love does NO HARM to his neighbor …” (Romans 13:10 NASB). “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man (woman), the things which God hath prepared for them that love him...” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV).

Let’s take a look at JOSEPH. “... they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it … Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph (AS A SLAVE) to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt... [Later]...Potiphar’s wife ... began to look at him lustfully. “Come and sleep with me,” she demanded. But Joseph refused ...Potiphar was furious when he heard his wife’s story [which was “not” true]... about how Joseph had treated her. So he took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king’s prisoners were held, and there he remained (A PRISONER)...” (Genesis 39 NIV).

One of the reasons God may have allowed JOSEPH to go through slavery and prison was to demonstrate that DETOURS and DELAYS serve the purpose of discipline and preparation for the CALLING on the lives of God’s children. “…Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren … Now Joseph had a dream … and his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” …” (Genesis 37: 2, 5-14, 41:37-46).

ONE DAY HIS BROTHERS“...sold Joseph (AS A SLAVE) to the Ishmeelites... [and later]...Joseph ...[was thrown]... into the prison where the king’s prisoners were held, and there he remained (A PRISONER for years)...” (Genesis 39 NIV). “….All things [are NOT good, but they]... 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).

 “...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, nottrue sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV). “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV). 

 YEARS later, “...Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. …“ You shall be in chargeof my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.”…So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” … Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt…”(Genesis 41 NIV).

Joseph said to his brothers, who had been unfair and unjust to him: “…ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good…” (Genesis 50:20 KJV). “...Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt” (Genesis 37: 2, 5-14, 41:37-46).

In the New Testament, HEROD “...proceeded to seize Peter also ...[and]... Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV).

One of the reasons God may have allowed PETER to be LOCKED up was to demonstrate HOW the POWER of PRAYER can accomplish a LOT when, his children, trust and depend upon God to ANSWER. “...[At]... the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, ... many people had gathered and were praying. Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door. When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!...” (Acts 12:12-14 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 12:6-11 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).

God, the Holy SpiritSAYS: “….call upon me …and pray unto me and I will [LISTEN] unto you…” (Jeremiah 29:12-13 KJV). “...I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you...” (Hosea 14:5-9 NASB).

WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS PRAY. WATCH OUT FOR POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE CHANGES

THE PRAYER THAT ACCOMPLISHES GOD’S WILL

PART 2

“...Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus...” (Philippians 4:6-7 KJV). “…Pray without ceasing…” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV). “…Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…” (Ephesians 6:18 KJV). “….call upon me …and prayunto me and I will [LISTEN] unto you…” (Jeremiah 29:12-13 KJV). “…If My people which are called by My name shall ... pray ...I WILL HEAL…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). “...I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you....” (Hosea 14:5-9 NASB). “..instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers...”(Philippians 4:6 NLT). “….pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much…” (James 5:16 NASB).     

       *

 

THE “….prayer of a righteous man (woman)…” (James 5:16 NASB). God’s redeemed people are MADE RIGHTEOUS through Jesus and STAY openly honest with God, the Holy Spirit, trusting, depending, cleansed, and maintains a tenacious, ongoing, faithful prayer life.

God, the Holy Spirit’s, people CAN count upon HIM to ANSWER their “EVERY” prayer. They are NEVER to stop praying. “…Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened...” (Matthew 7:7-11 NIV).“…His elect who cry out to Him day and night …He will bring about justice for them quickly....” (Luke 18:1-8 MSG).

Prayer is usually CONSISTENT with FAITH and one’s expectant HOPE.“…Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing…!" (Romans 4:18 NLT). “…you will abound in HOPE by the power of the...[indwelling]...Holy Spirit…” (Romans 15:13 NASB). “…God, the source of HOPE, will fill you completely.... Then you will overflow with confident HOPE through thepower of the [indwelling] ...Holy Spirit…” (Romans 15:13 NLT

The FRUIT of “…FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, and hearing by the word of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV). “...the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives...[faith]…” (Galatians 5 NLT). Therefore, “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…”(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

The WIDOW encourages God’s redeemed people to KEEP, persistently, praying and petitioning, God, the Holy Spirit,because he is a RIGHTEOUS JUDGE who is BEYOND fair to his people.

PRAYER AND FAITH are a TEAM. God’s people not only LIVE by FAITH as a lifestyle, but PRAYER too. “…live by faith, not by sight….” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). “…Pray without ceasing…” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV).

“… [Jesus]... ENTRUSTED himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV). “…Father, into thy handsI commend my spirit…” (Luke 23:46 KJV).  “..the just shall live by his faith...” (Habakkuk 2:4 KJV).“...it is written, The just shall live by faith...” (Romans 10:17 KJV). “...for, The just shall live by faith...” (Galatians 3:11 KJV).  “...Now the just shall live by faith...” (Hebrew 10:38 KJV).

The righteous can totally ENTRUST themselves and their prayers to God, the Holy Spirit. His WORD says no matter what they SEE. live by faith, not by sight….” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). “…Pray without ceasing…” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV).

“… However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find  faith on the earth?...” (Luke 18:1-8 MSG). Will he FIND faithful PRAYERS WARRIORS on the earth when he returns. “...Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus...” (Philippians 4:6-7 KJV). “…Pray without ceasing…” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV). “…Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…” (Ephesians 6:18 KJV). “….call upon me …and prayunto me and I will [LISTEN] unto you…” (Jeremiah 29:12-13 KJV).

“…If My people which are called by My name shall ... pray ...I WILL HEAL…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). “...I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you....” (Hosea 14:5-9 NASB). “..instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers...”(Philippians 4:6 NLT). “….The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much…” (James 5:16 NASB).  

“…live by faith, not by sight….” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).“…Pray without ceasing…” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV). FAITH and PRAYER are never-ending instructions for God’s redeemed people.

FAITH and PRAYER impact the lives of God’s people and the lives of others. ASKING God to HELP and INTERVENE, upon this earth, through prayer, is the WAY God has given his people to communicate with him on ALL manners and concerns.

When God’s RIGHTEOUS people talk to him in prayer and have faith in his ability to HELP and INTERVENE miraculous things HAPPEN, which will not and can not happen otherwise. “….The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much…” (James 5:16 NASB).

The ONLY way to reach God, the Holy Spirit, is through PRAYER.

The ONLY way to HELP the LOST is through prayer to God, the Holy Spirit.

The ONLY way to INTERVENE with the multitude of problems, upon this earth, is through intercessory PRAYER to God, the Holy Spirit.

The ONLY WAY to GLORIFY God, the Holy Spirit, upon earth, is through prayer.

If the righteous ASK “ANYTHING”, in faith, their PRAYER(S) will CHANGE things. “…You can ask for anythingin my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.  Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).

The PRAYER of the righteous to God, the Holy Spirit, means that the situations or circumstances, being petitioned, is about to become something NEW. “…I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland..” (Isaiah 43:19 NLT).

“…Behold, the former things have come to pass, Now I declare new things; Before they sprout I proclaim them to you…” (Isaiah 42:9 NIV). “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us…” (1 John 5:14 KJV).

“…I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.   I will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).

“…So shall MY WORD be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it SHALL NOT return unto me void, but it SHALL ACCOMPLISH that which I please, and it SHALL PROSPER in the thing whereto I sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). God says, I “…am WATCHING over my word to PERFORM it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB

“….The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much…” (James 5:16 NASB).

“…The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective…” (James 5:16 NIV).

“…The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results…” (James 5:16 NLT).

“…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much…” (James 5:16 KJV).

“…The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working…” (James 5:16 ASV).

“…live by faith, not by sight….” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).“…Pray without ceasing…” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV).

FAITH is empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit that produces it. It is a spiritual fruit that is produced by watering the spiritual seed (the Word) with LIVING WATER (Spirit). Spirit begets Spirit.

The spiritual seed is planted within the heart, watered by living water, and produces spiritual fruit. “… God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (Jesus, the seed of his word) into [y]our hearts...” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).  

“…The sower SOWETH THE WORD …The (spiritual) seed (Jesus) is the WORD OF GOD ... THE WORD (OF GOD, the spiritual seed (Jesus))  …was sown in [THE] HEARTS [of God’s people]…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).

 The SEED, when watered by living water, will produce the spiritual fruit of faith.  This “…Faith cometh by HEARING… the word of God (which is also LIVING WATER)…” (Roman 10:17 KJV). “…THE WORDS (of GOD) …. ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his (her) heart.’” …” (John 7:38-39 NLT).

“…(When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him…” (John 7:38-39 NLT).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…THE WORDS (seeds) ... they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “...the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, [FAITH], gentleness, and self-control…” (Galatians 5 NLT).

The seed is Spirit, it is watered by the Spirit, and it produces spiritual fruit by the Spirit. “…that which is born of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV).  

“...This makes it clear that our great power (to be empowered by spiritual faith produced by the Holy Spirit) is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, does the WORK of producing the spiritual fruit of faith withinhis people. “…It shall be done to you according to your [indwelling Spiritual fruit of] faith…" (Matthew 9:29 NASB). “…I will show you MY [indwelling spiritual fruit of] FAITH by my deeds (RESULTS of being empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit)...” (JAMES 2:18 NIV). “...THE STORIES OF FAITH of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. BY FAITH these people (showed results that empowered them to) overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and receivedwhat God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battleand put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death….” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).

 “…Ye shall know [God’s people who are empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit]… by their fruits (such as the spiritual fruit of faith)…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…He (she) who ABIDES in Me (God’s WORD) and I in him (her), he (she) bears much fruit …” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).  “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, FAITH, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

“…the Father … doeth the works (of producing spiritual fruit0…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…God gives [his people]… many kinds of special abilities, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all. ...There are many ways in which God works in [his people’s]… lives, but it is the same God who does the work in and through all of us who are his…It is the same and only Holy Spirit who GIVES all these gifts and powers… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“… [God’s people are instructed to]… live bythe faithof the Son of God (Jesus, his word (seed) that produces the spiritual fruit of faith).   …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…[God’s people] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).  “…Jesus Christ IS IN [them]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…by the GRACE of God [his people are what they are]…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

“…live by faith, not by sight….” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).“…Pray without ceasing…” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV).

In order to “pray without ceasing” God’s people will need the spiritual fruit of faith. PRAYER requires FAITH in order to trust in and depend upon God, the Holy Spirit’s HELP and INTERVENTION. “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT).  “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). “…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).

“...Therefore [God instructs his people to]... put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, [they]… may be able to stand [their] ground, and after [they] have done everything, to stand. Stand firm...” (Ephesians 6:13-14 NIV).

God instructs them to “... Put on all of God’s armor so that [they]… will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil...” (Ephesians 6:11 NLT).

“…HE (the indwelling Holy Spirit) “WILL” KEEP YOU STRONG to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).

“…God assured [his people, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” [they].. can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help...” (Hebrews 13:5 MSG).

“…He said, … Do not be afraid or discouraged ...the Lord is with you!” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

“…No weapon that is formed against [YOU]… shall prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV).

“…the battle is not yours, but God’s. …...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

“…you will not even need to fight...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

“…Take your positions; then stand still..” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

“…watch the Lord’s victory...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

The RIGHTEOUS man or woman is empowered by the spiritual fruit of faith to trust and depend upon God’s HELP and INTERVENTION in their situations and circumstances of life.

. “…[Choose to rely on] the Lord with all thine heart …” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “… [choose “not” to lean] unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “ … [Choose to aknowledge him in all thy ways], and he shall direct thy paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The steps of a good man (woman) are ordered (directed) by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV).

“… the Lord your God, …teaches you what is best for you, [and]…directs you in the way you should go.” (Isaiah 48:17).  “Thus says the Lord that delivered you, the Holy One of Israel; I am your God, I have shown you how you should find the way in which you should walk…” (Isaiah 48:17). “I will instruct you and guide you in the way you should go; I will fix My eyes upon You…” (Psalm 32:8).

“…live by faith, not by sight….” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).“…Pray without ceasing…” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV).

A LIFESTYLE of FAITH and PRAYER is a common, spiritual practice for ALL God’s people. “…And the prayer of faithshall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; …” (James 5:15-16 KJV).

Though FAITH and PRAYER are a common practice it SAVES, UPLIFTS, and opens the opportunity for FORGIVENESS to those being prayed for. It is not just any old prayer. The bible calls it a PRAYER OF FAITH.

ALSO, “…Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed…” (James 5:15-16 KJV). The PRAYER of FAITH can involve confession of sins and healing. This HEALING in “not” limited to physical healing, but includes healing from depression, sadness, heartache, loss, spiritual weakness hopelessness, etc.

The confession of faults is necessary, because it keeps a person HUMBLE and REMINDS them of their NEED to depend upon God

God’s people choose to DEPEND, totally, upon God to LIVE a righteous LIFE. It can not be done by self-effort AT ALL. Self-effort often leads to self-righteousness and self-righteousness often leads to pride.

God OPPOSES the proud, but gives GRACE to the humble.

“…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, …” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord…” (James 4:10 KJV). “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God…” (1 Peter 5:6 KJV). “… [HE that] dwelleth in [YOU], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…That great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work “IN US” what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…It is God which worketh IN YOU both to will and to do of hisgood pleasure…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

“...humble yourselves under the mighty power of God...” (1 Peter 5:6).

Jesus said, “…LEARN from me, for I am gentle and HUMBLE in heart…” (Matthew 11:29 KJV). “…Christ …entrusted himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).

To accomplish the work of FAITH and PRAYER, God’s people choose to be open and vulnerable about their flaws and faults. They don’t have to confess to everyone and they don’t have to confess details. They just need to acknowledge and confess they have some faults.“… Confess your faults one to another, …” (James 5:15-16 KJV).

ALL of God’s people do, even the best and most obedience, because there NONE who NEVER sins and therefore, we ALL need prayer.  “…pray one for another…” (James 5:15-16 KJV).

This aspect of prayer is HEALING, not only for the one being prayed for, but the one who is doing the praying. God set it up this way. YOUR honest confession HEALS someone else. “…that ye may be healed…” (James 5:15-16 KJV).

Maybe when you confess and allowed someone to pray for you, it aids them in praying “fervently”, assisting with the prayer POWERFUL and EFFECTIVE petition to God, the Holy Spirit. “…And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent(enthusiastic, eager, keen, etc.,) prayer of a righteous man availeth much…” (James 5:15-16 KJV). 

“….pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much…” (James 5:16 NASB).

 

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL, BECAUSED GOD IS A GOD OF JUSTICE!

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL

BECAUSE

GOD IS A GOD OF JUSTICE:

                                     

“…HE GAVE his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). “…[God’s son, Jesus]...[GAVE]... His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “...For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given ...you...[Jesus]... to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV). “...[God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus]... did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us....” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…the just for the unjust, that he might bring ...[mankind back] to [himself] …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “..[Mankind can NOW choose to be]... reconciled to God by the death of his Son...” (Romans 5:10 KJV). “…He restoreth [their]...SOUL[s]…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “….Jesus Christ [can]...maketh [mankind]... WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

                                                   *

God, the Holy Spirit’s characteristic of JUSTICE sets HIM apart from ALL others. The WAY he has demonstrated and expressed his desire for the WELL-BEING of mankind’s SOUL is MORE than praise-worthy. “…[God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus].... came to seek and to save THAT WHICH WAS LOST…” (Luke 19:10 KJV). “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV). “…It is the SPIRIT who gives “LIFE”; the flesh profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).

Mankind OWED God, the Holy Spirit, a DEBT of SIN, which meant they’d PAY with their life through DEATH, but he DECIDED to PAY the DEBT “IN FULL” instead.  “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “...through one man sin entered (gained access, through disobedience)... into the world, and death through sin, and so death passed to all men, for that all sinned—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). “...NOW all have sinned and fall short of the glory (the breath of life) of God...” (Romans 3:23 KJV).  “...The life of the flesh is in the blood: and I (God, the Holy Spirit) have given ...you...[Jesus]... to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV). “...[God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus]... did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us....” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

Thus, the WELL-BEING of mankind’s SOUL was COSTLY, because it required the DEATH of his SON, JESUS. “… [God]...spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all (all of mankind)...” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…HE GAVE his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). “…[God’s son, Jesus]... [GAVE]... His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).

The MOTIVE behind God, the Holy Spirit, gesture of MERCY, through Jesus, regarding the well-being of man’s soul, was LOVE. “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son...” (John 3:16 KJV). “... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us....” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…Christ (his son).... suffered for sins, the just for the unjust …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).  “…There is no greater love …” (John 15:13 NLT).

God DESIRED to restore mankind’s SOUL and make them WHOLE again, AND he also DESIRED to be RECONCILED into a “covenant unity” relationship with them too. So he SENT “…the just for the unjust, that he might bring ...[mankind back] to [himself] …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “..[Mankind can NOW choose to be]... reconciled to God by the death of his Son...” (Romans 5:10 KJV). “…He restoreth [their]...SOUL[s]…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “….Jesus Christ [can]...maketh [mankind]... WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).“…May God himself [through Jesus]… make you holy and whole, put you together … [again]—spirit,soul, and body…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG). “... and [mankind can become] ...living soul[s again]…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

The INTEREST of God, the Holy Spirit, in the well-being of mere, finite mankind’s SOUL speaks VOLUMES about his DIVINE character of HOLY LOVE. “...what are mere mortals (mankind) that [God, the Holy Spirit]... should think about ...[them], [mere, finite human beings that [HE]... should care for [THEM?” (Psalm 8:4 NLT). "...What is mankind that you make so much of them, that you give them so much attention...”  (Job 7:17 NASB). "...What are people, that you should make so much of [them[, that you should think of [them] so often?...” (Job 7:17 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit’s INTEREST in the well-being of mankind’s SOUL becomes a long-term commitment. He is WILLING to make and expresses his commitment OPENLY. “…God [the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, his Word]... has said “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).  Truly, “…God [is]..with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot denywho he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). It is a TRUTH, “…Not one of all the LORD's good promises … failed; every one was fulfilled...” (Joshua 21:45 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit’s commitment to the well-being of mankind’s soul is FREE and UNDESERVING. “…[Salvation is FREE and comes] through God’s kindness …[It does] not [come]... by [mankind’s] good works. For in that case, God’s GRACE (unmerited favor) would not be what it really is—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:5 NLT).  “… [God is the ONE who was] …not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance...” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV). “… AS MANY as received him, to them GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE SONS (daughters) 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).

God is NOT expecting reciprocity from mankind nor will he BENEFIT in anyway. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…everything he (God, the Holy Spirit) does is right and all his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV). “...He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he...”(Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

God’s JUSTICE does not CHANGE it ALWAYS gives a person what they ARE DUE. “...whatever a person sows, this he(she) will also reap. ..” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB). “...For the one who sows to his (her) own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh...” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB). 

God is ALWAYS FAIR because he NEVER shows BIAS toward people and EVERYONE is equally offered SALVATION through Jesus without impartiality. “……There is NEITHER Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female…” (Galatians 3:26-28 KJV). “…God SHOWS NO FAVORITISM.  In every nationHE ACCEPTS thosewho fear him and do what is right—…there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “…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 … preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)…” (Acts 10:34-36 KJV).

It is God’s “loving” FAIRNESS that SAVES, every lost and spiritually dead soul, through Jesus, from God’s JUSTICE or getting, the punishment, they TRULY deserve: DEATH.“...But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons (daughters) of God, even to them that believe on his name...” (John 1:12). “...He predestined [the redeemed]... to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will...” (Ephesians 1:5 NASB).

 “...I give them eternal life...” (John 10:28 NLT).  “... “…BY GRACE have ye been saved through… FAITH (through dependence upon God’s WORD); and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV). 

“…But he(she) that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT….” (1 Corinthians 6:17). “…Jesus Christ is in [them]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).  “...[God’s people]...ARE ALL ONE (together) IN CHRIST JESUS…” (Galatians 3:26-28 KJV). Jesus said: “...I and my Father are one (forever)..." (John 10:30 KJV). “…that they also may be [one] in Us (forever)…” (John 17:21-23 NASB). “... [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus...” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

 “... thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live  in the light ...” (Colossians 1:12 NLT). “…  [Everyone who belongs, to him through Jesus, however, and] … who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children… because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus was the FIRST and GREATEST philanthropist. A philanthropist MAKES “every” effort to IMPROVE the well-being of mankind by LOVING assistance or donations. Jesus Christ PROMOTES the welfare of the human soul “..[Mankind can NOW choose to be]... reconciled to God by the death of his Son...” (Romans 5:10 KJV). “…He restoreth [their]...SOUL[s]…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “….Jesus Christ [can]...maketh [mankind]... WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, is RICH.There is “... the riches of His grace...” (Ephesians 1:7-8 NASB). “…He is “SO” RICH in kindness…” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT).  “… the riches of the glory (PRESENCE of God)…” (Colossians 1:27 NASB).  “…the riches of his glorious inheritance (bountiful spiritual blessings)…” (Ephesian 1:18 NIV). “... RICH IN MERCY (debt of sin, paid in full)…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). (Isaiah 63:9 NASB).“… the riches…of [God’s]….wisdom and … [revelation]...knowledge….” (Roman 11:33-34).  “…He is “SO” RICH ...that he purchased [mankind’s]... freedom [from sin]...with the blood of his Son and forgave [“all” their]... sins…” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT). “...the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering...” (Romans 2:4 ASV). “… HIDDEN RICHES of SECRET PLACES…” (ISAIAH 45:3).“…[God] …will generously (RICHLY) PROVIDE all … [mankind] need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit is RICH and his GENEROUSLY SHARES his wealth with the POOR soul. “...If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you...” (Proverbs 19:17 NLT). “...Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor...” (Proverbs 22:9 NLT). “...Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed...” (Proverbs 28:27 NLT). “...If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions...” (1 John 3:17-18 NLT).

“…  [Everyone who belongs, to him through Jesus and] … who believe the Good News share equallyin the riches inherited by God’s children… because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

“...However...the riches [are]...inherited by God’s children…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).“… because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

ALL of mankind is God’s CREATION, but HIS CHILDREN are those who BELONG to God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ. “...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). “...He predestined [the redeemed]... to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will...” (Ephesians 1:5 NASB).

 “...I give them eternal life...” (John 10:28 NLT).  “... “…BY GRACE have ye been saved through… FAITH (through dependence upon God’s WORD); and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

“…But he(she) that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT….” (1 Corinthians 6:17). “…Jesus Christ is in [them]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).  “...[God’s people]...ARE ALL ONE (together) IN CHRIST JESUS…” (Galatians 3:26-28 KJV).

Jesus said: “...I and my Father are one(forever)..." (John 10:30 KJV). “…that they also may be [one] in Us (forever)…” (John 17:21-23 NASB). “... [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus...” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

 “... thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live  in the light ...” (Colossians 1:12 NLT). “…  [Everyone who belongs, to him through Jesus, however, and] … who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children… because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, gives EVERY one of HIS CHILDREN the SAME INHERITANCE, through JESUS. God’s FAIRNESS is a part of his DIVINE nature, which NEVER changes, and explains WHY he TREATS every child the SAME with equal and equitable LOVE.

God’s character trait of FAIRNESS is GUIDED by his immutable HOLINESS and DIVINE LOVE. One child of God does NOT get MORE or LESS that any other child of God.

Thus, enjoying the BENEFITS of an, equal and equitable, inheritance DEPENDS upon each individual, redeemed child of God. God has EQUIPPED every child with the SAME gifts and bountiful spiritual blessings. “…The HOLY SPIRIT …gives all these [FREE]... GIFTS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] [his children]... with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep…work[s] in [his children]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…his divine power hath given unto [his children]... ALL THINGS…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

“…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). ”… ye [are]…saved through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).  “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…God has given us different GIFTS for doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT). “…every man (woman) hath his proper GIFT of God...” (2 Corinthians 7:7 KJV). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT(S)…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV). “…[These are] ALL THINGS  (and GIFTS) that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

“…God is the one who provides …[for his children]...” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).  “… God will supply all [his children need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…God will generously PROVIDE all … [his children NEED]…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “….The Lord is “[his children’s]” shepherd [they]... shall “not” want [for nothing]….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, HELPS his children too. “…He helps [his children]…” (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 helps[his children] in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).

 “…God (the Holy Spirit)... is love…” (1 John 4:8 KJV). “…The …HOLY SPIRIT (and God, the Father) …is the SOURCE of [your HELP] …it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH [HIS children]. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of ...[his children] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

 “...[God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, encourages his children to] come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, [that they]… may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…”(Hebrews 4:16 KJV). God, the Holy Spirit, will “…strengthened [his children]… with might by his Spirit in the inner man (woman)…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “… [He will strengthen HIS children]…according to the POWER that worketh IN [THEM]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “… God … work[s] … in … [his children] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWELLS within THEM]… he doeth the works…”(John 14:10 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, will be FAITHFUL, to his children, forever. “…I AM “WITH” [my children]... ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).  “…If … [my children] … are unfaithful, he (god, the holy spirit,]... remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…The GIFT by grace (undeserved kindness)……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “...Jesus Christ (God’s WORD) is the same yesterday and today and forever...” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

God is a God of JUSTICE and FAIRNESS; NOT REVENGE or INJUSTICE. God, the Holy Spirit PREFERS to MAKE people RIGHT with HIM, because he DELIGHTS in showing and sharing the RICHNESS of HIS MERCY instead of wrath, judgement, or punishment. “...HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).  

God, the Holy Spirit and GREAT philanthropist demonstrates his LOVE and MERCY by reconciling mankind, restoring their souls, and making them WHOLE again, the lost and spiritually dead souls. “..[Mankind can NOW choose to be]... reconciled to God by the death of his Son...” (Romans 5:10 KJV). “…He restoreth [their]...SOUL[s]…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “….Jesus Christ [can]...maketh [mankind]... WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

However, they must CHOOSE to RECEIVE his provisional JUSTICE through Jesus. The human will can “…choosethis day this day whom [it wants to]...serve…” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “….if any man (woman) hear my voice, and open the door… repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions ... confess with thy mouth, the Lord Jesus ... [and]...in humility receivethe word implanted...[it]...is able to SAVE YOUR SOULS..” (Revelation 3:20, Romans 10:9-10, Ezekiel 18:30 KJV, & James 1:21 NASB).

“… AS MANYas received him, to them GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE “SONS” (daughters) OF GOD …” (John 1:12 KJV).  “…God sent forth his Son…to redeem [mankind]….that [they].. might receive the adoption of sons…” (Galatians 4:4-5 KJV). “…You will receivethe GIFT of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). “…A man (woman) can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him (her) from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV).

The BRIGHT SIDE of God’s JUSTICE is that he is a GREAT philanthropist that GENEROUSLY and FREELY shares the RICHES of “HIS” SALVATION with LOST and spiritually POOR souls and it SAVES their lives from eternal condemnation, through Jesus’ atonement, and MAKES them RIGHT with God again.

HOW GREAT God, the Holy Spirit is and WORTHY of ALL the PRAISE! He could have, VERY EASILY, let ALL of MANKIND go to HELL and spend eternity separation from HIM.

In the Old Testament when God sent a tenth and final plague upon the Egyptians, his GENEROUS philanthropist activities SAVED the righteous and obedient Israelites INSTEAD of destroying them. The death of the firstborn of both people and animals was the tenth plague.

This meant ALL died, except the righteous and obedient who were COVERED by the BLOOD as God, the Holy Spirit had instruction them to for their PROTECTION. (READ Exodus 11:1-12:36). “…This is what the Lord says: At midnight tonight I will pass through the heart of Egypt. All the firstborn sons will die in every family in Egypt, from the oldest son of Pharaoh, who sits on his throne, to the oldest son of his lowliest servant girl who grinds the flour. Even the firstborn of all the livestock will die. Then a loud wail will rise throughout the land of Egypt, a wail like no one has heard before or will ever hear again. …” (Exodus 11:4-8 NLT).

The righteous and obedient children of Israel that painted their door posts with the sacrificial blood of an animal, as instructed, did not lose their firstborn to death. “… But among the Israelites (God’s children) it will be so peaceful that not even a dog will bark. Then you will know that the Lord makes a distinction between the Egyptians (his creations) and the Israelites (his children)…” (Exodus 11:4-8 NLT).

This created a FEAR in the hearts and minds of the Egyptians. “… All the officials of Egypt will run to me and fall to the ground before me. ‘Please leave!’ they will beg. ‘Hurry! And take all your followers with you.’ Only then will I go!” …  The Lordcaused the Egyptians to look favorably on the Israelites, and they gave the Israelites whatever they asked for. So they stripped the Egyptians of their wealth!...” (Exodus 11:4-8, 12:34 NLT). “...A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous...” (Proverbs 13:22 NIV).

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord the [Israel, his righteous children, were delivered out of the house of bondage] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians...” (Exodus 6:6-7 KJV). “…The Lord bought  [Israel, his righteous children] out with a mighty hand and redeemed [them] out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of…Egypt. … (Deuteronomy 7:8 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, DELIVERED thousands that night. “…That night the people of Israel left Rameses and started for Succoth. There were about 600,000 men, plus all the women and children…” (Exodus 12:37 NLT).

The Israelites, God’s righteous children, had been in slavery, in the land of Egypt, for over 430 years. “…The people of Israel had lived in Egypt for 430 years.  In fact, it was on the last day of the 430th year that all the Lord’s forces left the land. On this night the Lordkept his promise to bring his people out of the land of Egypt. So this night belongs to him, and it must be commemorated every year by all the Israelites, from generation to generation…” (Exodus 12:40-42 NLT).

“…I will rid you out of their bondage...” (Exodus 6:6-7 KJV). “…I will redeem you with a stretched out hand...”(Exodus 6:5:6-7 KJV). “…The Lord bought [Israel, his righteous children] out with a mighty hand and redeemed [them] out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of…Egypt. … (Deuteronomy 7:8 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, GIVES each one of his children the GIFT of righteousness.  “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (Jesus) “INTO” [mankind’s HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “… AS MANY as received him…” (John 1:12 KJV). “…receive the word implanted….” (James 1:21 NASB).  “…[God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus]...GAVE [them the indwelling]... POWER TO BECOME THE SONS (daughters) OF GOD, evento them that believe on his name (Jesus’ name)…” (John 1:12 KJV).  “...his gift of righteousness ...through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “…it is the blood [of Jesus] that maketh an atonement for the soul…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).

EVERYTHING, God, the Holy Spirit, of FAIRNESS and JUSTICE did was to BENEFIT the well-being of mankind’s SOUL. He DONATED his only begotten son, he SHARED “all” his RICHES, he ENDOWED them with many GIFTS, he HELPED them when they needed him too, and even when THEY DON’T he remains FAITHFUL to his “covenant unity” commitment of loving, caring, and providing for them.

“…God is not human (he is not a body, the flesh, or a soul)…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…“My thoughts are nothing like your [human]...thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine … my ways are higher [than human ways] … my thoughts higher [than human thoughts]…” (Isaiah 55:5-9 NLT).

“...[Mankind has often, mistakenly,]...thought that...[God, the Holy Spirit, was human like them]....” (Psalm 50:21 KJV). God SAYS: “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). HE IS GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT of LOVE. “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

…everything [God, the Holy Spirit of LOVE]... does is right and all his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV). “...all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he...”(Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

The RELEVANCE of God, the Holy Spirit, being a God of FAIRNESS and JUSTICE is his EQUAL and EQUITABLE consideration for ALL of mankind and the well-being of EACH and EVERY one of their SOULS.

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus did not COME to merely CONDEMN mankind through his JUSTICE, but he CAME TO SAVE them instead. “...For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son...” (John 3:17-18 NIV).

 “...This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him...” (John 3:17-18 MSG).

God is a God of JUSTICE, which mean ALL DEBTS must be paid by GIVING each and every person the WAGES of either a righteous or unrighteous life that is JUSTLY, FAIRLY, and RIGHTLY OWED to them. God’s JUSTICE is “NOT” revenge or injustice, but it is FAIR and JUST. “...whatever a person sows, this he(she) will also reap. ..” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB). “...For the one who sows to his (her) own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh...” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB).  “...You have plowed wickedness, you have harvested injustice...” (Hosea 10:13 NASB). “...they shall eat of the fruit of their own way, And be filled with their own schemes...” (Proverbs 1:31 NASB). “...One who sows injustice will reap disaster...” (Proverbs 22:8 NASB).

The WORD of GOD proclaims the LOVE and MERCY of God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, who offers, equally and equitably, to ALL of mankind, who CHOOSE to receive it, THE FREE GIFT of SALVATION!

God, the Holy Spirit, of JUSTICE sought, by sending Jesus Christ, to MAKE RIGHT the “covenant unity” relationship between HIMSELF and MANKIND.

When mankind FACES God’s WRATH, JUDGEMENT, or PUNISHMENT it WILL NOT be bias, unfair, or inequitable, but the ABSOLUTE and COMPLETE, fair and just payment OWED! “…everything [God, the Holy Spirit of LOVE]... does is right and all his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV). “... A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he...”(Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV). “… “...I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

“...judgment and justicewill be upheld…”  (Job 36:16-21 NLT).

EVERY REDEEMED MAN AND WOMAN CAN SAY WITH CONFIDENCE, "IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL..."

 

 

MANKIND WAS "DESIGNED" TO BE IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT

MANKIND WAS DESIGNED TO BE "IN" A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

"...IT IS not good that the man should be alone…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).  “…I will make …a helpmeet for him”…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).

*

“… By faith we understand that THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s command...” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “….God saw everything he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit had made a magnificent creation. “….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,” 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).

THEN God, the Holy Spirit said: “….let us make man in “our” image, after our likeness…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…”(Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….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). “…The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him…” (Genesis 2:20 NASB).

 “…It is not good that the man should be alone…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).  “…I will make …a helpmeet for him”…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, put Adam in “…a deep sleep... [took] one of his ribs...[made him] a [physical] woman, and … [bought] her [to him]” (Genesis 2:21-22 KJV). “…So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place…” (Genesis 2:21 NASB). “…The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man…” (Genesis 2:22 NASB).

 “…my companion and close friend…” (Psalms 55:13 NLT).

God, not Adam said it was NOT GOOD for man to be alone. It was God, not Adam who MADE him a suitable companion. “…Neither was the man created for the woman; but the womanfor the man…” (1 Corinthians 11:9 KJV). “…For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man…” (1 Corinthians 11:8 KJV). “…For Adam was first formed, then Eve…” (1 Timothy 2:13 KJV).

Two REASONS stand out as WHY God created Eve. He said it wasn’t GOOD for Adam to be ALONE and he needed a SUITABLE HELPER. SO, “…the LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man…” (Genesis 2:22 NASB).

“….God saw everything he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). However, God said: “…It is not good that the man should be alone…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).

In the spiritual realm GOOD is equivalent with God. There is NONE GOOD, but GOD, the Holy Spirit.  “… there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Mark 10:18 KJV). So can we say: “…It is not good (godly) that the man should BE ALONE…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).

Adam had LIFE and LIVING creatures ALL around him and he was communing with God, the Holy Spirit.

There was NO indication or implication that Adam felt ALONE since God was his companion, but God, the Holy Spiritis omniscient.

Research shows that ALONE can also be translated to mean “separated” or “segregated” from. God KNEW that even though Adam wasn’t alone yet, he would be. “…Your INIQUITIES (sins) … [can separate] … you and your [spiritual companion]... God [the Holy Spirit]…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).  

Adam and Eve were both originally CREATED WHOLE (body, soul, and God’s Spirit (the breath of life)). “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body),and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Holy Spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

Then SIN separated them from God, the HOLY SPIRIT leaving them ALONE without HIM. “...Wherefore, as through one man sin entered into the world, and (spiritual) death (alone, separated from God) through sin, and so (spiritual) death (alone, separated from God) passed to all men, for that all sinned (all are born alone without the HOLY SPIRIT)—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). “...For all have sinnedand fall short of the glory (presence) of God” (Romans 3:23 KJV).

People FEEL physically ALONE with someone dies, leaves, divorces them, or gets a long-term illness, but spiritual ALONENESS is death.“…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).

Adam and Eve died, but it was not a physical death where the soul is separated from the body, but it was a spiritual death where the soul is separated from the “Holy Spirit” within the body. They and their descendants were LEFT ALONE without God.

When someone’s physical presence is GONE, we miss them, but keep on living physically. But when God’s spiritual presence is GONE, we usually don’t miss him, but keep living physically while being spiritually dead.

Being LEFT ALONE physically makes the separation extremely HARD to endure, but being LEFT ALONE spiritually is WORST!

“…It is not good that the man should be alone…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).  “…I will make …a helpmeet for him”…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).

HOWEVER, the Holy Spirit says: “… I am God, and there is none else… I am God, and there is none like me…" (Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV).  “… there is NONE like unto thee, O LORD; thou artgreat, and thy name isgreat in might.…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “… there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV).

“…“God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…God has said “Never will I leave you (without my PRESENCE); never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).

People LEAVE us ALONE PHYSICALLY all the time, but if you have God, the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT, you are NEVER alone.

Separation from God, the HOLY SPIRIT is the ultimate state of being LEFT ALONE!

NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST GOD'S PEOPLE WILL PROSPER

NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST

 GOD'S PEOPLE WILL PROSPER

BECAUSE “OVERWHELMING VICTORY” IS THEIRS.

“... 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).

“... THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD ...” (Exodus 1 NLT).

*

The EVIL ONE and his wicked slaves hate God’s people and treat them unjustly because of their OWN, personal envy and fear. “…ye (the evil one and his wicked slaves) thought evil against me (god’s people); but God meant it unto good…” (Genesis 50:20 KJV). “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “...ALL THINGS (even the evil things Satan uses to hurt you) work (PROCESS) together for good to them (God’s people) that love God, to them who are the called (CHOSEN) ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).

Being INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE God’s people experience grief, heartache, disappointment, anger, confusion, weakness, oppression, terror, and a flow of other emotional and mental afflictions, but a GLORIOUS and OVERWHELMING deliverance and victory BELONGS TO THEM!  “... 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). “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours  (GOD’S PEOPLE’S) through Christ, who loved us (THEM)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

In the Old Testament, God delivered over a million and a half people out of the land of Egypt and he miraculously took care of them for 40 years in the wilderness.  “... These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, or worship idols as some of them did ...These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age...” (1 Corinthians 10:9-11 NLT).

“...THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD ...” (Exodus 1 NLT).

“...Then Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, gave this order to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah: “When you help the Hebrew women as they give birth, watch as they deliver.  If the baby is a boy, kill him; if it is a girl, let her live.” But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders. They allowed the boys to live, too. So the king of Egypt called for the midwives. “Why have you done this?” he demanded. “Why have you allowed the boys to live?” “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women,” the midwives replied. “They are more vigorous and have their babies so quickly that we cannot get there in time.” So God was good to the midwives, and the Israelites continued to multiply, growing more and more powerful. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own. Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: “Throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River. But you may let the girls live.” About this time, a man and woman from the tribe of Levi got married. The woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She saw that he was a special baby and kept him hidden for three months. But when she could no longer hide him, she got a basket made of papyrus reeds and waterproofed it with tar and pitch. She put the baby in the basket and laid it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile River. The baby’s sister then stood at a distance, watching to see what would happen to him.  Soon Pharaoh’s daughter came down to bathe in the river, and her attendants walked along the riverbank. When the princess saw the basket among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it for her. When the princess opened it, she saw the baby. The little boy was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This must be one of the Hebrew children,” she said. Then the baby’s sister approached the princess. “Should I go and find one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?” she asked. “Yes, do!” the princess replied. So the girl went and called the baby’s mother. “Take this baby and nurse him for me,” the princess told the baby’s mother. “I will pay you for your help.” So the woman took her baby home and nursed him. Later, when the boy was older, his mother brought him back to Pharaoh’s daughter, who adopted him as her own son. The princess named him Moses, for she explained, “I lifted him out of the water.”

Many years later, when Moses had grown up, he went out to visit his own people, the Hebrews, and he saw how hard they were forced to work. During his visit, he saw an Egyptian beating one of his fellow Hebrews...Years passed, and the king of Egypt died. But the Israelites continued to groan under their burden of slavery. They cried out for help, and their cry rose up to God. God heard their groaning, and he remembered his covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act. When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied. Then the Lord told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey—the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites now live.Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt...” (EXODUS  1, 2, & 3:1-11 NLT).

MOSES CAME OUT OF THE OPPRESSION: “…Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lordbrought you out from this place…” (EZEKIEL 13:3 KJV).

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord the [Israelis (God’s people) were delivered out of the house of bondage] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

“…I am the Lord, I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians...”(Exodus 6:6-7 KJV). “…I will rid you out of their bondage...”(Exodus 6:6-7 KJV). “…I will redeem you with a stretched out hand...”(Exodus 6:5:6-7 KJV). “…The Lord bought  [Israel] out with a mighty hand and redeemed [them] out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of…Egypt. … (Deuteronomy 7:8 KJV).

“…All things  (including the DELIVERANCE of ISRAEL OR YOU FROM THE STORMS OF LIFE) came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

 “…Since the CREATION of the world God’s INVISIBLEQUALITIES—HIS ETERNAL POWER AND DIVINE NATURE—have been “CLEARLY SEEN”, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE (the GREAT DELIVERANCE)…” (Romans 1:20 NIV).

“…I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians…” (Exodus 6:7 KJV). “…the Lordbrought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders…” (Deuteronomy 26:8 KJV).

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord the [Israelites were delivered out of the house of bondage] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

“...THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD ...” (Exodus 1 NLT).

“...Therefore [INSIDE the STORMS]... put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm...” (Ephesians 6:13-14 NIV).

“... Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil...” (Ephesians 6:11 NLT).

“…HE (the indwelling Holy Spirit) “WILL” KEEP YOU STRONG to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).

 “…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...” (Hebrews 13:5 MSG).

“…He said, … Do not be afraid or discouraged ...the Lord is with you!” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

“…No weapon that is formed against [YOU]… shall prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV).

“…the battle is not yours, but God’s. …...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

 “…you will not even need to fight...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

“…Take your positions; then stand still..” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

“…watch the Lord’s victory...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

I don’t care who you are pastor, minister, clergy leader, Christian warrior, apostle, hero, or whatever; we ALL go through STORMS. What happens to a man or woman of faith INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE is an EXPERIENCE that will heavily affect the mind and emotions of ANY finite HUMAN being. “…Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

Peter, the Hebrew Boys, Jesus, Joseph, Job, King Jehoshaphat, and Daniel were ALL great people of FAITH and they ALL had REAL LIFE, human EXPERIENCES. They also ALL had MAGNIFICENT DELIVERANCES. Yet and still, they went “INSIDE” the STORMS of LIFE, but I guarantee  it was coupled with or inundated with “feelings” of nervousness, anxiousness, terror, or the uneasiness of facing the unknown. . “…Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 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. “…Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

These “FEELINGS” are not about faith, but about the affect REAL-LIFE experiences have on the finite human psyche. God’s people KNOW he is with them, but it doesn’t stop them from “feeling” the TERROR or emotions of their experience. “…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 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).

HERE’s WHY: King Jehoshaphat didn’t ACT upon his FEAR, but he ACTED upon his faith. King Jehoshaphat trusted and depended upon God, “terrified.” Thus, in spite of his “feelings” he called upon God, the Holy Spirit, for advice and help.“... He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. …We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.’ …O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.” …” (2 Chronicles 20: 1-30 NLT).

King Jehoshaphat went to God, INSIDE HIS STORM, “terrified.”  God didn’t condemn him, but God helped him. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).  “…As all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children, the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph…” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

“… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). God responded to King Jehoshaphat, lovingly, by sending him a divine message through a man named Jahaziel.“…He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the 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. He is with you … Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

Jahaziel’s inspired Word from God guided, strengthened, and empowered Jehoshaphat to follow God’s instructions and it bought the King overwhelming victory. “…Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in (trust in, depend upon) the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.” After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

“…Jehoshaphat “was” TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). However, King Jehoshaphat STILL turned to God. In spite of his feelings, the king trusted in God.  Because he did NOT trust in his “FEELINGS” of terror he was able to hear God’s word and go out to war, with his army, singing and praising HIM. “…At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other.So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped...On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the Lord there.It is still called the Valley of Blessing today. …the Lord had given them victory over their enemies...”(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

God didn’t hold King Jehoshaphat’s feelings of TERROR against him, because he helps his people in their weakness. “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT).

God LOVINGLY comforted King Jehoshaphat through his feelings. “…He said … Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

God even gave the King the reason NOT to be terrified. “…He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the 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).

INSIDE King Jehoshaphat’s STORM God comforted him, strengthened him, promised to fight the battle for him, and guaranteed his victory! It is NOT a LACK of FAITH to FEEL your human experience. God expects it and is more than able to SUPPLY your needs INSIDE the STORM. “…God is the one who provides [for you]…” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “… [God] … will keep in perfect peace all who trust in … [him and] … all whose thoughts are fixed on … [him!]” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT). “….The Lord is [“your”] shepherd ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield …" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…I the LORD amthy Saviour …[even in “your” storm]...” (Isaiah 60:16 KJV).

“…there is none like unto thee (God, the Holy Spirit)…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “...he (God, the Holy Spirit)...hath done marvellous things…” ( Psalms 98:1 KJV). “… Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV).

“...THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD ...” (Exodus 1 NLT).

YOU MAY “FEEL” AND EXPERIENCE OPPRESSION, INSIDE THE STORMS of LIFE, BUT IT WON’T STOP YOU FROM INCREASING, MULTIPLYING, or BECOMING YOUR GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE UPON EARTH!

“...God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it!” (Numbers 23:20 NLT). “...overwhelming victory is [Y]ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

 

TO BE LIKE JESUS, RENEW YOUR MIND WITH GOD'S WORD

TO BE LIKE JESUS, RENEW YOUR MIND WITH GOD'S WORD

“….Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

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The bible says, “…And BE NOT conformed to this world: BUT BE YE transformedby the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God…” (Romans 12:2 KJV). Here we can clearly decipher that there is a clear distinction between being conformed and being transformed.

It is pretty obvious that the believer or follower of Christ is not to copy life patterns from the world, but aim, instead, for an higher, transformed lifestyle which is in accordance to the will of God.

To be conformed to the world is to copy life patterns from men and women who do not know Christ or the Living God of creation and are considered heathens from a biblical perspective. “…Thus saith the LORD, Learn NOT the way of the heathen…” (Jeremiah 10:2 KJV). “…And ye shall know that I am the LORD: for ye have not walked in my statutes, neither executed my judgments, but have done after the manners of the heathen that are round about you…” (Ezekiel 11:12 KJV). “…I will do these things unto thee, because thou hast gone a whoring after the heathen, and because thou art polluted with their idols…” (Ezekiel 23:30).

The way to avoid copying the patterns of heathen lifestyles is to renew your mind. The mind houses all that’s in the heart, which includes evil thoughts. “… For out of the HEART come EVIL THOUGHTS—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander…” (Matthew 15:18-19 NIV). Therefore, the mind, before Christ, is basically an instrument of evil.

The bible says, “…as he [or she] thinketh in his [or her] heart, so is he [or she]…” (PROVERBS 23:7 KJV). What this verse tells you is that thoughts are in the heart thus “…thinketh IN his heart…” We’ve always understood that thoughts are associated with the mind. In addition, the thoughts are IN the heart. “…..out of the HEART come EVIL THOUGHTS—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander…” (Matthew 15:18-19 NIV). The thoughts, from your mind, are IN the heart.

The renewed mind, after salvation in Christ, is to become an instrument of righteousness influenced by the Holy Spirit and thus making you able to make choices based on what the will of God is in order to behave accordingly.

The renewed mind will reveal behavioral actions for the believer that proves God’s will and what God considers a good and acceptable lifestyle. The acceptable lifestyle is the perceptive part of Christianity. It is what makes you a true Witness for Christ like Christ was for God.

A heathen lifestyle will always, no matter how big or small, be in opposition to God’s will for your life. "…A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough…" (Galatians 5:9 NIV). A holy lifestyle is all that will be acceptable with God and no other. God does not endorse straddling the fence, where you are part-time heathen and part-time believer. "… You must purge the evil from among you…” (Deuteronomy 21:18-21 NIV). God is ONLY pleased when his people live holy and separate themselves from all forms or appearances of wickedness. “…Abstain from all APPEARANCE OF EVIL…” (1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV).

When the word says be NOT conformed it is not an option. “…Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “…And do not touch what is unclean…” (2 Corinthians 6:13-17 NASB).It literally means NOT to copy, in any form or fashion, the heathen lifestyle.

This includes habits, fashion patterns, behaviors, actions, practices, or speech. Whatever the current, wicked and idolatrous culture and age; do not conform to it. “…ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine. …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV).

God wants his people to be influenced and governed by the biblical lifestyle and pattern their lives after the example of Jesus Christ. Many believers think they are NOT conformed to the heathen lifestyle and are in fact transformed from it, but either consciously or unconsciously they are indulging in many of its patterns and practices. “…thou hast gone a whoring after the heathen, and …art polluted with their idols…” (Ezekiel 23:30).

 

Most non-believers, especially from the 21st century, find so-called followers of Christ to be hypocritical and are turned off from Christianity. Some believers still cherish patterns of thinking and practices from the heathen lifestyle. “….These people honor me with their lips,but their hearts are far from me…” (Matthew 15:8 NLT).

Their mind is still devoted to some aspects of the heathen lifestyle and they either secretly or overtly follow carnal pleasures whether than aim at wholly cultivating the biblical lifestyle. “.. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:16-17 NLT). A little sinful thinking is still some sinful thinking and some sinful thinking is too much.

Therefore, the one solution to this problem is to transform the mind by renewing it in order to cultivate a spirit of holiness and holy living in the world. Believers are to influence the heathen lifestyle; not the other way around. “…LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE before men, that they may seeyour good works…” (Matthew 5:16 KJV), “…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:16 KJV).

Renewing the mind will result in a change of heart, affections, emotion, lifestyle patterns, and other heathen practices. “…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). In reality the believer is a new creation. “…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).

Without renewing the mind the believer would be useless to the Christian lifestyle and would most likely be full of hypocrisy. “….apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness… ” (Matthew 23:27 KJV).

Being full of hypocrisy is the result of a continual conformity to the world and limited to external conduct and habits NOT impacted by transformation that comes ONLY from REnewing the mind. “…thou …art polluted with their idols…” (Ezekiel 23:30).

Whatever your mindset is you are proving to those witnessing your lifestyle who’s WILL you are choosing to follow. Only a wholly devotion to renewing the mind will prove you are God’s disciples. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). 

A divided mind, still embracing the heathen patterns of thinking is, unfortunately, unsuitable for truly demonstrating the good, perfect, and acceptable will of God.“…A double minded man is unstable in all his ways…” (James 1:8 KJV).

The whole mind is renewed for the purpose of doing the will of God and it is the renewed mind that is suitable for truly demonstrating the good, perfect, and acceptable will of God. “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

The renewed mind that is enabled to do the will of God is proved through one’s conduct. The renewed mind that seeks God’s guidance in all matters of life will commit their actions to him. The renewed mind that wants to demonstrate God’s good, perfect, and acceptable will aims to promote God’s honor and glory in the world. "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

 

The effort that goes into renewing the mind is for the purposes of allowing God to remove the defects and stains of sin from the former heathen lifestyle. “Create in me a clean heart, O God…” (Psalms 51:10 KJV). The heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).

This effort is pleasing to God, because it also influences holiness and separation from sin, which ultimately honors and glorifies God in the world. . "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). Therefore, “…BE YE transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may PROVEwhat is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God…” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

 

HALLELUJAH, THE HIGHEST PRAISE GOES TO GOD. THE WHOLE WORLD IS FILLED WITH HIS GLORY!

HALLELUJAH

THE WHOLE WORLD IS FILLED WITH HIS GLORY!

“…God is not human …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The invisible [SPIRIT]…from the creation of the world is … [his] eternal power… [and]....divine nature… …clearly seen (witnessed), (HOW?).... being understood (being made aware of or manifested) (HOW?).... by the things that are MADE (his created goodnesses) …” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “…In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth …” (Genesis 1:1-3 KJV).  “…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).“…God who createdall things…” (Ephesians 3:3-4, 9 NASB). “…the whole earth is full of his GLORY (Presence, power, goodness)…” (Isaiah 6:3). “…the earth is filled with the LORD's GLORY (presence, power, goodness)…” (Number 14:21 NLT).“….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

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         God’s GLORYis basically WITNESSED in “all” of CREATION, which reveals his invisible PRESENCE, his power, and his goodness. “…God is not human …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT(and invisible)…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The invisible [SPIRIT]…from the creation of the world is … [his] eternal power… [and his]....divine nature…[which are]...clearly seen (witnessed), (HOW?).... being understood (being made aware of or manifested) (HOW?).... by the things that are MADE (his created goodnesses) …” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

“…In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth …” (Genesis 1:1-3 KJV).  “…All things came into being through Him (God, the Holy, invisible, Spirit), and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).“…God (the invisible Holy Spirit) who created all things…” (Ephesians 3:3-4, 9 NASB). “…the whole earth is full of his GLORY (Presence, power, and goodness)…” (Isaiah 6:3). “…the earth is filled with the LORD's GLORY (presence, power, and goodness)…” (Number 14:21 NLT).“….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

God’s GLORY(invisible PRESENCE, power, & goodness) is witnessedthrough the things HE MADE. “….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).“…the whole earth is full of his GLORY (Presence and goodness)…” (Isaiah 6:3). “…The heavens are telling …[and]… are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship. ….” (Psalms 19:1 NLT).

God’s GLORY is EVER before our eyes, each and every day, it is DISPLAYED through the things “HE” HAS MADE! “…The heavens … are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship. ….” (Psalms 19:1 NLT). “… Day unto day [the MARVELOUS DISPLAY of his craftsmanship] uttereth speech, and …  sheweth knowledge…” (Psalms 19:2-3 KJV).

When Moses asked to SEE or WITNESS God’s Glory, God said: “… “I will cause all my GOODNESS to pass in front of you …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “…the whole earth is full of his GLORY (goodness)…” (Isaiah 6:3). “…a marvelous display of his craftsmanship. ….” (Psalms 19:1 NLT). “… since the creation of the world His invisibleattributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, (WITNESSED)  (HOW?) being understood through what has been made…” (Romans 1:20 NASB). “….the whole earth is full of [God’s]…glory (full of the things HE MADE)…” (Isaiah 6:3). “…BY THE WORD of [God, the invisible Holy Spirit]...the heavens WERE MADE…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…the world was made by him…” (John 1:10-12 KJV). “….God saw every thing he had MADE……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

WHY WAS IT GOOD? “…[God, the invisible Holy Spirit is]... GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “...there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…All he does (God, the invisible Holy Spirit) is just and GOOD….” (PSALMS 111:7 NLT).

 “…Oh how great is thy GOODNESS…” (Psalm 31:19 KJV). “…GOOD and upright is the Lord…”(Psalm 25:8 KJV). “…For thou, Lord, is GOOD…” (Psalm 86:5 KJV). “…[God, the invisible Holy Spirit is]... GOODand doestGOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “...there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…All he does (God, the invisible Holy Spirit) is just and GOOD….” (PSALMS 111:7 NLT).“…If we are unfaithful, [God, the invisible Holy Spirit] ...remains faithful [and GOOD], for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…[God, the invisible Holy Spirit is]... GOOD …” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

“…[God is]... GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “… he remains faithful [and good], for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

God’s GOODNESSis, therefore, a WITNESS to his KIND, BENEVOLENT, and DIVINE nature. “…The invisible [SPIRIT]…from the creation of the world is … [his] eternal power… [and his]....divine nature…[which are]...clearly seen (witnessed), (HOW?).... being understood (being made aware of or manifested) (HOW?).... by the things that are MADE (his created goodnesses) …”(Romans 1:20 KJV).

 “...there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…there is  none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

“…Moses said, “…show me your glory.” …The Lord said, “I will cause all my GOODNESS to pass in front of you, …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). WHAT DID MOSES SEE?

.“…The invisible [SPIRIT]…from the creation of the world is … [his] eternal power… [and his]....divine nature…[which are]...clearly seen (witnessed), (HOW?).... being understood (being made aware of or manifested) (HOW?).... by the things that are MADE (his created goodnesses)…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

“…. the whole earth is full of [God’s]…glory (full of the things HE MADE)…” (Isaiah 6:3). “ the heavens WERE MADE…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…the world was made by him…” (John 1:10-12 KJV). “….every thing he had MADE…was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

 God’s GLORY is WITNESSED in the heavens, upon earth, in the galaxy, in people, animals, created things in the ocean and sky, the milky way, the rising sun, the setting sun, the moon, the stars, the planets, the day, the night, seasons, harvest time, seed time, etc. “…the whole earth is full of his GLORY (his presence, power, goodness)…” (Isaiah 6:3). “…[It is]...a marvelous display of his craftsmanship. ….” (Psalms 19:1 NLT). “… since the creation of the world His invisibleattributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, (WITNESSED)  (HOW?) being understood through what has been made (prepared, made ready, etc.)…” (Romans 1:20 NASB).

“…. the whole earth is full of [God’s]…glory (full of the things HE MADE)…” (Isaiah 6:3). “…the world was made by him…” (John 1:10-12 KJV). “….God saw every thing he had MADE……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

“…Thou (God) are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “… [His creations]...tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful (created) deeds among all the peoples…” (1 Chronicles 16:24 NASB).

 “… [God has]... invisible attributes,  (WHAT ARE THEY?) His eternal powerand divine nature,  (CAN YOU SEE THEM?) [Yes, they]... have been clearly seen, (WITNESSED)  (HOW?)....being understood through what has been made…” (Romans 1:20 NASB). “…[What has been MADE is]...a marvelous display of his craftsmanship. ….” (Psalms 19:1 NLT).

We WITNESS God’s GLORY or presence BY the things that are made (created). “...clearly seen, (WITNESSED)  (HOW?)....throughwhat has been made…” (Romans 1:20 NASB).

When Moses ASKED to SEE God’s GLORY, God REVEALED his GLORY or PRESENCE by DISPLAYING his GOODNESS to him. “…Moses said, “…show me your glory.” …The Lord said, “I will cause all my GOODNESS to pass in front of you, …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “….God saw every thing he had MADE……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

MOSES “SAW” God’s GOODNESS pass right in FRONT OF HIM. “…[God is]... GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “… he remains faithful [and good], for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

“… [God, the invisible Holy Spirit] … is Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOURstronghold...[ YOUR goodness]…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “.…there is none good but one, that is, God” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV).

“…In him (God, the invisible Holy Spirit) ALL THINGS  (heaven, earth, people, etc.)…hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV). “… [God, the invisible Holy Spirit is the ONE]…sustaining ALL THINGS … by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV).“…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…In him ALL THINGS …hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV).

God, the invisible Holy Spirit, TAKES care of the VAST and endlessly expansive needs of the UNIVERSE and yet gently tends to the smallest, miniscule, and seemingly unimportant cry or concern of the least of humanity. WHY? HE IS GOOD and “…There is no greater love…” (John 15:13 NLT).

God, the invisible Holy Spirit, the ALMIGHTY, and the CREATOR CARES about YOU, personally, intimately, and individually. “…You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways…How precious...are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them. If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand..." (Psalms 139:1-3, 16:17 KJV).

WHO is mankind, in this VAST creation, that God, the Holy Spirit, the ALMIGHTY, and the CREATOR thinks and cares for THEM? “...what are MERE MORTALS that [God, the invisible Holy Spirit]... should think about ...[THEM], HUMAN BEINGS (sinful human beings) that [HE]... should care for [THEM?” (Psalm 8:4 NLT).

“...What is man (woman) that You take thought of him (her), And the son of man (daughters of man) that You care for him (her)?” (Psalm 8:4 NASB). “.. LORD, what are HUMAN BEINGS(sinful human beings) that you care for them, “MERE” MORTALS that you think of them?” (Psalms 144:3 NASB).

“... O LORD, what are human beings that you should notice them, mere mortals that you should think about them?” (Psalm 144:3 NLT).

"...What is mankind that you make so much of them, that you give them so much attention...” (Job 7:17 NASB).

"...What are people, that you should make so much of us, that you should think of us so often?” (Job 7:17 NLT). “...[Yet,]...how precious...are thy thoughtsunto me, O God! how great is the sum of them. If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand..." (Psalms 139:1-3, 16:17 KJV).

God, the invisible Holy Spirit, has CREATED the vast universe and galaxies and yet he takes the time to CARE for unworthy human beings.“...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 earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…(Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).

“...what are mere mortals (LIKE YOU and ME) that [God, the invisible Holy Spirit]... should think about ...[YOU and I], human beings that [HE]... should care for [US?]” (Psalm 8:4 NLT).

THERE IS ONLY “ONE” ANSWER I HEAR OVER AND OVER AGAIN: God LOVES human beings or MERE mortals. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “...He careth for you (MANKIND)...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

“...What is man (woman) that You take thought of him (her) ..[OR]... that You care for him (her)?...[OR]...that thou (God, the invisible Holy Spirit, would)...visitest him (her)?” (Psalm 8:4 NASB & Hebrews 2:6 KJV).

WHY? WHY? WHY? ONE ANSWER: “…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 KJV).

“... 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). “…Christ (provided PROOF of God LOVE and CARE when he) ... suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us [back]to God (to love) …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

God was“…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV). “…God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were STILL sinners...” (Romans 5:8 NLT).

“…HE GAVE his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). “…[God, the invisible Holy Spirit]... delivered him  (his son) up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). Jesus said  “…[he came] ... to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “...[Jesus]... said, It is finished…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “… I [laid]... down my life... [FOR YOU] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).  “ ... [Jesus, God’s only begotten son, made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he [bore]...all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

“...What is man (woman) that You take thought of him” (Psalm 8:4 NASB). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

“... [this] 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).  “…There is no greater love …” (John 15:13 NLT).

How MARVELLOUS that of ALL the GLORIOUS things that God, the invisible Holy Spirit, CREATED, mankind is FAVORED with “HIS” LOVE and CARE. “…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 KJV).

“... God who created all things…” (Ephesians 3:3-4, 9 NASB). “…Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV). “...He careth for you...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, didn’t send his Son for the sun, moon, stars, earth, universe, or galaxies....he sent him FOR YOU! “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son,,,” (John 3:16 KJV). “…[God, the invisible Holy Spirit]... delivered him  (his son) up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…the just for the unjust, that he might bring us [back] to [himself (back to love)] …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

“... [this] is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).  “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

 “…There is no greater love …” (John 15:13 NLT). AND “...He (the invisible holy spirit) careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).

 “…  I, the Lord, am your healer…” (Exodus 15:26).“…God is the one who provides [for you]…” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “… [God] … will keep in perfect peace all who trust in … [him] … all whose thoughts are fixed on … [him!]” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT). “….The Lord is [“your”] shepherd ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “… THE LORD … is Your rockand Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOURstronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…I the LORD amthy Saviour …[your goodness]...” (Isaiah 60:16 KJV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

When Jesus was upon the earth he went around DOING GOOD, because GOD was with him DISPLAYING the DEPTH of his GOODNESS “in” and “through” him.“…God (the invisible Holy Spirit) anointed (empowered) Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and POWER,and …he went around ... doing good and healing all  (HOW?)...because …God [the invisible holy spirit]… was with him…” (Acts 10:38 NIV).

“…The [invisible Holy] ...Spirit  … anointed [empowered JESUS] to preach the gospel to the poor ... [empowered him] to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at libertythem that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV). “… [Jesus was EMPOWERED by the invisible Holy Spirit and he] went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; [BECAUSE] ...GOD [THE invisible HOLY SPIRIT] ...WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

 “...Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit...” (John 15:1-10 KJV). ".. and ...PROVE to be My disciples...” (John 15:8 NIV).“…The …HOLY [invisible] SPIRIT…is the SOURCE of [all that is MADE or CREATED]. …” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

"… [The]… Father is glorified (his presence is made known or WITNESSED) by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit (such as the fruit of GOODNESS), and so PROVE to be [his]… disciples” (John 15:8).

HIS GLORY is WITNESSED in the VAST universe and it is WITNESSED in the smallest gesture of GOODNESS.

THIS IS WHY, HIS PEOPLE, CONTINUALLY OFFER THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE AND GIVE HIM THE HIGHEST PRAISE!!

HALLELUJAH FOR THE GREAT, GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, HAS DONE, ESPECIALLY FOR  HIS COVENANT PEOPLE!!