Truth VS Opinion

Twenty two years go while sitting in my office, I overheard a conversation between a visiting psychiatrist and the psychiatrist I was working under.  As they were conversing the visiting psychiatrist asked:.

"What was your most difficult case?"

"I had a patient who lived in a pure fantasy world. He believed that an uncle in South America was going to die and leave him a fortune. All day long he waited for a letter to arrive from an attorney. He never went out, he never did anything, he merely sat around and waited for this fantasy letter from this fantasy uncle. I worked with this man eight years." 

"What was the result?" 

"It was an eight-year struggle. Every day for eight years, but I finally cured him... then that stupid letter arrived!"

Reality is, the letter mentioned above was “truth.” It was the truth that man had waited 8 years for. However, until that letter arrived – at least as far my boss was concerned – “truth” didn't exist. Truth was a fantasy. Truth was the fabrication of a “mentally challenged” individual who needed to be cured. And even when that “truth” turned up in the mailbox – my boss was still uncomfortable with it. It's the same with people today. Many have difficulty with the idea of truth as strange as that may sound. Something inside tells us IF we ignore “TRUTH” we do so at our own peril. There are consequences to setting truth aside. But why do people still blatantly ignore the truth? Or why do people have difficulty with morality? Why do they reject a standard of what is “right and wrong?” Why do they prefer shades of gray to black and white?  I thought about these questions as I was writing this blog and then it suddenly occurred to me, the problem is not with the TRUTH. Everybody has their own standard of truth. Everyone has a standard by which they decide what is right and wrong.  The problem is NOT that people reject TRUTH –They are rejecting someone else’s truth. They are rejecting some else’s right to decide what is right and wrong. They want to be the authority. They want to be the ones who decide what is moral and what isn't. People will accept only what they WANT to hear. They will agree only with the authority they wish to obey. In reality, the real authority they want in their lives is - THEY themselves! They are the MASTERS of their lives and many times people will agree with “truth” ONLY when “truth” agrees with them. It's the same when it comes to religion. People will choose the religion that fits how they want to live. Some want no Savior, others want to believe they come back again as plants or animals, others want to worship cows as sacred, others believe just be kind and you're safe, others it requires good behavior, some believe we're all gods and therefore you're automatically saved,  etc.

When it comes to faith, there is no TRUTH outside of God's WORD.  GOD is the beginning and end of TRUTH. Everything else outside that is opinion; conjecture.  Let that sink in! There is only one Truth (Gods Word) but there are thousands of opinions. As a couple of examples, believing cows are sacred is an opinion. Creating a Hindu god in the form of a cow and naming that god, Devi, is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible. I'll tell you what is in the Bible... Romans 1:23 " And they changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things."  You've heard a lot of people believe in reincarnation.  The idea itself sounds great, I admit.  Why not come back and learn again and get it right.  Reincarnation is a process of self-improvement to make oneself good enough to be accepted by God.  If you fail, just come back and try again until you reach perfection.  First of all, according to Truth, we can never be good enough by our own works or goodness to secure a seat in heaven. Secondly, do you realize the Bible exposes  reincarnation as false? It does. I've known many people living in their own truth, their own conclusions, their own opinions, who tell me no where in the Bible does it say reincarnation is a lie. Well, I'd have to agree to this much - although God's Word doesn't say it in that way, it says it this way in Hebrews 9:27, "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." Well, not only are those words crystal clear.... we die ONCE, but that Biblical verse just annihilated a "made-man truth."  God's Word is clear.  Christianity is the only belief that recognizes the hopeless gap between man and a Holy, Righteous God, teaching that salvation can only be obtained through God's grace and is not achieved through any human effort as all other religions teach.  Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). What He was saying was this… “I (Jesus Christ) am the Master.” No one else will serve to be the authority you can trust to give you total truth all else is opinion.

I can't be that master and neither can you.  No President, no congressman, no man made religious authority can give you total truth. But Jesus can. Only Jesus HAS the truth because ONLY Jesus IS the truth. Again, people will accept only what they WANT to hear. They will agree only with the authority they wish to obey. BUT in reality, the real authority they want in their lives is- THEY themselves. They are the MASTERS of their lives.  They decide their own right and wrong. The apostle John wrote that, ready for this?? ..."THE WHOLE WORLD lies under the authority of the wicked one" (1 John 5:19). No one is good on his own, regardless of benevolent deeds, kindness, church attendance, good behavior, etc.  These "things" don't qualify you to be good enough.  They don't abolish your sin nature!  Paul warned that people will "follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons"(1 Timothy 4:1).  From the beginning Satan has been deceiving humanity!  Don't be embarrassed. I was deceived.  We've all been deceived.  In the garden Satan convinced Eve saying, "ye shall be as gods."  I can name several religions that adhere to that opinion. Don't you find it interesting that to be "divine" AS GOD is a common thread among many religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Mormonism, etc?  Oh, the lukewarm Christians aren't off the hook either.  There are MANY false preachers who are easily recognizable if you are a true follower of Jesus because the Holy Spirit bestows on us His discerning Spirit.  I need not call out the bad apples among us. Scripture even makes sure that we know Satan and his servants will masquerade as "ministers of righteousness" (2 Corinthians 11: 13-14).  Satan's hoisting of false religions has been a very effective lie since it mixes in some truth.  A lie mixed with truth is like rat poison which contains 99% good food and 1% poison. It's that 1% of disguised poison (or lie) that will kill you. 

 Why is it so hard to consider God's Word as TRUTH?  Why are people so reluctant to give up their own opinions?  I'm going to be honest with you.  I would still be a Catholic today, still confessing my "sins" to a man behind a curtain and still believing I need ashes placed on my forehead 46 days before Easter to celebrate Ash Wednesday as do Anglicans, Lutherans, Presbyterians, and others. I would still believe baptizing an infant only a few days old eliminates "original sin" as Catholicism teaches. Nothing destroys our sin nature but the Blood of Jesus and even then you have to be old enough to know and commit to a relationship with Him.  Infants can't do that. The facts are, I would still be participating in Novena on Thursday nights and the Stations of the Cross. I was following the opinion, ordinances, and traditions of men (Mark 7:8).  I'm not against Catholics don't misunderstand.  I'm against what they taught me.  It was and still is a lie. Scripture teaches that sin has separated us from a Holy God. Remember, "THE WHOLE WORLD lies under the authority of the wicked one" (1 John 5:19)  unless or until you're saved through Jesus Christ. The Bible informs us "All have sinned"  ... not some, not a few, not just the crooks ... ALL (Romans 3:23, 1 Kings 8:46, Ecclesiastes 7:20, Isaiah 53:6). 

If you doubt the Word of God, ask yourself why would Jesus lie to us? For what purpose? Why did He hang, suffer, and die a cruel, ruthless death, if He was lying and not who He said He was? Can you walk on water? Heal the blind? Cure leprosy? Create the sun, moon, or stars? The only way to reconcile ourselves with Him is for us to confess we are guilty of sin (again, we are all under the authority of the wicked one the moment we are born) and then to confess, repent, and turn to Him for His forgiveness and grace. Many will not want to give up their own truths and opinions to hear this, but as one who has been shown and accepted Truth, you must be told because the Bible makes it very clear that if you do not accept Jesus, who has paid the debt of your sins as The Truth, your own unbelief which is YOUR truth will result in spiritual death. Jesus can wash cleanse, and absolve all sin committed by your rotten choices and mistakes but not if  you reject the Truth for your own opinion you hold as truth. Therefore, the Bible says you will be judged according to the Law that was written from the time of Moses. And since no one has ever been able to keep every commandment (the Law) that rejection will render you guilty of sin. You can read in 1 Corinthians 6:8-11 if you are guilty of any of the sins listed in that verse. If so, you will be condemned since there will be no Jesus standing there with you as your propitiation, the One who can satisfy the wrath of God against sin. He is the only one who satisfies the justice of God.

Finally, Since God WILL NOT FORCE ANYONE to love Him (you have a free will), His Holy nature leaves no other choice but to separate the unrepentant, the unbelieving from Him forever since these cannot enter the Holy of Holies!  The destination is eternal separation in hell. This may seem harsh and intolerant', but it is TRUTH according to God's Word of Truth.  It is not my opinion, it is God's warning. Without judgment and punishment to the "wicked" (again, we are born under the authority of the wicked one), God could not remain true to His Holy and Righteous character.  If what the Bible says is true regarding the spiritual warfare that is going on with Satan and his servants, the fact that there are other religions should certainly be no surprise, nor should it be a surprise that the Bible (The TRUTH) is attacked by  non-believers far more than any other religious book. For those with their own opinions that oppose the written Word --THINK ABOUT WHAT I JUST SAID-- those who reject the Bible as His Word of TRUTH,  are in trouble. Jesus emphatically warned His followers of the many counterfeits and false prophets who would come to try to lead men astray (Matthew 24:11, Mark 13:22, etc). The other religions and opinions of the world have been an effective tool of Satan in his quest to blind us of our need for a Savior. Are YOU of the opinion you don't need Jesus in order to be saved?   Look closely at this wording from 2 Corinthians 4:4 (emphasis mine) "The god of this age (Satan) has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that THEY CANNOT SEE THE LIGHT OF THE GOSPEL of the glory of Christ, who IS THE IMAGE OF GOD."  What is your opinion, your truth?

Until He Comes, 

-Pat-

Tearing The Cushions Off Your Couch

 

I'm curious and therefore, I have some questions for you.
Do the scriptures seem difficult to understand?

Do you get frustrated because nothing makes sense that you read?

Are you of the opinion, as so many are, that the Bible contradicts itself?

Have you retired the bible to a dusty shelf because you've given up reading it?

Are any of these questions asked the reason you either won't read the bible or are neglectful in reading if you are named among Christians? 

The bible teaches us that Gods Word is like treasure. Read this scripture then we'll look closely at it. Luke 15: 8-9,  "What woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, does not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and her neighbors together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost."

Let's suppose that woman in Luke 15 is you in 2024. And instead of losing a coin, you lose your diamond wedding ring. Or, if not married think of an item you treasure that you'd almost die if it were lost. Is it a particular picture? Grandma's antique broach she left you? A college ring? Your car keys? A diamond bracelet? Imagine now that the thing you treasure has been misplaced somewhere in your house. Or was it? Is it there or did you lose it elsewhere ... at the store? In a parking beside your car as you drove away? The first logical place you would start searching is in your house: 

the nightstand

drawers

the bathroom vanity

the last piece of clothing you wore

the laundry basket ... 

And when nothing showed up you would dig deeper: 

the driver side of the car

the passenger side

checking the floor mats

the distance from the garage to the house

you'd probably begin to calling friends to check their homes since you were there recently

you might place a call to customer service at your favorite grocery store, etc. 

Then, as your search still resulted in nothing, things would become more desperate! Your search would take you to:

crawling under tables

ripping out closets

tearing the cushions off your couch!!

Reaching underneath it, etc.

Can you imagine the desperation that would overwhelm you? You would vow to search and search and search until you found your treasured item.

THIS is how we should hunger to find the hidden manna in the word of God by reading and searching the scriptures daily.

You may ask, "why is the Word so difficult to comprehend? Why isn't it written in simpler terms for us to easily grasp?"

The answer is simple. Unless you search hungrily for your own missing treasured item, you will never find it. Likewise, unless you put forth an honest effort to search and diligently seek Gods Word, which is the true treasure of life (not material things), you will not find nor understand it. God has hidden His treasure and found only by those who read and sincerely study His Word.

A earnest person who wants a relationship with Jesus will read, study, search, and hunger for the Word of God. Remember, Jesus WAS THE WORD made flesh (John 1:14) By reading, you're getting to know Jesus just as anyone becomes curious and desires to know someone they want a relationship with.

All other uninterested people will put the bible on a shelf ignoring and neglecting it.

This, therefore, is the measure which reveals your heart and true intimacy with God!

Jesus said, Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Or simply, what you put your heart into, THAT is what you treasure. 

Where do you invest all your time? What do you treasure? Do you make any time for God? If not, scripture says you are foolish.

Who is foolish? It is "those who lay treasure up for themselves and is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21).

We are to keep our lamps burning while waiting for Jesus' return. We are to be vigilant and diligent about our salvation by keeping our lamps filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit. How do we do that? By reading the WORD which is poured out without measure to those who seek. We are advised to keep our minds fixed on the Lord Jesus Christ. In this way, we will be better able to resist the devil and his constant attempts to bring us down. If we become slack in reading or neglecting Gods Word altogether, our light will begin to dim until it no longer gives light. Then, it is rendered useless.

For me, this means don't fizzle out. I must refresh and renew my mind daily in His Word so that in this dark world I run this race with endurance so others also will see my light and be drawn to God as a moth to light. Another example Jesus gave is found in Matthew 15:13. Jesus is teaching His disciples and also all who would follow including you and me, "You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it season? It is then good for nothing but to be cast out and be trodden under the foot of men." We are to be 'lights' as well as 'salt' to those around us, pointing to salvation and eternal life by sharing the Word of God. But how can you shine or season anyone, including yourself,  if you do not read? 

"Blessed is the man who meditates on His law day and night" (Psalm 1:2-3) Reading the Bible is the best investment in life. 

Reasons:

"All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, or correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God (that's you) may be complete, equipped for every good work" 2 Timothy 3:16-17."

 "Every word of God is pure. He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him."

 The Word of God is the source of faith ... "Faith comes in hearing, and hearing by the word of God" 

There's more! Gods Word is the source of salvation, truth, freedom, discernment, spiritual food, growth, victory over temptation, a source of happiness, joy, and blessedness, a source of purity/holiness, a means of self-diagnosis, correction, guidance, comfort, a source of answered prayer, victory, healing, assurance, a preparation for good works, a source of warning, and a glimps into future events.

Won't you pick up your Bible and read today? Strengthen your relationship with God. Top off your lamp with oil so that you are not ashamed at His coming.

Until He comes,

-Pat-

A Candy-coated Gospel

 Let's get to the nitty gritty, Church.

A candy coated preaching style from behind the pulpit, will never point out your iniquities. Cleansing from your sinful actions begins by hearing the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth from Genesis to Revelation. A perfect balance is in order for you to break any demonic bondage, and to obtain freedom. Are you only hearing words of prosperity, or only words that condemn you from the preacher behind the pulpit? Or are you possibly hearing a perfectly orchestration of God’s living word? The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, include feelings of excitement, as well as a bit of squirming, in the pew from the message being preached upon from behind the pulpit as the cleansing process continues in order to build upon your personal relationship with Jesus.

A balanced platform at your place of worship will preach on the subject of God’s unconditional love for His children, as well as speaking in a manner that will convict you of your sinful actions! Would you rather hear a well balanced preaching style on all scripture, or a candy coated gospel? “Morality or immorality” that is the question. But how do you know the answer if you don’t hear the entire Holy Bible? We need to hear about the amazing grace God bestows upon all humankind, free for the asking. As well as messages about our disobedience to the word of God, bringing these sins to your attention. If all these issues aren’t pondered upon and rectified it will be impossible to fulfill your destiny that God has in store for you as a follower of His Son.

2 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." Be on the lookout for deception, because they are in front of you everywhere you look. Yesterday’s immorality has become today’s morality. Have you received the truth,, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth from the pulpit at the church you attend? The word of God has never changed and never will. The way the message is delivered may change because of the circumstances but the core of the infallible message of the living word of God will never change. The entirety of the word of God must be preached in the context that proves that scripture interprets scripture. Cross referencing each other to verify the truth of the word of God.

Revelation 22:19 warns, "and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book." Are the words you are hearing from the pulpit only pleasant, and pleasing? Without any real conviction? If so you may want to consider exploring additional avenues of biblical studies. Is the preacher behind the pulpit teaching conviction of sin? This is to convince of sin, to prove or determine to be guilty, as by the conscience, and through the spirit of God. If you aren’t hearing anything that is convicting you in anyway of your sinful actions where you attend church services the entire gospel isn’t being preached. You need to feel a sense of conviction in order to ask God for forgiveness and begin the cleansing, and healing process through confession, and repentance.

Freedom in Jesus isn’t free. Conviction of sins leads to confessing your sins and repentance. Leading to forgiveness of your sins. Forgiveness from God for your sins leads to freedom in Christ Jesus. 

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

When Death Comes Calling

 

It's been a few years back now that I can recall when I learned I had lost a wonderful, sweet Facebook friend, Helene Rutherford. Her sudden passing took many of us by surprise.  Helene was a frequent visitor to my Sunday Blogs.  Her last comment that posted was,  "AWESOME! AMEN! Seems I came back right on time. What a wonderful message." Helene's passing got me thinking. One of the very first prayers I learned as a child was the bedtime prayer called, "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep." You probably know it by heart .. Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to keep. If I die before I wake, I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to take." What stands out in that prayer is, "If I should die before I wake." If you think about it, it's not odd at all but a real possibility death could come before we wake one more day.  We all hope to live a long, healthy life but reality dictates that you can never be sure. You could be struck by a stray bullet, killed by a drunk driver or someone overcome with road rage, a renegade gang member being in the wrong place at the right time, a sudden heart attack, an unexpected tumor, blood infection, sepsis, a bacterial or viral infection, any myriad of diseases, Covid, etc.  Who knows what will happen next. Any of us could be struck down at any moment. "Man does not know his time" says Ecclesiastes 9:12.  There are no guarantees that any of us will be alive 24 hours from now. How much longer do you expect to live? If you are in your 20's, you probably expect to live at least 50 more years.  If you are 50, you probably expect another 20-30 years.  And if you are over 65, you certainly know the sands of time are slipping away. 

It's fair to note that one mark of genuine Christianity is when you come to the end of your life you are still holding onto what you believe.  THAT was Helene. When someone dies suddenly, we all want to know:  What were his or her final words? What was on his or her mind as he or she was exiting this world? Did he or she leave any messages, see angels, speak as if they were addressing Jesus? Case in point: I wanted to know what Helene's last words to me were and I knew where to look.  I knew she enjoyed the blogs and would often tell me how they enriched her. I can feel satisfied knowing what a spiritual blessing I was to her. The greatest thing you can do for your children, grandchildren, family AND FRIENDS is to pass on your faith. You never know how it may uplift, encourage, or strengthen them just at a time of need.  Abraham passed on his faith to Isaac, Isaac gave it to Jacob, Jacob gave it to Joseph, and Joseph gave his faith to the entire nation of Israel. And though my parents were Catholics and raised all of us in that religion, it laid my spiritual foundation by teaching me about Jesus Christ, and for that I am forever grateful! Do you know what's cool? That the Christian faith is not a sprint and it's not really a marathon.  It's a relay race! You and I are running the same race but we are but one member of a team that stretches across generations. You see, I have faith because someone gave it to me, and someone gave it to the person who gave it to me! One way I'm personally passing the baton is through these Sunday blogs. Helene reached for that baton. Think about it. The relay stretches back more than 2,000 years!

Generations come and go, people come and go, but only God remains forever. This is our hope at the edge of death. This is why as Christians, we can rejoice and feel peace at the passing of another believer. I will always miss Helene as a Facebook friend and a personality that was always positive.  She loved the Lord and was not shy about her faith. We don't need to fear death because Christians are immortal after his or her time on earth is done. If we could only grasp the fact that WE CANNOT DIE UNTIL GOD'S APPOINTED TIME FOR US FINALLY ARRIVES. This is why some people survive horrific accidents and others not.  There have been sole survivors of airliner crashes, motorcycle accidents, heart attacks, cancer, etc. when others have died from much less.  God is the Author of life and death ... God.  We cannot know the answer ourselves, but God's appointed time for Helene had come. God can and does choose to work accordingly in order that angels, people or circumstances help you survive, or He can say it's your last breath here on earth. Helene's time on earth was over, her mission completed. She was a sower in this race. A sower may die but their seed remains. I do not know how far we have to go until we reach the end of our earthly road, but I know this -- that road is paved with God's love, promises and faithfulness. Therefore we don't need to be afraid of leaving this earth.  If a friend dies and they were a believer, you have reason to rejoice.  Every follower of Jesus has a role to play in the unfolding of God's eternal plan. Helene was no different.  She touched many lives through her faith in God and passed her baton to others along the way.

Always keep in mind that death cannot exhaust the promises of GOD!  That's why Paul could say, "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" (1 Corinthians 15:55). We know that death is not the end but the beginning for the children of God. We will all eventually go through the process of physical death, through that unknown valley none of us can escape. The good news is that Jesus will be waiting on the other side for all who believed in Him and followed Him through this life.  We will not walk through that unknown valley alone.  The Light of Jesus will steer us into our heavenly realm.  No child of God needs to fear the moment of death. Pain, disease, sickness and suffering will be silenced and the glorious life with God will fill us with joy and peace.  I am rejoicing that Helene was escorted to the arms of Jesus where she will live forevermore and that for me, isn't goodbye.  I will meet her someday.  In closing, we don't know how many days we will be allotted. I hope that everyone reading this blog will take the same path as Helene, that they will run the relay race and pass the baton onto their children and grandchildren so that in the end, regardless of how short or long their lives were, they will have the victory over death and enter eternal life with the Lord. 

Until He comes,

-Pat-

Inner Demons - Mark 5:1-5:20

 Throughout the New Testament, we’re told of times when Jesus or Apostles cast demons out of people. But nowhere in the Bible is the description of demon possession more graphic and horrifying than in Mark 5. The guy described is scary.

He lives in a graveyard.

He’s unshaven, ragged.

And he’s scarred from chains and shackles that have been unable to bind him.

We’re not sure what he’s wearing - but if he’s wearing clothes at all - it isn’t much. His face has a dark haunted look to it. And his body bears the marks of cuts he’s made on it with sharp stones! He may even be bleeding as he runs down the path to Jesus. The Bible says, every night and every day, he prowls the hills around the graveyard howling and screeching in a crazed torment of a man whose personal demons will not let him rest. The scene is frightening. Reminds me of todays Zombie illustrations. And had you the courage to get close enough to talk with him, you’d have heard him shout at you and perhaps heard the demonic echoes of several different voices in unison. For the demons within him were called, Legion (Mark 5:9). Legion meaning many. Not only would you not want to meet him in a dark cemetery, you wouldn’t want to meet him on a crowded street in broad day light.

He’s a dangerous and frightening man. The Bible doesn’t tell us but I got to thinking: just how did this man come to be demon possessed? I could only find one story in the Bible that dealt with HOW someone came to be demon possessed. I Samuel 16:14 tells us: "Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him." The Spirit of the Lord departed? What could have happened in a man’s life that would make the Spirit of God to leave and open him up to demon possession? In Saul’s case it was his open rebellion against God. In I Samuel 15:23 the prophet Samuel condemned Saul with these words: "rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king."  Saul’s sin, listen closely, was that he deliberately rejected God’s authority in his life. He sought to be free from God’s restrictions and responsibilities. And his rebellion manifested itself in a kind of arrogance that God refused to allow.

A few years back, I caught couple of boys in my neighborhood doing things they shouldn’t have been doing. Standing on my porch I challenged the boys (who were around 8 to 12 years old) and expected that - having been caught - they’d slink away in shame or disgrace. After all, I was an adult and they had obviously been caught doing something they shouldn’t have. Did they slink away in disgrace? No, they turned on me and mocked me, taunting me like I was school child that they could bully into submission. They had an arrogance towards my authority that was greatly disturbing and angering. In fact, if they’d been my kids, and I’d have gotten hold of them, they wouldn’t have been able to sit down for a week. Anyway,  I suspect, that’s how God felt about Saul’s attitude of rebellion. I believe Saul’s rebellion held in it a tinge of disrespect for God’s authority. The Bible implies that this demon possession that came upon Saul came because his rebellion was "like the sin of divination, and (his) arrogance like the evil of idolatry." Now, before I move on, I want you to notice something else about demon possession. Samuel told Saul that his "rebellion is like the sin of divination." Divination… hmmm. Acts 16 tells of a young woman who was demon possessed. And what do you suppose she did for a living? She practiced divination. She was a woman who made her living in fortune telling, palm reading, or interpreting tarot cards and tea leaves. To understand more clearly, perhaps she would have consulted Ouija boards or horoscopes if she lived in our day.  She would also have had a 1-900 #.

In scripture, there seems to be a close tie between divination and demonic activity. The Bible doesn’t go into detail as to what that connection is, but it is so significant that God warns: Deut. 18:9-13 "When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you.You must be blameless before the LORD your God." God goes even further : Leviticus 20:6 "I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people." Now, whether it was because this man in Mark 5 had been arrogantly rebellious or because he had practiced consulting the spirit world to see his future, or because of some other reason - this man in the graveyard had become demon possessed. He didn’t just wake up one morning and say: "Hey, I’m demon possessed." This wasn’t something he was born with OR something that he just came down with (like the flu or a cold).

Somewhere in this man’s life, he had made a conscious decision as so many do today, that he wanted to be free. He wanted to be free of God’s influence. He wanted to be free from what he perceived as restrictions, ridiculous rules, responsibilities, and commandments of life. He wanted to be free to do what he wanted to do. And now, as a demoniac, he’s become free in his own mind. No shackle can bind him, no chain can hold him. He’s no longer bound by social conventions that tell him how to dress and or how to behave. He has become totally free…In Romans 6:20-23 Paul writes: "When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

The demoniac - he’s free to live as he wants and he sets his own rules… but he’s miserable. Notice verse 6.  He sees Jesus at a distance and he runs to Jesus. I don’t know how he knows that Jesus can heal his life - but he knows. AND HE RUNS TO Jesus. He’s tired of living like he has in his so called "freedom" and so he runs to Jesus. You might not be demon possessed like that man in graveyard, but you’ve struggled with your own personal demons for too long. You’ve struggled with the demons of failure and of guilt. You’ve sensed that these demons have dominated you, held you under their control, held you in an addiction you can’t let loose of: alcoholism, moral corruption, homosexuality, perversion, lust, if even in just your daily thoughts but never carried out, gluttony, slothfulness, adultery, etc. And you may have always thought: "I got myself into this. I can get myself out." But all you’ve ended up with is an uneasy feeling. The demons are still there. And you’re still not healed. Despite what the world may tell you - you can’t solve these kinds of problems on your own. There are demons in your life that only Jesus can heal. We've all experienced some type of tormenting demon(s) in our lives. "What a wonderful change Jesus can make in your life! Since Jesus came into my heart and my sins - which were many - are all washed away.

The example of that change is in the Bible verse I gave you from Mark, chapter 5. And when Jesus healed the demonic, the change was startling: He was now seated, clothed, and in his right mind. This man - that just moments before - had been a raving, zombie-like, lunatic, was at peace. The world can’t give you that! There’s no medicine, no treatment, no man made advice that can reach into the heart of a man and toss out the demons that he struggles with. My question for you is, are you fed up feeling powerless to overcome all your vices and demons that won't go away? What happenes in a man’s life that would make the Spirit of God leave and open him up to demon possession? His open rebellion against God. I urge you to turn to Jesus. Jesus can give you the peace that you desire. 

There Is One Thing God Cannot Do. Lie

 

Do you realize whatever God says comes to pass whether it was meant for past, present, or future events? Why? Because God cannot lie! Anything He says will happen and has happened even if it did not exist before He said it. The Bible verifies over and over that it is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18 NKJV). God does not falsify, fudge, fib, deceive, swindle, trick, beguile, overstate, dupe, swindle, or exaggerate! AND THAT'S WHY WE CAN TRUST HIM. Titus 1:2 (NKJV) states "in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began." It's not just that God has decided He will not lie -- He CANNOT lie. John 17:17 (NKJV 17) says, "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." 

Therefore, in this blog I present to you ... a case for God:

Anything God says will come into being even if it did not exist before.  As an example Genesis (1:3 NKJV), God said, "Let there be light" And there was light! From non-existent to existent. God's Word is ultimate reality! It is more real and lasting than anything we can presently see. God cannot lie because it is contrary to His nature. God's nature is one of selfless love for others. His nature is not to deceive. 

It is natural for God to be truthful. "God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?" (Numbers 23:19 (NLT). We also read in Hebrews 6:18 (NLT) "So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us." Hallelujah! This is what makes the foundation of our relationship with God so solid! God has given us His Word and His Word cannot fail. Should we ever be presented with evidence contrary to what God says in the Good Book, we can know we are being presented with a lie. Contrast this with the devil who is “the father of lies” (John 8:44). But our God, "God, cannot lie” (Titus 1:2). Paul used this point to explain our source of encouragement and reason for hope! Why is it “impossible for God to lie” and what does that mean for us? 

Let's make our case.

1. His nature is perfect – He is not like man (Numbers 23:19). 

2. He does not lie or need to repent; there is no darkness in Him (1 John 1:5). 

3. He has no desire to deceive – God cannot be tempted with evil (James 1:13). 

4. He desires all to be saved and come to know the truth (1 2. Timothy 2:4).

5. Jesus came so we could know the truth (John 18:37; 8:31-32) the the devil is the deceiver! (2 Corinthians 11:3)

6. He is all-powerful –  He created all things (Psalm 33:6-9) and can do more than we think (Ephesians 3:20).

7. He is all-knowing – There is nothing hidden from God (Hebrews 4:13). 

8. He can declare the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:9-10).

9. Because God cannot lie, we can believe His Word! Because if God cannot lie then His word is truth (Psalm 119:160; John 17:17).

10. His word was confirmed with miracles (Hebrews 2:1-4; Mark 16:20).

11. The Scriptures cannot be broken (John 10:35).

12. His word will endure forever (1 Peter 1:25).

13. Through faith & patience we inherit God’s promises (Hebrews 6:12).

14. God has not changed (Hebrews 6:17).

15. By faith we trust God to reward those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). 

16. We can entrust our souls to Him (1 Peter 4:19).

We can look forward in hope – God made a promise and an oath, “two unchangeable things” according to Hebrews 6:17-18. This gives us “strong encouragement” that we will receive our hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14); this hope is an anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19) that keeps us grounded (Hebrews 11:24-26; Ephesians 4:14). We can have confidence, faith, and hope in the One who has our best interest at heart. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." In conclusion, ALL THESE ARE TRUTH:

God is with you Psalm 23:4

God can still the storms with a whisper Psalm 107:28,29

Nothing is impossible with God Matthew 19:26

Because the God that created Heaven and Earth values you Matthew 6:26

God has a plan for you Genesis 15:20

Because God is holding your hand. He will help you. Isaiah 41:13

Because He loves you Zephaniah 3:17

Because God is a God of mercy Psalm 138:8

Because He promised to sustain you. Psalm 55:22

Because no matter what you’re going through, God promised to work all things for the Good for those that love Him Romans 8:28

Whatever God says comes to pass. His Word is a promise and an oath.

Until He comes,

-Pat-

Rudders and Bits

 Look at the words in James 3:2 (NKJV). It reads: "For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires." I want to focus on this verse for a few reasons. It makes us realize we should be 1)aware of our words, 2) how powerful they are, and that 3) they have the ability to restrain our physical bodies. Words also hold the power of life and death, to build up or destroy (Proverbs 18:21). That's a powerful and rather chilling statement!  Words are not only powerful, but someday we are going to give an account of things we have said. (Isaiah 59:2-3). 

What does this Scripture mean by comparing the tongue to the rudder of a large ship? Look closely at the language. James 3: 4-14“They are turned… wherever the pilot desires.” Think about it. Who is the one controlling the rudder? The pilot. Who is the one controlling your tongue? You. This Scripture is telling you that you can turn your life in whatever direction you desire, by using your tongue. I believe Holy Spirit is inviting us to reflect on the use of our life’s rudder. I hear Him gently asking us to think about this question: What have we been allowing to come out of our mouths?

James  continues saying our tongues (speech/WORDS) both curse and bless. We praise God one minute and in anger curse Him in the next. How easily our tongues can be used to steer us away from the things of God. Though the tongue is a small member (verse 5) "it is set on fire of hell" and "is a world of iniquity" (verse 6.) Again, that's a powerful and rather chilling statement! 

When we release words like, “He’s a lazy bum, just like his father!” When we use the power of our tongues to label people in negative ways, we are setting into motion a spiritual law! Believe me, we are not simply “making an observation.” Our tongues loose life, or death, into the world around us. We will live to see the fruit of whichever way we harness this innate capacity. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love its use will eat its fruit” (Prov. 18:21).

Have you ever put yourself down? “I’m such a dummy!” So many times, we even use one of the most powerful instruments God has given us – our tongue – to speak curses over own selves. These negative pronouncements become self-fulfilling prophecies. What kind of tongue-fruit do we want to eat in our future? Do we want to steer our lives in the direction of hope, growth, and flourishing that He has for us? 

Then in all that, James finishes by saying  "no man can tame the tongue!" (verses7-8)! So what are we to do? James gives us a bit of hope when he said we can learn to steer our tongues like a rudder does for a boat or like a bit in a horses mouth. A rudder's purpose is to steer the boat in a particular direction. A bit in a horses mouth steers the horse in a particular direction. Neither boat or horse are halted by rudder or bit, but rather steered in a direction by driver or rider.  It's the same regarding our words. As Christians, we should always strive to steer our tongues as God would have us just as we will always be working to restrain our bodies. Why? Because "we all stumble in many things" James says.

The truth is, words actually reveal the true nature of a person.  It is "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew12:34). The words you speak reveal the spiritual condition of your heart! This is so important that the Bible teaches, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23). We must be vigilant in keeping our hearts spiritually fit because the words that flow from it have the power of life and death. Scriptures further tell us that the Lord tests the heart, the Lord weighs the heart, the Lord detests a proud heart, the Lord hates a perverse heart,” and many more. In this verse we are instructed to “keep” our heart; meaning watch over, cultivate, and protect it. Why? It is the command center of the soul, the mind, the will, the affections, AND WHAT COMES OUT OF YOUR MOUTH! If our hearts are grounded and anchored in God's Word, what comes out of our mouths should be His love, grace and mercy!

Somewhere as you read this blog you may have questioned, 'if the tongue is a world of iniquity that cannot be tamed anyway, then what am I supposed to do? Scripture says, we can start by cleansing our hearts on a daily basis. How? By flooding/washing it with the Word of God (Ephesians 5:25-26). The Word of God deals with things in our mind, things that deal with conduct, things that have to do with character and attitude. The more we "cleanse" ourselves by reading Gods word, we will find it easier and easier to restrain the tongue. How? The Word of God keeps our hearts clean by pointing out the areas that need changing and confession. It helps to remove the dirt because it convicts those who read it reverently and also by warning us to keep away from sin. You will never control your tongue altogether since scripture affirms it is untamable, but you can bridle it, restrain it, hold it back, and curb it. We should use our tongue to glorify and honor God throughout the day as Psalm 34:1 proclaims, "I will bless the LORD at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth."  

I challenge you to praise God with your words on a daily basis and watch how your life will change.

Here are some scriptures that confirm this blog:

Ephesians 4:29

Proverbs 19:19

Proverbs 21:23

Proverbs 15: 1,4 

Psalm 19:14

Proverbs 18:21

There's only one way to protect your tongue: protect your heart! Let’s partner with Him, using the tools He has provided. Let’s ask for Holy Spirit’s help in the operation of this tiny, mighty rudder. Let’s make the determination that only words of life will flow from these mouths of ours. We want to steer our lives in the direction of hope, growth, and flourishing that He has for us.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

Declaring vs Confessing (Romans 9: 10-11)

 

In this blog I'm going to point out how very important it is that you pay attention to what Bible version you choose to read and learn God's Word from. You need discernment because many bibles printed today are either changing and or alternating words of scripture that completely change the meaning of the verse(s), sometimes even excluding entire sentences! Remember God's warning, "For I testify unto you every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written with this book: And if any man shall take away from the word of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book" Revelation 22:18-19 (KJV) 

 ** NOTE: Before I continue, let me make something perfectly clear. I do not care which version of the bible you choose to read, that choice is yours. Just be aware whatever version you do learn from may have changed words or removed entire sentences which are pertinent in knowing truth. Whoever made these changes of  "adding to" or "taking away" are accountable and bear the sole responsibility as translators, and the words of Revelation 22:18-19 lie heavily on them, not you. However, that said, you should be cautious and aware of both obscure or obvious changes. Having different versions of the bible when you study will help assist in spotting changes. I will include information to keep in mind following this blog. However, NO translation is perfect but there are scholars who acknowledge certain versions as being closest to the original Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek.

I have well over 25 examples of scripture verses either changed or completely left out of the NIV alone you should be aware of. I don't have the time or space to list each one so I'm going to give just one example with the help of a Webster's dictionary for word definition assistance to inform you just how subtle and tricky these changes can be. Okay, here we go. The scripture in my example is from Romans 9:10-11.

NIV says: "If you DECLARE with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, [and it is with your mouth that you profess (affirm) your faith and are saved.] As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him WILL NEVER BE PUT TO SHAME."

KJV says: "If thou shalt CONFESS with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; [and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED."

These two versions of Romans 9, verses 10 & 11 look the same. They sound the same. They are the same, wouldn't you say? Wrong! In fact each one means something entirely different. It's subtle, but for the discerning eye it's very clear.

Let's Compare two words taken from each version: Declare vs Confess.

Declare: (Used in NIV) To declare is "to state something." Example: I believe in Jesus Christ.

Confess: (Used in KJV) To "acknowledge something." I confess I am a sinner.

Read these two versions above very carefully once again. Are they the same? Absolutely not. WHY? According to the NIV translation, all one must do to be saved is just DECLARE (it's the same as saying) I BELIEVE IN JESUS. Do you know why that is an error and translated incorrectly? James 2:19 tells us that devils also believe! Are the devils or Satan, saved? So, therefore just saying /declaring 'I believe in Jesus' with ones mouth means nothing. Anyone can say it and they do. I'm sure you know people who wear a cross around their neck and if asked if they believe in Jesus would say yes, but they don't live the life of a follower of Jesus. Their "declaration" means nothing. There are many people that say I believe in Jesus and think they are saved simply due to the fact of versions like the NIV whose translations have fooled them into believing all you have to do is say aloud with your mouth, "I believe in Jesus." They think as long as they believe he existed somewhere in history, they believe they are saved!

According to the KJV translation, what one must do is to be saved is CONFESS with their mouth the Lord Jesus. Did you know there is a difference between "declaring" (NIV) and "confessing?" (KJV)? To confess with your mouth, the Lord Jesus (as stated in the KJV) you are admitting/acknowledging/CONFESSING you are a sinner and are calling upon Jesus to save you. You are owning it. You confess Jesus is Lord and make an allegiance with Christ in your heart. THAT is more than just the mere words 'I believe in Jesus' as implied in the NIV. It is "confession that is made unto salvation" according to the KJV and that is correct. Every Christian should know, without confession there is no salvation. For all the people out there saying/declaring I believe in Jesus, THAT IS NOT A CONFESSION! Confession involves speaking to God.  We share with Him the areas that we know we have sinned and acknowledge (confess) we messed up. We talk to Him about it and ask Him to forgive us. There is a big difference between confessing and declaring that you believe. With confession comes remorse, regret, and repentance which in turn manifests in changed behavior and life.

The last difference I want to point out between the two versions is the last sentence, verse 11.

NIV says, "Anyone who believes in him WILL NEVER BE PUT TO SHAME."

KJV says, " Whosoever believeth on him SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED."

Looking at these two verses can you comprehend each is saying something completely different? The NIV is saying, anyone who believes in Jesus will never be put to shame. Well, that's inaccurate! People are put to shame all the time when witnessing the bible or speaking about Jesus. I'm not saying it's a matter of being ashamed as in embarrassed. I am saying they ARE PUT TO SHAME. For instance, the exampled person as mentioned above who reads and believes the NIV as written and declares if they believe in Jesus and need nothing more, if they are ever approached by a person well versed in scripture, you could say the knowledge of the educated and well informed person who interprets and understands scripture could easily PUT TO SHAME the person who knows very little about God who declares they believe in Jesus. So anyone who declares they believe in Jesus CAN be put to shame.

The KJV is plainly saying, if you truly believe on Jesus, the son of the living God, you will not be ashamed of it! You will never be ashamed to speak His name, talk about the bible, share the Good News, shout to the world of the goodness, mercy, and forgiveness of God. "Whosoever believeth on him SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED." The word shall is a modal verb and used for future time reference. You shall = you will, and you shall not = is the same as you will not. A true follower will never be ashamed of the gospel.

These differences came from only 2 tiny verses, TWO! Have you ever noticed the differences before that now should be easily understood and how changing words can misguide people possibly to their own detriment? Be very careful when reading your bible today. It requires more than just reading and definitely more than just declaring or agreeing there was once a man who walked the earth whose name was Jesus. Reading the WORD also requires studying the WORD. I suggest having a KJV BIBLE and a couple other more "modern" versions for comparison. I mainly use the 1611 KJV bible about 95% of the time. The other 5% I extract and use other versions IF THEY MEAN THE SAME THING AS THE KJV but in a more colloquial language- as long as there are no exclusions or words that change definitions like the examples I left you in this blog. I pray that anyone interested in knowing God will study well because many verses in varying new revised versions ( CEV, CSB, ESV, GNB, HCSB, NET, NLT, NIV) etc. are written in a way that can delude you. The bible says "study to show ourselves approved" so that we will be ready to wield our sword, the Word of Truth, and share it as God intends- straight, without wavering, or without a sugary coating or changing its meaning that makes it easier to swallow.

I have never found that to be the case since reading and studying the KJV bible since 1972. The NIV may deliver more readability than the Kings language of thee's and thou's, but there are too many changes and exclusions in the NIV to completely believe it is a safe version. Check your own NIV. Your version excluded the following (that's not including single word changes throughout the entire version too many to list). EXCLUDED: Matt 17:21, Matt 18:11, Matt 23:14, Mark 7:16, Mark 9:44 and 9:46, Mark 11:26, Mark 15:28, Luke 17:36. Ask yourself, WHY?? Satan would like nothlng more than for you to believe the older, original, translated Greek version (KJV) is outdated or antiquated and is too difficult to follow so its better to lay it aside. I'm not saying don't read the NIV or any other more modern version, I'm suggesting have the NIV (or newer translations) along side the version scholars consider the most accurately translated, the 1611 version of the original Greek. KJV.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

*** Below is some additional information you might find helpful regarding thee's and thou's if you're interested. And Jesus said, "Me is the way." What?? See below.

King James himself commissioned skilled linguists and theologians such as Dr. George Abbott, Dr. Lancelot Andrewes, as well as the orientalist, William Bedwell and the Hebrew scholar, John Bois, who began reading the Hebrew Bible at the age of five, and later gained considerable facility in Greek as well.

 Yes, “thou” and “thee” are the words of Early Modern English (EME) for the ‘familiar’ form of the second person singular. Today we use “you”, which is historically the second person plural, but was also used, in EME, as the polite/respectful/formal form of the second person singular. So, at the time of the translation into the KJV, “thou” and “thee” were the pronouns in general use. The distinction thou/thee follows the case distinctions still working today in English with I/me, he/him, she/her, we/us, they/them.

 Although Semitic languages don’t make case distinctions in nouns or pronouns, if you are translating them into English, you have to make the grammatical distinctions which the object language (in the case, English) makes. Otherwise the alternative is that you would always use “me” for the first person singular, the way a small child might. God would be quoted as “Me told the Israelites many times, but them didn’t listen.” Should Jesus be translated as saying, “Me am the Way.” No, the translator makes the distinctions of the target language, however they are worded in the source language.

The King James Version is deliberately in a somewhat higher register — intentionally formal —than Shakespeare’s writing a few decades earlier. Shakespeare used the informal colloquial language of the time, and provides a better sample of what “real people” spoke in everyday life. But he also distinguished thee/thou/you.

 Hebrew is similar in that it also has a different pronoun for singular and plural second-person pronouns; thus, the thee’s and thou’s give the 1611 KJV slightly more accuracy than most of the other English translations. The Greek was also similar in that way.

Waiting On God - Apt 1223

 

Recently I saw this posted on Face Book: "Then God said, I heard your prayers, Now trust my timing."

A comment below that statement  read, "I love this but hard to do sometimes!" This touched my heart because I too have prayed, waited for an answer from God, but the longer I waited the more difficult it became to believe God was even hearing me. Today I want to address the subject, WAITING ON GOD.

Jesus never promised our lives wouldn’t have pain or hardship. He spoke just the opposite: “In this world, you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world” John 16:33 (NIV). We live in a fallen world, we can’t escape suffering and painful situations.  Then there’s that pesky free will that takes us out of God’s wonderful plan.  But He never forgets about us.  And He always promises us hope. “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31) NKJV. God’s timing isn’t just great, it’s perfect! He never gets exhausted from the work of being God or slows down His pace. He certainly is never powerless to change our situation! Instead, we have this great promise that if we wait on God’s timing, He will give us the power and strength to better understand and work with His perspective. I know that relying on my own power and strength to live in this world fails me.  I’ll take God’s strength and power any day! Working within His timing lets us put the faith we profess into practice.

We have to trust God’s Plan. I love this reminder from Paul about Jesus, “For in Him, all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.  He is before all things, and in Him, all things hold together” Colossians 1:16-17(NIV). Jesus is our sovereign King. He was before all things in time and creation.  He holds all things together. We can trust His plans and timing. When we feel tempted to say, “Are you there Lord?"(and I have) know that He sees you, knows what you need, and loves you.

But how do we trust Gods timing you ask?

1. Wait.  When we feel in a hurry to move forward or decide that we can’t trust His timing, remember the words of Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” The entirety of Psalm 27 is David’s confident prayer when he was in trouble.  It speaks of his faith in waiting for his light, his salvation, and his stronghold- his God!

2. Pray like David about your situation. Hand it over to God and wait for him to show you the path to take. Declare Him to be your stronghold and to keep you in His safe-keeping. Have you heard the saying “Let Go and Let God?” Giving it to God and trusting in Him will see you through.

3.Make it a habit to trust in Him each day; one day at a time. “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation” Psalm 68:19 (NKJV.)

Every day He loads us with His benefits: mercies, kindness, protection, and provisions. He shows His love and cares for us day after day, without limits! Not just when we need it, but daily. He has promised this to us. Trust Him when He says He will give you these things.  Actively watch for His benefits to manifest themselves in your life. Believe BEFORE you receive. Remember His past provisions and protections for you.

I believe it also helps to keep a prayer journal to remind yourself of answered prayers from the past. We have short memories.  We sometimes forget how He guided us through the hard times. Continue to Walk in Faith “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” Proverbs 3:5 (NIV.) 

Do any of these sound familiar in regard to waiting on God?

"I don't understand what's taking God so long?"

"I don't understand why God isn't answering me."

"I don't understand. I've been asking for months."

"Where are you God? Have you forgotten me?"

"I don't understand why you are allowing this?"

Do you see a pattern?  It's I, I, me me. The Word instructs us in so many words, don't depend on YOU or your perception in understanding all situations. In reality, you know nothing. God sees the future. He sees all angles. He knows every possibility. He's aware of every move the enemy has devised to thwart God's plan because ... "all things work for good to those that love Him" (Romans8:28). God is not only dealing with your request(s), He also has to work through other people, time, circumstances, and arrangements to make things align at the perfect time! Sometimes it's a matter of working on other peoples hearts (which takes time) to either humble, guide, or direct an action on their part which will coincide in getting you the answer you desire. It's not always just a matter of an instant response. It can be but not always. Here is an example of what I mean.

Let's say you desperately need a place to live because your landlord has raised your rent to a level you cannot afford any longer. To make matters worse you are on a limited income. You have two children, a boy and a girl. One is 5 and the other is 6 months old. You have a dog you don't want to get rid of because your son loves him. Unfortunately, you have no car and no means to move all your things. Your husband left you and there is no immediate family since they all live in another state. The landlord has given you 2 months before the rent increase. THIS is a desperate situation needing an immediate answer. So you pray. You tell God you have to move but you don't know where to go or how and please help you find a place you can afford. What does God have to do? POOF, your new apartment is ready by the end of the month? It's a possibility since "all things are possible with God" Matthew19:26. However, not likely. Trust that God knows more than you. He begins working and it looks something like this:

You need an affordable 2 bedroom apartment that will allow children and pets." That's what YOU see. !!! Period.

But here is what God sees and begins working to answer your prayer: Okay, let's see. I need to locate an affordable 2 bedroom apartment, must be very affordable and open to accept people on a fixed income. An apartment without requiring a 1st and last months deposit because she won't have the funds. I'll need a manager that accepts dogs but will let a pet deposit slide (that one will be challenging). She has to have a way to do her laundry. Hmm, I'll see if I can get that too. I need to get her on a bus route and for a bus stop to be within a safe walking distance. She'll need a grocery store and bank nearby. Oh, and the 5 year old I created will need a school close by, a good school. The neighborhood needs to be a safe one. And when I ARRANGE ALL THESE THINGS, I need to make sure one of her fellow tenants will love her and her children and will volunteer to babysit for her. I'm going to put her on the 1st floor since it's difficult to handle babies and groceries too. I need to make sure the ground floor has a enclosed patio grass area for safety. And finally, I need a couple of tenants who are willing to give her rides to the doctor, bank, and church.

To answer your prayer, God will do something like the following.  When you examine it, it's only then you can realize what a miracle He works out on your behalf. Let this sink in: First, God has to search your entire city for that perfect apartment but His working power goes much further than locating an available apartment. Yes, because He is omniscient He knows exactly where a safe, two bedroom, ground floor apartment is with a protective fenced-in patio area but it is currently occupied by a single man. Now watch God's miracle working power...

1. God can and will move the heart of that employer to finally give that single man the promotion he's always wanted.

2. In turn, that prompts the man to want to move from this smaller apartment to a big penthouse. He wants be out in 1 month and notifies his landlord.

3. The landlord will proceed to advertise the vacancy available in one month. Things are going as God planned.

**In the meantime you are still praying for an answer. Days go by. And still praying. Losing faith. Weeks passing. Fear setting in. Doubting God. An entire month passes without a way to move out. There's no money, no plan, no answers. Your faith is quickly waning.

4. While riding the bus one day you over hear a woman who is sitting across the isle. She's talking rather loudly on her cell phone to someone saying, " Lorelei Clayton. Mrs. Lorelei Clayton. Yes ma'am. Yes. That's okay. People are always apt to forget my name because it's unusual. No, I said apt, A-P-T as in apartment. Apt to forget my name. Yes, I'll hold. Thank you. I just moved so my records may not be updated yet."

**A man rushes to the front of the bus. "Ma'am. Ma'am! I missed my stop would you just pull over up here and drop me off by the Clayton apartments?"

5. You finally reach home, gather your mail, and as you sit down rummaging through all the paper clutter consisting of 2 bills, a magazine you never ordered, several coupons and advertisements for things you don't buy, you happen to notice something on that magazine cover. It's the word, Clayton!

Ad: "CLAYTON apartments. Come see our newly remodeled, affordable living." It dawns on you. Was that a coincidence today? That lady across from me on the bus spelled out the word apt and used "apartment" as her comparative word.  And also she said she just MOVED. Then the guy that missed his stop wanted to get off the bus at the CLAYTON apartments? Now, here in my hand is a magazine which came in my mail for some reason, which I have no subscription to, and is advertising on its cover affordable living at the CLAYTON apartments!

**Before I continue with my blog, do you think all this could have been a coincidence? An accident? Luck? Happenstance? Not hardly. It gets better.

6. You see a phone number to call on the magazine cover to make an appointment. You inquire and set a date to see the apartment and speak with the manager the next day.

7. You meet the manager. She's about your age and easy to talk to. She has a son by the same name and age as your son! Weird. You hit it off!

8. Together you discuss the requirements to move in. You don't want her to know your desperation. You're still praying under your breath!

9. You are surprised to find the rent is $20.00 cheaper per month and the manager wants to show you an available 2 bedroom apartment on the ground floor. She adds the gentlemen moved out several weeks ago. Weird.

10. Click. The door opens and your eyes light up. The apartment is clean and newly painted. There's a spacious kitchen, 2 nice bedrooms, and sliding glass doors which lead out to a private patio with a grassy area enclosed by a 6 ft. foot fence. You start to get your hopes up. Time to return to the office.

11. As you are leaving, you notice some paperwork and pamphlets left on the kitchen countertop. One of the pamphlets was a home made pamphlet advertising different activities the complex offers to its residents. Out stood the words: Bible study. Every Friday night in the managers building. Come join us and learn of the goodness of God. Then the manager's voice interrupts your attention, " Oh here, I forgot to show you this, we just had them installed. She opened what you thought was a linen closet. No, there before you was a brand new, shiny white, stackable washer and dryer! (only God!)

12. As you make your way back to the office you find yourself more hopeful than ever! You're still nervous though and praying silently. You know you still need deposit money, and will she allow your dog to live there? And even if she does, there will be a pet fee. There's always a pet fee. You're hope is fading again as doubt creeps in.

13. Back at the office you ask about pets and or fees. There is a 1 month deposit required on the apartment, a $150.00 damage fee up front, and pets are allowed with a $100.00 pet deposit paid up front. Your heart sinks. Your bubble is busted! And just like Peter did when he took his eyes off Jesus, you begin to sink (back into hopelessness).  All those weeks praying; waiting. All those stupid so-called "signs." You knew it was too good to be true! You have nowhere to turn. It was only Jesus that could have helped.

14. You explain you cannot come up with a pet fee as your son does have a dog, nor the 1st months deposit along with the rent too. You open up and talk things over learning more about each other. You begin to discover you have much in common! Her husband left her too with a son and nowhere to turn so she took business management, accounting, and finance classes with the help of her parents and secured her property management position. 

15. Only by the providence of God she decides to "I tell you what, I will make you a deal." She speaks, "If you will babysit my son on Thursday nights when I goes to Pilates for 3 hours, I will wave the deposit fees for both the dog and the 1st months deposit." You can't believe it! She is actually making a way for you to move in whenever you're ready. Really? This freshly painted apartment with a brand new stackable washer and dryer can be yours? She adds, "Oh, and even though there is a laundromat down the street you won't be needing it," and laughs. You find out there's also a bank, grocery store, and hardware store close by. She concludes there is a sweet elderly gentleman in Apt 209 that offers free rides though the week if I would need transportation anywhere although a bus stop is outside the complex! Evidently, according to her, he loves helping people and staying busy in his retirement! Oh, and he also drives a truck and has helped people move out so she is sure he would help me move my things in if needed. He also volunteers as a crossing guard for the local grade school around the corner where her son goes if I wanted to enroll my son there.

This was a true story of a friend of mine that happened 30 years ago. Can you now understand how God has to work sometimes? Trust in Gods timing, knowledge, plans, and sovereignty in your life. In every situation He has to make things materialize.  That might require several situations to happen simultaneously involving softening peoples hearts so that it directly or indirectly affects your outcome.

God is Always on Time! There will be situations when God’s timing leaves us frustrated and full of questions.  But remember:

He created time and is it’s Master. His timing is perfect. He is never late! He is always at work for you and has been for eternity. Trusting Him will bring you peace.  Believing in His timeline will give you rest! One last scripture, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11. I hope this blog has given encouragement to someone who has been praying a long time for something that is important to them.

Until He Comes, 

-Pat-