Pensacola Helene Jefferson's Blog, page 8

SPEAK THE WORD OF GOD ONLY OVER THE WINDS AND THE WAVES (MATTHEW 8:8)

SPEAK THE WORD OF GOD ONLY OVER THE WINDS AND WAVES

(MATTHEW 8:8 & MARK 4:39)

“..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).

 

 

GREAT IS GOD'S FAITHFULNESS

GREAT IS GOD'S FAITHFUL

 “….the…faithful love of the Lord, never ends...” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT).   “...His faithfulpromises are your armor and protection…” (Psalms 91 NLT).

“...If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness…” (1 John 1:9 KJV). “…God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship (bondship) of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord…” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV).

 “…he remains faithful,for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  

“…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

 

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 “…he remains ...(STAYS)...faithful,for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). This means God, the Holy Spirit, sticks to or adheres to his WORD. God, the Holy Spirit, will KEEP every covenant promise he has made with EACH one of his people.

God, the Holy Spirit, will NEVER wane, waiver, or weaken on ANY responsibility or obligation of his position as SOVEREIGN RULER to his people. “…He has granted to [his people]… His precious and magnificent promises…” (2 Peter 1:4 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “...Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever…” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit, is immutably TRUSTWORTHY! “…All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are TRUSTWORTHY (dependable)….” (PSALMS 111:7 NLT).

He KEEPS his WORD to his people. “…God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship (covenant unity through) ... his Son Jesus Christ our Lord (God’s living Word)…” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV).

Faithfulness is an attribute of God, the Holy Spirit. He NEVER changes. “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit’s FAITHFULNESS is both an ATTRIBUTE and a righteous STANDARD which expresses and demonstrates his commitment to his “covenant unity” people. “...His faithfulpromises are your armor and protection…” (Psalms 91 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, himself, the KING of kings, the LORD of lords, and the GOD of gods, CHOOSES, on his OWN sovereign volition, to be FAITHFUL. He willingly BOUNDS himself, faithfully, to his people.

FAITHFULNESS is a HOLY STANDARD that God sticks to and adheres to and it is an ATTRIBUTE that is a WITNESS of his HOLY nature. “...God is faithful... (HE is the STANDARD) ...” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV). “…But the fruit of the Spirit is faithfulness ...(It is an ATTRIBUTE of God’s)...” (Galatians 5:22-23).

 “...Great is his faithfulness... (both his standard and attribute)...” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT).

“… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  God, the Holy Spirit “IS” who he SAYS he is. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). God will NEVER change his HOLY STANDARD or HOLY ATTRIBUTE regarding faithfulness. “… he remains ...(STAYS) ... faithful …(it is his STANDARD)...” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…he cannot deny who he is…(it is his ATTRIBUTE)...” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

To BE any other way than FAITHFUL would mean God, the Holy Spirit, would have to DENY who he is and he won’t, because he NEVER changes. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

Not only does God, the Holy Spirit, set the STANDARDS for FAITHFULNESS, but he willingly BOUNDS himself to those standards too. “...Jesus Christ (THE WORD) is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). ““... I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

Thus, God, the Holy Spirit, not only sets the STANDARD for faithfulness, but he “IS” the example, definition, witness, personification, manifestation, and living representative of FAITHFULNESS. “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…there is  none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, is TRUE to his standards of holy faithfulness and he is true to his character. [God] … 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.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

“...God is faithful...” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV).

“...The lord [God, the Holy Spirit]... is GOOD…” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “..…there is none good but one, that is, God” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

Within the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, his people make mistakes, they struggle with the old nature, they are imperfect, they are weak, and they fail, but through it all, HE never changes. God remains faithful. “… he remains ...(STAYS) ... faithful …(it is his STANDARD)...” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

To “remain” faithful means God, the Holy Spirit doesn’t LEAVE, walk away, vacate, move on, divorce, separate, or break away from his covenant promises to his people or to them, no matter what.

The SECURITY of his unconditional LOVE, his amazing GRACE, and his endless MERCY is linked to his FAITHFULNESS, which is BASED on God, the Holy Spirit’sIMMUTABLE standards and attributes.

The SECURITY OF the FAITHFULNESS of God, the Holy Spirit, in the “covenant unity” relationship with HIM is that he doesn’t change and thus, WILL NEVER LEAVE “HIS” PEOPLE!  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “…I am with [my people]... always, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).

God will “…Never leave nor forsake [his people]…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).  “…Behold, I am with … [my people] and will keep … [them] whithersoever [they]… goest…I will not leave [my people] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

The SECURITY OF FAITHFULNESS in the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, is that he promises, his people, he WILL be the Lord, their God!! “…… I am God, and there is none like me…" (Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). indw  “… [God] … 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).

“ …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).  

“…so you will know that [GOD “IS”] the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT).

“…Then you will know that [GOD is] the Lordyour God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

God’s people can say, “this is MY GOD” The God who has expressed and demonstrated, more than abundant, his unconditional LOVE, his undeserving GRACE, his immutably MERCY, and his UTTER faithfulness to mankind and to each and every one of his children/people/citizens/ambassadors/ and redeemed.

Every opportunity, benefit, gift, blessing, and interaction with his presence, goodness, and power is BASED on God, the Holy Spirit’s,decision and CHOICE to express and demonstrated his LOVE toward wretched mankind.

In return God, the Holy Spirit asks his people to trust in him, depend upon him, and KEEP his commandments.

In biblical history, just like NOW, we can see God’s people didn’t listen to him and did not remain faithful either.

“ …[God’s people said:]... will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

“…[God said:].... my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. ….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT). “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

“…They have turned away and ABANDONED me….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT).

“...[YOU]… FORGOTall about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…for years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).

“…They ABANDONED ME and did not obey my word….” (JEREMIAH 16:11 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).

“… he remains ...(STAYS) ... faithful …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…hecannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

“…. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their [own] ...sin. Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “

God STAYED faithful. “…the righteous CRY and Lord the heareth and delivereth them out of ALL their troubles…” (Psalms 34:17 KJV). “…Again and again [God, the Holy Spirit] rescued them…” (Psalm 106:39-43 NLT).

Because of God’s faithfulness, he repeatedly rescued them. “… Their enemies (personal SINS that oppress them or people oppressors) [would crush] them and [bring] them under their cruel power. Again and again [God] rescued them, but they [continually]... chose to rebel against him...[until]... they were finally destroyed by their sin…” (Psalm 106:39-43 NLT).

While God is immutably FAITHFUL to his people, they must remember HE is also immutably FAITHFUL to his WORD.

His WORD SAYS: “… we are each responsible for our own conduct …Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit…” (Galatians 6:5-8 NLT).

“... Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,  idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).

"…REPENT  AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB). “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

“…The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes ...Your servant is warned. …”(Psalm 19:7-11 NASB).

“…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning...” (Romans 15:4 KJV). “...Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition (WARNING)...” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV).

 “… Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man (woman) soweth, that shall he (she) also reap…” (Galatians 6:7 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, KNOWS his STANDARD and ATTRIBUTE of FAITHFULNESS. He is a COMPASSIONATE God so he informs mankind and his people AHEAD of time what his faithful WORD says. “… The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness…” (Exodus 34:6 NLT). “… I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose…” (Exodus 33:19 NLT).

“… The Lord was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his [faithfulness to his]... covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet…” (2 Kings 13:23 KJV).

However, “…The Lord, the God of their ancestors, repeatedly sent his prophets to warn them, for he had compassion on his people…” (2 Chronicles 36:15 NLT).

“…he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not…” (Psalms 78:38 KJV). 

“… Thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth…” (Psalms 86:15 KJV).

“…The Lord is compassionateand merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love…” (Psalms 103:8 NLT). “… The Lord is like a father to his children, tenderand compassionate to those who fear him…” (Psalms 103:13 NLT).

“… He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion…” (Psalms 111:4 KJV). “… Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion,and righteous…” (Psalms 112:4 KJV).

“… the Lord will give justice to his people and have compassion on his servants…” (Psalms 135:14 NLT). “…The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation…” (Psalms 145:9 NLT).

“… The Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lordis a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help…” (Isaiah 30:18 NLT). “… The Lordhas comforted his people and will have compassion on them in their suffering…” (Isaiah 49:13 NLT).

“… with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord, your Redeemer…” (Isaiah 54:8 NLT). “…It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not…” (Lamentations 3:22 KJV).

“...Again and again [God] rescued them, but they [continually]... chose to rebel against him... [until]... they were finally destroyed by their sin…” (Psalm 106:39-43 NLT).

“... Everyone  (no exceptions) who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ...  the one who practices sin is of the devil ...  No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone (no exceptions) who does not practice righteousness is not of GOD...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

“… he remains ...(STAYS) ... faithful (to the “standards” of his word) …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…hecannot deny who he is (so there are “no” exceptions)…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

“…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

The MOST important FACT about God, the Holy Spirit’s immutable FAITHFULNESS to HIS STANDARDS and his CHARACTER is the BENEFIT it provides for HIS “REDEEMED” people, children, citizens, holy nation, chosen, special possessions, or those who belong to him.

“…Becauseyou belong to him, …” (Romans 8:1-14 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). “… AS MANY as received him…” (John 1:12 KJV).

 “...Anyone (NO EXCEPTIONS) who does not live righteously and does not love other believers DOES "NOT' BELONG TO GOD...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

 “…This [was ALL]… God’s plan: [Everyone]… who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus...” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

“…those who do not havethe [indwelling Holy]... Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.….” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT).

“… because the LordlovesHis people…” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB).  “…God is faithful, by whom [his people]... were called unto the fellowship (covenant unity) of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord…” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV).

“…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… Indeed, He loves the people…” (Deuteronomy 33:3 NASB).  “…God’s  love has been poured out INto …[his people’s]… hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to [them]…” (Romans 5:5 NIV).  

“… [God, the Holy Spirit, has]... loved [them]... with an everlasting love; Therefore [God, the Holy Spirit has]... drawn [them]... with lovingkindness…” (Jeremiah 31:3 NASB).

GOD SAID TO ABRAHAM“… I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed…” (Genesis 12:3 KJV).

AND TO THE the CONVERTED “in” CHRIST, God SAYS: “…Christ hath redeemed us ….That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith…” (Galatians 3:13-14 KJV).

God’s spiritual BLESSINGS depend STRICTLY upon his “covenant unity” relationship with YOU.

There are GENERAL BLESSINGS that are bestowed upon the righteous and unrighteous, but there are SPECIFIC BLESSINGS that are bestowed ONLY upon the righteous.

GENERAL blessings are things such as air, sunshine, rain, resources of the earth, the OPPORTUNITY to be saved, and physical life, which are bestowed on the righteous and unrighteous. “…He causes His sun to rise on theevil and the good, and sends rain on therighteous and the unrighteous…” (Matthew 5:45 NASB).

SPECIFIC blessings such as ALL the “unmerited,” abounding, unlimited FAVORS FROM God are bestowed upon his children “IN” Christ Jesus. “… [They, those “IN” Christ]… enjoy the promise of blessings because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  

Blessings or “unmerited” favor from God are expressed and demonstrated through God’s INDWELLING presence, goodness, and working power. “…. [God’s people] ... are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clearthat [their]... great power is from God, not from [them]selves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT). “…[People will]… know (witness) that everything [God’s people have]…  IS A GIFT “FROM” [God, the Holy Spirit]…” (John 17:6-9 NLT).  

“...when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the wordof God, which is indeed at work in you who believe...” (1 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV). “ …[God’s people]... have this treasure “in” earthen (human) vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). 

God is the BLESSOR and HIS people are the RECIPIENTS. “…Your blessing be upon “Your people!” Selah…” (Psalm 3:8 NASB). “…The LORD “will” BLESS his people with peace…” (Psalm 29:11 KJV).

“…We are HIS PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV). WHO? “…Those who BELONG TO Christ Jesus …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Because YOU BELONG to him … (And remember that those who do not havethe Spirit of Christ living in them DO NOT BELONG TO HIM at all.)” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“… [Everyone]… who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of blessings because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  “….You (also) belong to God…” (1 John 4:4 NLT). “…He (she) that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT [with God, the Holy Spirit]…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

“… [He sent the] …one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

God is immutably FAITHFUL to those who are in a “covenant unity” relationship with HIM. “….thosewho do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them DO NOT BELONG TO HIM at all.)” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

Those who BELONG to God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ are the ones who will SHARE in the INHERITANCE of gifts and blessings. They are HIS CHILDREN and BELONG to God, the Holy Spirit. “…  [Everyone] … who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of … [provisions] … becauseTHEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  “… [They, those “IN” Christ]… enjoy the promise of blessingsbecauseTHEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

God’s FAITHFULNESS “NEVER” leaves or forsakes his people. “…We (redeemed)... are HIS PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV). WHO? “…Those who BELONG TO Christ Jesus …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

GOD is immutably FAITHFUL to “HIS” redeemed people, “…Because [they]... BELONG to him … (And remember that those who do not havethe Spirit of Christ living in them DO NOT BELONG TO HIM at all.)” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“…what fellowship [can God, the Holy Spirit of] righteousness [have]... with unrighteousness? And what communion [can God, the Holy Spirit of]... light [have]...with darkness?...” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV).

 “…[God, the Holy Spirit] … is faithful, by whom [the redeemed]... were called unto the fellowship(a “covenant unity” relationship) … [with]… his Son Jesus Christ our Lord …” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV).

“… “God[‘s faithfulness is]... with [his people]…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…God has said “Never will I leave [my people  without MY FAITHFULNESS); never will I forsake [them]…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM WITH [my people]... ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).  “…Behold, I AM WITH… [my people] … and  … I WILL NOT LEAVE [them] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “… The LORD thy God …will not fail [his people], nor forsake the[m]…” (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV).  “… Behold, I am with … [my people, faithfully] and will keep … [them] whithersoever [they]… goest…I will not leave [them] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

“…[God, the Holy Spirit] … is faithful…” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV).

I BELIEVE IN GOD, THE FATHER, WHO SPEAKS THROUGH CHRIST, HIS WORD AND MOVES THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT: 3 IN 1

I BELIEVE IN GOD, THE FATHER. I BELIEVE IN JESUS, HIS SON AND WORD. I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.

“…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and THESE THREE ARE ONE  “…THERE IS NO GOD, BUT ONE…” (1 Corinthians 8:4 KJV).

* 

“…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and THESE THREE ARE ONE.  “…THERE IS NO GOD, BUT ONE…” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV).  We have discussed God, the Father; God, the Word, and God, the Holy Spirit.

Hopefully, we have offered a perspective that shows how the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit are all God, but are different expressions of God’s Holy nature and power.

God, the Father expresses the Holy nature and power through thoughts (unspoken words).

God, the Word expresses the Holy nature and power through words (spoken thoughts).

God, the Holy Spirit, expresses the Holy nature and power through actions.

There are three different expressions of God, but the expressions are ALL God. THERE ARE THREE DIFFERENT EXPRESSIONS OF WATER - LIQUID, ICE, AND STEAM, - BUT they are ALL H2O.

God’s THOUGHTS, WORD, and HOLY SPIRIT are ALSO “ALL” HOLY. God’s DIVINE NATURE never changes. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “…Jesus Christ  (the WORD of God) is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

Remember. “…As [a person] THINKETH within his [or her] heart (thoughts, words, etc), so is he[or she] (actions, behaviors, etc.)…”(Proverbs 23:7 KJV).

God, the Father is HOLY. God’s THOUGHTS are HOLY. God’s WORD is Holy. God’s ACTIONS are HOLY. “…“My thoughts (UNSPOKEN WORDS) are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways (ACTIONS) are far beyond anything you could imagine … my ways are higher  … my thoughts higher…” (Isaiah 55:5-9 NLT).

God’s THOUGHTS, alone, before they become a spoken WORD have the POWER to create REALITY.  HOW? Because God’s THOUGHTS are “ALWAYS” in AGREEMENT with his spoken WORD and ACTIONS. “…In the beginning was the Word (also god’s thoughts),and the Word (also god’s thoughts) was with God, and the Word (also god’s thoughts) was God…” (John 1:1-4 NASB).  “…. All things came into being through Him (God’s THOUGHTS, WORD, ACTIONS),and apart from Him (God’s THOUGHTS, WORD, ACTIONS) nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “…these three agree in one…” (1 John 5:8 KJV).

When the THOUGHTS of God; the WORD of God; and the ACTIONS of God are in AGREEMENT; together they create REALITY. “…these three agree (as one spirit) “in” one (one god)…” (1 John 5:8 KJV).

When these “three agree in (within) ONE (ONE GOD), “all things” come into EXISTENCE through the POWERFUL HOLY SPIRIT (1 John 5:7 KJV).  “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…these three  (thoughts, word, actions) agree in (within) one (one god)…” (1 John 5:8 KJV).  

It is through AGREEMENT that the three expressions of God come TOGETHER 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).

When the WORD of God and the ACTIONS of God AGREE; together they CREATE existence, being, or reality. “…if TWO (such as God’s word & actions) … shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven…” (Matthew 18:19 KJV). “....Can two (such as God’s word & actions) walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3 KJV). “…there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit (God, the Father), and the water (God, the Holy Spirit), and the blood (God, the Word): and these three agree in one…” (1 John 5:8 KJV). “…Two  (word and actions) are better than one because they have a good return for their labor …” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NASB).  “…the Spirit (Father), and the water (Holy Spirit), and the blood (the Word): and these three agree in one…” (1 John 5:8 KJV).

To be in agreement, God’s thoughts, God’s Word, and God’s actions have to be the SAME or EQUAL on some level. “…and these three agree in one…” (1 John 5:8 KJV).

God’s thoughts, word, and actions are in complete harmony, or are consistent with, or in uncompromising agreement when being the SPIRIT.  “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT, …” (John 6:63 KJV). “… I (the WORD of God) and my Father (God, the SPIRIT) are ONE…” (John 10:30 KJV). “…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father (GOD), the Word (JESUS), and the Holy Ghost (POWERFUL CONFIRMING ACTIONS): and THESE THREE ARE ONE.…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV). “..I am (the WORD) in the Father (God, the HOLY SPIRIT), and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth (the holy spirit doeth) the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

The HOLY SPIRIT that DOES the WORK that CONFIRMS God’s WORD is “IN YOU.” That SAME SPIRIT, from the creation of the world, dwells in YOU. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).“…the [Word of God] is [also] that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).  “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK  …theyARE [Holy] SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV).

 “…Jesus Christ (the Word of God) is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell[s] inyou…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  

That “SAME” SPIRIT that dwells in YOU “STILL” DOES the WORK, which CONFIRMS God’s WORD. “…God who does the [CONFIRMING] work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT [still] DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … It is the …Holy Spirit who gives all these …. POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…It is God who works in you…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep … work[s] in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] you with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

INHERENT in God’s HOLY SPIRIT (divine nature or character) is power, authority, faith, and other fruit. “… The fruit (nature or character) of the Spirit  … love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell[s] in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  

However, in order for the human mouthpiece to ACTIVATE the WORK of the Holy Spirit, which CONFIRMS God’s WORD, it DEPENDS upon HEARING the WORD of GOD. “…faith (A characteristic of the Divine nature which is in you) cometh by hearing, and hearing … the (confirming) word of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV).

When the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT hears the WORD of God it activates both the fruit of FAITH, now within the believer, and the WORKS necessary to CONFIRM the WORD of God that is SPOKEN. “… The fruit (nature or character) of the Spirit  … faith…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).“…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth (the holy spirit doeth) the [CONFIRMING] works…” (John 14:10 KJV).“…All things came into being through Him… (John 1:1-4 NASB).

YOU HAVE FAITH. “… [ONE OF] The fruit (nature or character) of the Spirit IS … faith…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). ). “…by the GRACE of God [I HAVE WHAT I HAVE]…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

THEREFORE, THAT FAITH IS “IN” YOU THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s] in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). ). “…by the GRACE of God [I HAVE THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT]…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

FAITH IS A FRUIT OR CHARACTERISTIC OF THE DIVINE NATURE, WHICH IS THE HOLY SPIRIT. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).

WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES INTO AGREEMENT WITH THE WORD TOGETHER THEY CREATE REALITY.“…All things came into being through Him (GOD, THE WORD & GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT)… (John 1:1-4 NASB).

GOD SUPPLIES THE BELIEVER WITH FAITH (THE ABILITY TO TRUST IN AND DEPEND UPON HIM), WHICH COMES ALONG WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).JEHOVAH –JIREH means: "The Lord Will Provide." ). “…by the GRACE of God [ALL MY NEEDS ARE SUPPLIED]…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

WE WITNESS GOD’S SUPPLY OF FAITH IN HEBREWS.THEIR SUPPLY OF FAITH CONFIRMED GOD’S WORD THROUGH THE DISPLAY OF HIS POWER AND AUTHORITY IN THEIR EMPOWERED ACTIONS. “..THE STORIES OF FAITH  (PEOPLE WHO WERE EMPOWERED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT OF FAITH) of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. BY FAITH these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what 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 battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death….” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).

THEREFORE, WHEN THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT“HEARS” THE WORD OF GOD; TOGETHER THEY COME INTO AGREEMENT TO CREATE THE REALITY THAT WILL CONFIRM GOD’S WORD (IN YOUR LIFE AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS). “…and these three agree in one…” (1 John 5:8 KJV). “…if TWO (such as God’s Word & actions) … shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven…” (Matthew 18:19 KJV).

 THE BELIEVER IS EMPOWERED TO TRUST AND DEPEND UPON GOD TO DO WHAT HE SAYS HE WILL DO THROUGH HIS CONFIRMING WORD! “…All things came into being through Him (GOD, THE WORD)… (John 1:1-4 NASB). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth (GOD, the holy spirit doeth) the [CONFIRMING] works…” (John 14:10 KJV

In addition, God’s thoughts, word, and actions are also in complete harmony, or are consistent with, or in uncompromising agreement when being HOLY. “… [God is] HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “… he remains faithful[in holiness], for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

God’s HOLINESS permanently BONDS his thoughts, word, and actions together in harmony and there will NEVER be any inconsistency with his WORDS and ACTIONS. “…and these … agree in one…” (1 John 5:8 KJV).

God NEVER changes. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “Jesus Christ is the sameyesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

If God’s thoughts, word, or actions were NOT in agreement there would be CONFLICT in the relationship between God’s WORDS and his ACTIONS. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  

If there were ANY inconsistency with God’s WORD and his ACTIONS God would NOT be TRUTH.  “Jesus Christ (the Word of God) is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). “…Thy word is TRUTH…” (JOHN 17:17 KJV).

When people’s WORDS (spoken or unspoken) DON’T match their behaviors or vice versa, most likely, they can’t be TRUSTED. “…This people honoureth me with their lips, but [the  honor within their] heart is far from me…” (Mark 7:6 KJV).  “…for thy heart is not right in the sight of God…” (Acts 8:21 KJV). “…This people draw near me with their mouth …but have removed their heart far from me…” (Isaiah 29:13 KJV).

When there are inconsistencies in ONE’s nature there will instabilities with their WORDS and ACTION. “…A double minded man (or woman) is unstable in ALL [of] his (her) ways…” (James 1:8 KJV).

“…So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’tbe doing what your sinful nature craves.The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires.These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. …When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the RESULTS are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there…” (Galatians 5 NLT).

“…If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in [the Spirit of] Faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  For let not that man (or woman) think that he (or she) shall receive any thing of the Lord…” (James 1:4-7 KJV). “…I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 NIV).  “…A double minded man (or woman) is unstable in all [of] his (or her) ways…” (James 1:8 KJV).

God clearly demonstrates how the thoughts affect the words and the words affect the actions. Thus conflict, or disagreement, or differences in one’s thoughts, words and actions will most likely be intrinsic (at the core or HEART (where your words or thoughts reside). “…Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye DOUBLE minded…” (James 4:8 KJV). “…with flattering lips and with a DOUBLE heart do they speak…” (Psalms 12:2 KJV). “…A double minded man is unstable in all his ways…” (James 1:8 KJV).

The CORE or HEART (where your thoughts & words reside) bespeaks of one’s NATURE. God’s nature is HOLY and his HOLINESS guarantees that his thoughts, words, and actions are immutably consistent and always in agreement. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

If God’s thoughts and words were not consistently HOLY, it would impact his ACTIONS and reveal an inconsistency in his DIVINE nature. “…Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

However, God’s CORE or HEART value is HOLINESS, which heavily affects his thoughts, his word, and his actions. “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  “…There is none HOLY as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “… [God sanctifies his people]…for …[their]… profit, that [they] might be partakers (participants) of HIS HOLINESS...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).  

The POWER behind God’s WORDS and ACTIONS is the HARMONY and AGREEMENT of HOLINESS between God’s WORD, and his ACTIONS. “… “I AM WHO I AM ’ This is My name forever …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, would never DO WORKS that were inconsistent with his HOLY thoughts or his HOLY spoken WORD. “…So …MY WORD … 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).

God’s DIVINE nature is HOLY through and through. “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  “… “I AM WHO I AM. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am  the Lord, the God of all flesh…” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God…" (Revelation 1:8 NASB). “… I, the LORD … the first, and with the last. I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).   “...The lord is GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…  I, the Lord, am your healer…” (Exodus 15:26). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  And, “There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV).“…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  “… [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 “my” shepherd ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

God PLACES high value on HOLINESS and it is “that” CORE VALUE that GUIDES the DIVINE NATURE. “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

God would not and could not EVER compromise the CORE, DIVINE NATURE, which is permeated with nothing, but HOLINESS. “…he remains faithful[in holiness], for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).

HOLINESS is God’s only choice, because he can’t DENY who he is, in his CORE, DIVINE nature, at ALL times. “… he remains faithful[in holiness], for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).

Therefore, God won’t and can’t be ANY thing, but HOLY in his thoughts, his word, and his actions. “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “Jesus Christ (the WORD OF GOD) is the sameyesterday and today and forever (unchanging, immutable)…” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

God’s consistent, immutable HOLINESS is WHY his WORD and ACTIONS can be completely trusted. “…All your [words] are TRUSTWORTHY…” (PSALM 119:86 NLT). “Everything you have heard (through God’s WORD] … is TRUSTWORTHYand true (immutably HOLY)…” (REVELATION 22:6 NLT).

HIS WORD and ACTION WILL NEVER DISAPPOINT you. “…the Scripture says (the WORD says), "WHOEVER [depends upon or trusts in] HIM (his WORD & ACTIONS) WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED…" (ROMANS 10:11 NASB). “…In You (God, the HOLY SPIRIT) they (God’s people) trusted (depended upon his WORD and ACTIONS) and WERE NOT DISAPPOINTED…. (PSALMS 22:5 NASB).

 THUS, God’s people CAN“…Trust in (depend upon) [the WORD & ACTIONS of God], with all [their] heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “… [The WORD of God], “WILL” accomplish [or take care of]… (through the ACTIONS of God)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “... [Cast] …all your care upon him (the WORD of God & ACTIONS of God); for he careth for [each of them]...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).  “…All he does (ACTIONS) is just and good (HOLY), and all his [WORDS] are TRUSTWORTHY….” (PSALMS 111:7 NLT). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). 

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). God is HOLY. “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). God is the HOLY SPIRIT.

 God NEVER stops being the HOLY SPIRIT. “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

Therefore, you can completely TRUST that God’s THOUGHTS, WORD, AND ACTIONS are “ALWAYS” HOLY.  “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). God is HOLY. “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

“…there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one…” (1 John 5:7-8 KJV). The inclusion or omission of these VERSES, in other translation or versions, is HIGHLY debated among MOST bible scholars.

My purpose for adding them is NOT to prove or disprove or debate the TRINTY, but to HIGHLIGHT or EMPHASIZE God’s HOLINESS, POWER, and AUTHORITY in ALL expressions (or persons) of the DIVINE NATURE.

Whether you CHOOSE the perspective of God being three persons or you CHOOSE the perspective of God having three expressions, the bottom line is: God is SPIRIT and God is HOLY. Thus God is the HOLY SPIRIT. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). God is HOLY. “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

God INTRODUCES the unchanging, DIVINE NATURE all throughout scriptures! “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  “… “I AM WHO I AM ’ This is My name forever,…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am  the Lord, the God of all flesh…” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God…" (Revelation 1:8 NASB). “… I, the LORD … the first, and with the last. I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).   “...The lord is GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…  I, the Lord, am your healer…” (Exodus 15:26). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  And, “There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  “… [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 “my” shepherd ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

Not only does God INTRODUCE the DIVINE nature, but he also REVEALS his DIVINE nature through the things he MAKES and CREATES. “…The invisible [Holy Spirit]…from the creation of the world is …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made …” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “…What we now SEE did not come from anything that can be SEEN…” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “…he (the holy spirit) doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…the invisible things of [GOD, the HOLY SPIRIT] from the creation of the world are CLEARLY SEEN…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

 “…the Father [GOD, the Holy Spirit] that dwelleth in [you], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 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). “…Then God SAID, “Let there be light”; AND THERE WAS LIGHT…” (Genesis 1:3 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 (such as the LIGHTS (moon, sun etc.)…” (Romans 1:20 NIV).

When we DIVIDE and DEFINE by gender, culture, kinds, or nationality, we are LIMITED by those outward labels and identities. “……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).

“…So now you … are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself…” (Ephesians 2:19-20 NLT).

Therefore, when we are connected through JESUS or the WORD OF GOD we are MADE into new creations, and become identified by the FRUIT of the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT. “…But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

God is NOT introduced as male or female; Jew or Gentile, bond or free and thus is not LIMITED by HUMAN labels and titles. “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  “… “I AM WHO I AM ’ This is My name forever,…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am  the Lord, the God of all flesh…” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God…" (Revelation 1:8 NASB). “… I, the LORD … the first, and with the last. I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).   “...The lord is GOOD…” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…  I, the Lord, am your healer…” (Exodus 15:26). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

ALL of God’s TITLES or LABELS identify the DIVINE NATURE. God’s distinct NAMES “clearly” reveal the qualities or characteristics of his invisible NATURE. “…The invisible [NATURE]…from the creation of the world … [and his] eternal power… is… …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are MADE …” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

God’s distinct NAMES reveal his HOLY nature. For instance, the name El Erekh means the God of PATIENCE. “…the God of patience … grant you to be likeminded…” (Romans 15:5 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is … patience … The Lord is that Spirit … It is the SPIRIT who gives [PATIENCE]…” (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT & 2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV &John 6:63 NASB).

One of God’s NAMES reveals and describes his ROLE as husbandman to his covenant people. For instance, the name Jehovah Jireh means the God of provision. “…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).

Another one of God’s NAMES is linked to a special circumstance, which reveals how God personally benefits his PEOPLE at different times. For instance, the name El Shaddai is linked to Genesis 17:1 when God appeared to Abram. “… When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life…” (Genesis 17:1 NLT). The name, El Shaddai refers to him as, “…the Almighty God…”  (Genesis 17:1 KJV).

God’s NAMES are meant to provoke AWE, RESPECT, HONOR, and REVERENCE for God’s DIVINE NATURE and DIVINE power.  “…I will praise his holy name…” (Psalms 103:1 NLT). “…give thanks to His holy name…” (Psalms 30:4 NASB). “… all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever…” (Psalms 145:21 NASB).

God’s HOLY labels and titles gives HUMANITY a hint of his DIVINE nature, his HOLY character, and his benevolent ACTIONS extended to HIS covenant PEOPLE. For instance: ADONAI or YAHWEH or JEHOVAH or JEHOVAH ELOHIM or EL ELYON or JEHOVAH ELOHIM which means: “LORD” "LORD God" “Most High" "LORD God."

ELOHIM or EL SHADDAI or EL-GIBHOR which means: God “Creator, Mighty and Strong” “God Almighty” “Mighty God.”

JEHOVAH –JIREH means: "The Lord Will Provide."

JEHOVAH –RAPHA means: "The Lord Who Heals."

JEHOVAH –NISSI means: "The Lord Our Banner.”

JEHOVAH -M'KADDESH means: "The Lord Who Sanctifies, Makes Holy." 

JEHOVAH –SHALOM means: "The Lord Our Peace.

JEHOVAH H-TSIDKENU means: "The Lord Our Righteousness.”

JEHOVAH –ROHI means: "The Lord Our Shepherd.

JEHOVAH –SHAMMAH means: "The Lord Is There.

jEHOVAH –SABAOTH means: "The Lord of Hosts."

EL ROI means: "God of Seeing."

EL-OLAM means: "Everlasting God."

 

I BELIEVE IN GOD, THE FATHER

WHO SPEAKS THROUGH CHRIST, HIS SON,

AND MOVES THROUGH THE POWER HOLY SPIRIT!!

THEY ARE THREE IN ONE!

I AM GRATEFUL TO BE ONE OF GOD'S BLESSING. ARE YOU A B LESSING TOO?

EACH OF GOD'S PEOPLE ARE BLESSINGS!

“…You were called so that you may inherit a BLESSING…” (1 Peter 3:9 NIV).

*

 We have defined a blessed as God’s “unmerited” divine favor toward mankind. What exactly are spiritual blessings? Blessings are special favors, gifts, mercies, graces, and abilities FROM God bestowed upon HIS people.

Blessings FROM God are a sign of his relationship with you, an expression of his kindness toward you, and proof of his indwelling presence in your inner being. “…It is You who BLESSES “THE” RIGHTEOUS MAN, O Lord,You surround him WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).

To receive blessings from God means you belong to him and are “one spirit” with him, his purpose, and his will (1 Corinthians 6:17). “…Those who BELONG TO Christ Jesus …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Because YOU BELONG to him… (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them DO NOT BELONG TO HIM at all.)” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “Know that the Lord is God! It is he that made us, and we are his; we are HIS PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV). [Everyone]… who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of blessings because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  “…But he that is joined (attached) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

Every “good” thing that happens is NOT necessarily a blessing FROM God. Just like bad things happen to good people; good things happen to bad people. “…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).

The sun may rise on the evil and the rain may fall on the unjust, but ONLY because God is a merciful God. The evil and unjust may have lots of money too, but that doesn’t mean they are BLESSED of God. “…THY BLESSING is upon THY PEOPLE…” (Psalms 3:8 KJV). “…YOU MAKE HIM “MOST” BLESSED forever; …” (Psalms 21:6 NASB). “…You surround him WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).

People have a tendency to envy sinners with some kind of good fortune that “ONLY” APPEARS to be a blessing and are NOT. “…Let NOTthine heart ENVY sinners…” (Proverbs 23:17 KJV). “…It’s [their]… SINS that have cut [them]… off from God. Because of [their]… SINS, he has turned away and will not listen anymore…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). “…They …serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their OWN belly…” (Romans 16:18 KJV).

God commands us to give thanks in ALL things, but he did not tell us to call ALL things a blessing. “….In everyTHING give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus…” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB). “….ALL THINGS work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).

The word “blessing” has practically become a cliché and most people don’t even know what it means or what it is. A spiritual blessing is “unmerited” FAVOR FromGod. You experience a blessing when something, big or small, happens to you that you don’t deserve. God bestows it upon you anyway. For instance, “…BY GRACE have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH; …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

If you are SAVED, “by grace,” then you have experienced a true blessing (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). Grace is “unmerited” FAVOR From God.  You didn’t EARN grace, you didn’t DESERVE grace, and you didn’t do anything WORTHY of grace. Therefore, GRACE is a blessing because it is “UNMERITED” favor FROM God.

 “…What we have RECEIVED is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has FREELY GIVEN US (unmerited favor)…” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).

If you didn’t EARN, DESERVE, or were WORTHY of GRACE; why did God BLESS you with unmerited favor? “…God SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE…” (John 3:16). “…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). God “…SPARED NOT his own Son, but delivered him up FOR US ALL…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

“…Who will separate us from the love of [Christ? … [Nothing]…will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB). He has “….loved [you]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV).

Why is the blessing (unmerited favor) of Grace, FROM God, so important? “… [Your] … iniquities (sin) …separated[you]… from God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “… YOUR SINS … cut you off from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). “…Your INIQUITIES have separated between you and your God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

How did you become separated from God? “…Through one man SIN entered into the world, and DEATH THROUGH SIN, and so DEATH passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). .  “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10 KJV).“…There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not…” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). “…ALL HAVE SINNED and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23).

Could I fix it with God ALL by myself? “The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin.I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to dowhat is right (choose life), but I can’t.I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me.Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin?…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…DEATH passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). .  “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

You were DOOMED to die. You had earned, deserved, and were worthy of DEATH. BUT, God deeply loved you.  God’s heart was moved to BLESS you with unmerited favor. “…God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). God …sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…[God]…sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life…” (John 3:16 KJV).

What is “the” GREATEST blessing of them all? Jesus. How is Jesus the GREATEST blessing of them all? “…He [became]… the atoning sacrifice for [y]our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV). Jesus also became “…the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV). “…Christ …died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “…he (Jesus) by the graceof God should taste death for every man…” (Hebrews 3:9 KJV).

The GREATEST blessing is that Jesus switched places with you. “…ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).

Because Jesus switched places with you the blessing of grace includes forgiveness. “…If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness…” (1 John 1:9 KJV). “…Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies BLOT OUT “MY” TRANSGRESSIONS (sin). WASH ME THROUGHLY FROM “MINE” INIQUITY (sin), and CLEANSE ME FROM “MY SIN.” For I acknowledge my TRANSGRESSIONS (sins): and “MY SIN” is ever before me. AGAINST THEE (God), THEE ONLY, HAVE “I SINNED” AND DONE THIS EVIL IN THY SIGHT…” (Psalms 51:1-4 KJV). “Create in me a clean heart, O God…” (Psalms 51:10-19 KJV). “…For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more…" (Hebrews 8:12 NIV). His “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV).

In addition, the blessing of GRACE is that God allowed Jesus to die when you were the LEAST deserving of all. “…sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT).

What does God do to invite you to the blessing of grace? "It is written in the prophets, 'AND THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD.' Every one that hath HEARD and hath LEARNED of the Father, cometh to me…” (John 6:45 KJV). “..If I (Jesus, the WORD) be lifted up from the earth, WILL DRAW all men unto me…” (John 12:32 KJV).

What happens if you HEAR and LEARN about the blessing of grace? You can “…RECEIVE with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to SAVE [their]… souls…” (James 1:21 KJV). You can “..[become]… justified freely by his grace…” (Romans 3:24 KJV). “…[You now]… have access by faith into this gracewherein we stand...” (Romans 5:2 KJV). “…To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

How does hearing, learning, and receiving the Word of God BLESS you? “..The WORD OF GOD is “…the POWER of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth…” (Romans 1:16 KJV).

 “The power of God unto salvation” is the experience of the BLESSING of GRACE. During salvation, God is at work (Romans 1:16 KJV). “…God ...[sends]… forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). AND, “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to [our new]… SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).

Along with hearing the Word comes forth faith “…FAITH [also]… COMETH BY HEARING …THE WORD OF GOD…” (Roman 10:17 KJV).

“…We have obtained our introduction by faith into this GRACE in which we stand…” (Romans 5:2 NASB). “…a right relationship with God …comes by faith…” (Romans 4:13 NASB). “… [God] … [makes] …us ACCEPTED in the beloved (Jesus Christ)…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

A blessing is unmerited favor from God. Can you see the Blessing of Grace in salvation? Did you do anything to earn, deserve, or be worthy of it? “…Christ …[died]… for us while we were “STILL” sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “…BY GRACE have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…the GRACE of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men…” (Titus 2:11 KJV).

Is the blessing of grace experienced in salvation FREE? “…the FREE gift…” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “….the [FREE]… gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…BY GRACE have ye been saved …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…Since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s GRACE would not be what it really is—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:5 NLT).

God’s GRACE, in a nutshell, is his UNMERITED favor, and thus it is a BLESSING. “…For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we DESERVED it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his GRACE through Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT). “…A few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s GRACE—his UNDESERVED kindness in choosing them…” (Romans 11:4 NLT).

UNMERITED favor means ABSOLUTELY nothing was done to DESERVE it, but it was BLESSING to you and emanates from God’s divine, loving, KIND nature. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…… [God’s]…love is kind…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “…the fruit of the Spirit is… gentleness(kindness)…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

You are taught nothing in life is FREE and you have to EARN, DESERVE, and be WORTHY of everything; including love. That’s why grace is such an AWESOME BLESSING. “…Since [salvation]… is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:5 NLT).

You have to EARN, DESERVE, and be WORTHY of everything it seems and it becomes a lifelong practice to keep the favor of those whose love and acceptance you continually covet.

If you fail, falter, make a mistake, and don’t maintain their idea of worthiness usually there is NO Grace waiting for you on the other side. The blessing of God’s grace doesn’t depend on your worthiness. “…ye are ….under GRACE…” (Romans 6:14 KJV).

So if you can’t sustain, or earn, or deserve, or be worthy of God’s favor, he gives it to you anyway. Certainly, the blessing of Grace is NOT because YOU’RE good, but because God is good.

God’s unmerited GRACE is free and abounding. “…where sin abounded, GRACE did much more abound…” (Romans 5:20 KJV).  “…God’s GRACE has set US FREE ...” (Romans 6:15 NLT). “…He is “SO” RICH in kindness and GRACE that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins…” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT). “….The exceeding RICHES of his GRACE in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus…” (Ephesians 2:7 KJV).

The blessing of God’s grace encourages me to treat others with the same kind of grace. “…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). "…In everything, therefore, TREAT people the same way you want them to TREAT you, for this is the Law and the Prophets…” (Matthew 7:12 NASB). “…As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold GRACE of God…” (1 Peter 4:10 KJV).

We can’t make it right with God without the BLESSING of his GRACE. “…For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT). “…God is able to make all GRACE abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “…where sin abounded, GRACE did much more abound…” (Romans 5:20 KJV).  “…My GRACEis sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “..Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that we may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV).

The true, enduring, lasting BLESSING of GRACE is found in abundance ONLY in Jesus Christ. “…much more the GRACE of God, and the gift by GRACE, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath ABOUNDED unto many…” (Romans 5:15 KJV).  “…They which receive abundance of GRACE … shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ…” (Romans 5:17 KJV).

Therefore, “…be strong in the GRACE that is in Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 2:1 KJV). Keep “…singing with GRACE in your hearts to the Lord…” (Colossians 3:16 KJV).  And “…Let your speech [continue to]… be always with GRACE…” (Colossian 4:6 KJV).

The BLESSING of GRACE is always a first response generously given BY God.“..Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that we may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “..The graceGIVEN unto me…” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “…according to the grace that is GIVEN to us…” (Romans 12:6 KJV). “…Because of the grace that is GIVEN to me of God…” (Romans 15:15 KJV). “…According to the grace of God which is GIVEN unto me…” (1 Corinthians 3:10 KJV). “…I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is GIVEN you by Jesus Christ...” (1 Corinthians 1:4 KJV). “…Every one of us is GIVEN GRACE according to the measure of the gift of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:7 KJV). This is where I SHOUT!

“…FREELY YE HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE...” (Matthew 10:8 KJV).

The BLESSING of Grace is available 24/7. The bible says the BLESSING of GRACE (unmerited favor) is always WITH you. “…The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ BE WITH YOU. Amen…” (Romans 16:20 KJV). “…The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ BE WITH YOU ALL . Amen…” (Romans 16:24 KJV). “…The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ BE WITH YOU…” (1 Corinthians 16:23 KJV). “…The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ BE WITH YOU. Amen…” (1 Thessalonians 1:2 KJV). “…The GRACE of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, BE WITH YOU ALL. Amen…” (2 Corinthians 13:14 KJV). “…The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ BE WITH YOUR SPIRIT. Amen…” (Galatians 6:18 KJV). “…The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ BE WITH YOU ALL. Amen…” (Philippians 4:23 KJV). “…GRACE be with you. Amen…” (Colossians 4:18 KJV). “…The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ BE WITH YOU. Amen…” (1 Thessalonians 5:28 KJV). “…The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ BE WITH YOU ALL. Amen…” (2 Thessalonians 3:18 KJV). “…GRACE be with thee. Amen…” (1 Timothy 6:21 KJV). “…The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen…” (Philemon 1:25 KJV). “…GRACE be with you all. Amen…” (Titus 3:15 KJV). “…GRACE be with you all. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:25 KJV). “…The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen…” (Revelation 22:21 KJV). 

BECAUSE the BLESSING of GRACE (unmerited favor) is always WITH you and available for you, in spite of your many mistakes, You are what you are. I am what I am. “…By the graceof God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 KJV).

To ALL believers: “…[The BLESSING of]…GRACE  unto you, and [may it continue to]… be multiplied…” (1 Peter 1:2 KJV).

Remember, “…WE LOVE, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “…We give [God]..only what [he]…first gave us! …” (1 Chronicles 29:14 NLT). “…By the grace of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 KJV). There is NO BLESSING greater than God’s GRACE.

The BLESSING of his GRACE (unmerited favor) is upon your life, right now, today, and will continually be multiplied to you forevermore!!! “… [The] incomparable RICHESof [God’s]… GRACE … expressed in his kindness in Christ Jesus...” (Ephesians 2:7 NIV). “…GRACE be unto you, and peace, FROM God our Father, and FROM the Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 Corinthians 1:3 KJV). “…GRACE to you and peace FROM God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Romans 1:7 KJV). “…GRACE be to you …FROM God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ…” (2 Corinthians 1:2 KJV). “…Grace be to you …FROM Godthe Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 1:3 KJV). “…GRACE be to you, …FROM God our Father, and FROM the LordJesus Christ…” (Ephesians 1:2 KJV). “…GRACE be unto you …FROM God our Father, and FROM the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:2 KJV). “…To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: GRACE be unto you …FROM Godour Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Colossians 1:2 KJV). “…GRACE unto you …FROM God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…” (2 Thessalonians 2:2 KJV). “…GRACE, mercy, and peace, FROM God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord…” (1 Timothy 1:2 KJV). “…GRACE, mercy, and peace,FROM God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord…” (2 Timothy 2:2 KJV). “…GRACE, mercy, and peace, FROM God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour…” (Titus 1:4 KJV). “…GRACE to you, and peace, FROM God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ….” (Philemon 1:3 KJV).“…GRACE and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord…” (2 Peter 1:2 KJV). “…GRACE be with you, mercy, and peace, FROM God the Father, and FROM the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love…” (2 John 1:3 KJV). “…John to the seven churches which are in Asia: GRACE be unto you, and peace, FROM him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from …” (Revelation 1:4 KJV).

ALL of God’s “unmerited,” divine favors are BLESSINGS. “… [They are]…expressed in his kindness [toward you]…in Christ Jesus...” (Ephesians 2:7 NIV).

We have determined that “BLESSINGS” are special “UNMERITED” favors, gifts, mercies, graces, and abilities FROM God. “… [Oh, praise be to God for the] incomparable RICHESof [his]… GRACE...” (Ephesians 2:7 NIV).

My food for thought question is this: Are you Blessed?

 

GOD STAYS WITH YOU THROUGH IT ALL!

WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU

NOT GOOD TO BE “LEFT ALONE”

GOD IS WITH YOU THROUGH IT ALL!

“…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).

 

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“… 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!

FOLLOW GOD'S WORD IS COSTLY. OBEDIENCE DOESN'T MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER; ITS MAKES "YOU" BETTER.

  THE COST OF FOLLOWING GOD'S WORD!

“…Christ suffered for us…arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin…” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV)

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We are NOT focusing on all suffering, but relational suffering. I am talking about relational suffering as part of the relationship with God through Christ. Suffering is part of all human relationships, but most people don’t like to go through the hard stuff.

True love is always costly and sacrificial. Christ suffered for us. “…Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV). He thought you were worth suffering for and he thought YOU were worth dying for. “…Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners”(Romans 5:6-8 NLT).  “…Christ died for [your] 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).

In order to die for us, “…Christ [first]…suffered for us in the flesh …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV). He did that when he, “…humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8 KJV). You see, “….the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28 NIV).

Therefore, God “…spared not his own Son, [from suffering,] but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…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).

In addition, “…forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV). Most of the time, when we think of or focus on Christ’s sufferings, we mainly look at the outward events: the beatings, carrying the old rugged cross, and being nailed to that cross.  We look at what happened TO him, but not what might have been happening WITHIN him.

The bible says he died TWO deaths: death to SELF AND death on the cross.  First Christ “…humbled himself and became obedient unto death (inward), even the death of the cross (outward)…” (Philippians 2:8 KJV).  Two deaths: “Obedient unto to death” and “death on the cross.” Even though he was, “… [God’s] Son, yet learned he obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).

Pay attention to this, Jesus LEARNED obedience BY the things he SUFFERED!!!! “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).

God knew Jesus would suffer and yet, he “…spared not his own Son [from suffering], but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). Therefore, “… arm yourselves likewise with the same mind …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).

“Seasons of suffering” can become a teacher and obedience is the lesson. “Seasons of suffering” are not so much about what’s happening TO you as much as it is about what’s happening WITHIN you.“… He that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin…” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).

There comes a time to stop living in willful sin. “For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries…” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).

Jesus had a purpose just like all God's people do, upon earth “….the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve othersand to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28).  Jesus, “… [God’s] Son, … learned … obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).

Jesus learned obedience by actually experiencing it through his life in human flesh. “…Christ…suffered for us in the flesh …” (1 Peter 4:1-3). In other words, Jesus learned obedience by actually staying in perfect compliance with God’s will no MATTER what was happening to him or around him. “… learned he obedience …” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).

This kind of obedience is painful, stressful, and is usually learned under difficult tests. Yet, Jesus submitted to God’s will for his life in spite of the cost. “… learned he obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).

Perfect submission to God’s will was personal to Jesus and reflected his loving, trusting devotion to God and to God's WILL. Jesus “learned” from “the things” he “suffered.” “… learned he obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).  Every time Jesus followed God’s will through absolute submission, in his human flesh, he learned obedience (Hebrews 5:8).

Jesus gave up his divine privileges, was demoted to human flesh, became like a servant, and “…emptied himself…” (Philippians 2:7 NASB). WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jesus’ relationship with God, during his human life on earth, was that of a trusting Son. “…He (Jesus)…[completely]… entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV). Jesus came to do God’s will. “…I seek not mine own will…” and submitted to His will. “…but the will of the Father which hath sent me...” While on earth he was perfectly obedient to God’s purpose. “…the Son can do nothing of himself [and said,]…I can of mine own self do nothing…...” John 5:19, 30 KJV).

Jesus was absolutely devoted to God and they were an undivided team. “I and the father are one” (John 10:30 KJV). Even though, they were joined uniquely together, we see Jesus in his human experience and yet “one” with God, the Holy Spirit. Jesus was both divine and human. “I and the father are one” (John 10:30 KJV).

This duel identity is further evidenced in this scripture: “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation,and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men…” Philippians 2:6-7 KJV).

Christ was claiming he had all the rights of his Father in heaven and he could take advantage of those rights if he wanted to, but he didn’t. Instead, “[He]… took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men…” Philippians 2:6-7 KJV). God's people have ALL the RIGHTS of their HUMAN will and can exercise those rights ANY time they choose.

Thus, Jesus had the freedom to exercise his human will and rebel against the will of God, just like many of God's people do today. However, Jesus said, “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father…” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

Jesus willfully decided not to use the privileges of his divine connection or his human will but choose to obey God, the Holy Spirit.  “…..nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done…” (Luke 22:42 KJV).

He had these privileges as God’s Son. Yet and still, “… learned he obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).  Jesus did not have to suffer through obedience. Love for God and love for YOU, compelled him to be obedient. “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

At any time he could have exercised his own human will and lived a different life. “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT). It is hard to grasp this kind of radical love and devotion, because many of God's people SELL-OUT their devotion to God, the Holy Spirit, when it gets tough or life becomes too uncomfortable.

Jesus was radically devoted to God, to YOU, and made it clear that he did, “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to giveHis life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28 NIV).  He was TRULY a living sacrifice.

Jesus demonstrated that obedience to God was worth suffering for and that you were worth dying for, so he stayed the course. “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).

Jesus’ kind of obedience is a sign of an intimate, trusting, and radically devoted love to the God he willfully SERVED.“….if ye LOVE me… keep my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV).

Jesus loved God and would suffer through obedience to prove it. “…the faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT). Therefore, Jesus,"… humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross...” (Philippians 2:8 KJV).

“…The faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT). Obedience is often learned by the things God's people have to suffer through upon earth. Nevertheless, staying faithfully trusting to God through “seasons of suffering” PROVES their love and devotion to God. It also PROVES they are ASSURED of his LOVE and DEVOTION to them!

The PROOF is not in just what YOU DO, it is in what you BELIEVE about what you do and WHAT God, the Holy Spirit, CAN and WILL do. on YOUR behalf. "Jesus … said…This is the work of God: that ye believe on him [not self] whom he hath sent.” (John 6:29KJV).

“…Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.  And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone” (James 2:18-24 NIV).

Obedience is PART of the transformation process “in action” - “…the work of God…” but faith in God, the Holy Spirit, and his LOVE is the MOTIVATIONfor the action “…that ye believe on him [not self]…” “[Abraham’s]… faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.  And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God …” (James 2:18-24 NIV).

God told Abraham to do something, he believed God and believed in his LOVE, for him, and did what he was told to do. Abraham’s actions were the “work of Godand he “believed on him,” which motivated him to do it. “…You see that his faith and his actions were working together, [and thus]… …‘Abraham believed God, …” (James 2:18-24 NIV).

The PROOF of your love and devotion to God is not simply in what YOU DO, it is in what you BELIEVE about what you do and what God, the Holy Spirit, CAN and WILL do on YOUR behalf. “…his faith and his actions were working together …” (James 2:18-24 NIV). “…‘Abraham believedGod …”

Jesus said, “…that the world may knowthat I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandments, even so I do…” (John 14:31 KJV).

Jesus was sold out to God’s will and he was unequivocally surrendered to his will; no matter the cost. They were a team.  

Because of Jesus’ radical love and obedience to God and vice versa, the bible says: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

I use the word radical to paint a picture of Jesus’ love and devotion to God, but it really isn’t radical at all. For believers; it is meant to be a standardfor our own love and devotion to God. “…that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandments, even so I do…” (John 14:31 KJV).

Many believers don’t experience that kind of love and devotion to God even on the most basic level. Yet, they are to present ourselves to God, just like Jesus did, as a “…living sacrifice…” which is “…your reasonable service…” (Romans 12:1 KJV).

Reasonable service is one that is equitable, just, and fair or the “least” you can do; considering what God has done for YOU. “Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). Nonetheless, many believers are not willing to give even their “…reasonable service…” (Romans 12:1 KJV).

Every human on earth suffers through something occasionally and no one escapes. Believers go through suffering too. If they are in a relationship with God, however, they will NEVER go through it alone (Hebrews 13:5).

We live in a fallen world, where sin and evil exists and suffering will be part of our experience sooner or later. Even Christ was no exception. “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).

But the end-all blessing of suffering, for the believer is, “….that ALL things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).

Whatever you GIVE UP as you learn obedience through suffering, God promises to reward you for it abundantly! “…[You]…will receive NOW in return (in this life) a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

However, please note, God will reward you, NOT merely for your obedience or because you think you’ve earned it. “…‘Abraham believedGod …” (James 2:18-24 NIV).  God will keep his loving promises to you because you BELIEVE HIM and BELIEVE IN HIS LOVE, for you, like Abraham did.

God says, I “…am watching over my word to perform it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…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).

Remember, it is NOT simply what YOU DO, it is in what you BELIEVE about what you do and what God, the Holy Spirit CAN and WILL do on YOUR behalf.  The question is NOT “WHAT are you doing,” but “WHY are you doing it?”

You don’t earn anything from God by simply doing something. God FREELY gives you all things (Romans 8:32). “…[God, through Christ]… freely give us all things?...” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's [in Christ]…” (1 Corinthians 3 KJV).

God really doesn’t owe you another thing. He’s already given you all his “…riches in glory in Christ Jesus…”(Philippians 4:19 & Colossians 1:27 KJV). Our obedience is simply our “…reasonable service…” (Romans 12:1 KJV).

God is a KIND God and always gives and blesses his people “…exceeding abundantly above all [they]… can ask or think…;” even if they don’t deserve it, are not worthy of it, and are not good enough for it (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…[God’s] incomparable richesof his grace, [is]… expressed in his kindness in Christ Jesus...” (Ephesians 2:7 NIV). SHOUT!!!!

Job’s obedience through his suffering was his “…reasonable service…”  Job was considered “…blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” (Job 1:7-12 NIV).  Job made his position clear. “…Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10 NIV).

We go through difficult situations, or circumstances, or tests that rock us to the core. It’s okay to be sad, or enraged, or confused, or angry, or any number of adverse emotions; you’re human. When Lazarus died, even Jesus wept (John 11:35 KJV).

Job was sad and heartbroken over this loses: “Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head (OT expressions of sadness or sorrow…” (Job 1:20-22 NASB).

However, Job learned obedience by the things he suffered. This test was the perfect opportunity to rebel against God. “One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).

Job’s health was impacted too, “…Satan….smote Job with boils from the sole of his feet unto his crown…” (Job 2:7 KJV).

Job’s wife even said, “…Doest thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God and die…” (Job 2:9 KJV). “But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speakest. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” (Job 2:10 KJV).

Job’s obedience through his suffering was his “…reasonable service…” 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.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God …” (Job 1:20-22 NASB).

Job was hand-picked by God to go through this difficult time. Jesus was hand-picked too and thus God “…spared not his own Son [from suffering], but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).

God will not spare you or I either. God will, however, work your suffering together into a good, loving and divine outcome.

God allows you to go through suffering byway of various tests. “The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.” Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job?There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” “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.” 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 1:7-12 NIV).

Job lost EVERYTHING, upon earth, tragically and yet he said, “...though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). Job knew his “…reasonable service…” was obedience and knew “…a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth…” (Romans 12:1 & Luke 12:15 KJV).

Job kept his integrity to God. Maybe he felt like Apostle Paul, who said, “…for we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:7 KJV).

How many of us or people we know are mad at God and blame him for the many things they have suffered in this life? “Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does” (1 Peter 5:8-11 MSG).

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV).

People have walked away from the relationship with God and have chosen to live with anger, hatred, and bitterness over past tragedy and lost. “Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 28:26 KJV). “...though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV).

Unfortunately, some people have willfully sinned against God with their lips and actions for months and years, after a “season of suffering”. Many can’t or won’t get past the question of “Why me?” or “WHY?” “Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, “Why have you made me like this?” (Romans 9:20-22 NLT).

Many people want days of PROSPERITY, but not days of ADVERSITY.  “..In the day of prosperity be happy, But in the day of adversity consider-- God has made the one as well as the other…” (Ecclesiastes 7:14  NASB). Job asked an interesting question, “…Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10 NIV).

The reality about suffering is: “... in the day of adversity consider-- God has made the one as well as the other…” (Ecclesiastes 7:14  NASB). God clearly states in his word, “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and createevil: I the Lord do all these things” (Isaiah 45:7 KJV). 

 One way to see this is this: the absent of light creates darkness. The absent of heat creates cold. The absent of God creates evil.

To create or make something is not just about the tangible, but the intangible as well. Conditions, circumstances, adversity, miracles, tests, or suffering are created or made (Ecclesiastes 7:14) “…the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

Adversity therefore, in my present understanding and perspective only, is a created condition, which God has made (Ecclesiastes 7:14). Adverse conditions are made, from this perspective, by God. “…In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him” (Ecclesiastes 7:14 KJV).

God’s ways, “…are past [our ability] to [find them] out…” (Romans 11:33 KJV). “He hath made every [thing] beautiful in his time: …, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 KJV).

God allows for your days of joy and your days of adversity, both days are his handiwork. If you submit to him and praise him on your good days, do so on your not so good days. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

God allows the days of prosperity as a blessing and he allows the days of adversity for a blessing as well. Why? “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

In the days of prosperity his love and kindness is easily perceived, but in the day of adversity God’s love and kindness is quickly questioned. “… [Yet we should]…consider: God also hath set the one over against the other…” (Ecclesiastes 7:14 KJV).

God allows, permits, or ordains your days of adversity and he tells you why: “…consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him…” (Ecclesiastes 7:14 KJV). Again, God’s ways “…are past [our ability] to [find them] out…” (Romans 11:33 KJV). “He hath made every [thing] beautiful in his time: …, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end…” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 KJV).

In other words, God is in control of our days, prosperous or adverse, and we are to DEPEND on him alone. We are to find our SECURITY in him. We are to find REFUGE in him. We are to find our CONTENTMENT in him. We are to find our STABILITY in him. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1 KJV).

“I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies (my adversity)…” (Psalms 18:1-3 KJV).

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord , He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord , which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation” (Psalm 91 KJV).

Satan tried to prove that Job served God just for the days of prosperity. “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).  

But in the days of adversity Job declared, “…Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10 NIV). Job demonstrated, you are to “….love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…” (Luke 10:27 KJV).

In the “days of adversity” remember, Christ said, “…Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more than he does his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters—yes, more than his own life—otherwise he 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).

In the “days of prosperity” or the “seasons of suffering,” “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

In the “days of adversity” would Satan be right in saying, “…strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face?…” (Job 1:7-12 NIV). Satan is your enemy, not God. “Be careful—watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT).

Job went through horrendous “days of adversity.”  Yet, he said, “…The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God” Job 1:20-22 NASB).

God is in control of your days, prosperous or adverse, so DEPEND on him alone. Find your SECURITY in him. Find REFUGE in him. Find your CONTENTMENT in him. Find your STABILITY in him. “God is [your] refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1 KJV).

It is COSTLY to follow God's WORD, but God wants your obedience. Discipline will NOT make you FEEL BETTER, but it will make you a BETTER person!

JOB WAS MOST RIGHTEOUS TOO, BUT HE STILL NEEDED CORRECTION

INSIDE THE STORMS: JOB’S “STEADY” FAITH AND TRUST IN GOD LED TO OVERWHELMING TRIUMPH #2

“One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).

*

 

It is only human, when we are INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE, to question God. Job’s questions eventually transformed his spiritual life. In the midst of his mind-boggling losses, like David, Job  “…sought the LORD, and he heard [him], and delivered [him]… from all [his] fears” (Psalm 34:4 KJV). “...I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee” (Job 42:5 KJV).

God, in his sovereignty, answers Job in chapter 38 with his own set of questions and finite truths. “…The Lord answered Job…” (Job 38: 2 KJV).

It is God’s response to Job that leads him into a greater walk with God and propels his spiritual growth and development to another place. “..Then Job answered the Lord, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing (respect for God’s sovereignty), and that no thought can be withholden from thee…I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee (revelation knowledge). Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust (humility) and ashes” (Job 42:1, 6 KJV).

So Job’s STORM was not merely about what happened TO him, but, more importantly, what happened IN him. INSIDE his STORM, Job was conformed and transformed, even more. “… we all are changedinto the same image [of Christ] …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV). SO “…Grow in the grace and knowledge or our LORD and SAVIOUR Jesus Christ…” (2 Peter 3:18).  “…God …predestined [you] to be conformed to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:29 NIV).

“…be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV). “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind ….”(Romans 12:2 KJV).

 “Then Job replied...“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you (respect for God’s sovereignty)...” (Job 42:1,6 NLT).“...now I have seen you with my own eyes (revelation knowledge)....” (Job 42:1,6 NLT). “...I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance (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 you, without permission from God. “...only upon himself put not forth thine hand..” (Job 1:12 KJV). “...but save his life” (Job 2:9 KJV).

God is sovereign over every created thing, angel, demon, spiritual wickedness, or person and establishes boundaries as he pleases. “..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).

“...The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “..though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). 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’s was allowed INSIDE the STORM and it bought about a deeper walk with God and more spiritual growth and development. “Then Job replied...“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you (respect for God’s sovereignty). I..” (Job 42:1,6 NLT).“...now I have seen you with my own eyes (revelation knowledge)....” (Job 42:1,6 NLT). “...I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance (humility)...” (Job 42:1,6 NLT).

It demonstrates WHY God’s people should continue to trust him, depend upon him, and continue to cooperate with his instructions, while INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE, whether they agree with it or not. “…[Entrust yourself]… to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV).

Job was considered “…blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” (Job 1:7-12 NIV). Yet, he still needed to grow and develop spiritually. thus, he was allowed to go “inside” the storm.

Job’s story is a classic example of the horrible STORMS people go through, upon earth, but it also demonstrates how those STORMS can work together for good. God cares about the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV).

The bible says all things work together for good: God’s didn't say those things would be good, but they would work together for good. “…All things work together for GOOD (God’s kind of good) to them that LOVE GOD (by keeping commandments), to them who are THE CALLED (chosen by God) to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV).

Job’s experiences were ALWAYS going to  “work together for his good.”

Once Job was pruned, INSIDE the STORM, he received a double, double blessings for all he had loss. 1. HE BECAME TWICE THE SPIRITUAL MAN HE ONCE WAS (DOUBLE): “... Then Job replied...“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you (greater respect for God’s sovereignty). I..” (Job 42:1,6 NLT).“...now I have seen you with my own eyes (greater revelation knowledge)....” (Job 42:1,6 NLT). “...I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance (greater humility)...” (Job 42:1,6 NLT).

2. HE RECEIVED TWICE THE MATERIAL BLESSINGS (DOUBLE) “…Also the Lordgave Job twice as much as he had before. The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning…” (Job 42:10, 12 KJV).

Job’s spiritual growth and development was the true REWARD for going INSIDE the STORM and remaining a trusting servant. “…seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you…” (Matthew 6:33 KJV).

Most people believe that the greatest part of Job’s story was his double, temporary, outward material blessings, but it WASN’T. It was his double, eternal, inward intangible blessings which was the priceless reward!!

God said Job was already a “blameless and upright”. “..There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” “” (Job 1:7-12 NIV). “…Through all [his suffering]… Job did not sin nor did he blame God “ Job 1:20-22 NASB). However, “…growin grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.… ”(Matthew 23:27-28 KJV).

Job “did” not practice sin and was a “blameless and upright man.” God is the one who said that about Job. However, “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).

After his troubles, Job was still “blameless and upright” but had grown MORE spiritual, which was, I believe, a part of his DOUBLE blessing too!! He gained a deeper humility towards God, a greater revelatory knowledge of God, and a more profound respect for God’s sovereignty.

Paul said, “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

Therefore, spiritually and materially “…the Lord gave Job twice (double) as much as he had before (he had spiritual wealth and material wealth BEFORE, now that was doubled). The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning…”(Job 42:10, 12 KJV).

Notice Job repented. “Then Job replied to the Lord: “…I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance” (Job 42:1-6 NLT). Then he prayed for his friends. “…When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes…” (Job 42:10 NLT).

Job’s friends had given him “dark counsel” (Job 38:2) and implied that his troubles were a sign of God’s punishment for some personal sin.

Their “dark counsel” made Job defensive about his own righteousness. Job also questioned why “he,” being a righteous man, had to go through A STORM.

Job’s friends were wrong in their assessment of God and so was Job. However, after Job’s conversation with God, he repented. “...Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.  I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance” (Job 42:1-6 NLT).

Praying for his blaming friends was the zenith of his experience. He interceded for Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar “…and the Lord accepted Job’s prayer…” (Job 42:9 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).

“…When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes…” (Job 42:10 NLT). “…So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: … So Job died, being old, and FULL of days...” (Job 42:12-17 KJV).

All human experiences “in” Christ culminates with a promise: “….that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV. “…the plans [God has]…for you….[are]… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

In order to look forward to “an OVERWHELMING VICTORY” and bear the affliction of your troubles, CHOOSE to continue to TRUST and DEPEND upon God through it ALL. “…In this [fallen] world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, [God has]… OVERCOME the world…” (John 16:33 KJV). “…live by faith, not by sight...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).

“….all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV). “…the plans [God has]…for [his people going through troubles are]…. plans to prosper [them].. and not to harm [them]…, plans to give [them]… hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

“...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).

INSIDE JOB’S STORM: “One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).

“…Satan….smote Job with boils from the sole of his feet unto his crown…” (Job 2:7 KJV).

“...Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head(ancient Near East behavior for sadness, grief, or sorrow)…” (Job 1:20-22 NASB).

Job’s wife even said, “…Doest thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God and die…” (Job 2:9 KJV). “But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speakest. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” (Job 2:10 KJV).

YET 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).

“...Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.  I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance...” (Job 42:1-6 NLT).

 “…the Lord restored his fortunes…” (Job 42:10 NLT). “…So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: … So Job died, being old, and FULL of days...” (Job 42:12-17 KJV).

“...he (God, the Holy Spirit)...hath done marvellousthings…” ( Psalms 98:1 KJV). “… Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV).

“...overwhelming victory is ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

YOU MAY BE GOING THROUGH A "REALLY" HARD AND CHALLENGING PERIOD, BUT YOU'VE ALREADY WON THE BATTLE, NOW MATTER WHAT YOU'VE LOST.

TRUST GOD

DEPEND UPON GOD

 

MARY WEPT, MARTHA MOANED UNTIL THE RESURRECTION AND LIFE SHOWED UP!

    IS YOUR HOPE DEAD?

“…they TOOK away the STONE from the PLACE “WHERE” the DEAD was laid…” (John 11:39-41 KJV).

*

I am writing this blog because of the MANY who have lost their HOPE, somewhere, along the way. It is my PRAYER that God will take you BACK to the PLACE where you BURIED your HOPE so you can RETRIEVE it and RUN ON to the FINISH Line. “…loose him and let him go (run on)…” (John 11:44 KJV).

The trials and tribulations or “…this sickness…” was NOT supposed to cause the DEATH of HOPE, but it was for the “…glory of God…” (John 11:4 KJV). “…This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God…” (John 11:4 KJV). “…Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God…” (John 11:4 NLT).

Several things happened before God’s glory was manifested: Jesus’ purposely took Mary and Martha to the place where the DEAD was buried and he asked them to roll aside the stone at the tomb of the DEAD. They listened to Jesus pray and witnessed, for themselves the glory of God when the DEAD was restored to LIFE. Then they were asked to remove the grave clothes from their brother, Lazarus.

“Let us not become weary in doing good…” (Galatians 6:9 NIV).

DELAY: “…When he heard, therefore that he (Lazarus) was SICK, he abode two days in the same place where he was…” (John 11:6 KJV).

GOING BACK TO THE PLACE WHERE THE DEAD IS BURIED. “…and said ‘Where have ye laid him?’” (John 11:34 KJV).

ROLLING AWAY THE STONE. “…They took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid…” (John 11:41KJV). “…So they rolled the stone aside…” (John 11:41 NLT).

THE NECESSARY PRAYER. “…men ought ALWAYSto pray and NOT faint…” (Luke 18:1 KJV). “…Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me…” (John 11:41-42 KJV). “…And the prayer of faith SHALL save the sick (even the sin sick soul), and the Lord SHALL raise him up…” (James 5:15 KJV).

THE REMINDER. “…Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (John 11:40 KJV).

FINALLY, THE GLORY OF GOD.  “…when he thus had spoken (prayed), he (the LIVING Word) cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth…” (John 11:42-43 KJV).

REMOVING THE GRAVE CLOTHES. “…the dead man[‘s]…. hands and feet … [were] … bound in graveclothes …Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!” (John 11:44 NLT).

The 11thchapter of John is not simply about the physical death of Lazarus, but it is about DEATH period and how DEATH does NOT have the final SAY. “…Jesus said…I am the resurrection and I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV).

TIME, EVENTS, and EXPERIENCES will influence you to think DEATH has won “…Jesus said…I am the resurrection...” (John 11:25 KJV). Jesus will ASK you: “…where have ye laid him?...”  (John 11: 34 KJV). “…they TOOK away the STONE from the PLACE “WHERE” the DEAD was laid…” (John 11:39-41 KJV).

HOPE starts to DIE when Jesus seems DELAYED or NOT a part of your life's story any more.  “…When he heard, therefore that he (Lazarus) was SICK, he abode two days in the same place where he was…” (John 11:6 KJV).

Delay simply means to slow down a time of arrival, or put off, or stop moving toward a destination for a while, or linger, or prolong, or tarry. “…My Lord delayeth his coming…” (Luke 12:45 KJV).

The problem with delay happens when someone is waiting for your arrival. Delay can cause disappointment, on the part, of the people waiting for the one who is delayed, especially if it seems to be a matter of life or death.

Delay can turn seconds into minutes; minutes into hours; hours into days; days into weeks; weeks into months; and months into years. Delay is one of the BIGGEST killers of HOPE.

Delay requires waiting. “…For the vision [is] yet FOR AN APPOINTED TIME, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, WAIT FOR IT; because IT WILL SURELY COME, it will not tarry….” (Habakkuk 2:3 KJV).

“… They that WAIT UPON the LORD shall renew [their] strength…” (Isaiah 40:31 KJV).  “…WAIT ON the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: WAIT, I say, on the LORD…” (Psalms 27:14 KJV). “…The LORD [is] good unto them that WAIT FOR HIM…” (Lamentations 3:25 KJV). “…THOUGH IT TARRY, WAIT FOR IT….” (Habakkuk 2:3 KJV).

YOUR HOPE CRIES OUT DURING GOD”S DELAY. “…How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?” (Psalms 13:1 NASB.

“…Since I am afflicted and needy, Let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God… (Psalms 40:17 NASB).

“…I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God…” (Psalms 69:3 KJV).

Delay causes you to go through unexpected events and experiences before you SEE the manifestation of God’s glory. Martha and Mary experienced Lazarus’ sickness, death, and funeral. “…Lazarus is dead…” (John 11:14 KJV).

Job experienced the loss of family, wealth, and health. “One day when Job’s ….donkeys were grazing nearby …the Sabeans attacked and made off with them.…another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and …another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and …yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house,when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV). . “…Satan….smote Job with boils from the sole of his feet unto his crown…” (Job 2:7 KJV).

Joseph experienced mistreatment from his brothers, being thrown into an empty, dark pit, and being sold as a slave. “…And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit ... And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that 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 to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt…” (Genesis 37).

The Hebrew Boys experienced controversy for standing up for their faith and being thrown into a fiery furnace. “…Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. … Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace…” (DANIEL 3).

Jesus experienced mistreatment, dishonor, and physical abuse. “Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, 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….Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away…”(John 19:1-16 KJV).

However, after a set period of DELAY, they ALL saw the manifestation of the Glory of God. “…After you have suffered … [or been delayed for]… a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation” (1 Peter 5:10 NLT).

“…After you have suffered...[or been delayed]… a little while…”  (1 Peter 5:10 NLT). This verse implies that there will be “a little while” or a delay, but there will be an “after.” Delays, no matter how severe, are temporary and the bible says, “…the suffering …[or delays]… of this present time ARE NOT worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us…” (Romans 8:18 KJV).“…For our light affliction …[or delays], …which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory…” (2 Corinthians 4:17 KJV).

PROOF: “….Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth…” (John 11:42-43 KJV). GLORY to GOD!

PROOF: “…The Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: … So Job died, being old, and FULL of days...” (Job 42:12-17 KJV). GLORY to GOD!

PROOF: “Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. …“ You shall be in charge of 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). GLORY to GOD!

PROOF:“…Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego…. Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon” (Daniel 3 KJV).  GLORY TO GOD!

PROOF: Jesus is “highly exalted” with a “name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). In addition,“…at .the name of Jesus EVERYKNEE SHOULD BOW, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11 KJV). GLORY to GOD!

However, Job, Joseph, Jesus, the Hebrew Boys, and Martha and Mary ALL had to live through and experience a DELAY. “…After YOU have suffered …[or been delayed]… a little while…” (1 Peter 5:10 NLT).

Delay is God’s decision. Delay is about God’s love for you and NOT some kind of punishment. Delay is NOT about God’s denial, condemnation, or deprivation of you or your needs. Delay has a divine purpose. Delay is meant to be a holy and intimately dependent experience with God. Delay is NOT about your will, but God’s will.

While DELAY makes people focus on what is happening on the OUTSIDE, God is focusing on the HEART.  “…The LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).

God took Israel through the wilderness (trials or tribulations) for forty years. One reason he did it was to “….know what was in [their]…heart…” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV).

Many believers claim to be God’s people, yet have not truly turned or repented from MANY of their wicked ways. “…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways,…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV).

“...God seesnot as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God is looking at the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “… From within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts…these … come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).  God KNOWS the heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).

No matter how righteous or upstanding you think you have become, God will loving remind you: “….There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10 KJV). Therefore, “…Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought…” (Romans 12:3 NIV).

Job forgot. God says: “….there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not?” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). In addition, “… there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV).

Job had developed a whether high opinion of his righteous self-image. God used Elihu to tell Job. Elihu heard Job say, “…I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me” (Job 3:8-9 KJV). BUT, “…Elihu spake …, and said, Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?” (Job 35:1-3 KJV).

Job didn’t think his experiences were fair or just, because he was such a righteous person. God, in his sovereignty, knew Job needed some DELAYS in his life. God asked Job a question: “Have you understood the expanse of the earth? Tell me [Job], if you know ALL this..” (Job 38:18 NIV). (Job 42:3).

Job loss sight of God’s sovereignty and that his ways “…are past [our ability] to [find them] out…” (Romans 11:33 KJV). AND “…Job replied “I have declared that which I did not understand…” (Job 42).

Job had declared that, “…[his] righteousness [was].. more than God's? … [and thought], …What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?” (Job 35:1-3 KJV).

Job judged God’s “sense of justice” or “fairness” in making, an “already” righteous man, such as himself, go through such a harsh experience.

Do you agree with God’s imposed “days of adversity or delay” on Job? Are many of God’s people not judgmental of God for their negative events and experiences? “… [Job thought], What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?” (Job 35:1-3 KJV). However, “…Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall…” (Proverbs 16:18 KJV).

Job truly was blameless and upright as God said, but he still needed to experience some delays. God knew Job’s heart. God had already decided “…that all things [would] work together for good [for Job]… [because Job loved God and was called]...according to his purpose…” (Romans 8:38 KJV).

God also knew, “….He that hath suffered (through DELAYS) in the flesh hath ceased from sin…” (1 Peter 4:1 KJV).

Through his delays, Job was further enlightened about God’s truth and gained a deeper respect for God’s sovereignty. “Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.  I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance” (Job 42:1-6 NLT).

Job teaches us something about experiencing delays. “…Not [to]…think of yourself more highly than you ought…” (Romans 12:3 NIV). NOT “why me?” but, “why not me?” “…Hath not the potter power over the clay...?” (Romans 9:20-21 KJV).

No matter how righteous you THINK you have become, you have need for DELAYS.“...O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay...?” (Romans 9:20-21 KJV).

Job finally humbled himself and repented. “…[God DELAYS his coming] … for our profit, that we might be partakers (participants) of his holiness...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV). God is pleased when we become participants in his holiness!!! “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV).

During his DELAY Job recognized the sin in his heart and confessed, “…I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance” (Job 42:1-6 NLT). As a result, “…the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: ….After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons and his sons’ sons, even four generations. So Job died, being old, and FULL of days...” (Job 42:12-17 KJV). GLORY to God!

It’s a DELAY not DEATH.

Getting back to John 11, HOPE had already died when Jesus TOOK Martha and Mary BACK to the PLACE where they BURIED it. “…the PLACE “WHERE” the DEAD was laid…” (John 11:39-41 KJV).

“…Jesus said…I am the resurrection and I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV).  

DEAD HOPE can be brought out of BURIAL CHAMBERS with a pray of faith that God HEARS. “…Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” (John 11:41-42 NLT).

DEAD HOPE can be totally revived or returned to LIFE by the COMMAND of the GOSPEL (which is JESUS, the LIVING Word). “…Lazarus COME FORTH…he that was dead came forth…” (John 11:43-43 KJV).

DEAD “HOPE” can be brought BACK to absolute spiritual health and the GRAVE CLOTHES are removed. “…He that was DEAD came forth, bound, head and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, ‘Loose him, and let him go.’” (John 11:44 KJV).

Grave clothes represent EVERYTHING that your HOPE was  bound or wrapped in such as: doubt, disappointment, what you saw, what you heard, what you lived through, what didn’t happen, what did happen, the enemies lies, the weapons the enemy formed against you, and weariness.

It is easy to see how HOPE DIES, especially with so many DELAYS, but God intends for you to make it to the FINISH LINE. “…He will keep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).

Go BACK and RETRIEVE your HOPE. God’s knows you are weary, but don’t GIVE up! “Let us NOT become weary in doing good, for at the PROPER TIME WE WILL REAP A HARVEST if we do not give up”…” (Galatians 6:9 NIV).

“…If God is for us, who isagainst us? …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). …Jesus told them, “Unwrap …[your hope]… and let [it]… go!” (John 11:44 NLT).

“…Jesus saith unto them, ‘Loose him, and let him go [or let hope go]…..’” (John 11:44 KJV).

Is your HOPE dead ? Go BACK and RETRIEVE it IN JESUS NAME!!! remember jesus is the "resurrection" and the "life" in any and every situation you face!

 

GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, THROUGH JESUS, FEEDS THE SOUL UNTIL IT HUNGERS NO LONGER!!

THE MIRACLE OF PROVISION

“…the Lord brought us forth ….with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders…” (EZEKIEL 13:3 KJV).

* 

We have learned about the MIRACLE of God’s deliverance of Israel from the Egyptians and the GREAT DELIVERANCE through the Red Sea. God, “…your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

“… “I AM WHO I AM ’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh…” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God…" (Revelation 1:8 NASB). “… I the LORD … the first, and with the last. I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB).  “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…You are veryGREAT…” (Psalm 104:1-2 NASB).

“… he [THAT] hath done marvellous things…” (Psalm 98:1 KJV).

Yet, God needed to further introduce himself to his people. “…God is [also] the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “…The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want …” (Psalms 23:1 KJV). “… You will always have everythingyou need  …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). JEHOVAH –JIREH means: "The Lord Will Provide."

Now as the Israelites began their journey through the wilderness they came to realized they didn’t have ANY food or drink. They murmured and complained to Moses and Aaron. “…The whole community of Israel complained about Moses and Aaron. “If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt,” they moaned. “There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death…” (Exodus 16:2-3 NLT).

They hadn’t fully realized it was God Almighty who had bought them out of Egypt. “…Moses and Aaron said to all the people of Israel, “By evening you will realize it was the Lordwho brought you out of the land of Egypt. In the morning you will see the glory of the Lord…” (Exodus 16:6-7 NLT).

Therefore, their complaints were NOT against Moses and Aaron, but God. “…the Lord… has heard your complaints, which are against him, not against us. What have we done that you should complain about us?” Then Moses added, “The Lord will give you meat to eat in the evening and bread to satisfy you in the morning, for he has heard all your complaints against him. What have we done? Yes, your complaints are against the Lord, not against us…” (Nehemiah 9:9-12 NLT).

Yet, God responded with patient love. “… I have heard the Israelites’ complaints. Now tell them, ‘In the evening you will have meat to eat, and in the morning you will have all the bread you want.Then you will know that I am the Lord your God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

God is love and love is patient. Love is kind.“…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love is patient, loveis kind… It is not easily angered, It keeps no record of wrongs …Love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). …” (Psalms 117:2 KJV). “… The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness…” (Psalms 145:17 NLT).

God took FULL responsibility for the PROVISIONS of His people and he HELPED them. “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “…Blessed are those who wait for his help…” (Isaiah 30:18 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT). “….Then you will know that I am the Lordyour God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

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

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord the [Israelites were given PROVISIONS in the wilderness] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

“…, ‘In the evening you will have meat to eat, and in the morning you will have all the bread you want…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

 “…That evening vast numbers of quail flew in and covered the camp. And the next morning the area around the camp was wet with dew. When the dew evaporated, a flaky substance as fine as frost blanketed the ground.  The Israelites were puzzled when they saw it. “What is it?” they asked each other. They had no idea what it was…it is the food the Lordhas given you to eat…” (Exodus 16:13-16 NLT).

 “…All things  (including the PROVISIONS in the WILDERNESS) 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 INVISIBLE QUALITIES—HIS ETERNAL POWER AND DIVINE NATURE—have been “CLEARLY SEEN”, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE (PROVISIONS in the WILDERNESS)…” (Romans 1:20 NIV). “…The Israelites called the food manna. It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey wafers… everyone had just enough. Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed…So the people of Israel ate manna for forty years until they arrived at the land where they would settle. They ate manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan.” (Exodus 16:16-18, 31, 35 NLT). “…the Lord brought 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 given PROVISIONS in the wilderness] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

What KIND of PROVIDER is God. “.. the people of Israel ate manna for forty years until they arrived at the land where they would settle. They ate manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan.” (Exodus 16:16-18, 31 NLT).

God not only PROVIDED for them, but he did it EVERYDAY for 40 years. “… the people gathered the food morning by morning, each family according to its need...” (Exodus 16:21 NLT). “…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).

The REASON God CHOOSE to SUPPLY the manna on a daily basis was to be KNOWN by his people. “….Then you will know that I am the Lord your God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT). “…the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).

God’s desires for his people to KNOW he can be depended upon to SUPPLY “ALL” their NEED. “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “…The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want …” (Psalms 23:1 KJV). “… You will always have everythingyou need  …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

Obedience is not simply doing what God says to do. “…The commandments ofthe Lord are right, bringing JOY to the heart…” (Psalms 19:8 NLT). “…JOYful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions ofthe Lord…” (Psalms 119:1 NLT).

Obedience is a choice and a sign of trust and trust is a sign of dependency. “…[Choose to]Trust in the Lord with all thine heart …” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…[Choose NOT to] lean … unto thine own understanding…”(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “ … In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The steps of a good man (who depends upon God) are ordered (directed) by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). Therefore,“…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…”(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

God desires for his people to CHOOSE to DEPEND UPON his PROVISION. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

God told the Israelites what to do every day in order to show their dependency upon his provisions. “…These are the Lord’s instructions:Each household should gather as much as it needs. Pick up two quarts for each person in your tent.” So the people of Israel did as they were told. Some gathered a lot, some only a little. But when they measured it out, everyone had just enough. Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed. Then Moses told them, “Do not keep any of it until morning.” But some of them didn’t listen and kept some of it until morning. But by then it was full of maggots and had a terrible smell …On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much as usual—four quarts for each person instead of two. Then all the leaders of the community came and asked Moses for an explanation.  He told them, “This is what the Lordcommanded: Tomorrow will be a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath day set apart for the Lord. So bake or boil as much as you want today, and set aside what is left for tomorrow.” So they put some aside until morning, just as Moses had commanded. And in the morning the leftover food was wholesome and good, without maggots or odor. Moses said, “Eat this food today, for today is a Sabbath day dedicated to the Lord. There will be no food on the ground today. You may gather the food for six days, but the seventh day is the Sabbath. There will be no food on the ground that day.” …” (Exodus 16: 16-30 NLT).

What happened to THOSE who did not CHOOSE to depend upon God by following his instructions? “…Then Moses told them, “Do not keep any of it until morning.” But some of them didn’t listen and kept some of it until morning. But by then it was full of maggots and had a terrible smell … Some of the people went out anyway on the seventh day, but they found no food. …” (Exodus 16: 16-30 NLT).

How can God PROVIDE for you if you don’t choose to depend upon his kindness toward you? “…God is … kind ... He is …kind to you if you continue to trust in (depend upon) his kindness. But if you stop trusting (depending upon him), you …will be cut off…” (Romans 11:22 NLT).It is YOUR choice to be CUT OFF. “…some of them didn’t listen and kept some of it until morning. But by then it was full of maggots and had a terrible smell … …” (Exodus 16: 16-30 NLT).

It is BETTER to depend upon God or your OWN way? “… [It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man (or outward provisions)…” (Psalms 118:9 KJV). “… Some of the people went out anyway (doing it their OWN way) on the seventh day, but they found no food. …” (Exodus 16: 16-30 NLT).

God LOVES his people and desires to CARE for them, but it is their CHOICE to depend upon him. “…The Lord asked Moses, “How long will these people refuse to obey my commands and instructions (to depend upon my instructions for their care)? …” (Exodus 16: 16-30 NLT).“…I will supply all [their] NEED…” (Philippians 4:19).

God desires for his people to depend upon his MERCIFUL attitude, every single day, as their PROVIDER. “….Then you will know that I am the Lord your God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT). “…the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).

“… I … [love] you with an everlasting love …I …[draw]… you with lovingkindness…” (Jeremiah 31:3 NASB). “…I am the Lordwho demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth …I DELIGHT in these things…” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT). “…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. [you] can neither choose it nor work for it…” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT). “…HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

“… therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that [you] may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “…[god] will supply all your NEED…” (Philippians 4:19). “…[god]… will generously PROVIDE (supply) all you need. Then you will always have everything you need …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “...[god]… careth for you…” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…[god]… “WILL” … [take care of]…that which concerns … [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB).

“…How great is [God’s benevolent kindness]…”  (Psalm 31:19-20 KJV). “….[God’s] … is good [deeply caring]... “ALL” the time…” (1 Chronicles 16:34, Ezra 3:11, and Psalm 107). “...Casting all your care upon … [God]; for he careth for you…” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… [God] … shall supply ALL YOUR NEEDaccording to his riches in glory BY Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 KJV).“….I shall not want. ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “…[God] …will generously PROVIDE all  … you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

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

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord the [Israelites were given PROVISIONS in the wilderness] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

 “…BY THE WORD of the Lord … [God PROVIDES for you FOREVER] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).“ … Jesus Christ (the WORD) is the same … forever…” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). “…god is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).

WHAT ALL DID GOD PROVIDE?

1.      He PROVIDED water for the Israelites. “…When they came to the oasis of Marah, the water was too bitter to drink. So they called the place Marah (which means “bitter”)…“What are we going to drink?” they demanded. So Moses cried out to the Lord for help, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. Moses threw it into the water, and this made the water good to drink… After leaving Marah, the Israelites traveled on to the oasis of Elim, where they found twelve springs and seventy palm trees. They camped there beside the water…” (Exodus 15:23-27 NLT).

2.      God PROVIDED victories for his people against their enemies. “..While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek attacked them. Moses commanded Joshua, “Choose some men to go out and fight the army of Amalek for us. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my hand.” So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek.  As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle. After the victory … Moses built an altar there and named it Yahweh-Nissi (which means “the Lordis my banner”)…” (Exodus 17:8-16 NLT).

3.      God PROVIDED supernaturally for their clothes and shoes for 40 years. “…For all these forty years your clothes didn’t wear out, and your feet didn’t blister or swell…” (Deuteronomy 8:4 NLT). “…For forty years I led you through the wilderness, yet your clothes and sandals did not wear out…” (Deuteronomy 29:5). “…For forty years I led you through the wilderness, yet your clothes and sandals did not wear out…” (Nehemiah 9:21 NLT).

4.      God PROVIDED health to ALL those who depended upon him for 40 years. “…If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you…” (Exodus 15:26 NLT). “ Pay close attention to him, and obey his instructions. Do not rebel against him, for he is my representative, and he will not forgive your rebellion ...if you are careful to obey him, following all my instructions (chose to depend upon him by following his instructions), then I will be an enemy to your enemies, and I will oppose those who oppose you. For my angel will go before you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites, so you may live there. And I will destroy them completely. You must not worship the gods of these nations or serve them in any way or imitate their evil practices. Instead, you must utterly destroy them and smash their sacred pillars. “You must serve only the Lord your God. If you do, I will bless you with food and water, and I will protect you from illness.…” (Exodus 23:21-25 NLT). “…If you listen to these regulations and faithfully obey them, the Lordyour God will keep his covenant of unfailing love …You will be blessed above all the nations of the earth… And the Lordwill protect you from all sickness. He will not let you suffer from the terrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but he will inflict them on all your enemies!” (Deuteronomy 7:12-15 NLT). “…If you refuse to obey all the words of instruction that are written in this book [or if you refuse to choose to depend upon my instructions], and if you do not fear the glorious and awesome name of the Lord your God, THEN the Lordwill overwhelm you and your children with indescribable plagues. These plagues will be intense and without relief, making you miserable and unbearably sick. He will afflict you with all the diseases of Egypt that you feared so much, and you will have no relief. The Lord will afflict you with every sickness and plague there is, even those not mentioned in this Book of Instruction, until you are destroyed…” (Deuteronomy 28:58-62 NLT).

 “…BY THE WORD of the Lord … [God PROVIDES for you FOREVER] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “ … Jesus Christ (the WORD) is the same … forever…” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). “…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).

Many of us are DELIVERED from something familiar (bad) like Egypt to something unfamiliar (good) like the wilderness.

The wilderness can be perceived as a place of transition where you learn to depend upon something NEW and GREATER than you’ve ever KNOWN.

For the Israelites the wilderness was void of food, water, had inadequate living conditions, was known for its bad weather, consisted of many potential diseases, it was infested with deadly varmints,  and was occupied with a host of tribal enemies

“… He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions…” (Deuteronomy 8:15 NIV).“… He led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry…” (Deuteronomy 8:15 NLT).

Many of God’s people go through situations that FEEL and LOOK like a wilderness experience. It is often void of things that usually nourish you or make you feel alive or refreshed.

A wilderness experience is hard to live comfortably through day to day and it’s full of days of doubt, sadness, fear, stress, concern, complaints, and grumblings.

A wilderness experience feels like a permanent threat to your happiness, your peace, your present, your future, your safety, and any potential for a better life again.

A wilderness experience SEEMS and is PERCIEVED as a dangerous place to be and it is hard for the human psyche to settle down enough to trust it is ONLY temporary. God led the Israelites THROUGH the wilderness.

“… He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness…” (Deuteronomy 8:15 NIV).“… He led you through the great and terrifying wilderness …” (Deuteronomy 8:15 NLT). “..You led your people out from Egypt … you marched through the dry wasteland…” (Psalms 68:7 NLT).

A wilderness experience is NOT a place to settle that’s why it’s called a wasteland. “..Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle…” (Psalms 107:4 NIV).

God means for the wilderness experiences to be barren, desolate, and lacking in autonomously dependent provisions. He told the Israelites : “…I’ve …done [these things] so you can tell your children and grandchildren about how I made a mockery of the Egyptians and about the signs I displayed among them—and so you will know that I am the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “…your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “… Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV). “… he had done so many miracles before them ….” (John 12:37-40 NLT). “… hehath done marvellous things…” (Psalm 98:1 KJV).

 “… “I AM WHO I AM’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh…” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God…" (Revelation 1:8 NASB). “… I the LORD … the first, and with the last. I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB).  “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

WHY DID GOD DO THE MIRACLES? “… so [his people would] know that [HE is] the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “….Then you will know that I am the Lordyour God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT). “…the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).

God TOOK the Israelites to the wilderness, a wasteland, to prepare them to become a FLOURISHING nation that depends upon the ALMIGHTY GOD!! "…Behold,I will do SOMETHING NEW I will even make a WAY in the wilderness…” (Isaiah 43:19-20 NASB). “…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. The wild animals in the fields will thank me, and the jackals and owls, too, for giving them water in the desert. Yes, I will make rivers in the dry wasteland so my chosen people can be refreshed…” (Isaiah 43:19 NLT).

"... "Behold,the former things have come to pass, Now I declare NEW THINGS Before they spring forth I proclaimthem to you." (Isaiah 42:9 NASB).

The CHALLENGE of living in a wilderness experience is that situations or circumstances are usually BEYOND human capacity to FIX or REPAIR.

The wilderness experience becomes a situation or circumstance out of HUMAN control and REQUIRES total dependency UPON God and God alone. People normally don’t like to be out of control and would whether go BACK to a BAD, but familiar situation whether than wait patiently to adapt to a NEW GOOD, God-given familiar. “…The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death…” (Exodus 16:3 KJV).  “..If only the Lordhad killed us back in Egypt,” they moaned…” (Exodus 16:3a NLT).

ALL wilderness experiences are opportunities to discover who God really is and not rely on the wasteland aspects of the situation or circumstance. “… so [his people would] know that [HE is] the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “….Then you will know that I am the Lordyour God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT). “…the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).

Most people GET discouraged and disheartened through their wilderness experiences, especially if the last for days, weeks, months, or years.

Most people, going through the wilderness, fail to choose to depend upon God and continue to depend upon themselves instead. “…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).

Depending upon God, while going through wilderness experiences such as the loss of a loved one, break-ups, wayward children, bad situations, abuse, horrible relationships, bad childhoods, years of a bad marriage, repeated failures, multiple insecurities, a boring lifestyle, ongoing depression, etc… is VERY difficult.

God’s promises to DELIVER or PROVIDE, during wilderness experiences, seem REMOTE, IMPOSSIBLE, and FALSE.

The BELIEF of a God who will personally DELIVER or PROVIDE in the wilderness experiences of life is ABSENT.

The cruel reality of the WILDERNESS experiences of life RAVAGES and can eventually ERODE dependency upon God all together.

They were looking and longing for the comforts they had in bondage and felt they had some kind of control over. They were missing the meager of comforts, they had as ENSLAVED men and women and ignoring the miracle of abundance from being provided for by God Almighty.“…There  (with the Egyptians) we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death…” (Exodus 16:3 KJV).  “… In the evening [in the desert] you will have meat to eat, and in the morning you will have all the bread you want…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

The wilderness experience is ALWAYS a TEST. “…[God] humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. For all these forty years your clothes didn’t wear out, and your feet didn’t blister or swell. Think about it: Just as a parent disciplines a child, the Lord your God disciplines you for your own good…” (Deuteronomy 8:3-5 NLT).

The wilderness experience, whether you like it or not, can REVEAL God to you. “….Then you will know that I am the Lordyour God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT). “…the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).

God TAKES full responsibility for the PROVIDING the NEED of his people, but they don’t always appreciate it. He DELIVERED Israel from the Egyptians. He DELIVERS his people today from the penalty of death. HE DELIVERED Israel, at the Red Sea, FOREVER from the Egyptians. He DELIVERS people today from sin once-for-all. He provided for the Israelites after their deliverance. He SUPPLIES “ALL” the need his people today. He GUIDED Israel with a cloud and fire. He GUIDES his people today by his indwelling Holy Spirit.

Israel complained and grumbled MOST of the time and didn’t SEEM to appreciate the GIFTS of God’s provision.

The Israelites that complained and grumbled against God also refused to depend upon his instructions and NEVER experienced the blessings of his ongoing CARE or PROVISIONS. “…The Lord your God is going ahead of you. He will fight for you, just as you saw him do in Egypt. And you saw how the Lord your God cared for you all along the way as you traveled through the wilderness, just as a father cares for his child. Now he has brought you to this place.’ “But even after all he did, you refused to trust the Lord your God,  who goes before you looking for the best places to camp, guiding you with a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day. “When the Lord heard your complaining, he became very angry. So he solemnly swore, ‘Not one of you from this wicked generation will live to see the good land I swore to give your ancestors…” (Deuteronomy 1:30-35 NLT).

Some of the Israelites grumbled and complained until their acrimonious attitude led them AWAY from the PROTECTION and CARE of the ALMIGHTY God.

“..Then the whole community began weeping aloud, and they cried all night. Their voices rose in a great chorus of protest against Moses and Aaron. “If only we had died in Egypt, or even here in the wilderness!” they complained. “Why is the Lordtaking us to this country only to have us die in battle? Our wives and our little ones will be carried off as plunder! Wouldn’t it be better for us to return to Egypt?” Then they plotted among themselves, “Let’s choose a new leader and go back to Egypt!” Then Moses and Aaron fell face down on the ground before the whole community of Israel. Two of the men who had explored the land, Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, tore their clothing. They said to all the people of Israel, “The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! And if the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!” But the whole community began to talk about stoning Joshua and Caleb. Then the glorious presence of the Lordappeared to all the Israelites at the Tabernacle. And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them? I will disown them and destroy them with a plague…” (Number 14:1-20 NLT).

The acrimonious complaints and grumblings of Israel were a reflection of their refusal to choose to depend upon the instructions of God in their wilderness experience. “…The people replied, …We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires (autonomy of self or own choices)…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

God’s people are STILL murmuring and complaining against him and reflecting their personal lack of dependency upon his instructions for their lives. “…My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6 NIV).

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord … [GOD PROVIDES] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

 WHY? “… so [his people WILL] know that [HE is] the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “….Then [they] will know that [he] am the Lord[their] God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT). “…god is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). 

“…I’m telling you the most solemn and sober truth now: Whoever believes in me has real life, eternal life. I am the Bread of Life.Your ancestors ate the manna bread in the desert and died. But now here is Bread that truly comes down out of heaven. Anyone eating this Bread will not die, ever. I am the Bread—living Bread!—who came down out of heaven. Anyone who eats this Bread will live—and forever! The Bread that I present to the world so that it can eat and live is myself, this flesh-and-blood  (the atoning sacrifice) self.” 52 At this, the Jews started fighting among themselves: “How can this man serve up his flesh for a meal?” 53-58 But Jesus didn’t give an inch. “Only insofar as you eat and drink flesh and blood (accept Jesus as the atoning sacrifice or the one who died for your sins), the flesh and blood of the Son of Man, do you have life within you. The one who brings a hearty appetite to this eating and drinking has eternal life and will be fit and ready for the Final Day. My flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. By eating my flesh and drinking my blood you enter into me and I into you. In the same way that the fully alive Father sent me here and I live because of him, so the one who makes a meal of me lives because of me. This is the Bread from heaven. Your ancestors ate bread and later died. Whoever eats this Bread will live always…”(John 6:48-58 NASB). 

“… With a long life I will satisfy him…” (Psalms 91:16 NASB). GOD says, “…I… satisfy  …” (Jeremiah 31:25 NASB).

“…Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. YOU SATISFY ME more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy…” (Psalms 63:1-5 NLT).

LET GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, FEED YOUR SOUL, UNTIL YOU ARE HUNGRY NO MORE!!

IF YOUR SOUL HAS BEEN SAVED THEN YOU KNOW GOD HEALS!

                                              
JEHOVAH RAPHA (THE GOD WHO HEALS)

“… For I, the Lord, am your healer…” (Exodus 15:26).  “…Bless the Lord, O MY SOUL: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O MY SOUL, and forget not all his benefits …who healeth all thy diseases; …” (Psalms 103 KJV). “… For by His wounds you were healed…” (1 Peter 2:24 NASB).

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When people think of God being a HEALER they limit HEALING to simply curing diseases of the physical body.   “…  I, the Lord, am your healer…” (Exodus 15:26).  “…Bless the Lord …who healeth all thy diseases; …” (Psalms 103 KJV). “… by His wounds you were healed…” (1 Peter 2:24 NASB).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “… I … am your healer…” (Exodus 15:26). God DOES “NOT” lie! “… God is not a man, that he should lie; He doesn’t change his mind like humans do. Has he ever promised, Without doing what he said?” (Numbers 23:18:24 NLT). “…  I, the Lord, am your healer…” (Exodus 15:26). 

What kind of HEALER? He didn’t HEAL me! He didn’t HEAL my loved one! Jehovah Rapha, as YOUR healer, means he AIMS to make you spiritually WHOLE again; first and foremost. “…  I, the Lord, am your healer…” (Exodus 15:26).

Jehovah Rapha sees the priority of SICKNESS from a spiritual perspective. “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “...God sees not as mansees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God zooms in on the “…hidden (the “sick” part ) man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV).

When Jehovah Rapha sent Jesus; he sent him especially to HEAL. It was time. “… a time to heal…” (Ecclesiastes 3:3 NASB). “… Jesus said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick…” (Mark 2:17 NASB).

God, as your HEALER, is concerned with your RESTORATION to ultimate spiritual HEALTH and WELL-BEING. “… Jesus said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners…” (Mark 2:17 NASB). ). “…the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost…” (Luke 19:10 NASB).

Mankind became terminally ILL after the FALL. “… I said, “O Lord, be gracious to me; Heal my soul,for I have sinned against You...” (Psalms 41:4 NASB). “… I will restore you to health And I will heal youof your wounds,’ declares the Lord…” (Jeremiah 30:17 NASB). “…Bless the Lord, O MY SOUL… bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O MY SOUl  …who healeth all thy diseases; …” (Psalms 103 KJV).

RESTORATION to spiritual HEALTH is about repairing the damages, to the SOUL, caused by a sin-sickness. “… Jesus said to the sick man, “Son, your sins are forgiven!...”(Mark  2:5 NASB).

The ACT of HEALING is understood, in some versions of the bible, to mean “deliver,” “save,” “make whole,” or “to thoroughly heal. Jesus’ whole purpose was to HEAL. “….THE SON OF MAN CAME …TO GIVEhis life as a ransom for many…" (Matthew 20:28 NIV).  “… Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…” (1 Timothy 1:15 NASB). “…The Spirit of the Lord … [was] … upon me, because he hath anointed … [him] … to preachthe gospel to the poor; he hath sent … [him] … to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliveranceto the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

Remember, Jehovah Rapha is Spirit and he speaks of spiritual things, including spiritual HEALING. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from … [Jehovah Rapha] … so that we may understand what God has freely given us. ….The person WITHOUT the Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come from the Spirit of God …and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).

To be blind, lame, disabled, and corrupted by disease is NOT limited to the physical body. “… Jesus said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick… sinners…” (Mark 2:17 NASB). “…All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23).

A person could be physically healthy, but spiritually and terminally SICK and diseased. . “… Jesus said to them, “… those who … need a physician… are sick… sinners…” (Mark 2:17 NASB).

For example: “… the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God…” (2 Corinthians 4:4 NASB).

Jesus HEALED the spiritually blind, lame, crippled, and dead souls. “… Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him about the miracles you’ve seen me do— the blindpeople I’ve healed, and the lame peoplenow walking without help, and the cured lepers, and the deaf who hear, and the dead raised to life; and tell him about my preaching the Good News to the poor…” (Matthew 11:4-5 NLT).

Therefore, Jehovah Rapha, your HEALER, sent Jesus. “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

Further, in other versions to HEAL means “to purify from sin” or “treat with medicine or a remedy.” Jesus is the treatment and remedy for the sin-sick soul. “… For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

.“… It isnot those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick… sinners…” (Mark 2:17 NASB).

How did mankind become unhealthy and diseased by sin? “…through one man (the disease of) SIN entered into the world, and DEATH THROUGH SIN, and so death passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).  

God originally created mankind in his “image” and “likeness” which was a state or condition of ULTIMATE health and wholeness? “….LET US MAKEman … 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). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

However, “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).  NOW “…All have sinned and fallen SHORT of the GLORY (presence) of God…” (Romans 3:23). “… [The disease of] … SIN entered into the world…” (Romans 5:12 KJV). “…SIN IS the transgression of the law….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

The terminal DISEASE of SIN entered the world!!“…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). “…[his creation of mankind] … “was” very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). But, “… ONE sinner destroy[ed] … MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).  SUDDENLY, “… [They were] …separated… from God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). They were NOW “…DEAD in trespasses and sin…” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV). “…Through … [Adam and Eve] … [the disease of] … sin entered into the world, and DEATH through sin, and so DEATH passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). NOW “…All have sinned … [or have been terminally affected by sin] … and fallen short of the glory (presence) of God…” (Romans 3:23).

Jehovah Rapha, YOUR HEALER, loved mankind and wanted them healthy and whole again. He also WANTED “THEM” back in UNION with him. Thus, “... 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 ….GAVE his only begotten (specially created) Son…” (John 3:16 KJV).   “…NOT that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).“….HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV).

God PROVED his loving desire to HEAL mankind: “…not that we loved God, but that he loved usand SENT HIS SON to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

Jehovah Rapha, YOUR HEALER “…SPARED NOT his own Son, but DELIVEREDhim up FOR US ALL…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by “SENDING” Christ to die for us WHILE we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “…There is no GREATER LOVE than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

Jehovah Rapha’s LOVE is enough to COVER EVERY disease of SIN. “…Love COVERETH a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV).

Jehovah Rapha’s LOVE HEALS through the forgiveness of every disease of sin, big or small, and by cleaning the soul. “…If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to FORGIVE us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness…” (1 John 1:9 KJV).

Jehovah Rapha’s LOVE HEALS by ERASING and ERADICATING your record of wrongs and NEVER remembering them again. “…love …keeps NO RECORD of wrongs. …” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “…For I will …remember their sins NO MORE…" (Hebrews 8:12 NIV).   

Jehovah Rapha’s LOVE, for YOU, is enough to last your WHOLE life and ALL eternity. He has “….loved [you]...with an EVERLASTING love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). A “…Love … [that] … never FAILS….” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

Jehovah Rapha’s LOVE, for you, is so GREAT that he specially created (begotten) a SON to HEAL you. His SON became a living sacrifice in order to bring you BACK to Jehovah Rapha. “…Christ also hath once SUFFERED for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might BRING US … [back] … to God…” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

Jehovah Rapha’s LOVE, for you, NEVER weans, wavers, or is faithless. “…The … FAITHFUL love of the Lord, [for you],NEVER ENDS.!”(Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT).

Jehovah Rapha sent his LOVE through Jesus, our salvation, to HEAL by RESTORING the blind, lame, disabled, and corrupted BACK to the original state of health and wholeness. Therefore, “…Confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and … BELIEVE IN THINE HEART that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be SAVED…” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). “…For WITH THE HEART MAN BELIEVETH unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made UNTO SALVATION…” (Romans 10:10 KJV).  “…For WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED…” (Romans 10:13 KJV). “…REPENT ye therefore, and BE CONVERTED, that your sins may be blotted out …” (Acts 3:19 KJV).

HALLELUJAH to Jehovah Rapha, YOUR HEALER. “…Christ hath REDEEMED us … That the “BLESSING of Abraham” might come on … [US] … through Jesus Christ; that WE MIGHT receive the promise of the Spirit through faith…” (Galatians 3:13-14 KJV). “…The Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).

“… AS MANY as received him (JESUS), to them GAVE HE … [RESTORED] … POWER (through the INDWELLING SPIRIT) TO BECOME THE “SONS” OF GOD (children of God) … [AGAIN]……” (John 1:12 KJV).  “…God has sent forth the Spiritof His Son “INTO” [YOUR]… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…The Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).

 “… [Jehovah Rapha] … in his grace, freely … [HEALS or] …MAKES US RIGHT in his sight…” (Romans 3:21-26 NLT). “…I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth …I DELIGHT in these things…” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT). “…HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

“… [Jehovah Rapha] … showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were STILL (diseased) sinners…”(Romans 5:6-8 NLT).  “… [His] … GRACEis sufficient for [you]...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV).  “… [Jehovah Rapha] … SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE…” (John 3:16 KJV). “…NOT THAT WE LOVED… [Jehovah Rapha] …but that HE LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “… [Jehovah Rapha] … FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “… [Jehovah Rapha] … GAVE his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV).   

“…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “…Jesus Christ is the sameyesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

Jehovah Rapha is the GREAT HEALER.  HE HEALS to MAKE mankind WHOLE again and RESTORE them to health and well-being. “…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).  

Jehovah Rapha HEALS to return mankind BACK to God’s original, created “image” and “likeness.”  “….LET US MAKE man … after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his OWN image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

HOW does Jehovah Rapha HEAL and make you healthy and whole again?  “…If any man be in Christ, he is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…I will put a new spirit in you. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “…God has sent forth the Spiritof His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).

Therefore, “…May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit,soul, and body…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG).

Jehovah Rapha’s POWER and AUTHORITY over the disease of sin is, as witnessed through Jesus, ABOUT “WHO” God is as HEALER. Jesus said: “… I am the Lord who heals you...” (Exodus 15:25 NLT). “… For his wounds have healed ours!” (1 Peter 2:24 NLT).

However, Jehovah Rapha also and especially HEALS emotional, mental, heart, financial, and spiritual wounds and RESTORES the sin-sick soul.

When Jehovah Rapha HEALS the soul it returns BACK to its original God-given status as a "....LIVING soul...".

When it comes to physical HEALING we all have our questions about why some are physically cured and some are not. I don’t have the answer to that either, but I will offer a perspective only.

God gave us human will to CHOOSEas we please and he gave us human bodies to USE as we please.

The physical body WILL NOT and cannot enter into HEAVEN. “… an earthly body made of flesh and blood cannot get into God’s Kingdom…” (1 Corinthians 15:50 NASB).

The physical body WAS NOT meant to last forever.  “… These perishable bodies of ours are notthe right kind to live forever…” (1 Corinthians 15:50 NASB).

The physical body is equated with the sinful nature. “…The trouble is with me …I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in methat does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Unfortunately, the physical body is impacted by the fallen world which includes physical sickness and disease. “… In the world you have tribulation…” (John 16:33 NASB). “… Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows…” (John 16:33 NLT).

The physical body is NOT spiritual and is NOT able to be spiritual. “… following after the old nature leads to death because the old sinful nature within us is against God. It never did obey God’s laws and it never will…” (Romans 8:6-8 NLT).

The physical body is actually DEAD, anyway, because of SIN. “…the body isdead because of sin…” (Roman 8:10 NASB). “… the body without the spirit is dead…” (James 6:26 NASB). “…the bodyis dead when there is no spirit in it…” (James 6:26 NLT).

The physical body was given to mankind, by God, to USE and to communicate with the natural world. Through the physical body you can ONLY ENGAGE, AND INTERACT WITH everything in the world.

The physical body, the flesh, the sinful nature was the ONLY influence, you had, in regard to who you could become and how you should behaved. However, you were being influenced by the DEAD. “…the body isdead because of sin…” (Roman 8:10 NASB).

 Without the indwelling Spirit, all behaviors or actions that men or women display outwardly originate from the flesh (physical body) or sinful nature. “…the body isdead when there is no spirit in it…” (James 6:26 NLT).

The physical body, flesh or sinful nature has corrupted or infected the soul/heart of man with terminal sin. It is “… from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts…these … come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). The heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked … who can know it…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  "…For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man, out of his good treasure, brings forth good things, and the evil man, out of his evil treasure, brings forth evil things." (Matthew 12:34-35 ).

In addition, the physical body is impacted by getting older, aging, normal wear and tear, pollution, misuse, wrong eating, and negative thinking. Man can USE his or her human body as he or she pleases. God won’t interfere, but the physical body is subject to ALL the natural laws.

However, God promises a LONG life on earth and a LONGER life in eternity, but it is up to man to discipline or subdue his OWN physical body. “… With a longlife I will satisfy him…” (Psalms 91:16 NASB). “.. I will reward them with a long life…” (Psalms 91:16 NLT). Thus, “.. by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body…” (Romans 8:13 NASB). “… So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you (the physical body). Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world…” (Colossians 3:5 NLT). “… if you live by its dictates, you will die…” (Romans 8:13 NASB).

Finally EVERYONE has an appointed time to DIE physically. “…it is appointed unto men once to DIE…” (Hebrews 9:27 KJV). When God's people DIE they are DONE with their WORK upon earth and will GO HOME to HEAVEN.

Physical DEATH and physical SICKNESS doesn’t always answer the questions about God's HEALING such as WHY? Or WHEN?  However, “…MY TIMES arein … [God’s] … hand…” (Psalms 31:15a KJV).  “…MY FUTURE is in your hands…” (Psalms 31:15a NLT). “….To every [thing there is] a season, and A TIME to every purpose under the heaven…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV).  

When you are SAVED the physical body is STILL DEAD. God plans on giving you an entirely NEW body. “…It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power…” (1 Corinthians 15:41:43 NASB).

The crucified physical body is EMPOWERED by the Indwelling Spirit, after one is SAVED, in order for a redeemed believer to do the work the Lord called them to do. “… If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you…” (Romans 8:9-10 NASB). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Your physical death and time of death is in God's hands alone. Your physical healing, if necessary, or allotted time upon earth, is also in God's hands alone.

However, when it comes to spiritual HEALING everyone who asks and receives is RESTORED to “spiritual” WHOLENESS. .  “… But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God (to become WHOLE again)…”( John 1:12).

God RESTORES the soul, from corruption, by removing the disease of sin and HEALING it through forgiveness in Christ Jesus. “… I will forgive their wickedness …" (Hebrews 8:12 NIV). "…her sins, which are many, have been forgiven …" (Luke 7:47 NASB). “…REPENT …for the forgiveness of your sins….” (Acts 2:38 NASB).

Every SOUL that needs HEALING, Jehovah Rapha will HEAL and blot out every MORAL disease, in the mind, heart, emotions, and soul, by RESTORING, each of those areas, to wholeness. “…REPENT ye therefore, and BE CONVERTED, that your sins may be blotted out…” (Acts 3:19 KJV).

Jehovah Rapha, the GREAT Physician, - who HEALS moral corruption, repairs every grievance, and restores spiritual wholeness –will CURE every single time he is asked by faith.“…You can ask for anything in my name...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).

Jehovah Rapha. YOUR HEALER!!! “….You may ask for anything you want…” (JOHN 15:7 NASB). “…You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT). “…Ask and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7 NIV). “…everyone who asks receives…” (Matthew 7:8 NIV). “…I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son…” (John 14:13 NIV).

 “…And this is the confidence that we have in him (Jesus), that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us…” (1 John 5:14 KJV). “… [We] … Receive from him anything we ask, because we keephis commands and dowhat pleases him…” (1 John 3:22 NIV). “…If we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him…” (1 John 5:15 NIV).

True Healingis witnessed and experience through salvation in christ jesus and  manifested (revealed) by the PRESENCE of god through the indwelling holy spirit. “… I, the Lord, am your healer…” (Exodus 15:26).  “…Bless the Lord, O MY SOUL …who healeth all thy diseases; …” (Psalms 103 KJV). “… by His wounds you were healed…” (1 Peter 2:24 NASB).

                                                          Jehovah rapha!!!