1 John 1:5 – “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.”  NKJV

I believe in creation and believe that God has always been and will always be.  I also believe that there was a time, in God, before time.  God’s creation of the universe added nothing to His person or power it was a revelation of Who He Is!  He created all things for His Glory which allows us to catch a glimpse of His fullness.  When we glorify God we add nothing to His dimension but we expand our horizons.  When we magnify God we do not make Him greater than He is or larger but greater and larger to us or in our understanding and appreciation.

Revelation travels down three paths or roads.  I would like to briefly hit some high points in this concept. 

• Revelation through Nature.

Psalm 19:1-3 declares to us that the very heavens declare the glory of God.  In Romans 1:18-20, we read, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”

It will be futile to say to God on the Day of Judgment, “No one told me…”  Yes, we need to spread the Good News but the Bible reveals that Nature itself reveals God and this is the simplest revelation of Him.

• Revelation through the Word of God – The Bible.

The Bible, I believe, is a progression in revelation.  We couple God’s Word with what is clearly revealed in nature and the two combine to give an expanded revelation of God.  In the Bible, we quickly realize that God is a God of Love, Grace, Mercy, Justice, and Truth.  In the Bible, we have a revelation of God’s Plan of Salvation and the lost-ness of man without Christ.

• Revelation through the Person of Jesus Christ.

Colossians 1:15-17 we find, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him, all things consist.”   Then in verse 19, we read, “For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell.”  This is reemphasized in Colossians 2:19 and by the words of Jesus as recorded in Hebrews 1:1-3 that IF we have seen Him (Christ) we have seen the father.

We know that in the “solar spectrum “there are “seven visible colors” which compose the spectrum seen in the rainbow, in the flashing colors of a well-cut diamond, or beveled glass.  At the upper end of the spectrum, we find violet and at the lower end red.  Someone used this to illustrate that these seven basic colors represent or reveal the perfection in the Godhead.  The number “seven” has long been associated with God and Perfection.  The writer declared a short listing as follows:

• Red Speaks of God’s Sacrifice.
• Blue His Heavenly Character.
• Purple His Royal Personality or Personage.

I won’t take the time to rehearse all seven but you see the pattern and progression.  We also know that the rays of the sun can be deadly to all living organisms and are indispensable and essential to all living organisms.   Thus, we can see that in God we have His rays of Justice which demand full payment for sin, and we find His rays of Love which reach out to offer salvation, joy, peace, and mercy to all who will receive.  Jesus is our shield against the demands of Justice and our cloak of God’s Love.

May the LORD walk with you opening the right doors and closing the wrong ones this beautiful day.  Blessings!

Psalm 139:13-16 – “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.  14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.  15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.  16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.  And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.”  NKJV

I find myself looking at this matter and although I probably won’t give it a lot of time, I sense that we are going I am troubled with the hoopla over the Bruce Jenner’s and others deciding they are truly women or women deciding they are men.  They go through an extensive effort to become a woman.  Truthfully, no male can become a woman for their chromosomes remain the same before and after.  I heard a psychologist say that people who engage in this behavior have a mental health issue and I would not argue that.  This whole “transgender” fervor and the overt and covert declarations that God blew it in creating people troubles me deeply.

The question I have and until now have given almost zero thought to is:  “What will people like Bruce or Caitlynn Jenner say to God when they stand before Him?”  Will they tell God He blew it?  Obviously, they believe He did so how do we square this type of behavior with the Bible?

David declared in Psalm 139 that man is “fearfully and wonderfully made” and that God knew our members, parts, gender, etc. before we were even conceived.  If we believe that God is Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent how do we reconcile the suggestion that He screwed up in creating us?   Bill Gothard said years ago that those particular physical characteristics in each of us were marks of ownership and a recognition that God did not make mistakes. 

I guess if we press this to the limit, we will have to question other cosmetic attempts to fix what God created in our human bodies.  Honestly, I do not know how to answer these questions although I have an opinion I have not thought, researched, and prayed it through to the place of having a core conviction regarding it.  I know in my own heart that since I am a Creation of God and God is Perfect, I have to believe that He knew what he was doing in creating me.  He made me a male, gave me the particular physical traits that I have, and since He knows the end from the beginning, I would be inclined to believe that He did it for a reason. 

I was not created 6’5″ and while each of us undoubtedly from time to time has questioned why some parts, of our bodies, were created as they were.  I have found in this inquiry personally that I understand some of them and others I have simply accepted.  Why are some members of the same family able to dip into the gene pool and have a full head of hair and others given to male pattern baldness?  There are so many physical traits that we could delve into but if we accept what God has created and focus on Him not some perceived deficiency in us, we will be ahead in the game of life. 

I am convinced that if I lament the abundance or lack in a particular physical aspect of my physical frame, I will open the door to the devil to create an unhealthy condition in my heart.  I will be prone to question God in all things, not just those particular things.  I will miss the reality and truth that I am ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ and my frame is His design as is my gender.

I really would not have the audacity or courage to stand before God and say, “Sorry Father, but you blew it when you created me.”  We are told that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and if we do not like the temple can that spill over into not liking the architect of the temple?

I find myself looking at this matter and although I probably won’t give it a lot of time, I sense that we are going to be dealing with people in church and life who have questions that we need to have answers for. I would ask that you examine your heart, God’s Word, and prepare to give answers to those who challenge and honestly inquire.  We are to be ready to give an answer to every man for the reason of the hope that is in us.  Know what you believe and why?

God bless you!

John 6:61-69 – “When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you?  62 What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before?  63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.  64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 65 And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.”

66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”

68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”   NKJV

James B. Coats of Summerland, Mississippi wrote a number of Gospel songs including the classic, “Where Could I Go But to the Lord.”  As with many of the timeless songs of faith, Coats captures a truth that resonates with hungry hearts and people desiring to find true spiritual freedom.

The song begins with the plight of man in the midst of a sinful world and the neediness of human beings.  The first verse also captures the visual that often we are facing the temptations and tempest of life with a sense of aloneness.  In that time of desperation, many realize there is only one place to turn and that is God.  If we are needing a refuge for our soul, a friend to stand with us in all things, and at all times what other source can we turn to but God?

He continues to tug at our heartstrings in the verse, “Neighbors are fun I love ’em, every one.  We get along in sweet accord, but when I face the chilling hand of death…”  In that time of facing eternity, there is only one real source of comfort and strength and that is God.  He draws out of our emotions the joy of life with friends and the wonderful fellowship we have together but when the chips are down and the clouds roll in there is only one true source of strength and that is God.

In our text, Jesus presented some difficult truths that caused many to realize the commitment was more than they were willing to make.  After he and the disciples witnessed the multitude turning away Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”  It is here that Peter uttered the words that are captured in this song.  Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  Also, we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”  Simply, “Where Could We Go But To You Lord?”

Life is sometimes like a peaceful sea and at other times like a raging tempest with the waves billowing ready to crush our vessel in its anger.  In those times of terror, we realize that outside God there is no safety, but we are sheltered in His arms, and in Him, there is a peace that transcends human comprehension.

God bless you and be with you as you enjoy this wonderful day in Him!

Ephesians 3:20-21 – “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”  NKJV

The Gospel Song was written by Stuart Hamblen, “It Is No Secret What God Can Do” was recorded by almost every major recording artist and has been a favorite of those who love Gospel music for years.

Stuart Hamblen captured the hearts of many when he wrote this tune, and the first verse identifies the reality of human failure.  It seems that with each passing day we are reminded again and again of our inability to hit the mark and how often we stumble in our walk.  In our own strength living the Christian life are an impossibility and something we should never forget.

In the second verse, Hamblen reminded us of how often we long for strength and courage to face the daunting task of life that is before us and how easily we become discouraged.  His words are an encouragement as he declares, “Do not be disheartened for I have news for you.”   It is here that he begins the incredible reminder and source of powerful encouragement as he writes:  “It is no secret what God can do.  What He’s done for others He’ll do for you.  With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you.”  This reminder of God’s incredible longsuffering and tender mercy is so refreshing in our daily struggle to walk before Him and be perfect.

I love how Hamblen then continues as he declares that in God there is no night because He is light, and we are Never alone.  The comfort that no matter where we are, we are at home because we are IN HIM.  He then reminds us that we are more than conquerors through Jesus as he pens the words, “There is no power can conquer you while God is on your side.  Take Him at His promise, don’t run away and hide.”  Why?  Because it is no secret what God can do!  What He’s done for others He will do for you.  He stands before us with His arms of love and mercy wide open calling for us to “Come unto Me.”

As Paul declares in our text, God is able to do Exceedingly Abundantly above all that we can think or ask!  Think about that!  Exceedingly abundantly ABOVE all not some but all that we can think, imagine, or even dare to ask.  That is the God we serve, and His power is immeasurable beyond all human comprehension.  That God does not operate in secret but has openly declared through the words of Jesus in Luke 12:32, “Fear not little flock, for it is My Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom…”   God is more desirous to bless us than we are to be blessed.

Remember God openly showers His love, mercy, grace, peace, protection, and provision upon His children.  Stop living in fear and walk into His arms and receive from Him Life and that more abundantly!

God bless you richly is my prayer!

Psalm 56:8 – “You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?”  NKJV

The imagery is powerful regarding God’s response to our tears, hurts, heartaches, and/or sorrows.  He puts them in His bottle.  The suggestion is that your tears are so important to God that he keeps them as a constant reminder and then records them in His book.  That is such a powerful statement my heart melts when I read it and I tremble at the knowledge that God not only sees and hears but is taking steps to deal with our difficulties.

Someone said, “Laugh, and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone.”  That is not true for the Child of God for as this passage records, God takes note of our tears, so we are never alone.  We may feel that everyone on earth has forsaken us and no one cares or understands what we are facing and that might be true, but God does.  He is carefully recording each tear, the cause, and the remedy.

The wording of the Psalm suggests that God has a bottle and in that bottle, He keeps the tears we cry as well as the tears of Jesus.  He lists them individually in his book and in due time will respond to wipe away our tears and bring us into his incredible joy.  The Psalmist tells us that “weeping last for the night but joy comes in the morning.”  Then we read in Psalm 116 – “For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.”   Wow! 

Remember what the writer of Hebrews declared about our LORD in 4:15, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”  We are then encouraged to “come boldly to the throne of grace”.  That place of grace is where we find mercy in times of need.  Hallelujah!

The Isaacs sing a song entitled, “He Understands My Tears” that I will conclude with.

“It’s hard to believe He still loves me

Knowing how wrong I have been

 When all I can say is, I’m sorry

When all I can feel is my sin.

 

When all I can feel is my sin.

 He understands when all I do is cry

 He feels the hurt that no one can see down inside

 And when the words get in the way I know He still hears

 For He understands my tears.

 

You may not believe that I’m broken

 For all, you can see is my smile

 Oh, but He hears the heart that’s unspoken

 And He gives me strength through each trial.

 He understands when all I do is cry

 He feels the hurt that no one can see down inside

 And when the words get in the way I know He still hears

 For He understands my tears.

 Oh, when the words get in the way I know He still hears

 For He understands when no one else can

 He understands my tears.”

Yes, and as you go through this day go know that no matter what you encounter you are never alone!   

God bless you richly as you enjoy His day of salvation!

Psalm 51:1-2 – “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.  2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.”  NKJV

One of the reasons I love the Psalms is their directness and connectivity to the human heart.  This is recorded as possibly being written after Nathan the prophet went in, to David to confront him over his sin with Bathsheba. 

David did not hide from his sin for he knew that God knew, and the weight of his guilt came crashing down upon him.  He recognized that without Mercy he was doomed and therefore he cried out to God.

• Have MERCY upon me.

He makes no attempt to justify his actions or blame anyone or anything else.  His simple request and plea were MERCY.

• According to God’s lovingkindness and mercy.

David understood that God was and is a loving God more willing to forgive than condemn when genuine repentance was offered.

• Forgive, Blot Out and Wash Me.

His prayer was forgiveness, cleansing, and restoration.

In the next verses, the Psalmist cried, “I acknowledge my transgression, and my sin is always before me.”  He further states that his sin was, at its very foundation, sin against God.  Yes, we sin toward others, but the root of our sin is missing the mark and in so doing we hurl darts into His heart.  He goes further to identify the depravity of man, not as a justification for sin but a realization of his humanity and that without God’s mercy and help he could not walk uprightly before God.

Then in verses 10-11 we find the powerful cry that we should all pray:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast     me away from your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.”

If that were not powerful enough in verses 12-13, he declares, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.  Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You.”

He never asked for Justice as we hear called for so much about today, he asked for Mercy!  I do not want what I deserve I want what the Mercy and Grace of God will afford. 

May God be with you as you live the beautiful day in Him!

2 John 10-11 – “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” NKJV

3 John 5-8 – “Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, 6 who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well, 7 because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.” NKJV

Some definitions are appropriate here:

Precept – – Comes from Latin and means to teach.  It is a commandment, instruction, or order intended as an authoritative rule of action.

Principle – – Is a law or rule that has to be, or usually is to be followed, or can be desirably followed, or is an inevitable consequence of something, such as the laws observed in nature or the way that a system is constructed.  The principles of such a system are understood by its users as the essential characteristics of the system, or reflecting the system’s designed purpose, and the effective operation or use of which would be impossible if any other of the principles was to be ignored.

It is not an easy task to follow biblical directives.  It is one thing to know and understand the biblical directive and another to have the moral fiber and faith to carry it out.  This can sometimes become incredibly murky and filled with shades of gray that an individual truly desiring to fully follow God’s Precepts and Principles could easily become confused.

Example:

Exodus 20:13 – “You shall not murder.” NKJV

The commandment of God against murder is as relevant today as it was when it was given to Moses here in Exodus and should be followed as a precept today.  I believe that we would all agree to that.

Let’s take another to illustrate what I’m saying about murky waters.

Acts 1:4-8 – “And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”  6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.  8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” NKJV

Look at verse four – – “do not depart from Jerusalem…”  How do we follow that literally today since most of us do not live in Jerusalem?  Do we move to Jerusalem and wait for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit then begin to evangelize?  Do we begin in Jerusalem then move out to the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) and then finally be free to go “to the ends of the earth” and whatever land the Lord might have put in our hearts to evangelize?

But there are several principles that we can draw from Acts 1:8 that are essential:

1. The power of the Holy Spirit is essential for effective evangelization.
2. Potential missionaries should begin evangelizing right where they are, before heading off to some foreign field.
3. Reaching the large cities first is a good strategy, so the gospel can ripple out to the countryside.  Reach the masses.

So, we follow Exodus 20:13 as a precept and Acts 1:8 as a principle.  In the passages that we used in our text; we face another dilemma.  Do we follow this as a precept or principle?  I believe that we should be incredibly cautious about accepting anyone into our homes that bring another Gospel other than that of Christ.  I do believe that it is okay to have a friendly discussion with them about the error of their teaching, but we must also be incredibly careful about how closely we align ourselves with them. Likewise taking money from non-Christians for the work of the Gospel should always be done with the certainty that there are no strings attached.

Something to think about:

1. Biblical directives can always be followed by drawing out valid principles.
2. In interpreting Scripture always proceed from then to now.  Take the passage in its historical context to help you determine if it is a precept that transcends all timelines or a principle to follow.
3. In interpreting and applying Scripture it is good to always find as much common ground as possible between the interpretation and the application.  That makes knowing the original setting crucial and why knowing the “Manners and Customs” of the Bible is very important.  We tend to read the Bible with a Western mentality and it wasn’t written to Westerners it was written in the Middle East.

I hope that I have not been too confusing, and may God be with you as you go through your day and always know that just because someone else has a little different understanding of something biblical than you doesn’t make them wrong both of you may need more clarification that God will give in time and with study.

God bless you richly is my desire and prayer this day!